3 Ways Roman Reigns & CM Punk’s RAW Segment Damaged WWE WrestleMania Hype

Fans expected fireworks before WWE WrestleMania, but Roman Reigns and CM Punk’s promo left many cold. The missed opportunity has sparked backlash, with viewers questioning creative choices heading into the blockbuster clash.

No Brawl, No Buzz

The final RAW before WrestleMania was the perfect stage for Roman Reigns and CM Punk to escalate their feud. Instead of a physical confrontation, the two stuck to a promo exchange.

A heated brawl, with both men gaining the upper hand before officials intervened, would have amplified anticipation for their Undisputed Championship showdown. The absence of that moment left fans frustrated, believing the company squandered a golden chance to heighten drama.

Pipe Bomb Without Payoff

CM Punk delivered a scathing promo, targeting Roman Reigns with personal insults. He labeled him a “nepo‑baby,” mocked his failed football career, and compared him unfavorably to The Rock. Punk even revisited Reigns’ 2019 “Big Dog” run, widely seen as a low point.

Yet, despite the verbal barrage, Reigns did not retaliate with equal intensity. Fans expected a fiery rebuttal, but the segment ended without the explosive payoff that could have cemented this rivalry as must‑see.

Strange Mutual Respect

Perhaps the most puzzling aspect was the sudden turn toward mutual admiration. Punk acknowledged Reigns’ hard work, while Reigns admitted jealousy of Punk’s bond with fans. On the go‑home show before WrestleMania, this exchange felt misplaced.

Instead of sharpening animosity, the segment softened the edge, sending RAW off‑air with two stars praising each other while staring down. For many, this diluted the tension and undermined the hype for their clash at WrestleMania 42.