Roman Reigns stunned WWE fans in Saudi Arabia by winning the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble match, earning the right to select any world champion to face at WrestleMania 42. His options are Drew McIntyre, the Undisputed WWE Champion, or CM Punk, the reigning World Heavyweight Champion. Given their intertwined pasts and storylines, Reigns appears poised to challenge Punk at the marquee event.
This decision holds significant implications for WWE’s flagship show, as it promises to deliver a highly anticipated confrontation between two of the company’s top superstars. The matchup is being viewed not only as a title contest but also as a resolution to a deep-seated rivalry that fans have followed for years.
Longstanding Rivalry Fuels Desire for Resolution in the Ring
The friction between Roman Reigns and CM Punk has been escalating for over two years. It began in 2024 when Punk joined Reigns’ WarGames team to face Solo Sikoa’s faction, The Bloodline, in exchange for a future favor from Paul Heyman. Their tension intensified after Punk eliminated Reigns from the 2025 Royal Rumble and deprived him of his Wiseman at WrestleMania 41.
Until now, Reigns has lacked the chance to settle the score, making the Royal Rumble victory an opportune moment for him to seek retribution. Beyond personal grudges, Punk’s possession of the World Heavyweight Championship adds a valuable target for Reigns to claim, intensifying the stakes of their potential WrestleMania clash.
A Battle for Supremacy: Defining the True “Best in the World”
Roman Reigns embodies the “Original Tribal Chief” persona, focused on asserting dominance and elevating his Bloodline faction to the pinnacle of WWE. By contrast, CM Punk personifies rebellion and defiance, openly challenging Reigns’ authority, mocking his family ties, and proclaiming himself as the “Best in the World.”
Winning against Punk would carry symbolic weight for Reigns, silencing a defiant voice that refuses to recognize his supremacy. Since Punk is the only current champion openly claiming to be the best, Reigns’ challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship aims to definitively establish who truly holds that title in WWE’s hierarchy.
The Quest for a Title Roman Reigns Has Yet to Claim
Despite his landmark reign as Undisputed WWE Champion, Roman Reigns has never held the World Heavyweight Championship since its inception. While challenging Drew McIntyre for his title would maintain legacy narratives, pursuing Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship provides Reigns the chance to capture a championship crown missing from his historic resume.
Securing this title would enhance Reigns’ standing, making him one of the few superstars to have won both of WWE’s current world championships. This achievement could add a crucial chapter to his career, elevating his legacy as WrestleMania 42 draws near and WWE’s storylines continue to unfold.
.@WWERomanReigns is headed to WrestleMania!!! ☝️ pic.twitter.com/tIiQbzpje6
— WWE (@WWE) January 31, 2026
