CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins: WWE Raw Netflix Premiere Recap
On January 6, 2025, WWE Raw’s historic debut on Netflix delivered a main event that lived up to its colossal hype, as CM Punk defeated Seth Rollins in a grudge match over a decade in the making. Held at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, this clash of titans captivated nearly 20,000 fans and marked Punk’s first Raw match in over 4,000 days, a milestone that underscored his triumphant return to WWE after a tumultuous journey through wrestling and beyond.
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| CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins: WWE Raw Netflix Premiere Recap |
The feud between Punk and Rollins, rooted in real-life tensions, had been simmering since Punk’s shocking reappearance at Survivor Series 2023. Rollins, a stalwart who carried WWE through Punk’s absence, harbored resentment, viewing Punk’s 2014 exit as a betrayal. Punk, the self-proclaimed “Best in the World,” countered with sharp-witted promos, accusing Rollins of hypocrisy and basking in the spotlight of his own narrative. Their verbal sparring, laced with personal jabs, culminated in a wild brawl on the December 16, 2024, episode of Raw, prompting General Manager Adam Pearce to book this blockbuster for Netflix’s premiere.
The match itself was a masterclass in storytelling, blending raw intensity with technical prowess. From the opening bell, Punk and Rollins unleashed a flurry of punches, spilling into the ringside area and igniting a “holy shit” chant from the electrified crowd. The action ventured into the audience, a chaotic nod to their unbridled animosity. Back in the ring, the two traded signature moves in a bold display of one-upmanship—Rollins hit Punk with his own Go to Sleep (GTS), while Punk retaliated with Rollins’ Curb Stomp. Each near-fall, including Rollins’ devastating Pedigree on the announce table, kept fans on edge.
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| CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins: WWE Raw Netflix Premiere Recap |
As the match reached its climax, Rollins executed a Buckle Bomb and another Stomp, but Punk’s resilience shone through when he got his foot on the rope, breaking the count. Seizing the moment, Punk countered a Falcon Arrow attempt, delivering a GTS. With Rollins stumbling, Punk hoisted him for a second GTS, securing the pinfall victory. The finish, described by fans on X as “absolutely beautiful,” cemented Punk’s dominance and sent a message to the locker room.
Post-match, Punk’s Nightcap show appearance revealed his mindset: at 46, he’s far from done. Declaring his intent for the Royal Rumble and name-dropping champions Gunther and Cody Rhodes, Punk positioned himself as a top contender on the Road to WrestleMania 41. Meanwhile, Rollins faces uncertainty. His path to WrestleMania lacks clarity, with potential rivalries against Jey Uso or a rematch with Punk looming, especially after their heated steel cage rematch at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2025.
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| CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins: WWE Raw Netflix Premiere Recap |
WWE Raw’s Netflix era kicked off with a cinematic flair, enhanced by groundbreaking production and appearances from legends like The Rock and Hulk Hogan. Punk’s victory, however, stole the spotlight, blurring the lines between kayfabe and reality with a subtle nod to his controversial AEW exit, wearing a Ring of Honor-homage jacket reminiscent of his 2022 altercation with Jack Perry. This layered storytelling, as noted by ScreenRant, showcased why Punk remains a cultural force in wrestling.
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As WWE embarks on this new chapter, Punk vs. Rollins set a high bar, proving that personal rivalries, when executed with authenticity, can redefine sports entertainment. With WrestleMania season approaching, their saga is far from over, promising more clashes that will echo through wrestling history.
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