CM Punk Hints at Favor Paul Heyman Owes Him on SmackDown
CM Punk opens SmackDown, thanks Chicago crowd, and drops major hints about a favor Paul Heyman owes him that could impact Roman Reigns.
The mystery surrounding a favor between CM Punk and Paul Heyman deepened during the SmackDown opening segment this week, with implications that could affect Roman Reigns heading into WrestleMania 41.
Kicking off the show in Chicago, Punk addressed the crowd about his WrestleMania main event position. When fans chanted “You deserve it!” Punk responded firmly: “I earned it.” He referenced his journey from backyard wrestling days to appearing at WrestleMania 22, where he dressed as Al Capone during John Cena’s entrance. After thanking his wife AJ Lee and the Chicago crowd, Punk promised to defeat both Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns at the upcoming WrestleMania.
The segment took an intriguing turn when Paul Heyman interrupted with his signature “Ladies and Gentlemen” introduction. Heyman requested another favor from Punk – specifically asking him to reveal what the original unspecified favor actually was. Punk declined to tell Heyman directly, stating he would prefer to “tell Roman Reigns what the favor is to his face” while Heyman was present.
Punk hinted that the mysterious favor would somehow impact Reigns, though details remained vague. Reigns was notably absent, reportedly at a “training camp” according to Heyman. Before the segment concluded, Punk remarked they were “just stockpiling favors at that point,” further building anticipation around this developing storyline.
WHAT IS THE FAVOR?!? 👀@CMPunk @HeymanHustle #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/rh8RzAFDOR
— WWE (@WWE) April 5, 2025
The nature of this favor and its potential consequences for the WrestleMania 41 championship picture remain unclear, but it’s evidently becoming a central element in the build toward the premium live event.
