CM Punk Calls Out Overused WWE Storyline Trope

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CM Punk has spoken out against a common WWE storyline trope that has long frustrated fans - the idea of two top stars who are feuding being forced to team up as a makeshift tag team and try to "coexist" in the lead-up to their big match. Punk believes this plot device feels outdated and unnatural, and says he has no interest in teaming with his WrestleMania 42 opponent Roman Reigns in the weeks leading up to their match.

Why it matters

This trope of rivals being booked into a tag team has been used frequently in WWE over the years, especially in high-profile feuds involving top stars like John Cena. Fans have often found these storylines to feel forced and unbelievable, as the tension and animosity between the two wrestlers usually feels at odds with them having to work together. Punk's comments suggest WWE may avoid this approach in building to his match with Reigns, which could be a welcome change for many viewers.

The details

Punk criticized this common wrestling storyline device while speaking on a Chicago radio show. He specifically referenced his recent pairing with Reigns, where the two were forced to team together despite their growing rivalry, saying "Can the guys that are wrestling form a tag team and get along? On the road to say WrestleMania. I'm not trying to tag with Roman over the next eight weeks. Can they coexist? Shut up, the answer is no and I'll see you in Las Vegas."

• Punk and Reigns teamed together at Survivor Series: WarGames last November, despite their growing tensions.
• Punk and Reigns are set to face off in the main event of WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Punk and Reigns are expected to continue their heated rivalry in the build-up to their WrestleMania 42 main event match, without being booked into any forced tag team pairings.