The Tribal Chief is back, and it looks like a certain WrestleMania 41 triple-threat match really is going to happen.
CM Punk and Seth Rollins have been embroiled in a fierce and relentless rivalry that has captivated the WWE Universe for what feels like an eternity. The intensity of their feud reached new heights this week, culminating in a high-stakes Steel Cage match in the main event of Monday Night Raw. The match was set at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, one of the most iconic venues in professional wrestling. The stakes couldn’t have been higher, and the atmosphere was electric as the two WWE Superstars prepared to finally settle their bitter grudge. Easier said than done.
The build-up to the match had already been intense for months, as both CM Punk and Seth Rollins made no secret of their hate for each other. True to his character, Rollins worked the crowd on his way to the ring, singing and dancing to his entrance theme. Even though he was about to face his most bitter rival in a violent match, Rollins still maintained his usual theatrical flair. Once the two competitors were finally inside the cage, however, all the theatrics were put aside, and the real war began.
From the opening bell, both Rollins and Punk wasted no time in delivering a brutal, no-holds-barred battle. The two went back and forth, each one showing the other just how far they were willing to go to prove they were the superior wrestler. There were high-impact moves, brutal strikes, and several dramatic near falls. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as the action unfolded.
Rollins had Punk on the ropes, using every trick in his book to wear down his opponent. At one point, Rollins even tried to finish Punk off with John Cena’s signature move, the STFU; however, Punk fought through the submission, refusing to give in. In turn, Punk attempted his own signature move, the Stomp, but Rollins managed to kick out at the last possible second.
As the match wore on, it became clear that both men were willing to push themselves to their limits. Rollins, growing increasingly frustrated, yelled at Punk that if he wanted “his house,” he would have to take it from him. This was the moment when Rollins turned the tables, hitting Punk with his own finishing move, the Pedigree. Still, Punk refused to stay down, kicking out at a near fall that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
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In what seemed like an endless cycle of counters and near pinfalls, both superstars were proving just how much they despised one another. Neither Rollins nor Punk wanted to win the match by simply escaping the cage door, even though they had multiple opportunities to do so. This was a battle of pride, and neither man would take the easy way out. The intensity of their hatred for each other fueled the violence and drama inside the steel structure.
But then, just when it seemed like neither man could get the upper hand, the unexpected happened. Roman Reigns, the reigning Universal Champion and leader of The Bloodline, made his way into the cage. Reigns’ interference turned the tide in Rollins’ favor as he dragged his rival out of the cage and gave him the win. This victory was not the end of the story, however. Reigns wasn’t there just to help Rollins; he had his own score to settle. The Tribal Chief delivered a crushing Superman Punch, followed by a brutal Spear and even his own Stomp to show his dominance.
The officials and security rushed to the ring to restore order, but Reigns wasn’t done yet. He noticed Paul Heyman, who was tending to a beaten Punk in the ring. In a fit of rage, Reigns charged the ring once again, laying out Punk with another vicious attack. The chaos was palpable, and it was clear that Reigns was sending a message to everyone in the locker room.
This shocking turn of events added fuel to the growing rumors about a potential triple-threat match at WrestleMania 41, which now seems all but inevitable. With tensions rising between Reigns, Rollins, and Punk, it appears that the stage is set for a monumental showdown at the grandest stage of them all. This week’s Raw left fans buzzing with excitement, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this explosive rivalry.
Monday Night Raw streams live on Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT on Netflix.