Reigns Dethrones Punk in Epic WrestleMania 42 Main Event

Las Vegas, NV – The neon lights of Allegiant Stadium bore witness to a collision of eras and egos. In the main event of WrestleMania 42, it was the “Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns who silenced the “Second City Saint,” defeating CM Punk to capture the World Heavyweight Championship.

What began as a tense, old-school lock-up quickly devolved into a bitter war. After a heated exchange of shoves, Punk connected with a sharp jab, only to be flattened moments later by a thunderous Samoan Drop. Reigns, ever the showman, took the fight into the crowd, but his arrogance proved costly. Punk seized the opening, nailing Reigns with a brutal clothesline off the barricade.

Back in the ring, Reigns dominated with heavy strikes, but a missed Superman Punch allowed Punk to shift momentum. The Chicago native delivered two vicious knee strikes to counter another Superman Punch, then launched himself into a suicide dive to the outside. Punk sent Reigns crashing across both the Spanish and English announce tables, but a top-rope dive attempt backfired—Reigns shoved him to the apron, where the battle grew even more desperate.

Punk’s fortunes darkened when Reigns tied him in a Tree of Woe. What followed was a savage beatdown: three Superman Punches and a sickening blow with the steel steps, leaving Punk busted open.

But Punk refused to fade. He caught a charging Reigns with a Go To Sleep (GTS), then kicked out after a Spear. In a moment of pure defiance, Punk mocked Reigns by attempting a GTS of his own, then stole the ula fala from ringside, wore it proudly, and even hit a Superman Punch. As Punk lined up for a Spear, Reigns snapped—grabbing him by the throat and unleashing a chokehold.

The finishing sequence saw both men exchange submissions, their bodies failing but their wills intact. In a desperate act, Punk tossed his wrist tape to Reigns as a distraction, then delivered a low blow while the referee turned away. A top-rope elbow through the announce table followed, leaving both champions sprawled on the canvas.

When the referee’s count reached its peak, Reigns was the first to stir. Two final, devastating Spears later, Roman Reigns stood tall—new World Heavyweight Champion.

This victory marks Reigns’ seventh world title, earned after winning the Royal Rumble in January. For CM Punk, the reign of the “Best in the World” ends in heartbreaking fashion, as the Tribal Chief once again acknowledges only himself.