Tonight’s WWE SmackDown, airing April 4, 2025, promises an action-packed night live from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois. The show sees “The Best In The World” CM Punk confronting “The OTC” Roman Reigns and Seth “Freakin” Rollins. Plus, Rey Fenix makes his WWE debut.
The show kicks off at 8:00 PM ET on the USA Network and is available for international fans on streaming platforms like Netflix. Ringside News will provide live, match-by-match updates and highlights throughout the night. Stay tuned to this page, refresh for the latest results as the action unfolds, and join the conversation in the comments below!
WWE SmackDown Results (4/4/25): Live Match Updates and Highlights
Your announcers are Joe Tessitore and Corey Graves.
Braun Strowman is shown walking backstage. The Bloodline is seen arriving. LA Knight is also shown walking backstage. DIY is shown walking backstage. The Motor City Machine Guns are seen arriving. B-Fab is also shown backstage. Naomi is shown backstage on her phone. Back in the arena, the announcers welcome us as CM Punk chants break out in Chicago.
A recap is shown of last week’s contract signing.
Back in the arena, CM Punk’s music hits and the crowd erupts, singing along to his theme song. CM Punk comes out and soaks in the moment. He runs over to some fans, gives one a hug, high-fives another, then heads down to the ring.
The crowd is still going wild for CM Punk as he continues greeting more fans on his way to the ring. About two to three minutes later, he finally steps inside and grabs a mic. CM Punk says he doesn’t even know where to begin. They told him the best TV crowds were overseas, but he knew they were coming to Chicago. He grabs a camera and films the fans, saying this is why you don’t listen to “them” or the outside voices. He says he’s not supposed to be here—he was born with a cord around his neck, blue in the face, and had to be brought back to life. Punk repeats that line: he wasn’t supposed to be here. And yet, no matter where he shows up, his goal is always to make new fans. He apologizes for not making new ones tonight—but he thanks his friends and family in Chicago.
He says when they tell you that you’re not supposed to be here… who’s going to tell him to leave? Just because he’s main eventing WrestleMania doesn’t mean anything has changed. Punk mocks The Rock, calling him Dwayne and poking fun at the “goosebumps” talk. He says he earned this. It started in the backyards of Chicago when they said he didn’t belong. Then came Steel Domain. Then a WWE contract. He was even wearing a gangster suit for John Cena’s entrance, and still, they said he didn’t belong. Now, the real work begins.
Punk says he’s a product of this city. Maybe someone backstage is mad the crowd keeps chanting his name—but he knows Larry isn’t mad. He says there are too many people to thank, but this was a good start. He wouldn’t be where he is or who he is without Chicago. Now, the work begins, because he has a date at WrestleMania. He promises to whip Seth Rollins’ ass and put a beating on Roman Reigns in the main event.
That’s when Paul Heyman’s music hits. He walks to the ring, apologizing for being late. He says it’s no disrespect to the Second City or to his best friend, CM Punk. Punk smiles, thanks Paul, and welcomes him into the ring.
Punk laughs and tells Paul he can’t escape the ECW chants, no matter where he goes. Heyman smirks and responds, “Don’t ask Chicago what they can do for their Wise Man—ask what your Wise Man can do for you.” He says he once wanted to be the voice for the voiceless, and now he’s here to tell Punk one thing: You belong. In this ring. In Chicago. In the main event of WrestleMania.
Paul brings up the last time they were in the ring together—it was after what Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Jacob Fatu did to Punk. Paul recalls Punk winning Hell in a Cell, considering walking away, but Paul came to him with no one else left to turn to. Punk said yes. He helped Paul. He saved the Bloodline.
Heyman says Punk deserves all the credit in the world—and now, he has one more favor to ask. Punk chuckles and says he’s been stockpiling favors lately, then asks what this one is. Paul says the favor involves Roman. He tells Punk that Roman Reigns is coming, and he’s not in a good mood. Then he asks, “Do you know what happens when a Samoan is angry?” Punk pauses. “Wait—Roman’s not even here yet?” Paul replies, “He’s training.” Punk smirks and says, “If this favor has to do with Roman, then I want to tell him too. So I’ll give you both my answer… later tonight.”
