CM Punk unleashed a barrage of criticism on Roman Reigns, The Rock, and Pat McAfee during a recent Raw promo. The segment occurred with WrestleMania 42 less than two weeks away, as Raw took place in Houston, TX. Punk’s words added further fuel to his ongoing feud with Reigns.
Punk’s Pipe Bomb Targets Reigns’ Privileges
Following his attack on Roman Reigns the previous week, CM Punk opened Raw with one of his trademark ‘pipe bombs’. He directed his ire at Reigns, criticising everything from his part-time schedule to his family connections within WWE. Punk did not limit his frustrations to Reigns, also calling out other powerful figures within WWE.
Punk accused Reigns of relying on advantages rather than earning his position. He stated that Reigns’ tools were ‘store bought and plastic’, while his own were ‘self made’. Punk also criticised Reigns for allegedly arriving late and leaving early, comparing him unfavourably to The Rock. He referred to Reigns as a ‘bucktooth nepo baby’ who ‘ate dog food for a weird old man’.
McAfee and Others in the Firing Line
Punk didn’t just focus on Reigns. He also turned his attention to Pat McAfee, telling him to contact the agent who had him shoehorned into the show. Punk suggested McAfee should tell the agent to lower ticket prices so families could afford to see him ‘stand on the throat of Reigns’ at WrestleMania.
The promo also referenced Emanuel. Punk’s verbal assault demonstrated his ability to generate excitement for a major match through his promo work. It remains unclear how much of Punk’s promo was scripted, but it was well-received.
Absence of Reigns Doesn’t Diminish Feud
Despite Reigns not being present on the show, Punk’s segment ensured his absence was not keenly felt. Last week, Reigns was interrupted by Punk during a promo. The two engaged in a brawl that spilled outside the ring, with security struggling to separate them. Punk then hit Reigns with the GTS and powerbombed him through the announce table, mirroring Reigns’ attack the previous week.
On March 23, Reigns had laid out Punk with a Superman Punch. Encouraged by Jey Uso, Reigns followed up with a Spear and Powerbombed Punk through the announce table. The animosity between the two performers has continued to escalate in the build-up to WrestleMania.
With WrestleMania approaching, the intensity of the feud between Punk and Reigns has been amplified by Punk’s recent promo. The promo succeeded in setting the tone for the rest of the night.