CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns: World Heavyweight Championship Main Event at Wrestlemania 42
Exciting Main Event Set for Wrestlemania 42
The highly anticipated World Heavyweight Championship clash between CM Punk and Roman Reigns is poised to headline the second night of Wrestlemania 42. Reigns secured his title shot by triumphing in the Royal Rumble 2026. Punk, who has held the championship since November 2025, will enter Wrestlemania 42 as the reigning champion. Seth Rollins, the previous titleholder, suffered an injury during his match against Cody Rhodes at Crown Jewel, which forced him to relinquish the title. Although Rollins will not participate in the main event, he expressed immense pride that the World Heavyweight Championship is likely to be the focal point of Wrestlemania's second night. Rollins stated, “I’m extremely proud that in all likelihood the world heavyweight championship is going to be featured as the main event Night Two of WrestleMania, which in my opinion is the true main event of WrestleMania.”
He further commented on the significance of the title, emphasizing that it should not be monopolized by a part-time wrestler like Reigns, who has taken a less frequent schedule since signing a part-time deal in 2022. Rollins highlighted the need for a championship that would be consistently represented on the Raw brand, allowing new talent to emerge. “So I’m very proud that that belt will be in the main event of WrestleMania,” he added.
WWE introduced the World Heavyweight Championship in 2023 due to Reigns holding both the WWE Championship and the Universal Championship. He had previously defeated Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania 38 to claim both titles. Despite being a part-timer, Reigns maintained his grip on both championships for two years until losing the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes at Wrestlemania 40 in 2024.
Three years after its inception, the World Heavyweight Championship is now a coveted title, with Reigns also pursuing it. Rollins expressed mixed feelings about not being in the main event, noting the irony of facing his rival CM Punk. He is expected to face Bron Breakker at Wrestlemania 42, although he is currently recovering from an injury. WWE has a contingency plan in place should Breakker be unable to compete, while Rollins anticipates being cleared for action by the time of the event.