The stage of pro wrestling gives rise to several rivalries in the arena. But, oftentimes, these rivalries leave the kayfabe and enter real life, as wrestlers let their emotions get the better of them. One of the most prominent examples of this is the heated real life feud between CM Punk and Triple H.

Phillip Jack Brooks and Paul Levesque have been off-screen enemies for over two decades now. The rivalry between both pro wrestlers still hasn’t been resolved despite Triple H taking on a completely administrative role. In fact, as we dive deep into their tangled history, it’s surprising to know that the heat between them started even before CM Punk joined WWE.

The seed that sparked the Triple H-CM Punk rivalry

Triple H has been one of the biggest and most prominent heels WWE has ever seen. Just a look at his distinctive Cross logo, The Sledgehammer, or his signature move The Pedigree makes hardcore fans recall his entire legacy in an instant. Thus, it is natural that all three of these elements will be very dear to him. 

During the ROH days of CM Punk, he had a massive heel run on the show. Moreover, he also dispatched opponents with a move that highly resembled HHH’s Pedigree. This sowed the first seeds in the mind of Triple H, following which he developed a dislike for Punk. This dislike grew more significant when Punk arrived in WWE.

What happened when the two first teamed up?

CM Punk didn’t have the go-to physique most people look for in a pro wrestler, especially during the 2000s. While wrestlers like Finn Balor rule the arena today, more buff physiques were preferred back then. Punk’s medium build irked both Triple H and Shawn Michaels, the D-Generation X brothers, and they also made it evident in their behavior.

But, the typical image of pro wrestlers had started to change, thanks to the likes of Jeff Hardy. Thus, when CM Punk and D-Generation X teamed up for a 2006 PPV, Punk received more cheers despite being a newcomer. This further increased the rift between him and Triple H.

When Triple H started personal attacks on CM Punk

CM Punk currently sports short, cropped hair, but during his career, his hair was longer, a popular for wrestlers during the era. Punk fans know about the straight-edge societal beliefs of CM Punk and highly respect him for it as well. However, Triple H mocked Punk for his hair, cleanliness, and overall look during a promo.

Soon after, CM Punk cut his hair and sports the look he sports today. The words Triple H said could’ve just been some banter to get the crowd going, considering he himself has sported long hair. But, it did trigger Punk to don a new physical avatar. 

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Triple H’s personal attacks weren’t just on the mic, but several attempts were also supposedly made from his side to bury Punk on the backend of things. CM Punk called this out during his promos, and while Levesque’s attempt to bury Brooks failed, Punk’s confrontational attitude made him a hit with the audience.

The 2014 exit and the 2023 return 

CM Punk had also developed a huge bag of problems with Triple H by 2014. He made sure that Triple H wasn’t the only participant in their bond of enmity. But, while Triple H wanted to butt heads with Punk repeatedly, the latter wanted nothing to do with him. Thus, when Punk was booked against Levesque for WrestleMania 30, he chose to walk away.

Before going out though, CM Punk took a final shot at Triple H and insulted him in Vince McMahon’s office. Now, The Best in the World is back after nine years and will have to work under Triple H. Several reports said that the two have smoothed things out during this time. 

But, one can never be sure about anything when it comes to these two dominating personalities, especially with kayfabe at play. Do you think things will catch fire between Punk and Triple H once again?

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