Overview
- After winning the Royal Rumble, Roman Reigns officially chose World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk for WrestleMania 42, saying he picked him because he "hates" him.
- CM Punk escalated the rivalry in multiple interviews, calling the match a "dick measuring contest," claiming he "got under" Reigns’ skin, and contrasting Reigns’ "cinema" with his own preference for gritty pro wrestling.
- Multiple outlets, citing No-Contest Wrestling, report Punk vs. Reigns is slated to close Night 2 of WrestleMania 42, though WWE has not formally confirmed the placement.
- Backstage reporting indicates Punk is being discussed for an Elimination Chamber title defense in Chicago, with Finn Bálor a leading candidate following their recent on-screen confrontations.
- Drew McIntyre answered on SmackDown by defending the Undisputed WWE Championship’s status and accusing Punk and Reigns of "aura farming" while positioning himself as the top champion.