Roman Reigns and CM Punk shared a brief but telling moment on Monday’s episode of RAW before their confrontation escalated into one of the show’s most intense segments.
The exchange came just days after Reigns’ Royal Rumble victory, as he addressed the crowd and set the stage for WrestleMania 42.
As Reigns stood face-to-face with CM Punk in the ring, the atmosphere was tense. However, before either man spoke, Reigns briefly broke character.
He leaned forward, glanced down at Punk’s sneakers, and appeared to offer a quiet compliment, nodding with a half-smile before returning to a more serious stance. Fans quickly picked up on the moment, interpreting Reigns’ reaction as genuine appreciation.
He appears to mouth words like “I like your shoes… I do.. yeah,” based on lip-reading and corroborated by fan comments.
Roman Reigns’ Sneaker Reputation Adds Context to Raw Moment With CM Punk
The subtle exchange stood out because Roman Reigns is widely known as a sneaker enthusiast. The former WWE Champion has frequently showcased rare Nike and Jordan releases, both on WWE programming and in public appearances. Moreover, he often coordinates his in-ring gear with his footwear. That reputation gave added meaning to the brief pause, which contrasted sharply with the heated segment that followed.
Reigns soon shifted back into confrontation mode. After celebrating his Royal Rumble win, he asked the crowd who he should face at WrestleMania, with chants inclining towards Punk. The WWE World Heavyweight Champion entered and initially addressed Finn Bálor, drawing visible frustration from Reigns, who questioned why Punk interrupted his segment.
The exchange escalated as CM Punk positioned himself as the top star on RAW and challenged Reigns’ authority. The Royal Rumble winner responded by making his intentions clear, stating he wasn’t choosing Punk for convenience or exposure, but because of personal animosity. “I’m picking you because I hate you,” Reigns said.
The segment confirmed a high-profile match between Reigns and Punk at WrestleMania 42, scheduled for April 18 and 19 in Las Vegas.
While the sneaker nod was fleeting, it offered a rare light-hearted moment before the rivalry took center stage heading into WWE’s biggest event of the year.
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