4 Booking steps for CM Punk vs Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 41
The CM Punk-Seth Rollins saga has been slowly brewing since Punk's return to WWE. There was always some lingering animosity, but tensions have exploded recently.
On the RAW After Survivor Series 2024, Rollins and Punk got into a wild brawl, which Sami Zayn and Jey Uso broke up. This week, The Visionary called The Straight-Edge Superstar a "fraud" during his live address.
Meanwhile, CM Punk acknowledged the positive impact he had on Rollins' career, referring to him as "second-string." Either way, the rivalry is picking up pace, and the two fierce rivals could be on a massive collision course for WrestleMania 41.
With several months left till Mania, we propose four booking steps for one of WWE's hottest rivalries.
#4. Seth "Freakin" Rollins dethrones Gunther at WWE Royal Rumble 2025
It appears as if Triple H is rushing Gunther's feud with Damian Priest and The Judgment Day. The program could have been stalled till Royal Rumble 2025, but WWE booked a Triple Threat between Gunther, Priest, and Finn Balor for Saturday Night's Main Event.
Considering the dynamics of Priest and Judgment Day, the mutual disdain will prevent a title change as The Ring General will retain his World Heavyweight Championship. In that case, Gunther would need a new challenger.
Enter Seth "Freakin" Rollins, the inaugural World Heavyweight Champion who elevated the belt in its infancy. Rollins and Gunther are yet to battle in a one-on-one match, but Hunter could book it for the Rumble.
CM Punk suggested that he wanted nothing to do with Rollins because he wasn't the champion. Given The Visionary's obsession with The Straight-Edge Superstar, Rollins could regain the World Heavyweight Championship to set up a clash with Punk.
#3. CM Punk finally wins the 2025 Men's Royal Rumble match
Everyone is putting their money on John Cena to win his third Royal Rumble en route to becoming a 17-time World Champion at WrestleMania 41. However, CM Punk, another frontrunner to win the Rumble, also has a story to finish.
The Straight-Edge Superstar wants to main-event Mania and win the World Title. The Rumble is the fastest and safest route to accomplish the two goals. Furthermore, Punk came close last year only to be eliminated by Cody Rhodes.
The former AEW star could remove this blemish from his career by finally winning the 30-man melee. Concurrently, Rollins could dethrone Gunther on the same night, setting up Punk vs. Rollins for The Show of Shows.
#2. The Visionary turns heel on The Road to WrestleMania 41
Seth "Freakin" Rollins' crazy obsession with CM Punk has pushed him to the edge. Rollins has been overtly aggressive in recent weeks and has shown glimpses of his less friendly character.
The Visionary is bound to cross many lines while making his issue with Punk public and personal. This could include turning his back on popular fan-favorites like Sami Zayn and Jey Uso. Like Drew McIntyre, Rollins could also bring The Straight-Edge Superstar's family into the fold.
Punk could also turn heel. However, the veteran is in the final stages of his career and is universally beloved by the WWE Universe. His anti-hero and outspoken personality have endeared him to the fans. Hence, Rollins is more likely to switch roles.
#1. Paul Heyman becomes CM Punk's manager again
A lot has been made about the favor Paul Heyman owes CM Punk. Punk saved the day for The OG Bloodline by becoming the fifth member of their team at Survivor Series: WarGames. For Heyman's sake, he cooperated with Roman Reigns to defeat The New Bloodline.
However, Punk and Heyman brokered a deal, and The Wise Man owes The Straight-Edge Superstar a favor. Unfortunately, this has been kept a secret as neither man has revealed the details of their agreement.
The favor could have to do with Heyman reuniting with Punk. Seth "Freakin" Rollins is a cunning individual, and The Straight-Edge Superstar would need an elaborate strategy to gain an advantage over The Visionary.
Hence, The Wise Man could realign with Punk to help the latter navigate his rivalry with Rollins. Furthermore, it would also add to the brewing angle between Punk, Heyman, and Reigns.