Major Championship Match Officially Set For WWE WrestleMania 42

Submitted by Tom Araya on

During the main event segment of last night's post-WWE Royal Rumble episode of RAW, "The OTC" Roman Reigns made his way to the ring to discuss his victory in the Men’s Royal Rumble Match at last Saturday’s Premium Live Event (PLE) and who he will face at April’s WrestleMania 42. Reigns delivered a promo highlighting all he has accomplished in Philadelphia over the years, including winning his first Royal Rumble Match there. He also expressed his desire for fan input on who he should face at WrestleMania, just before CM Punk made his entrance.

Punk remarked that he could listen to the crowd boo Drew McIntyre all day but pointed out that the fans were urging Reigns to choose him. Punk suggested that Reigns might opt for the "easier" choice of McIntyre. The two then exchanged insults regarding McIntyre’s feud with Punk. Punk playfully asked how many of Reigns' cousins it took for him to defeat McIntyre in the past. In response, Reigns stated that his family is the reason Punk even has a place to return to. Punk criticized Reigns for manipulating people during his reign and took a jab at Reigns' part-time status. He added that although Reigns followed in his footsteps, he hasn’t done it better. Punk also mentioned that he brought The Shield to the main roster and asserted that while Reigns knows he can defeat McIntyre, he cannot beat Punk on his best day.

Reigns fired back at Punk, accusing him of taking a ten-year vacation and stating that the only lesson he learned from Punk was what not to do. Reigns noted that Punk was able to return because WWE approached him and asked if he was okay with it. He emphasized that he agreed to it as a favor to Paul Heyman, but reminded everyone of Punk’s past comments on Colt Cabana’s podcast that had made things difficult for him. Reigns accused Punk of stealing Heyman upon his return and attempting to manipulate him as well. He concluded by revealing that he was choosing Punk as his opponent because he dislikes him and always has, stating that at WrestleMania, Punk will acknowledge him.

This match has now been officially confirmed for WrestleMania 42, scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.