Will the ‘OTC’ Dethrone ‘The Best in the World’ at WrestleMania?
It’s no secret that Roman Reigns and CM Punk are two of WWE’s biggest stars in history. From record-breaking championship reigns to main event attractions, the two superstars have created memorable moments throughout their respective careers in WWE. Although both egos have managed to stay away from each other, it was only a matter of time before they clashed in a one-on-one environment. At WrestleMania 42, Reigns will look to take the World Heavyweight title from Punk.
When Punk returned to WWE in 2023, many were concerned that he would only be competing under a part-time schedule. Fast forward to 2026 and after overcoming an injury that kept him away from the ring for six months, Punk has consistently been in the main event picture, showing up nearly every week on Raw and even holding the World Heavyweight Championship. Punk’s determination to make his second WWE run work even led him to main event WrestleMania for the first time. Punk has accomplished a lot since returning and he doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon.
Reigns, on the other hand, has built a name for himself since letting go of the ‘Big Dog’ moniker in favor of the well-beloved ‘Tribal Chief’ gimmick. He held the Universal Championship for a record-breaking 1,316 days, the longest world title reign in WWE in over 35 years. The ‘OTC’ has also continued to main event multiple WrestleManias and always finds himself on the card in the biggest shows of the year. Reigns earned the opportunity to challenge Punk for the world title after winning the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble and will look to add another title win in his storied career.
If there was any respect between these two men, it’s all gone now after the way Punk sabotaged Reigns in 2025. Not only was Punk responsible for the disintegration between Reigns and Paul Heyman, but he also led to the eventual heel turn by Heyman, ending their relationship and leaving Reigns by himself for the very first time in years. Punk also attempted to get into the heads of the Usos, letting them know that Reigns would only use them to get whatever he wanted. Reigns made it clear that he hated Punk for nearly costing him everything in his life, and it was now his mission to take the one thing that made Punk relevant: the World Heavyweight Championship. Reigns promised that Punk would acknowledge him in the main event of WrestleMania. This match promises to be a clash of titans, but only one of these men will have their hand held high in Las Vegas and stand at the top of the mountain on Monday nights.
