CM Punk Explains Why He’s Glad Roman Reigns Picked Him for WrestleMania 42

WWE Superstar and World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk recently spoke to talkSPORT, where he discussed Roman Reigns picking to face him at WrestleMania 42. Punk noted he’s glad that Reigns picked him for WrestleMania, so he doesn’t have to worry about the Elimination Chamber.

CM Punk said on facing Roman Reigns, “I’ve just appreciated that he picked me, so I don’t have to pay any attention to the Elimination Chamber, and I don’t got to worry about who’s in that and who’s winning that. It’s champ problems.”

Punk continued, “You know, like heading into Mania, being the champion is a lot of responsibility. I feel like it’s great, but it also to me kind of almost takes the target off my back. I don’t have to be in the Rumble. I don’t have to go through hell in the Chamber. So I’m doing my best to rest and recover all the little nagging things I got going on, and I’m sure I’ll see Roman at Mania.

However, Punk noted that he’s not taking his upcoming title match against Finn Balor at Elimination Chamber lightly. He added, “But I got Finn first at Elimination Chamber. And I don’t take anybody lightly. And Finn is going to find out in my hometown why they love me so much.”

As CM Punk mentioned, he’ll be defending his World Heavyweight title against Finn Balor next weekend at WWE Elimination Chamber 2026. That premium live event takes place on February 28 at the United Center in Punk’s hometown of Chicago, Illinois. It will air live on the ESPN App in the U.S. and on Netflix internationally.

If using any of the above quotes, please credit talkSPORT, with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.