CM Punk kicked off this week’s episode of SmackDown to a big reaction from the Chicago fans. The Second City Saint took a moment to thank his hometown friends and family. Punk talked about how he’s main eventing WrestleMania, and he said he earned it, but now the hard work begins.
Paul Heyman then interrupted and he walked down to the ring. Heyman told Punk that he belongs in the main event of WrestleMania. He recalled how he asked CM Punk to take him with him last year when he was aligned with The New Bloodline. Paul went on to explain how he asked CM Punk to help the Tribal Chief at WarGames last year and told him Punk deserves all the credit in the world.
The Wiseman then said that he has one more favor to ask of CM Punk. Heyman asked Punk to please tell him the favor that he owes him before Roman Reigns arrives. CM Punk told Heyman that he wants to reveal the favor in front of Roman Reigns, so Heyman can tell Punk when Roman Reigns shows up. Punk left as Heyman looked worried in the ring.
Later on in the show Paul Heyman was interviewed backstage and he addressed CM Punk as he said, “No matter what the favor is, the answer is yes.” A SUV pulled up and Heyman assumed Roman Reigns was inside, but Seth Rollins got out instead. Rollins said the favor affects him too, so he wants to be present when everyone finds out what it is.
Finally Roman Reigns showed up and he walked right past Paul Heyman after he got out of his vehicle. Heyman followed behind the OTC as he made his way out into the arena. Instead of stopping to do his pose Roman walked straight to the ring with a purpose. Roman told the Chicago fans that CM Punk wouldn’t be back in WWE, or in the main event of WrestleMania if it wasn’t for him. Roman told CM Punk to come out, but Seth Rollins made his way out instead.
CM Punk finally made his way down to the ring and he addressed the favor. He said it’s about friendship, and loyalty, then brought up his history with Paul Heyman.
Punk told Roman Reigns that he’s going to force him out of his comfort zone, and he’s going to force Roman to deal with “us.” He then told Roman Reigns that he wants Paul Heyman in his corner at WrestleMania 41. Roman looked disgusted then he laughed as he told Punk that the Wiseman loves, and needs him. Reigns told Heyman to let Punk down easy.
Paul Heyman looked conflicted as he stared at Roman Reigns with tears in his eyes. Roman told Heyman to wipe his tears and tell Punk no. The Tribal Chief informed Paul that he was going to give him one more opportunity and instructed Heyman to tell Punk no. Heyman said, “No my Tribal Chief, I can’t do that.”
Roman Reigns backed Heyman into the corner and Punk attacked him from behind then hit Reigns with the GTS. Punk stared at Seth Rollins, but Rollins smiled and left the ring. Heyman was devastated as he looked at Roman Reigns laid out in the ring as the show went off the air.
.@CMPunk wants @HeymanHustle in his corner at #WrestleMania #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/OmAZ1EJyoB
— WWE (@WWE) April 5, 2025