Ahead of his highly anticipated return to WrestleMania in a triple threat match against Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, CM Punk appeared on The Masked Man Show and gave a candid take on the main event slot—and why he believes it may belong to someone else.
While Punk acknowledged that many fans and critics often take old statements out of context, he reasserted his longstanding stance about the importance of title matches headlining WrestleMania. But this time, he took a different approach rooted in selflessness and reflection:
“People will constantly cherry-pick things I have said… I’m very much a ‘title match main event.’ There is the sound byte all those f***ing losers are going to steal and put on their Twitter.
If it were up to me, believe it or not, Rhea, Bianca, and IYO would be the main event. I’m not saying which night. I can tell you that if I was in Triple H’s spot, I would gravitate towards that.”
Punk explained that his reasoning was based not only on talent but also on opportunity and timing:
“When is IYO ever going to get another chance? Bianca has done it already… Rhea hasn’t done it. You look at people that say ‘WrestleMania main event,’ Rhea Ripley is top of the list.”
He admitted that his booking preference might not always align with pure business decisions:
“That mindset that I have, it’s a detriment as a booker because I might not be putting business in front of my feelings… I think all three of those ladies are supremely talented. I know they’re going to steal the show.”
Punk also showed a deep sense of humility and camaraderie, noting that he’s more invested in seeing his peers succeed than his own personal accolades:
“I want to see my friends and my colleagues accomplish things. It doesn’t so much matter to me if I accomplish them. I know what it feels like to have that chip on my shoulder… year after year.”
In a moment of reflection, he admitted his views have evolved over time:
“Here I am arguing against myself. It’s funny how life works. I never thought I’d be saying any of that stuff ten years ago.”
He concluded by emphasizing the depth of WWE’s current talent roster and how many Superstars are worthy of the main event spotlight:
“It’s kind of indicative of our locker room and the embarrassment of riches we have talent-wise that so many different people could be the main event…
Bianca, Jey, Cody, obviously. Nobody is going to tell me that John Cena shouldn’t be main eventing WrestleMania in his last Mania.”
Punk ended with a powerful message for the locker room and the WWE Universe:
“Stay vigilant, everybody. Bust your ass, and if it’s meant to be, it’ll come to pass—and I’m obviously living, breathing proof of that.”
Whether or not CM Punk walks out of WrestleMania 41 with the gold, he’s clearly returning with perspective, passion, and purpose.
