CM Punk is once again heading to the grandest stage of them all, WrestleMania 42, where he’s set to collide with Roman Reigns in one of the most anticipated main events in years. But don’t expect this to be a final chapter in Punk’s career just yet. At 47, Punk believes he’s on the run of his life, and he’s not looking to slow down anytime soon.
CM Punk Reflects on His Future—and Retirement
During a recent appearance on the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast with O’Shea Jackson Jr. and TJ Jefferson, Punk opened up about the idea of retirement—and why he isn’t in any rush to make that decision.
“It’s big in Japanese wrestling, the retirement tour… Cena did it, and I thought it was brilliant,” Punk said, referencing John Cena’s farewell tour in 2025. “With me, I really don’t know. I almost don’t like talking about it, because I don’t think it’s going to be anytime soon.”
While Punk respects the concept of a public retirement tour, he admitted that he prefers to keep his career decisions private and unpredictable. He even questioned the idea of retiring now, saying:
“I’m trying to keep myself in one piece because I think I’m on the run of my life and doing the best work I’ve ever done. Why would I want to step away now?”
No Regrets for the Second City Saint
Since making his shocking return to WWE in November 2023, Punk has wasted no time reminding the world why he’s one of the best to ever do it. He’s:
- Headlined WrestleMania 41 (Night One)
- Won the World Heavyweight Championship twice
- Featured as the cover star of WWE 2K26
- Set to main event WrestleMania 42 against Roman Reigns
Despite taking a decade-long break from WWE, Punk made it clear—he has no regrets.
“I could have worked with AJ [Styles] more. I could have done more with Cena. But I think I did pretty good. The Tribal Chief says he scaled back for two years. I stepped away for ten, and it took him that long to become the superstar that he is. I have no regrets.”
Punk vs. Reigns: 12 Years in the Making
This year’s WrestleMania showdown between CM Punk and Roman Reigns marks their first one-on-one match in 12 years. While they could’ve crossed paths many times, Punk’s 2013 WWE exit delayed this dream match.
But now, with Punk as the reigning World Heavyweight Champion and Reigns as the 2026 Royal Rumble winner, the stars have aligned.
Their complicated history—filled with near misses and mutual respect-turned-rivalry—makes this a perfect main event for WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Finn Bálor Looms as a Threat
While Roman Reigns has already punched his ticket to WrestleMania by winning the Royal Rumble, Punk still has one major threat to deal with—Finn Bálor.
Bálor, still furious after losing to Punk in Belfast and being left out of the Rumble match, is looking to ruin Punk’s road to WrestleMania. Their unresolved tension could lead to another match—possibly at Elimination Chamber in Punk’s hometown of Chicago.
If Punk wants to walk into Las Vegas as champion, he’ll need to survive whatever Bálor throws at him first.