Rey Fenix vs NXT Star Nathan Frazier
They lock up and Frazer grabs a wrist lock, but Rey counters with a reversal. Frazer quickly reverses back, but Rey kicks him away. Both men pop up to their feet at the same time. Fenix fakes a kick, causing Frazer to back off.
They tie up again, and Frazer applies a side headlock. He floats over in the corner, avoids Rey, and lands a kick. Rey swings through the ropes and connects with a spinning back heel kick. He follows up with a few near falls, including a jumping rana for another close count.
Rey delivers a chop and whips Frazer into the ropes. Frazer floats over and sends Rey to the floor with a head scissors, then follows up with a suicide dive. Rey recovers, kicks Frazer from inside the ring, and hits a double-jump twisting crossbody from the turnbuckles to the outside.
Back in the ring, Rey chops Frazer against the apron and rolls him in. He locks in a double wrist lock and lands several elbows to the collarbone. Rey maintains control with the hold, then chops Frazer again before lifting him onto his shoulders. Frazer slips out, counters with a reverse DDT, and hits a shooting star press for a near fall.
They fight to the floor, where Frazer sends Rey into the announce table and lands a chop. Rey fires back with a chop of his own. Back in the ring, Frazer hits a snap mare, a kick, a knee to the back, and a leapfrog neck snap for a near fall. He locks in a reverse chin lock to slow things down.
Frazer drives his shoulder into Rey in the corner, then chops him on the turnbuckles. Rey fights back with a chop and shoves Frazer off. Frazer leaps back up, but Rey pushes him off again—Frazer lands on his feet. Frazer climbs up again and hits a superplex, then follows with a twisting suplex for a near fall.
Frazer heads to the top and goes for a Phoenix Splash, but Rey moves. Frazer lands a kick and a knee, then tries for a suplex, but Rey escapes and hits a dropkick. Rey goes up top, connects with a springboard kick, and follows with an Island Driver for a close near fall. Frazer goes for a suplex, but Rey escapes and hits a dropkick. Rey heads to the top and lands a springboard kick, followed by a Fire Driver for a near fall.
Rey pulls Frazer off the mat, but Frazer lands on his feet and kicks Rey. Rey fires back with a kick of his own and connects with a springboard roundhouse kick. He follows up with a Muscle Buster for the three count.
Winner: Rey Fenix
After the match, Byron Saxton enters the ring and asks Rey Fenix how he feels about his WWE debut. Rey thanks the crowd in Chicago, saying he has a lot of history with the city and its people. He says tonight isn’t just the debut of Rey Fenix—it’s something much bigger. Tonight, he’s been rewarded with love and passion. He waited his whole life for this moment, and now he can proudly say, he is WWE.
Backstage, Legado del Fantasma watches. Santos Escobar says that was impressive—and exactly what he expects from them. Humberto scoffs, calling Rey a “flying lizard” and a flash in the pan. He says he’s better than Rey Fenix. Santos turns to Humberto and asks where that fire has been. He tells him it’s time to show it—and that he’s going to talk to Nick Aldis.
We go to commercial.
We’re back, and Drew McIntyre appears on screen. He says it wasn’t enough that he gave everything he had—every girl Damian talked to at the bar, all the money he helped him make. Drew says people only cared about Damian Priest because of him. He demands that Damian explain how he’s wrong and face him like a man. Instead, Damian did what he always does—hid in the shadows like a vulture and attacked him, putting him through a window. Drew says shards of glass went into his eye, and he might never be the same. He says Damian better pray—because when Drew McIntyre prays, bad things happen.
We get a recap of last week’s match between Braun Strowman and LA Knight.
Backstage, Byron Saxton is with Braun Strowman. Braun says he’s had enough of Jacob Fatu getting in his way. He plans to run through him like a buzzsaw and head to WrestleMania. Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga walk in. Solo tells Braun he doesn’t stand a chance against Fatu. LA Knight steps in and tells Braun not to waste his time with “this pumpkinhead.” He reminds Braun to keep his eyes on the prize. Tama fires back, saying Knight should be worried about him. Knight says he is worried—worried about stomping Tama out in the ring if he really wants to make noise.
