CM Punk is heading into WrestleMania with a very different path than most top stars, and he’s not complaining about it. After Roman Reigns made the call to choose Punk as his opponent, the usual chaos of the Elimination Chamber no longer applies to the reigning champion—and Punk is fully aware of the advantage.
Speaking about the situation with TalkSPORT, Punk made it clear that being handpicked for WrestleMania allows him to avoid the physical toll that comes with fighting through multiple contenders just to secure a spot.
“I’ve just appreciated that he picked me so I don’t have to pay any attention to the Elimination Chamber and I don’t got to worry about who’s in that and who’s winning that. It’s champ problems.”
Punk didn’t deny that being champion comes with pressure, but he also pointed out how it shifts the target away from him during one of the most dangerous stretches of the WWE calendar.
“You know, like heading into Mania, being the champion is a lot of responsibility. I feel like it’s great, but it also to me kind of almost takes the target off my back. I don’t have to be in the Rumble. I don’t have to go through hell in the Chamber. So I’m doing my best to rest and recover all the little nagging things I got going on.”
Even with Roman Reigns waiting on the biggest stage, Punk isn’t overlooking what’s directly in front of him. Before WrestleMania arrives, he’s set to deal with Finn Bálor, and he made it clear that match is getting his full attention.
“I’m sure I’ll see Roman at Mania, but I got Finn first at Elimination Chamber. And I don’t take anybody lightly. And Finn is going to find out in my hometown why they love me so much.”
Punk’s comments paint a clear picture—he’s embracing the perks of being champion while staying locked in on the road ahead. With fewer obstacles between him and WrestleMania, the focus now shifts to whether that extra recovery time gives him the edge when it matters most.
Do you think CM Punk has the advantage heading into WrestleMania after being chosen by Roman Reigns, or could that time off end up working against him? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.