Roman Reigns Hints at Possible Retirement After WrestleMania 42

The Tribal Chief teases stepping away from WWE if he loses to CM Punk in the main event.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:54am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the WrestleMania 42 main event between Roman Reigns and CM Punk, with the wrestlers' figures fractured and abstracted into overlapping planes of color and shape, conveying the raw energy and uncertainty of the match.The high-stakes WrestleMania 42 main event between Roman Reigns and CM Punk is rendered in a cubist, deconstructed style, reflecting the uncertainty and tension surrounding the Tribal Chief's potential retirement.Philadelphia Today

Roman Reigns, who has held the WWE World Heavyweight Championship for a record-breaking 1,316 days, is hinting at the possibility of retiring from professional wrestling if he loses his title match against CM Punk at WrestleMania 42 this Sunday. Reigns, who has transitioned to being a special attraction in recent years while pursuing Hollywood opportunities, stated in a recent promo that if he were to lose to Punk, 'I don't belong in the WWE anymore' and 'I think if I were to lose on Sunday, I'd say my work is done.'

Why it matters

Reigns' comments have sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, as he has been the face of WWE for over a decade. His potential retirement would mark the end of an era and leave a massive void at the top of the company, especially with other top stars like John Cena also recently stepping away. Reigns' Hollywood aspirations also raise questions about whether he will follow in the footsteps of his cousin, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, and focus more on film and television.

The details

Roman Reigns is set to compete in his 11th WrestleMania main event this Sunday, facing off against CM Punk for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Reigns has held the title for a modern record 1,316 days, which ended at WrestleMania 40 when he lost to Cody Rhodes. In recent years, Reigns has transitioned to being a special attraction, appearing for a few weeks at a time before major events and then taking time off. With his growing Hollywood career, including a role in the upcoming 'Street Fighter' movie alongside Cody Rhodes, there has been speculation about Reigns' long-term future in WWE.

  • Roman Reigns will compete in the main event of WrestleMania 42 this Sunday, April 20, 2026.
  • Reigns' record-breaking 1,316-day WWE World Heavyweight Championship reign ended at WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia in 2024.

The players

Roman Reigns

The 'Tribal Chief' and face of WWE for over a decade, Reigns is a 6-time world champion who has headlined 11 WrestleMania events.

CM Punk

A former WWE Champion and one of the most popular superstars in recent history, Punk will challenge Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 42.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson

Reigns' cousin, who transitioned from WWE superstar to become a major Hollywood actor, inspiring speculation that Reigns may follow a similar path.

John Cena

Another WWE icon who has recently retired from full-time wrestling to focus on his acting career, providing a potential blueprint for Reigns' future.

Cody Rhodes

The wrestler who defeated Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 40, and Reigns' co-star in the upcoming 'Street Fighter' movie.

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What they’re saying

“If I lose to CM Punk, I don't belong in the WWE anymore. I think if I were to lose on Sunday, I'd say my work is done.”

— Roman Reigns

What’s next

All eyes will be on the main event of WrestleMania 42 this Sunday to see if Roman Reigns defeats CM Punk and continues his reign atop WWE, or if Punk pulls off the upset and potentially leads to Reigns stepping away from the company.

The takeaway

Roman Reigns' comments about potentially retiring if he loses to CM Punk at WrestleMania 42 have sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, as the Tribal Chief has been the face of WWE for over a decade. His potential departure, coupled with the recent retirements of other top stars like John Cena, would leave a massive void at the top of the company and raise questions about Reigns' long-term future, especially with his growing Hollywood aspirations.