WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H recently confirmed that the tension between Roman Reigns and CM Punk is very real, extending far beyond their WrestleMania 42 storyline.
'The Game' revealed that the animosity between the World Heavyweight Champion and his challenger creates an intense atmosphere even in backstage environments, and they have even delivered “worked-shoot” promos,.
Speaking with Joe Tessitore ahead of WrestleMania 42, Triple H described the friction as "palpable" and unlike typical professional rivalries.
Triple H on the Backstage Environment
He explained that their interactions backstage carry the same intensity fans see on television, creating genuine concern among WWE personnel.
There is a tension when they're in the ring with each other. There is a palpable 'you can cut it with a knife' feeling of intensity."
"That intensity does not stop backstage. So when they have to be in the vicinity of each other in backstage environments, it is on epic levels of tension.
The executive compared the situation to a powder keg, stating he constantly worries about the situation escalating before they reach WrestleMania.
You can smell the gas in the air and there are sparks everywhere, and you're trying to get through it and get it in the ring at WrestleMania before it blows up.
Promos Designed to Get Under Each Other's Skin
Triple H further said that the recent promo exchanges between Punk and Reigns aren't crafted for crowd reactions. Instead, both superstars are focused solely on provoking each other, with little regard for audience response in those moments.
I'm saying this to get to you. I'm saying this to light you on fire. I'm saying this to get a reaction out of you. And it's a different level.
He revealed that he monitors their segments from Gorilla Position with genuine concern.
I sit at Gorilla watching them cut their promos. And I'm thinking to myself, 'Am I gonna have to hit the button and tell everybody to get in there and pull 'em apart for real?'
CM Punk is set defend his World title against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42.
