“My Time Is Running ”Out”—CM Punk Gets Real About Retirement as Roman Reigns Match Is Locked for WrestleMania 42
CM Punk may be standing on top of WWE once again, but he’s fully aware the clock is ticking. On the latest episode of WWE RAW, Roman Reigns officially confirmed CM Punk as his target for WrestleMania 42 after winning the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble. The blockbuster clash between two of WWE’s biggest names is now set for Las Vegas, instantly becoming one of the most talked-about matches on the road to WrestleMania.
Shortly after RAW, Punk opened up during an interview with Nick Kostos at Radio Row, delivering an emotional and brutally honest reflection on where he stands in his career. The reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion made it clear that he has no regrets—only gratitude.
Punk admitted that while he could complain about what he called “champagne problems,” this current run is everything he ever wanted. Heading into WrestleMania as world champion at 47 years old, Punk believes he’s producing some of the best work of his entire career. With nearly every major achievement already checked off his list, he sees this moment as validation of years of sacrifice.
However, Punk didn’t shy away from reality. He openly acknowledged that his in-ring window is closing and that the end of his wrestling career is inevitable. Instead of fear, though, his mindset is simple: keep going until he physically can’t anymore. Being world champion, landing the cover of WWE 2K26, and performing at the highest level are, in his words, the proof that the grind was worth it.
The Straight Edge Superstar also shed light on his promo style, explaining that his creative process never really stops. Punk revealed he’s constantly running promos in his head, often drawing from real-life experiences and raw human emotion. He believes simplicity is the key to powerful storytelling and that authenticity is what truly connects with fans.
When it comes to Roman Reigns, Punk feels their rivalry goes beyond the traditional good guy versus bad guy dynamic. Different crowds may react differently, but one thing is guaranteed when they share the ring—noise, intensity, and electricity. According to Punk, the Punk vs. Reigns showdown won’t just be loud; it will feel real.
As WrestleMania 42 approaches, CM Punk’s words add another layer of emotion to an already massive match. This isn’t just about championships anymore—it’s about legacy, time, and how much someone has left in the tank.
