WrestleMania 42 is shaping up to be one of the biggest events in WWE history, with a blockbuster main event now confirmed. After months of speculation and a dramatic return, Roman Reigns is back—and he’s coming straight for CM Punk and the World Heavyweight Championship.
The Tribal Chief Returns with a Statement
Roman Reigns made his surprise return to WWE RAW in Philadelphia, just one night after the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia. As the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble winner, Reigns earned the right to challenge any champion at WrestleMania 42. And when he pointed to the WrestleMania sign, fans knew a storm was coming.
Though Reigns teased the crowd by mentioning Drew McIntyre as a possible opponent, the cheers for CM Punk were impossible to ignore. The energy in the arena shifted the moment Punk’s name was called—and the “Best in the World” didn’t wait long to make his presence felt.
CM Punk Steps Up and Calls Reigns Out
CM Punk came out to the ring as the fans chanted his name, urging Reigns to take on the real challenge instead of choosing the “easier” opponent. In typical Punk fashion, he didn’t hold back. He accused Reigns of being a part-timer who followed his blueprint to reach the top of WWE.
But Roman Reigns wasn’t going to stay silent. He clapped back, reminding Punk that without his personal approval, Punk might never have returned to WWE two years ago. Roman even brought up the past—when Punk’s infamous podcast appearance over a decade ago created serious backstage heat that affected Roman’s early WWE run.
A Personal Rivalry Reignites
What started as friendly trash talk soon became deeply personal. Roman Reigns made it clear that he’s not facing CM Punk for ratings or respect. He’s doing it because he hates Phil Brooks—the man behind CM Punk. On the biggest night in wrestling, Reigns wants to force Punk to acknowledge him once and for all.
However, there’s one twist in the tale—CM Punk must still hold on to his title until WrestleMania 42. Finn Bálor, also known as “The PrinXe,” made it clear that he’s not done chasing the gold. A future title match between Punk and Bálor could shake things up before April.
WrestleMania 42 Main Event So Far
Here’s a look at what’s officially announced:
| Match | Stipulation |
|---|---|
| CM Punk (c) vs Roman Reigns | World Heavyweight Championship Match |
| Liv Morgan vs TBD | Women’s Title Match (based on her choice as 2026 Royal Rumble winner) |
Liv Morgan, the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble winner, will also be making her big choice soon—either go after the WWE Women’s Champion or the Women’s World Champion.
