In a surprising turn of events, Roman Reigns made his return to Monday Night Raw on March 16, 2026, where he called out CM Punk, reigniting their long-standing rivalry. This confrontation comes just weeks before their highly anticipated match for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 42, scheduled for April 18 and 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
During the segment, Reigns delivered a powerful message, stating, “I don’t need an apology, but y’all do.” This remark not only targeted Punk but also hinted at the broader tensions within the WWE universe, particularly involving Reigns and his family. The intensity of the moment was palpable, especially as fans eagerly await the showdown at WrestleMania.
CM Punk, now 47 years old, has been a controversial figure in wrestling, and his history with Reigns adds layers to their upcoming match. The stakes are high, as both wrestlers are known for their exceptional skills and charisma, promising a thrilling encounter for fans. The match is expected to be one of the highlights of WrestleMania 42, which will kick off at 6 p.m. each night, with the first hour airing on ESPN.
Key moments
In addition to the Reigns-Punk confrontation, other significant events unfolded during the episode. Oba Femi accepted Brock Lesnar‘s challenge for WrestleMania, setting the stage for another high-profile match. Meanwhile, AJ Lee successfully defended her WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Bayley by submission, and Penta retained the WWE Intercontinental Championship after defeating Dragon Lee.
The excitement surrounding WrestleMania 42 is palpable, with fans eagerly discussing the match card, which also features Cody Rhodes facing Randy Orton for the Undisputed Championship. The event promises to deliver a mix of drama and athleticism, with Reigns and Punk’s rivalry at the forefront.
As the wrestling community reacts to Reigns’ bold statement, Seth Rollins commented, “If you stand next to Paul Heyman, consider yourself marked for death,” further emphasizing the stakes involved. The atmosphere is charged, and anticipation is building as WrestleMania approaches.
With the countdown to WrestleMania 42 underway, fans are left wondering how the dynamics between Reigns, Punk, and other key players will evolve. The upcoming weeks are sure to be filled with intense promos and match build-ups, culminating in what many expect to be a historic event in wrestling history. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional surprises that may be in store for the audience.
