Philadelphia, February 3, 2026
Reigns Chooses Punk: WrestleMania Main Event Set After Raw Confrontation
Roman Reigns will challenge CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania, a decision made official following a heated exchange on Monday Night Raw.
- Roman Reigns selected CM punk as his WrestleMania opponent after polling the audience and a direct confrontation.
- The decision came after Reigns claimed he was the one who approved Punk’s return to WWE.
- A long-standing animosity between Reigns and Punk fueled the segment, with both trading barbs about their careers and legacies.
- Punk addressed Finn Bálor before turning his attention to Reigns, promising retribution for an earlier attack.
The main event for WrestleMania is now set. Following the closing segment of Monday Night Raw, 2026 Royal Rumble winner Roman Reigns announced he will challenge World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk for the title at the upcoming event. The atmosphere in philadelphia was electric as Reigns addressed the crowd, reflecting on his history in the city.
Reigns reminisced about winning his first World Title in Philadelphia on his daughter’s birthday, experiencing a championship loss there, and securing his first Royal Rumble victory in the same arena 11 years ago. He stated he returned 11 years later, a two-time Rumble winner, to determine his WrestleMania opponent. He then polled the audience, asking whether he should face punk or WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, and the crowd overwhelmingly chanted for Punk.
The segment took a turn when CM Punk interrupted, walking to the ring. Before addressing Reigns,Punk issued a stern message to Finn Bálor regarding an attack that occurred earlier in the broadcast. “You said you are not a bad guy, but when you push me, I am the baddest guy, and you will find out when I face you again,” Punk declared, his voice resonating through the arena.
Turning his attention to reigns, Punk pointedly remarked that Reigns is “just a visitor” on Raw. He suggested Reigns take the “easy way out” and select Drew McIntyre. Reigns countered,noting that McIntyre is four times Punk’s size and previously had Punk “crying over a plastic bracelet.”
The conversation quickly evolved into a comparison of their respective careers. Punk asserted he defeated McIntyre inside Hell in a Cell, while accusing Reigns of relying on his “cousins” to win matches for years. He also
The Tribal Chief has spoken! 🗣️
@WWERomanReigns will challenge World Heavyweight Champion @CMPunk at #WrestleMania! 🤯February 3, 2026
Things are getting very interesting…
World Heavyweight Champion @CMPunk is HERE 💪 pic.twitter.com/RqJme3v3sy
– WWE (@WWE) February 3, 2026
