At WWE WrestleMania 42, CM Punk will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns.
This main event showdown will hold some ramifications for both men’s careers, most importantly Punk who will continue to be one of WWE’s biggest full-time stars.
Whether it be a character change or a new rival emerging, there are several different story directions for Punk to head in following Mania.
Here are seven potential CM Punk WWE plans after WrestleMania 42.
7. Continue Being A Fighting World Heavyweight Champion
When he captured the World Heavyweight Championship in November 2025, CM Punk promised to be a fighting champion.
Since his title win, Punk has done an excellent job in proving himself to be “The Best In The World.”
From his title defenses against Finn Balor to overcoming Bron Breakker, Punk has established this run as one where he cements his legacy in a major way.
Following his showdown with Roman Reigns, Punk should continue to be a fighting champion if he is able to retain at WrestleMania 42.
6. Rematch With GUNTHER
Back at WWE SummerSlam 2025, CM Punk defeated GUNTHER to win the World Heavyweight Championship.
This clash led to “The Ring General” taking some time off before coming back to start the current run he’s been on.
Since his return in November 2025, GUNTHER has established himself as “The Career Killer,” ending the legendary careers of John Cena and AJ Styles in short order.
With Punk’s story being all about his extended age and being at the top of the game, it would make sense if GUNTHER would be the next up for “The Best In The World” following WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
5. First Time Meeting With Oba Femi
It feels like no one is riding a wave of momentum quite like Oba Femi heading into WrestleMania 42.
Femi is set for what should be the biggest match of his career when he clashes with Brock Lesnar in a battle of the behemoths.
“The Ruler” getting a win over Lesnar should lead to him skyrocketing up the ladder and becoming a top star in the company.
After overcoming “The Beast Incarnate,” Femi should be ready for a first time ever showdown with someone like CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship.
4. Rekindling His Rivalry With Seth Rollins
Upon his return to WWE, Seth Rollins made it clear that one of his goals is to win back the World Heavyweight Championship that he never lost last year.
Throughout 2024 and 2025, Rollins was feuding with Punk in a blood feud with both men trying to destroy the other.
With Rollins creating The Vision to make Punk’s life a living hell, things would be much different if these two rivals clash in 2026.
After his own battle with GUNTHER at WrestleMania 42, it would make sense if Rollins changed his focus to Punk’s World Heavyweight Championship in the aftermath of the event.
3. Hunting Down Pat McAfee For His Disparaging Words
On the April 6 edition of WWE Raw, CM Punk sent some shots at Pat McAfee for his comments about the current state of WWE.
Calling out McAfee’s words as well as his association with TKO, Punk showcased what makes him “The Voice of the Voiceless” in a significant way.
Following his collision course with Roman Reigns at Mania, Punk could redirect his sights on McAfee, wanting to put his hands on the former NFL punter for his disparaging remarks.
2. Champion vs. Champion Showdown With Cody Rhodes
Heading into WrestleMania 42, rumors circulated that WWE was at one time planning to do CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes at “The Showcase of the Immortals.”
While that wasn’t meant to be, it doesn’t mean that WWE should wait to pull the trigger for that clash until next year’s WrestleMania 43.
Running a champion vs. champion program might be beneficial for WWE to garner some interest coming out of Mania this year.
Punk calling out Rhodes following their individual battles at Mania would be intriguing and cause some brand warfare moving forward.
1. Turning Heel For The First Time In 13 Years
With his feud with fellow babyface Roman Reigns heading into WrestleMania 42, CM Punk has somewhat teased a heel turn.
Since returning to WWE, Punk has been one of the most popular stars in the entire company and all of wrestling today.
“The Best In The World” has always seemed to shine and excel when he is a heel in any company.
Punk turning heel for the first time in 13 years would immediately put him directly in the spotlight, especially if it follows him using nefarious means to defeat Roman Reigns at “The Grandest Stage of Them All.”
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