The December 30 episode of Raw served up a sizzling verbal clash between CM Punk and Seth "Freakin" Rollins, setting the stage for their much-anticipated showdown on the Raw on Netflix premiere.
Rollins kicked things off, exuding charisma as he worked the crowd with his signature catchphrases. He framed the confrontation as a clash of ideals: Punk, the self-proclaimed "Best in the World," versus Rollins, who sees himself as the true best.
Cue Punk’s music and the crowd erupted. Punk reminded everyone of his role as a trailblazer, the one who took the arrows so talents like Rollins could thrive. But Punk wasn’t just defensive—he went on the offensive, questioning Rollins' integrity and accusing him of playing the victim in a situation of his own making.
While both men brought their A-game, Rollins’ promo hit harder. Seth didn’t just play to the crowd; he spoke with the authenticity of someone who’s been through the grind and emerged stronger. His comments about Punk’s history outside WWE rang true, painting Punk as a bitter figure who had to return to WWE after his ventures elsewhere fizzled out.
In some ways, being a trailblazer has its flaws because the term is also anonymous to that of a sacrificial lamb. Rollins knew something that Punk never got to see and that is the fruit of his undoing. Punk wanted a professional system he never saw in the old WWE because it felt like his time in AEW was even worse.
This is why I like what Rollins said better than Punk.
Also, the line Seth said to Punk was ouch.
Hopefully, this would lay the groundwork for a rivalry that could extend to WrestleMania. If their verbal sparring is any indication, Punk and Rollins are poised to deliver a blockbuster match that fans will remember for years to come.