Shocking details emerge about scrapped CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins match at WWE WrestleMania 40 - Reports
WWE fans were denied a dream match between CM Punk and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40. Recently, wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer revealed shocking initial plans that were considered within the company for this highly anticipated bout.
When The Second City Saint returned the promotion at Survivor Series 2023, The Visionary didn't hesitate to express his disappointment. Fans immediately anticipated a one-on-one showdown between the two former world champions, and WWE was ready to capitalize on the excitement.
However, CM Punk's injury during the 2024 Men's Royal Rumble Match sidelined him for several months, causing the much-awaited match to be canceled.
On the recent edition of Wrestling Observer Radio (WOR), Dave Meltzer suggested WWE could have booked a compelling match between Seth Rollins and Punk without resorting to traditional babyface-heel dynamics.
The journalist also revealed that the original plan for their WrestleMania XL match was for both The Best in The World and The Revolutionary to remain babyfaces, highlighting the strong storytelling potential of their rivalry.
"When they [WWE] were doing it the first time, Rollins was not turning heel for that match with Punk at WrestleMania, and Punk was not going to turn heel either. It was going to be a babyface vs. babyface match," he said. [H/T: WrestleTalk]
CM Punk and Seth Rollins came face-to-face after WWE Bad Blood
At the Bad Blood PLE, The Voice of The Voiceless clashed with Drew McIntyre inside the Hell in a Cell structure. After a brutal and gruesome match, Punk emerged victorious over The Scottish Psychopath.
After being on the shelf for nearly two months, Seth Rollins returned to WWE TV on the go-home episode of Monday Night RAW before Bad Blood. The former Universal Champion cost Bronson Reed the Last Monster Standing Match against Braun Strowman.
On the October 7, 2024, edition of the red brand, following the premium live event in Atlanta, CM Punk addressed the crowd and stated he would be stepping away from in-ring action for an indefinite period. As he was about to exit the ramp, The Visionary made his way and came face-to-face with The Best in The World.
Although the two men did not trade blows, a knife could have cut the tension between Punk and Rollins, as they teased a future confrontation.
Fans will have to wait and see if The Visionary and The Second City Saint will potentially lock horns at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas next year.