Professional wrestling often weaves narratives centered around the pursuit of dreams, engaging and inspiring a vast audience. With many important figures in wrestling starting from modest beginnings—wrestling in local bingo halls to signing lucrative deals—their journeys offer rich storytelling opportunities. A recent embodiment of this theme is CM Punk, whose long-awaited aspiration to headline WWE‘s prestigious WrestleMania has finally been realized after a remarkable 28-year career. Yet, Punk’s journey contains complexities beyond this singular achievement.
Upon leaving WWE in 2014, one of Punk’s primary grievances was missing out on a main event slot, a position he felt he had rightfully earned along with the support of his fanbase. Fast forward to 2023, both Punk and WWE seem to have turned a page, resulting in a triumphant return for the seasoned wrestler. However, the shadow of his long-held ambition to main event ‘Mania lingered until recently. After an injury thwarted his opportunity in 2024, it was officially announced that a triple threat encounter involving CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns will headline Night 1 of WrestleMania 41. Yet, one must ponder whether this path truly fulfills Punk’s vision of achieving his dream.
CM Punk Will Headline WrestleMania 41 (Sort Of)
Night 1’s Main Event Will Be a Star-Studded Triple Threat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALxxlma-SV8https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALxxlma-SV8
As of 2025, WWE faces an intriguing dilemma: the company has a wealth of talent ready for main event status. The perception of what constitutes an upper card has shifted significantly under the creative direction of Triple H. Today, high-stakes matches can feature any of the company’s top stars as long as compelling narratives accompany them. The clash of CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns fits this model perfectly, with all three enjoying a global fanbase that transcends wrestling. Furthermore, the storyline context adds depth; Punk’s interactions with the Bloodline during Survivor Series have come full circle, enhancing the emotional stakes of this showdown.
Nevertheless, Punk may not be the focal point of this narrative. In fact, some could argue that the dynamic between Reigns and Rollins is the true centerpiece of this match. Their storied rivalry, which dates back to the split of The Shield in June 2014, has captivated audiences. As both wrestlers have played pivotal roles in maintaining WWE’s prominence during challenging times, the significance of their match is undeniable. Consequently, does this make CM Punk an ancillary figure within the contest?
Is CM Punk the Third Wheel of the Match?
Too Many Stories Are Colliding in This Match
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT_SeEklvFYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT_SeEklvFY
This triple threat match serves an important purpose for WWE, as it highlights three of its biggest stars who currently aren’t fighting for the championship. It also addresses one of Punk’s longstanding frustrations, granting him the recognition he sought following his successful comeback. However, one might question whether this arrangement truly satisfies Punk’s aspirations. For many, the main event of Night 1 may lack the weight typically associated with a WrestleMania headliner. In the past two WrestleManias, although outstanding, Night 1’s main events have often been overshadowed by those on Night 2.
Moreover, considering the significance of this moment for Punk, achieving his dream amidst a triple threat scenario—where he might take on the role of an outsider in the narrative—could dilute the emotional impact. Rather than serving as a grand recognition of his legacy, it risks feeling more like a consolation prize to appease a valuable performer while sidelining traditional title opportunities. Punk’s emotional moment on SmackDown in London spoke volumes, but one can’t help but wonder whether he would have chosen a singles main event on Night 2 instead.
What WWE Could Have Done With Punk at WrestleMania
The Second City Saint vs. The Tribal Chief
Returning to the question of having too many stars vying for the spotlight, it’s clear WWE faces challenges in satisfying everyone. Given Punk’s age and previous injuries, this may represent one of his last opportunities to shine on such a grand stage. Ironically, John Cena’s farewell tour has further complicated matters, potentially blocking Punk’s shot at main eventing Night 2. This situation echoes Batista’s famous “give me what I want!” declaration, underlining the frustration of fans and wrestlers alike.
The only remaining path for Punk led him to a match with the Tribal Chief, marking Reigns’ tenth main event at WrestleMania. WWE has capitalized on this connection skillfully, particularly by highlighting Paul Heyman’s involvement and the possibility of conflicts arising between Reigns and Punk. A match between Roman Reigns and CM Punk would undeniably carry ‘WrestleMania main event’ status, featuring two iconic figures in wrestling history. This raises an uncomfortable question: could it be Seth Rollins who assumes the role of the third wheel in this scenario?
While Rollins’ animosity toward Punk adds a layer of drama, this storyline has already been explored repeatedly on television. The conflict between Reigns and Rollins appears far more compelling, and by merging all three talents into one match, WWE may miss out on two remarkable individual encounters (Rollins vs. Reigns and Punk vs. Reigns). The resulting triple threat promises to be entertaining, yet fans are left hoping that CM Punk will receive the opportunity to headline a Night 2 singles match at WrestleMania 42 in the near future.