Backstage Note on Change to CM Punk & Roman Reigns Segment on Last Night’s WWE Raw

World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk and former WWE Undisputed Champion Roman Reigns closed out last night’s WWE Raw with another promo battle. It culminated with Punk decking Reigns after the former champion said Punk is a “try-hard” who makes WWE look bad because of his age. However, according to a report by BodySlam+, the promo segment was originally supposed to go a lot differently.

According to BodySlam+’s report, the original creative plans for the segment were different. The initial plan was for Reigns to respond to Punk’s past comment about burying Reigns next to his late father by mentioning Punk’s late dog, Larry. Punk’s beloved dog passed away last December.

Instead, it looks like WWE changed the line and went with the comment where Reigns calls Punk a “try-hard.” The promo battle also referenced former WWE Superstar and current AEW wrestler Samoa Joe.

CM Punk and Roman Reigns will ultimately step into the ring to settle things for the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania 42. The premium live event takes place on April 18-19 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. It will air live on the ESPN App in the U.S. and on Netflix internationally.