Nia Jax has voiced strong support for Roman Reigns after CM Punk threatened to “bury” him at WrestleMania 42, specifically referencing Reigns’ late father. The incident occurred amid growing tension between Reigns and Punk ahead of their high-profile match in Las Vegas this April.
On the Beyond The Bell podcast, Jax responded to Punk’s remarks, stating,
“I think small men bark loud,”
and added,
“And so, in that moment right there, he was probably feeling a little confident. And it’s funny cuz you see him walk away right after he says that line.”
These comments reveal Jax’s dismissal of Punk’s attempt to rattle Reigns through personal attacks.
Details of the Heated Exchange on WWE Raw
The rivalry escalated during Monday’s WWE Raw episode, where both men exchanged harsh words. After Reigns threatened to retire Punk, the World Heavyweight Champion struck back with a deeply personal insult. Punk targeted Reigns’ isolation following the departure of his cousins, The Usos, promising,
“You went from gettin’ beat at WrestleMania, now I’m gonna bury you. And then you won’t be all alone anymore because I’m gonna bury you next to your father.”
Reigns’ father, WWE Hall of Famer Sika Anoaʻi, had recently passed away, making Punk’s comment particularly sharp. The Brooklyn-based Tribal Chief appeared visibly stunned as Punk left the ring, deliberately bumping shoulders with him on the way out.
Jax, related to Reigns through The Rock’s lineage, remained unfazed by Punk’s jab, emphasizing her family’s strength by saying,
“I know what my family is physically capable of.”
She further underscored her confidence in Reigns’ upcoming fight, declaring,
“He can speak all he wants. But when it comes down to it, the person who’s going to be reigning over Phil will be none other than the OTC,”
referring to Punk by his real name.
Community and Industry Reactions to Punk’s Controversial Remarks
The provocative comment referencing Reigns’ late father ignited debate among wrestling fans and insiders about whether Punk had crossed a line. WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray weighed in on the Busted Open podcast, expressing confusion over Punk’s choice, stating,
“I still don’t understand, other than for shock value, why Punk would say it.”
The move seemed designed to disrupt Reigns psychologically, and it visibly achieved that aim, as Reigns appeared unsettled at segment’s conclusion. Such personal disrespect toward the Tribal Chief has been rare during his time at the top of the WWE hierarchy.
This incident suggests Punk is willing to shatter conventions and push boundaries as he prepares to face Reigns at WrestleMania, raising the stakes for their forthcoming clash.
Implications for WrestleMania and Character Dynamics
Punk’s provocative tactics reveal the intensity and desperation behind his championship pursuit, especially against a dominant six-time world champion like Roman Reigns. These developments set the tone for their showdown in Las Vegas, creating a high-stakes environment where both competitors are primed to escalate the conflict.
The angle also positions Punk clearly as the antagonist for this storyline, casting him as the heel who strategically targets Reigns’ vulnerabilities. Simultaneously, it bolsters Reigns’ role as the resilient babyface overcoming ruthless opposition to prove his strength independently of his Bloodline allies.
