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LAS VEGAS – CM Punk and Roman Reigns met at WrestleMania 42 in a clash between two wrestling industry giants who helped build WWE 15 years ago.
Punk entered as the world heavyweight champion, and Reigns became the challenger. Reigns got a shot at Punk's title after winning the Royal Rumble in January.
The two went back and forth for weeks trading barbs. Punk vows to “bury” Reigns next to his father, while “OTC” tells Punk that he is too old. Each competitor puts one over the other at the “Monday Night Raw” announce table on various episodes. Reigns then vowed to quit WWE if he lost to Punk.
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CM Punk will face Roman Reigns before the World Heavyweight Championship match during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
All of this led to the chaos that took place in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium over the weekend.
Reigns' entrance music rocked the arena as he purposefully walked down the ramp – the second year in a row that there was no “Wiseman” to support or guide him in what he promised would be an amazing match.
Punk walked out to the top of the stage and looked at the crowd. He touched the ground, shouted along with the crowd, “It's time to celebrate.” The crowd sang the song, Cult of Personality, while the stadium was buzzing.
The match brought an energy to the atmosphere that was missing from Night 1. There was a great fight and both Punk and Reigns delivered.
CM Punk battles Roman Reigns during the World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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The two began to fight for control after coming face to face in the middle of the ring with a final round of trash talking. They trade knockdowns and slaps as Reigns gets a chance to start the match.
A Samoan drop sets the stage for Reigns to start attacking. The crowd cheered for the “king of the nation” as he clotheslined Punk outside the ring.
Punk reversed Reigns' attempt to put him through the announce table. But Reigns whipped Punk into the turnbuckle and continued his attack on the crowd. Punk sat in a chair and waited for Reigns to pick him up. Punk jumped off the barricade and hit a flying clothesline.
CM Punk reacts to Roman Reigns before the World Heavyweight Championship match during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Punk's taunt didn't last long. Reigns tossed Punk through the announce table as the referee pleaded with both competitors to return to the ring. Reigns obliged as it was the only way he was going to win the match.
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The match continued as they traded punches, kicks and pins.
Reigns was the first to attempt the finish. He tried a Superman punch but Punk countered him. Punk went to the top rope and hit a crossbody and hit Reigns with multiple punches.
It seems that punk has had an advantage. He hits Reigns with a running knee and a bull dog. He called out the GTS as Reigns lay down on the podium. Punk fought back, but Reigns fought it off.
Again, the game moved outside. Punk hit a suicida that pushed Reigns through the announce table. He used it to his advantage.
Then, Punk got a little dangerous. Reigns is placed on the announce table. He went to the top rope but Reigns got up quickly and avoided the move.
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Reigns taunted Punk as he hung upside down from the turnbuckle. Reigns hit Punk with a Superman punch. Reigns then nailed Punk with the steps and continued talking trash to the camera.
Roman Reigns pins CM Punk during the World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Punk looked helpless as Reigns picked him up. He powerbombed Punk and blasted him through the announce table. Punk was turned on and Reigns got a standing ovation from the fans. He threw Punk into the ring and pinned him like a spear.
However, Punk countered and lifted him over his shoulders. Punk hit the GTS and almost pinned Reigns right there. Punk tried another GTS, but Reigns nailed him with a spear. And, on the count of only two.
Reigns, frustrated, indicated that he would steal Punk's finisher. Punk tried to fight back but Reigns was standing. He put Punk on his shoulders but Punk countered. Punk kicked Reigns, took him down but couldn't get the three count.
Punk then turned to mocking Reigns. He took the Ula Fala from the fan and tried to hit the spear. Reigns countered with a guillotine only for Punk to kick out of it and put Reigns in a choke. Reigns kicked his way out of the hold and sent Punk back into the guillotine.
When the two came out of their engagement, they stood up again and hit each other with a double wire. The fans were ecstatic, shouting “this is great,” as the game drew to a close. The crowd was divided over who they were naming. Chants from both men rang out throughout the arena as they exchanged punches.
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Punk took the tape out of his hands and threw it into the ring, distracting the referee until he hit Reigns with a low blow. Punk tried to pin Reigns, but Reigns kicked out again.
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Roman Reigns is introduced before the World Heavyweight Championship match against CM Punk during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Punk found Reigns outside the ring and back to the announce table. He wanted the final blow. He climbed to the top rope and nailed Reigns with a flying elbow.
The crowd is anxiously waiting for the two to return to the ring. Punk lifted Reigns onto his shoulders and hit the GTS. Reigns then landed on his shoulders, but Punk couldn't muster the strength to get out any more.
Reigns got up and hit Punk with a spear. Punk looked at Reigns and back at him. Reigns hits Punk with another spear.
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He pinned Punk and won the World Heavyweight Championship.
Reigns became a seven-time champion and it was the first time he held this title since he was defeated by Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40.
