CM Punk didn’t hold back on the April 6 episode of WWE RAW, delivering a sharp verbal attack ahead of WrestleMania 42.
While Roman Reigns wasn’t present, the segment still managed to escalate their rivalry in a major way.
Opening the show, Punk addressed recent events, including being put through a table by Reigns weeks ago and later getting his revenge at Madison Square Garden.
With the World Heavyweight Champion standing alone in the ring, the focus quickly shifted from recap to confrontation — even if his opponent wasn’t there to respond.
CM Punk references Vince McMahon on WWE RAW
As the promo unfolded, CM Punk took aim at Roman Reigns’ image and backing. He framed the Royal Rumble winner as a product of the system rather than someone who built his own path.
He described Reigns as “safe” and “manufactured,” contrasting that with his own journey through years of work and sacrifice.
The most pointed moment came when Punk referenced “the old man,” widely interpreted as a nod to Vince McMahon. He tied that reference directly into his criticism of Reigns, saying, “You are just a… nepo baby who ate dog food for a weird old man,” before adding that the same figure had once expected him to “smile” through difficult situations.
Punk didn’t stop there. He also took indirect shots at WWE’s internal structure, suggesting that certain figures act as “kingmakers” behind the scenes. In his words, Reigns benefited from being surrounded by “wise men” and support systems, while he himself had to earn everything the hard way.
Throughout the segment, the WWE World Heavyweight Champion emphasized control — or the lack of it. He claimed Reigns’ frustration stems from not being able to control him the way others can. “That’s why you hate me,” Punk said, drawing a clear line between their approaches to the business.
With WrestleMania 42 approaching, the promo added another layer to an already personal rivalry. The match may be set, but the words suggest this one is about more than just the title.
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