Tommy Dreamer Weighs in on CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins Steel Cage Match: Praise and One Big Issue with WWE’s Production

The excitement surrounding CM Punk’s return to WWE and his ongoing rivalry with Seth Rollins reached a boiling point this week on RAW, where the two engaged in an enthralling Steel Cage match. The match, which was heavily anticipated by fans, lived up to the hype, earning praise from fans and analysts alike. One such voice of approval came from former WWE star Tommy Dreamer, who spoke about the match on Busted Open After Dark.

However, while Dreamer acknowledged the intensity and drama of the match, he did have one major issue with the production aspect that stood out to him. In a conversation with co-hosts on the show, Dreamer shared his overall love for the match but also highlighted an important aspect of WWE’s presentation that he felt could have been improved.

The Build-Up: CM Punk and Seth Rollins’ Heated Rivalry

The animosity between CM Punk and Seth Rollins has been one of the most compelling storylines in WWE ever since Punk made his shocking return to the company. The two men, both top-tier talents in WWE, had been at odds for months before they finally collided inside the Steel Cage. The tension between them was palpable, and it was clear that the match would be a clash of two of WWE’s biggest stars, each with their own set of grievances and personal motivations.

Their rivalry reached a fever pitch when Roman Reigns made his surprise return during the match, attacking both men. The interference set the stage for an even bigger showdown, potentially leading to a triple-threat match at WrestleMania 41—a highly anticipated contest that could change the course of WWE’s future.

The storyline had been building over time, and the Steel Cage match was seen as the culmination of all the drama, but also just the beginning of an even bigger conflict. Fans were eager to see how these three superstars would interact and what this moment would mean for the future of WWE.

Tommy Dreamer’s Praise for the Match

On Busted Open After Dark, Tommy Dreamer didn’t hold back in his praise for the high-stakes clash between Punk and Rollins. The former ECW Champion emphasized how much he enjoyed watching the two men go head-to-head inside the unforgiving Steel Cage. Dreamer noted the physicality of the match, the storytelling within the ring, and the overall quality of the contest.

“The match was great,” Dreamer said. “It was everything you wanted out of a Steel Cage match. You had the high spots, you had the drama, you had the animosity between the two competitors, and they really made it feel personal. That’s what you want in a match like this, and both CM Punk and Seth Rollins delivered in spades.”

The veteran went on to say that both men showcased their talents to perfection, with Rollins’ high-flying and technical wrestling mixing well with Punk’s sharp storytelling and methodical style. According to Dreamer, it was a match that kept the audience on the edge of their seats, delivering exactly what fans had been hoping for.

But Dreamer’s analysis didn’t end with praise alone—he had one key criticism that he felt needed addressing.

The Production Issue: A Missed Opportunity

While Dreamer was complimentary of the in-ring action between Punk and Rollins, he did have one major issue with the production of the match itself. Dreamer expressed disappointment that WWE didn’t fully capitalize on the emotional intensity of the bout. Specifically, he pointed out the timing of the match’s big moments and how the production failed to highlight some of the more dramatic spots in the match.

“It was a great match,” Dreamer said. “But there’s one thing that stood out to me, and that’s the production. You have two of the biggest names in WWE right now, and when they’re delivering these big moments, you need to focus on the intensity. There were times when I felt like the camera work didn’t give the moments enough gravitas. We should’ve seen more of the emotional highs, the pain on their faces, the stakes of the situation. It’s those little things that elevate a match from just being good to being great.”

Dreamer’s point centers around the idea that while the match itself had all the right ingredients—physicality, storytelling, and drama—WWE’s production team could have done more to capture the raw emotion of the moment. For Dreamer, it’s about making the audience feel what the competitors are feeling, whether that’s the anguish of a steel cage grind or the exhilaration of a near-fall.

Roman Reigns’ Return and Its Impact on the Match

The match between Punk and Rollins was already a spectacle, but the return of Roman Reigns added a significant layer of intrigue. Reigns’ surprise attack on both competitors shocked the audience and set the stage for a potential triple-threat match at WrestleMania 41. The involvement of Reigns created an even bigger storyline, as fans now had to wonder how Punk and Rollins would react to Reigns’ return and how this would affect the dynamics of their feud moving forward.

For Dreamer, Reigns’ return was the icing on the cake. It not only added another layer of drama to the match but also ensured that the fallout from the match would continue well into the build for WrestleMania. With the involvement of three of WWE’s top stars, the potential for an unforgettable WrestleMania moment grew exponentially.

Dreamer noted that Reigns’ appearance was a key part of continuing the tension between the three men, and it further solidified the idea that this was a match made for the grandest stage of them all.

Looking Ahead: The Potential of a Triple-Threat Match at WrestleMania 41

With Reigns now involved in the rivalry between Punk and Rollins, all signs are pointing toward a massive triple-threat match at WrestleMania 41. Dreamer expressed excitement about the possibility of seeing these three top stars collide in a high-stakes, emotionally charged contest.

A triple-threat match at WrestleMania could be a game-changer for all three competitors, as they would be fighting for more than just a title—they’d be fighting for supremacy in WWE. The stakes would be incredibly high, and fans would be on the edge of their seats, knowing that any one of the three men could walk out with the victory.

For Dreamer, a match like this could define the landscape of WWE for years to come. “It has all the ingredients to be something special,” he said. “Punk, Rollins, and Reigns are all massive names with unique styles. If WWE can get this right, we could be looking at one of the best matches in WrestleMania history.”

: A Strong Match with Room for Improvement

Tommy Dreamer’s analysis of the Steel Cage match between CM Punk and Seth Rollins highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of WWE’s presentation of the match. While the in-ring action was excellent and both men showcased their talents, Dreamer’s critique of the production serves as a reminder that little details can make a big difference in creating truly memorable moments.

As the storyline continues to evolve, with Roman Reigns now involved, WWE has an opportunity to further build on the momentum of this match and deliver an even bigger spectacle at WrestleMania 41. Fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be a thrilling showdown, and with Dreamer’s insights in mind, WWE will no doubt be looking for ways to elevate the drama and intensity of the upcoming Triple-Threat match.