CM Punk vs Roman Reigns: Who has upper hand after brutal promo battle on WWE Raw (March 2, 2026)?

There is no love lost between CM Punk and Roman Reigns.

After the conclusion of Elimination Chamber 2026, WWE delivered the fallout show of Monday Night Raw from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Among the announced segments was the return of ‘The OTC’ Roman Reigns.

Later World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk was also confirmed for the show, and fans tuned in to see what unfolded when the two faced off once again inside the squared circle.

For those who are somehow still unaware, World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk is set to defend the title against 2026 men’s Royal Rumble winner Roman Reigns. The showdown is set to main event on Night Two of the ‘Grandest Stage.’

Let us now take a look at what went down between the two and who took the upper hand in the feud, which has picked up steam since their last promo battle, where Reigns picked Punk after winning the Rumble.

What went down in Indianapolis?

In the final moments of the show, Roman Reigns made his entrance to address the fans in Indianapolis. Reigns asked the Indianapolis crowd to acknowledge him, and the audience responded by throwing ones into the sky. CM Punk then interrupted and questioned why Reigns was “mean-mugging” him. He acknowledged Reigns but hoped that Reigns came here for more because it could just have been a tweet.

Reigns asked if his tweet had gotten under Punk’s skin. The Champion replied that it hadn’t and that he didn’t hold grudges over something said on a podcast. He explained that the bags under his eyes were from having to deal with Reigns’ nonsense all the way to WrestleMania. Punk then reminded fans of the history between them, the Shield’s debut in the same arena, and the night he “brought Reigns to the dance.”

Reigns countered, claiming Punk had only brought the other two, not him. Punk argued that while he may not have chosen Reigns, Reigns had certainly chosen him, and anyone who asked would know Punk had already won. He said he had Reigns under his skin and that it was clear he could see right through him.

Reigns admitted that he hated Punk, but claimed that without the title, Punk wouldn’t even be on his radar. He mocked Punk, saying WWE brought him back to entertain “30-40-year-old virgins living with their moms or to sell a full-house in Chicago”, but not to be champion, because that was beyond his pay grade.

Roman then called Punk a liar, claiming Punk tried to present himself as a locker room leader and veteran, but in reality, he was whining backstage and unfit to be champion. He went on to say that Punk was nothing more than a “Punk ass b***h” to him, and that at WrestleMania, the backup plan would end.

Reigns promised that when he captures the title, he would send Punk on a John Cena-style retirement tour, then to NXT to teach the next generation, so he can send them to the Tribal Chief, who would “smash each and every one.”

As Reigns started to leave, Punk grabbed him by the arms and fired back, asking who the “we” Reigns had referenced was. Punk declared that Roman is alone, with no Shield or Wiseman to support him. Punk asserted that he was the champion who ran things and that Reigns has never been able to accomplish anything on his own.

Punk stated that Reigns could hate him all he wanted, but he would not allow himself to be disrespected. He warned that Reigns had made the list and that he would bury him, he would bury him next to his father. Punk then left the ring as Reigns stood in the center, visibly irked and fuming with anger, as the show came to a close.

Who has the upper hand: CM Punk or Roman Reigns?

Above all, the promo once again showed why Punk and Reigns are among the all-time greats and can weave reality in promos that don’t feel scripted. Although Punk made the rivalry personal, Reigns will likely have something to say in his next appearance.

That said, it was the Champion that took the upper hand in this meeting. Punk brought sharp verbal attacks and emotional intensity. His ability to make promos feel unscripted and personal often gives him the edge with live audiences.

In contrast, Roman maintained his dominant and composed “Original Tribal Chief” persona. His demeanor was measured and deliberate, with every word and movement serving as a reminder of the authority he believes he commands.

While fans would definitely have an opinion on who took the upper hand, the promo was clearly designed to build tension ahead of WrestleMania rather than declare a clear winner.

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