Rikishi said that Roman Reigns is the greatest of all time and the only reason WWE is big and successful: “The Boss doesn’t listen to anybody. He doesn’t have to answer to anybody. The Boss is the god of pro wrestling,” prompting an immediate response from CM Punk.

Rikishi declares Roman Reigns the greatest of all time and the sole reason for WWE’s success, prompting an immediate response from CM Punk.

In a recent episode of his *Off The Top* podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi shocked the wrestling world with his bold remarks about Roman Reigns, calling him the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) and crediting him with being the driving force behind WWE’s current success. Rikishi’s impassioned comments, which included the shocking statement, “The Tribal Chief doesn’t listen to anybody. He doesn’t need to be accountable to anybody. The Tribal Chief is the god of pro wrestling,” have sparked a firestorm of reactions, most notably from CM Punk, who was quick to fire back. The exchange has added another layer of intensity to the already heated lead-up to WrestleMania 41, where Reigns, Punk, and Seth Rollins are set to face off in a blockbuster triple threat match.

Rikishi’s comments were 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 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 massive audiences and generating record 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 talent, including those in The Bloodline and beyond.

The declaration that Reigns is the “god of professional wrestling” was particularly provocative, placing him above icons such as Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and even Rikishi’s contemporaries. Rikishi emphasized Reigns’ autonomy, presenting 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’s Chieftain persona, a character defined by arrogance, power, and an unwavering belief in his own supremacy. For Rikishi, this persona is not just a gimmick, but the personification of what makes Reigns a singular force in the industry.

However, Rikishi’s statements didn’t sit well with everyone, especially CM Punk, who was embroiled in a bitter rivalry with Reigns leading up to WrestleMania 41. Punk, known for his sharp wit and unfiltered opinions, responded almost immediately on social media, dismissing Rikishi’s claims as “hyperbole” and taking a dig at Reigns’ status. “Wrestling god? More like interference and backup god,” Punk joked, referencing Reigns’ reliance on The Bloodline and Paul Heyman in key matches. Punk’s retort wasn’t just a personal dig, but a calculated move to undermine Reigns’ aura of invincibility, a tactic he has employed since his return to WWE in 2023.

Punk’s response also highlighted his own perspective on WWE’s success, crediting the collective effort of the roster and fans, rather than any single individual. “WWE is great because of the people who come every night, not because of one man sitting at the top,” 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 Reigns critic, adds another dynamic to the equation.

The timing of Rikishi’s comments and Punk’s rebuttal is crucial, as WrestleMania 41 is just days away. Reigns, who reclaimed his position as Tribal Chief after defeating Solo Sikoa in a Tribal Combat on the WWE Raw Netflix premiere, enters the event under enormous pressure. With Paul Heyman seemingly allying with Punk and Rollins nursing his own grudge, Reigns faces the prospect of a singles match against two of WWE’s most formidable competitors. However, Rikishi remains steadfast in his belief that Reigns will emerge victorious, predicting that the triple threat match will steal the show and cement his legacy.

Beyond the in-ring drama, Rikishi’s praise and Punk’s response 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 undoubtedly shaped its modern era, but Punk’s resilience represents a challenge to that dominance—one that resonates with fans who crave unpredictability. With WrestleMania 41 approaching, the wrestling world is watching closely, eager to see if Reigns can live up to Rikishi’s lofty expectations, or if Punk and Rollins will dethrone the supposed god of pro wrestling.