LA Knight vs Tama Tonga in a Non Title Match
Solo tries to distract LA Knight, but it doesn’t work. Knight fires off punches, a kick, and a back elbow. Tama answers with a headbutt and an elbow in the corner, but Knight hits a suplex.
Tama sends Knight into the turnbuckles and follows with European uppercuts. He hits a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Knight responds with a boot to the head, then slams Tama into multiple turnbuckles as they circle the ring. Knight follows up with kicks in the corner and a running hip attack. Tama rolls to the floor. Knight nails a dropkick through the ropes, but Solo steps up and has words for him. Knight grabs Tama and slams him into the announce table repeatedly.
Back in control, Knight goes for a shoulder from the apron, but Solo grabs at him—only for the referee to catch it and warn Solo. The distraction gives Tama an opening, and he sends Knight off the apron into the announce table. Tama drops an elbow on the floor and throws Knight back into the announce table. He hits a slingshot senton back in the ring and starts choking Knight on the ropes. As the referee deals with Tama, Solo sneaks in a punch. Tama unloads with punches in the corner, then hits a splash and covers Knight for a near fall. He follows with a reverse chin lock to slow things down.
Knight and Tama trade punches until Knight takes control with a shoulder tackle and a sunset flip for a near fall. Tama bounces back with a clothesline, then rolls through into a jackhammer for another close count.
Tama lands a few punches and climbs to the turnbuckles, mocking Knight’s signature elbow drop—but he misses as Knight rolls out of the way. Knight runs into a boot, but blocks a few shots and fires back with punches, jabs, and a discus clothesline, followed by another clothesline. He sends Tama chest-first into the turnbuckles, hits a neckbreaker, then a powerslam. Knight follows with the YEAH-ple’s Elbow and connects.
He signals for the BFT, but Solo tries to telepathically warn Tama. Tama escapes and sends Knight into the ropes. Solo misses a clothesline, and Knight knocks him off the apron. Tama rolls up Knight for a near fall, but Knight hits the BFT for the three count.
Winner: LA Knight
Backstage, Byron Saxton sneaks up behind Paul Heyman. Byron asks if CM Punk has given any hint about the favor. Paul turns, annoyed, and says, “Why am I even talking to Byron?” He turns to the camera and says he’s already on record—no matter what the favor is, his answer is yes. As Paul continues talking about getting out of the situation with Roman, a vehicle pulls up. Paul looks relieved, thinking it’s Roman—until Seth Rollins steps out.
Seth tells Paul to cheer up, saying he was probably expecting the other Shield guy. Seth smirks and tells Paul this is the worst he’s ever looked. He says he’s had a great week since the CM Punk celebration and has come up with a plan. Seth says this favor Punk’s asking for has Paul backed into a corner. And when Roman does show up—Seth wants to be there to see exactly what this favor is.
Charlotte Flair makes her way to the ring.
We head to commercial.
Back from the break, a cryptic teaser for Aleister Black airs.
Tiffany Stratton then makes her entrance. Wade Barrett says that due to how heated things have gotten recently, he’s out here to moderate this interview.
Charlotte Flair takes the mic and simply says, “That is power.”
Tiffany Stratton steps up and asks the crowd, “What time is it?” getting her usual reaction.
Charlotte smirks and replies, “That was cute.”
Wade asks Charlotte why she chose Tiffany as her opponent for WrestleMania and if she thinks it was the right decision.
Charlotte says Tiffany kept begging for it. She calls herself the gift that keeps on giving, and since she hadn’t done any charity lately, she figured she’d give back. She wanted to prove to the smartest wrestling fans that there’s no comparison between her and Tiffany.
Tiffany cuts her off and asks if Charlotte is done and if she got her “woo” in. She says Charlotte’s biggest rival has never even been in the ring. No matter how long Charlotte’s been doing this, Tiffany says she’ll win. She accuses Charlotte of putting on a facade and says the saddest part is that no matter how many titles Charlotte wins, she’ll always be second to her father—and at WrestleMania, she’ll be second to her.Charlotte calmly responds, saying Tiffany’s just repeating what all her past opponents have said. The “second to your father” line is old news. And if she has to come second to someone like her dad, then so be it—he’s a legend. But she warns Tiffany, it doesn’t matter if you win 100 matches, it won’t change what’s coming.
