Kevin Owens Reveals 20-Year Animosity With CM Punk Ahead of WWE Showdown

Kevin Owens and CM Punk are finally set to step into the ring against each other on SmackDown in Toronto, but their rivalry has roots that stretch back nearly two decades to their time in Ring of Honor.

The two WWE veterans have never previously faced each other in a wrestling match. However, their real-life history has provided plenty of tension ahead of their highly anticipated Undisputed WWE Championship bout.

Kevin Owens and CM Punk’s history dates back to 2005

When Kevin Owens was still a newcomer in ROH in 2005, CM Punk was already an established star in the promotion and approaching his departure for WWE.

During that period, Punk reportedly took issue with Owens’ appearance and the way he presented himself in the ring. Punk made comments toward the young wrestler, prompting Owens to respond rather than simply letting the situation go.

The exchange reportedly created genuine tension between the two wrestlers, and that animosity has remained part of their history for almost 20 years.

Kevin Owens says the feud has been 20 years in the making

During an interview with Faces Magazine, Owens was asked about the genuine animosity between himself and Punk and whether it could make their WWE rivalry feel more authentic.

Owens acknowledged that the tension did not need to be manufactured for television because the two wrestlers had already been building toward this confrontation for years.

“We’ve been working on that for 20 years!” Kevin Owens said.

The comment highlights just how long the history between the two WWE stars has existed, making their upcoming match particularly significant.

CM Punk recently reignited the tension with Kevin Owens

The old animosity has also resurfaced during their current WWE storyline. CM Punk was recently caught on camera referring to Owens as a “fat slob,” a remark that did not go unnoticed by The Prizefighter.

The incident added another layer to their upcoming championship encounter and reinforced the idea that their rivalry is rooted in more than a standard WWE storyline.

Kevin Owens admits he and CM Punk do not get along

Owens was also asked about his personal feelings toward CM Punk during the same interview. The former Universal Champion was straightforward in his assessment of their relationship.

“No. You know, some people, you’re just not compatible with, and he’s [CM Punk] one of them. I’m sure he’d happily say the same, like, we don’t gel,” said Owens.

Owens’ comments suggest that there is little chance of the two veterans suddenly becoming friends, with both seemingly accepting that they simply do not get along.

Kevin Owens vs CM Punk finally happens in Toronto

The long-awaited confrontation will take place on SmackDown in Toronto, with Punk’s Undisputed WWE Championship on the line.

For Owens, the match represents the culmination of a relationship that began when he was still an emerging wrestler in ROH. For Punk, it is an opportunity to defend his championship against a returning veteran with whom he has a history of genuine animosity.

Neither man has previously faced the other in a wrestling match, making the Toronto showdown a first-time encounter despite their nearly two decades of history.

Whether their long-standing bitterness translates into a memorable performance remains to be seen, but the combination of personal history and championship stakes has made Kevin Owens vs. CM Punk one of the most anticipated matches on SmackDown.