Roman Reigns vs CM Punk Officially Locked for WrestleMania 42 Night 2 Main Event, Plus Major WWE Creative Plans Revealed
The long-rumored dream match is no longer just speculation. Another strong confirmation has emerged that Roman Reigns and CM Punk are set to collide in the main event of Night 2 at WrestleMania 42, with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line.
The latest update came during CM Punk’s appearance on the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast. During the discussion, the hosts revealed they had internal confirmation that Punk vs. Reigns will close out the second night of WWE’s biggest event of the year. Punk acknowledged the information and, while reminding listeners that plans can always change in WWE, he did not deny that the match is currently locked in.
If it goes forward as planned, this bout will mark CM Punk’s second straight WrestleMania main event. After headlining Night 1 last year, Punk now appears poised to finally close Night 2, ending years of fan debate about whether he would ever headline the final match of WrestleMania.
The matchup also carries historic significance. WrestleMania 42 would feature the first-ever singles match between Punk and Reigns on a premium live event stage. Although the two have crossed paths multiple times over the past year, this rivalry is now positioned at the absolute top of the card, with championship stakes and WrestleMania glory on the line.
WrestleMania 42 is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas on April 18 and 19, and Punk vs. Reigns remains the only officially announced match so far.
WWE Planning Major Heel Turn After WrestleMania 42
Beyond WrestleMania’s main event picture, WWE’s long-term creative plans are also coming into focus. According to WrestleVotes Live on Fightful Select, WWE is laying the groundwork for a major heel turn involving Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY.
The report states that Ripley and IYO SKY are expected to remain aligned through WrestleMania 42, with WWE intentionally slow-playing their eventual split. Rather than rushing the turn, the company reportedly wants to maximize their value as a duo before transitioning into a singles rivalry.
IYO SKY is said to be firmly established as a top babyface, making her the ideal target for Ripley’s eventual betrayal. The story is believed to revolve around jealousy and shifting perception, especially as IYO’s popularity and momentum continue to rise.
The heel turn is not expected to happen before WrestleMania. Instead, WrestleMania 42 is viewed internally as a checkpoint, with the actual split likely occurring afterward to launch a major women’s singles feud in the months that follow.
CM Punk’s Elimination Chamber 2026 Plans Take Shape
Even with his WrestleMania 42 main event seemingly secured, CM Punk’s road to Las Vegas may include one more high-profile stop. According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, WWE has discussed a World Heavyweight Championship defense for Punk at Elimination Chamber 2026.
The proposed matchup would see Punk defend his title against Finn Balor. Despite losing their last televised encounter on January 19, Balor is reportedly still positioned as a key challenger. Although he has been absent from the ring since that loss, his pursuit of the World Title is far from finished.
The location of Elimination Chamber plays a major role in these plans. With the event set to take place in Chicago, WWE has always intended for Punk to be a centerpiece of the show.
Sean Ross Sapp added that one creative pitch involves Punk offering Balor a rematch on “his turf.” After Punk previously competed in Balor’s home country of Ireland, the story would see Punk daring Balor to challenge him in Chicago, raising the stakes ahead of WrestleMania.
With WrestleMania 42 rapidly approaching, WWE’s plans for Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and several top stars are beginning to come into sharper focus—and the road ahead looks anything but predictable.