Charlotte turns to the crowd and asks Chicago what they want her to say. Then tells Tiffany, “You can have the last word.” Tiffany smirks and asks Charlotte, “What were you doing at 25? Trying to be a volleyball player, drinking in your daddy’s basement?” She says she’s walking into WrestleMania as champion and claims she’s gotten inside Charlotte’s head. Tiffany reminds Charlotte that her WrestleMania record is 4-3. She might be the queen in the ring, but outside of it? She’s not the Queen of anything. She tells Charlotte to enjoy the title of least favorite nepo baby for the next 16 days.
Tiffany finishes by saying when she beats Charlotte at WrestleMania, Charlotte will be just like she is outside the ring—alone. “What’s that record again? 0 and 3?” Charlotte smirks and fires back: “Is that why Kaiser’s in my DMs?”
Nick Aldis announces that next week there will be a tag team gauntlet match, and the winners will earn a shot at Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania.
Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins make their way to the ring to watch the upcoming match.
We head to commercial.
Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano vs. Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin in a Number One Contender Match
Johnny Gargano and Chris Sabin start the match. Sabin takes control with a wrist lock, but Johnny reverses. Sabin counters with another reversal and hits an arm drag, then follows up with a second arm drag before tagging in Tommaso Ciampa.
Sabin keeps momentum with another arm drag into an arm bar. Alex Shelley tags in and drops a double sledge from the turnbuckles. Sabin and Shelley team up with a double shoulder tackle to Ciampa, then hit a double kick to Gargano. They dodge attacks in the corner and deliver clotheslines to both Johnny and Ciampa. Alex climbs the ropes and lands punches on Ciampa, then knocks Gargano off the apron. Shelley goes for a clothesline on Ciampa to the outside and slides out after him, but Ciampa dodges. Gargano catches Shelley with a slingshot spear, then hits a series of kicks.
Ciampa tags in and connects with an elbow. Gargano hits knees in the corner, and Ciampa follows up with a running knee to Shelley. Ciampa sends Shelley into the turnbuckles, and Gargano tags back in to deliver a sharp kick. Shelley fires back with chops, but Johnny lands a forearm and a snap mare, then hits a dropkick to the back of the head for a near fall. Gargano draws Sabin into the ring to distract the referee, allowing DIY to double-team Shelley. Ciampa tags in, kicks Shelley, and chokes him on the ropes to keep control.
Ciampa slams Alex’s arm into the mat and tags in Gargano. DIY hit the “make-a-wish” double team before Johnny lands a punch and knocks Sabin off the apron. Gargano climbs the turnbuckles for a double sledge, but Alex counters with a punch. Ciampa tags back in, but Alex catches him with a neckbreaker, then kicks Johnny away and tags in Sabin.
Sabin enters with a crossbody on both Ciampa and Gargano, then fires off punches to both. He follows with kicks, running knees to each, and a kick to Ciampa. He hits a tornado DDT off Gargano and follows with a suicide dive onto both men on the outside.
Back in the ring, Alex tags back in. Ciampa throws punches and elbows, but Sabin hits an enzuigiri followed by a series of kicks. Shelley covers for a near fall. They go for Greetings from Hell, but Gargano crotches Sabin on the top rope and Ciampa sends Shelley to the floor. The top turnbuckle pad falls off as Sabin lands awkwardly. The referee removes the pad.
Ciampa tries to send Sabin into the exposed turnbuckle, but Sabin avoids it and gets a near fall with a rollup. Ciampa responds with a knee strike, then hits Project Ciampa for another near fall.
Gargano tags in and nails a kick for a close two-count. Ciampa kicks Shelley and throws him to the floor, tagging back in. DIY go for their knee and superkick combo, but Sabin dodges, sending Ciampa into Gargano. Shelley and Sabin hit the Dream Sequence on Ciampa.
