CM Punk has opened up about a controversial moment in his ongoing rivalry with Roman Reigns, admitting he crossed a line during the WrestleMania 42 build — and didn’t entirely like how it felt.
Speaking with Corey Graves in a recent interview, the World Heavyweight Champion reflected on his March 2 RAW promo, where tensions between the two reached an uncomfortable level, even by wrestling’s usual “no-holds-barred” standards.
CM Punk admits crossing the line in the Roman Reigns feud
During that segment, CM Punk referenced Reigns’ late father, Sika Anoa’i, a remark that immediately stood out in a feud already packed with verbal jabs and emotional swings. When asked about it, Punk didn’t dodge the question — he leaned into it.
“I 100% crossed the line, because that’s what I do. I’m a gold medalist, habitual line stepper,” Punk said. “I legitimately feel a little bit gross about it, ‘cause it’s low-hanging fruit and I know I’m better than that, but I’m doing what I have to.”
That admission paints a clear picture — Punk isn’t just cutting promos, he’s playing mind games. Or, in wrestling terms, he’s not just working the mic, he’s working the margins of what’s acceptable.
The rivalry has steadily escalated into one of WWE’s most personal storylines heading into WrestleMania 42. Both men have openly acknowledged their issues stem from envy — Punk citing Reigns’ opportunities, while Reigns has pointed to Punk’s connection with fans.
Still, Punk’s comments about Reigns’ family added a different layer to the feud. He later issued an apology on RAW, acknowledging respect for the Anoa’i legacy while maintaining his focus on the match.
With Paul Heyman caught between loyalty to both men and tensions continuing to rise, the build has become less about wins and losses and more about who can get under whose skin first — a battle where words hit just as hard as finishers.
Punk will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Reigns in the Night 2 main event at WrestleMania 42, where this deeply personal feud finally reaches its payoff.
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