Rikishi Declares Roman Reigns the GOAT and Sole Reason for WWE’s Success, Prompting Immediate Response from CM Punk
In a recent episode of his *Off The Top* podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi sent shockwaves through the wrestling world with bold claims about Roman Reigns, labeling him the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) and crediting him as the driving force behind WWE’s current success. Rikishi’s passionate remarks, which included the striking statement, “The Tribal Chief doesn’t listen to anyone. He doesn’t need to answer to anyone. The Tribal Chief is the god of professional wrestling,” have ignited a firestorm of reactions, most notably from CM Punk, who wasted no time firing back. The exchange has added another layer of intensity to the already heated buildup to WrestleMania 41, where Reigns, Punk, and Seth Rollins are set to collide in a blockbuster triple-threat match.
Rikishi’s comments came as part of a broader discussion about Reigns’ impact on WWE, particularly his role as the leader of The Bloodline and his unprecedented 1,316-day reign as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. For Rikishi, a member of the legendary Anoa’i family and a respected figure in wrestling, Reigns represents more than just a superstar—he’s a transformative force. He argued that Reigns’ dominance, both in the ring and as a cultural phenomenon, has elevated WWE to new heights, drawing in massive audiences and generating record-breaking revenue. Rikishi pointed to Reigns’ ability to command attention, whether as a hero or villain, as evidence of his unparalleled influence. “Roman’s numbers don’t lie,” Rikishi said, noting that Reigns’ presence has boosted opportunities for other talents, including those in The Bloodline and beyond.
The declaration that Reigns is the “god of professional wrestling” was particularly provocative, positioning him above icons like Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and even Rikishi’s contemporaries. Rikishi emphasized Reigns’ autonomy, portraying him as a figure who operates on his own terms, unbound by the expectations of fans, critics, or even WWE management. This characterization aligns with Reigns’ Tribal Chief persona, a character defined by arrogance, power, and an unshakable belief in his own supremacy. For Rikishi, this persona isn’t just a gimmick—it’s the embodiment of what makes Reigns a singular force in the industry.
However, Rikishi’s remarks didn’t sit well with everyone, especially CM Punk, who has been embroiled in a bitter rivalry with Reigns leading up to WrestleMania 41. Punk, known for his sharp wit and unfiltered opinions, responded almost immediately via social media, dismissing Rikishi’s claims as “hyperbole” and taking a pointed jab at Reigns’ status. “God of wrestling? More like god of interference and backup,” Punk quipped, referencing Reigns’ reliance on The Bloodline and Paul Heyman in key matches. Punk’s retort wasn’t just a personal dig—it was a calculated move to undermine Reigns’ aura of invincibility, a tactic he’s employed since returning to WWE in 2023.
Punk’s response also highlighted his own perspective on WWE’s success, crediting the collective efforts of the roster and the fans rather than any single individual. “WWE’s big because of the people who show up every night, not one guy sitting at the head of the table,” he added, positioning himself as the voice of the underdog against Reigns’ self-proclaimed monarchy. The exchange has fueled speculation about how their personal animosity will play out in the triple-threat match, where Seth Rollins, another outspoken critic of Reigns, adds yet another dynamic to the equation.
The timing of Rikishi’s comments and Punk’s rebuttal couldn’t be more significant, as WrestleMania 41 looms just days away. Reigns, who reclaimed his role as Tribal Chief after defeating Solo Sikoa in Tribal Combat on WWE Raw’s Netflix premiere, is entering the event under immense pressure. With Paul Heyman seemingly aligning with Punk and Rollins holding his own grudge, Reigns faces the possibility of standing alone against two of WWE’s most formidable competitors. Rikishi, however, remains steadfast in his belief that Reigns will emerge victorious, predicting that the triple-threat match will “steal the spotlight” and solidify Reigns’ legacy.
Beyond the in-ring drama, Rikishi’s praise and Punk’s clapback reflect deeper themes in WWE’s current landscape: legacy, power, and the clash of egos. Reigns, as the face of the company for over a decade, has undeniably shaped its modern era, but Punk’s defiance represents a challenge to that dominance, one that resonates with fans craving unpredictability. As WrestleMania 41 approaches, the wrestling world watches closely, eager to see whether Reigns can live up to Rikishi’s lofty claims—or if Punk and Rollins will dethrone the so-called god of professional wrestling.