They set up for Skull and Bones, but Shelley gets knocked to the floor. Ciampa tries a roll-up using the ropes, but the referee catches it and stops the count. Ciampa then runs into the exposed turnbuckle, and Sabin rolls him up for the three count.
Winners: Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin
After the match, Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley get in the faces of The Street Profits, exchanging words as tensions rise between the teams.
Backstage, The Miz and Carmelo Hayes come across Pretty Deadly. Miz brings up how Kit and Elton failed in front of their home crowd. Kit and Elton fire back by mocking Miz’s Marine movie series. Miz shrugs it off and sarcastically asks about their new musical. Elton grins and says the musical is about someone who hasn’t been relevant in over a decade—it’s called The Miz. Pretty Deadly then question how many tag team partners Miz has gone through, before turning to Carmelo Hayes and asking how it feels to be relegated to tagging with him.
We head to commercial.
B-Fab vs. Naomi
Jade Cargill attacks Naomi in the aisle before the match can begin. Security rushes in to pull Jade off, but she breaks free as the referee quickly starts the match.
B-Fab takes control early with a pair of clotheslines and blocks a kick from Naomi. She sends Naomi into the turnbuckles, follows up with an Irish whip, and hits a spinning heel kick. Fab lands another kick and covers for a near fall.
Fab unloads with punches, but Naomi fires back with one of her own. Fab keeps the pressure on with more punches and hits a uranage for another near fall.
Fab goes for a spinning heel kick in the corner but misses, and her leg gets caught in the turnbuckle. Naomi capitalizes by putting Fab in the tree of woe and sending her into the turnbuckles. Naomi follows up with a facebuster and gets the three count.
Winner: Naomi
After the match, Naomi grabs a mic and calls out Jade Cargill. Jade storms back out and nails Naomi with a bicycle kick. She sets up for Jaded, but security rushes in to stop her. Naomi rolls out of the ring as Jade fights off security, throwing punches and kicks in frustration. Nick Aldis appears and says he’s had enough of the chaos. There’s only one solution—Naomi will face Jade Cargill at WrestleMania.
We return from commercial and Nick Aldis is standing in the ring.
He says this is one of the hardest parts of his job. Sometimes, people return like everything is fine, but then you get news that changes everything—you may never step in the ring again. There’s a reason they say, “Don’t try this at home.” Nick says he’d rather let the man himself deliver the news.
Kevin Owens’ music hits, and he makes his way to the ring. Kevin Owens stands in the ring and opens up to the crowd. He says he’s been doing this for 25 years and has given everything he has to the ring. He’s experienced moments he never dreamed of and has been able to support his family in ways he never thought possible. But it all comes at a cost—and now, it’s his turn to pay that price.
He reveals that for the past four months, he’s been dealing with a serious neck injury. And after consulting with doctors this week, it’s clear—he needs neck surgery. Kevin says the timing couldn’t be worse, and missing the chance to share the ring with Randy Orton at WrestleMania really sucks.
He thanks WWE for giving him the opportunity to come out and speak directly to the fans. He doesn’t know when he’ll get the privilege to be in front of them again. Over the past few years, he’s learned to never take anything for granted—especially this. Kevin Owens stays on the apron as Randy Orton makes his way out and joins him. The two share a moment before Kevin heads to the back, leaving Orton in the ring.
Nick Aldis steps in and tells Randy he hates to be the one to say it, but with Kevin out, it means Randy doesn’t have a match for WrestleMania. Randy looks around the arena, takes a beat… then suddenly drops Aldis with an RKO. The crowd erupts as we cut to commercial. With emotion in his voice, Kevin simply says: “Thank you… and I’m sorry.”
He begins to leave the ring—and then… Randy Orton’s music hits. Kevin Owens stays on the apron as Randy Orton makes his way out and joins him. The two share a moment before Kevin heads to the back, leaving Orton in the ring.
Nick Aldis steps in and tells Randy he hates to be the one to say it, but with Kevin out, it means Randy doesn’t have a match for WrestleMania.
Randy looks around the arena, takes a beat… then suddenly drops Aldis with an RKO.
The crowd erupts as we cut to commercial.
