Roman Reigns last appeared on WWE RAW during a tense exchange with CM Punk ahead of their highly anticipated World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania 42 Night Two. Punk delivered a deeply personal insult directed at Reigns’ family, specifically referencing his late father, which ended the show on a shocking note. This remark left the Tribal Chief visibly stunned and furious, raising expectations for Reigns’ response on the following RAW episode.
Despite fans anticipating a comeback from Reigns to retaliate against Punk’s provocation, the former Universal Champion is not listed for the March 16 WWE RAW event in San Antonio, Texas. This absence means that unless he appears unexpectedly, Reigns will not respond immediately on television, allowing Punk to continue building momentum alone on the show.
Insights From WWE Hall of Famer About Reigns’ Reaction
WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray shared his perspective on Reigns’ reaction during a recent Busted Open Radio interview. Ray described Reigns as being in a state of shock after hearing Punk’s personal attack, explaining that this reaction temporarily froze him on live television. He expressed confusion over why Punk would use such a harsh comment, suggesting it was intended purely for shock value rather than substance.
“Roman was in shock. When you are in shock, the fight or flight reaction kicks in, it freezes you. Roman was frozen in shock. I still don’t understand, other than for shock value, why Punk would say it,” Bully Ray, WWE Hall of Famer
What the Absence Means for the Upcoming Showdown
With Roman Reigns not expected to appear on RAW before WrestleMania, CM Punk gains an opportunity to extend his verbal assault without immediate interruption. This could further escalate tension between the two, possibly provoking an even stronger response from the Tribal Chief when he returns to the ring. Fans will be watching closely to see how this dynamic unfolds in the crucial final weeks leading up to their marquee battle.
Roman Reigns’ confirmed dates for WrestleMania season: pic.twitter.com/jPCxAXK94X
— Wrestle Features (@WrestleFeatures) February 9, 2026
