CM Punk Will Finally Headline WrestleMania; WWE Confirms Night One Main Event (WWE News)

Paul Heyman announced on Friday's episode of SmackDown in London, England that CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins will main event the opening night of WrestleMania 41 action this April. WWE boss Triple H has made the decision to gift Punk his first ever headline spot on the biggest weekend of the entire year, and it's been a long time coming for the guy.

Most wrestling fans probably thought Punk's big date with destiny was never going to happen when he left WWE under a dark cloud back in January 2014. A stint in MMA with UFC followed, then Punk rejoined the wrestling party by signing on with AEW in 2021. Almost 4 years on from memorably dancing back into view on Tony Khan's now-defunct Rampage show, Punk will go on last at 'Mania.

What a journey.

Cody Rhodes defending the WWE Title vs. freshly turned heel John Cena will main event night two in Las Vegas. 24 hours before that, Punk will cry tears of joy as he finally realises a lifelong dream. Heyman stopped his old charge from poring over the contract on SmackDown, then said he knew what Punk was looking for.

CM was visibly emotional when it was officially announced that he'd main event one of the biggest cards of 2025. It's bigger than just this year for the guy - he's wanted this for a long, long time. Apparently, good things come to those who wait, but WWE's announcement has flagged up concerns elsewhere on the promotional pecking order.

What Does This Mean For Other Headline Candidates?

Previously, it seemed like Jey Uso challenging Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship would headline night one. Jey shocked the world by winning the men's Royal Rumble in early-February, then set out his stall for a bid to dethrone the 'Ring General' in Vegas. Everything looked like it was heading in the right direction, but WWE hasn't come through on Uso's 'Main Event' nickname.

Now, it looks more likely he'll actually open the show on either night. That'll still be special, but it does spit in the face of the "main event" claims used to sell the Rumble match as ultra-important. Of course, Jey Uso and Gunther aren't the only pair who miss out on a headline berth.

Charlotte Flair heard boos when she won the women's Rumble, then announced that she'd be challenging NXT > main roster sensation Tiffany Stratton for the Women's Title at WrestleMania 41. That would've been an alternative option for Trips and WWE's decision-makers, but they've knocked it back in favour of the Triple Threat.

Stratton vs. Flair is another candidate to kick things off on either 19 or 20 April. Again, this doesn't do much for the overall credibility of the Royal Rumble concept. Fingers crossed things pan out and everyone has a positive experience next month.

Punk won't be concerned with any of the fallout elsewhere. He'll be buzzing at the thought of finally achieving one of his major goals in the industry.