Braun Strowman vs. Jacob Fatu in a Last Man Standing Match to Determine the Number One Contender for the Men’s US Title
The match starts on the outside as Braun Strowman sends Jacob Fatu crashing into the steel ring steps. Braun follows up with a thunderous chop, and Fatu limps around ringside in pain.
They eventually enter the ring, where Fatu catches Braun with a kick, follows up with a thrust kick, and then levels him with a flying clothesline. Braun lifts Fatu for a powerslam, but Fatu slips out and shoves Braun into the turnbuckles, following up with another thrust kick and a flying back elbow. Fatu climbs up and hits a double jump moonsault. The referee starts her count, but Fatu goes right back up and hits a second double jump moonsault.
Braun rolls to the floor to break the count. Fatu follows with a punch and a headbutt, but Braun fires back with a right hand and sends Fatu crashing into the ring steps. Braun grabs the steps and slams them into Fatu—twice. Then, using the top half of the steps, Braun connects with a double sledge. Staying aggressive, Braun sends Fatu crashing into a drink cart, then rips off the hood of the announce table and nails Fatu with it. Braun nails Fatu again with the hood of the announce table and tosses it aside. He follows up with a stiff European uppercut, but Fatu counters and sends Braun into the ring steps. Braun beats the referee’s count, but Fatu meets him with a thrust kick as they re-enter the ring.
Fatu unleashes a series of headbutts, but Braun powers back with a massive spinebuster, leaving both men down. Braun rolls to the outside, pulls a table from under the ring, and slides it in. He lands a punch on Fatu before setting the table up in the corner. As Braun turns, Fatu connects with another thrust kick, but when he charges, Braun catches him with a big boot. Braun then charges, but Fatu ducks, and Braun spills over the top rope to the floor. Fatu follows up with a suicide dive, launching Braun over the announce table.
Fatu sends Braun hard into the ring post, then sets up for a running back elbow against the ringside barrier. But Braun cuts him off with a brutal chair shot to the head. Braun charges and hits the Wacky Lap, sending both men crashing through the ringside barrier.
They both struggle to their feet and barely beat the referee’s count, only to collapse again. The count restarts, and once again, they just make it up.
Fatu stumbles into the production area, and Braun follows. They trade punches before Fatu grabs a trash can and smashes it over Braun. He breaks into a wild dance before hitting Braun again with the can. Braun powers back, hitting Fatu multiple times with the trash can.
Braun grabs a steel chair and unloads—smashing Fatu in the ribs, the back, and then repeatedly as Fatu tries to escape up the aisle. Braun keeps the pressure on with more chair shots. Their fight spills deeper into the production area, where they both climb onto a road case. Braun looks around, hoists Fatu up, and delivers a massive suplex—sending both men crashing through a table below.
Both men somehow beat the referee’s count and slowly make their way back to the ringside area. Braun struggles to stay on his feet, clearly feeling the effects of the war.
They both roll back into the ring, and Fatu charges with a running back elbow, sending Braun crashing through the table set up earlier. Both men are down as the referee begins her count.
At the count of nine, Fatu manages to stand. Braun tries to get up, but collapses before the ten count.
Winner: Jacob Fatu
We head to commercial.
Back from the break, we get a recap of what happened on Monday between John Cena and Cody Rhodes.
Next week, Cody Rhodes will appear live. The Tag Team Gauntlet Match will take place to determine the WrestleMania challengers. Rey Fenix will go one-on-one with Humberto Carrillo, and Damian Priest and Drew McIntyre will come face to face.
Back outside the arena, Paul Heyman stands on the ramp as Byron Saxton asks when Roman Reigns will arrive. Paul simply says, “Any minute now.”
We go to commercial.
Back from the break, and FINALLY… Roman Reigns arrives at the building. Without saying a word, Roman walks right past Heyman and heads straight toward the ring. Roman Reigns stands in the ring and demands that Chicago acknowledge him. He turns to Paul Heyman and asks, “Is he here?” Paul quietly responds, “He is.”
