The WWE Universe was in for a shocking night on the April 4, 2025, episode of SmackDown, as CM Punk finally played his trump card and confronted Roman Reigns in one of the most unforgettable moments in recent history.
The show’s main event saw Roman Reigns successfully defend his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Cody Rhodes in a grueling match. The Tribal Chief, flanked by Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso, did everything in his power to retain the gold, using interference and underhanded tactics to once again deny Rhodes his moment. After a brutal spear, Reigns pinned Cody, leaving him broken in the ring as SmackDown seemed ready to go off the air.
But then, the familiar sound of “Cult of Personality” blasted through the arena. The crowd erupted as CM Punk made his way to the stage, microphone in hand, a devilish smirk on his face. Punk had returned to WWE months earlier at the Royal Rumble, but he had been lying low, carefully waiting for his moment to strike. Tonight was that night.
Punk reminded the audience that he had been granted a favor from WWE management—a favor that he had kept close to his chest. He revealed that the favor gave him a guaranteed championship match at a time of his choosing, without the need for a Money in the Bank contract or any formal challenge.
Roman Reigns, already exhausted from his battle with Cody, looked furious but still confident. He signaled for Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso to step in, but before they could attack, Punk dropped the microphone and charged toward the ring.
A chaotic brawl ensued, with Punk fighting off Jimmy and Solo using quick strikes and well-placed kicks. As the numbers game threatened to overwhelm him, reinforcements arrived in the form of Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, who evened the odds. The crowd erupted as chaos unfolded around the ring.
With Jimmy and Solo neutralized, Punk turned his attention to Reigns. The Tribal Chief swung wildly, but Punk dodged and delivered a series of blistering knee strikes. Reigns staggered, and Punk hoisted him up for the GTS (Go to Sleep). The arena exploded as Punk dropped Reigns, his knee smashing into the champion’s face.
Roman collapsed, unconscious in the ring. Punk, breathing heavily, looked down at his fallen rival and smirked. Instead of immediately calling for a referee, he grabbed the WWE Championship and held it high, taunting The Bloodline as officials stormed the ring to check on Reigns.
The show closed with Punk standing tall, the crowd chanting his name as Reigns lay motionless on the mat. The message was clear—CM Punk was back, and he had just made the biggest statement of his WWE return.
With WrestleMania on the horizon and Roman’s grip on the title now uncertain, the WWE landscape had shifted dramatically. The question now wasn’t whether CM Punk would become champion—it was when.