The crowd erupts in CM Punk chants, and Roman smirks, saying, “Yeah, that’s exactly who I’m talking about.” Roman asks Paul if Punk is still talking about this so-called favor. Then he turns to the crowd and asks, “Chicago, how do you even deal with this guy?” He teases them, saying, “Should I let you in on a little secret?” Paul nods and encourages him to do it.
Roman leans into the mic and says, “CM Punk wouldn’t even be back here if it wasn’t for me.” He claims Punk wouldn’t be in the main event of WrestleMania without him. Roman looks out at the crowd and says, “You’re good people, you mean well… but let’s be honest—you’re not that smart.” He points out that Punk has wrestled everyone imaginable over the years, but not once had he ever main evented WrestleMania—not until now, not until he brought him back in.
With the crowd still chanting Punk’s name, Roman smirks and calls him out: “So why don’t you come down here and tell all of us what that favor really is?” But before Punk can appear, Seth Rollins’ music hits, and the World Heavyweight Champion makes his way to the ring. Seth Rollins grabs the mic and says he doesn’t know what this little “favor” is all about, but knowing Punk, it’s probably something that’ll knock your socks off. He tells Roman that the problem is, he doesn’t jive well with reality. Roman likes to live in his own world, but every time he steps outside of it, reality hits hard.
Seth says he’s not here for a history lesson—but reminds Roman of a few: The Heist of the Century. Main eventing WrestleMania last year. He says Roman can try to ignore or underestimate CM Punk all he wants, but Punk doesn’t go away. And now, here Punk is—in the main event of WrestleMania. And Roman has no choice but to live with it.
Seth says Roman had the chance to stop this. He could’ve done it at WarGames. He could’ve stopped it at Madison Square Garden. But he didn’t. Now it’s too late. Seth says he’s in a better place now—he has perspective. You either let time leave you behind, or you adapt and stay in control.
Roman Reigns responds, telling Seth the reality is—you’re not trustworthy. He says Seth doesn’t even understand what loyalty means. Roman says CM Punk is here because he made a promise to Paul, and Roman’s a man of his word. He tells Seth, “I didn’t call you out. I called out Punk.”
Seth nods and says he’s not here for Roman—he’s here to hear CM Punk. And there’s only one thing missing…
CM Punk’s music hits to a massive reaction, and he makes his way to the ring.
Punk says the favor he’s asking is about friendship, legacy, promises made, and promises kept. It’s about loyalty. He says this goes back to OVW, when they told Paul Heyman he didn’t belong, and they told him to fire Punk. But Paul said no. Because your Wise Man is wise.
Punk says Roman once prophesized this on Raw. Everyone else might’ve forgotten it, but he didn’t. He remembers a conversation with Big Show, Paul, and RVD, where he vented, thinking it was all about him, saying he’d be fired without Paul. But Paul told him he’d be fine. And when Punk asked what he could do, Paul said:
“When you main event WrestleMania… force them to deal with us.”
Punk says “they” are all gone now—but Paul is still here. So now, he’s going to force Paul Heyman to live up to that. He’s going to pull Paul out of his comfort zone. Because in the main event of WrestleMania, in his corner, it won’t be just anyone—it’ll be your Wise Man, his best friend… Paul Heyman.
Roman Reigns looks around, visibly confused by what he just heard.
Seth Rollins smirks and says, “I told you.” Roman turns back to Punk, cracks a smile, and laughs, “That’s the favor?” Roman says Paul needs him. He says he saved Paul. Even if he let him, Paul wouldn’t do it. Roman turns to Paul and says, “Let this desperate fool down easy.”
Paul Heyman begins to speak, but Roman Reigns doesn’t look pleased. Roman looks at him and asks, “Are you crying?” He tells Paul to wipe his tears and say no. Roman reminds him, “I took you in. I made you relevant.” He demands again, “Tell me no.” Roman says he’ll give Paul one more chance to say it. Paul quietly says, “I can’t do that.”
Roman, furious, grabs Paul and forces him into the corner as Seth Rollins laughs on the outside. CM Punk strikes—nailing Roman from behind with the mic and unloading with punches. Punk lifts him up and hits the GTS. Punk then locks eyes with Seth Rollins, staring him down. Seth watches from the floor, then slowly backs away and leaves the ring. We go to credits.
