標籤: claiming

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE internally discussed a scenario in which CM Punk would retain the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 42 before ultimately selecting Roman Reigns as champion.

The report clarifies that Reigns’ victory was always the long-term plan, but an alternate ending involving Punk was considered so seriously that it was discussed internally before being rejected.

Meltzer wrote, “Rengs was always going to emerge as champion because long-term plans were made for him at that position, including a title fight with Gunther.” “It was possible and clearly talked about that Punk could defeat Reigns and then lose the title at Backlash, so they would be ‘even’ when it was over, but Reigns would finish as champion as a way to protect Punk’s position. But in the end the decision was for Reigns to win here.”

Punk’s victory at WrestleMania, followed by a title loss at Backlash in Tampa on May 9, would leave both men tied in whatever happened next, reducing Punk’s blowout and ultimately leaving Las Vegas unchampioned. The fact that it was considered at all shows how well matched both options were at some point in the creative process, even if Reigns’ victory was always the likely decision.

In the night two main event of WrestleMania 42, Reigns defeated Punk with two spears in a match that lasted 30 minutes. At the press conference after the show, Reigns announced that he would be appearing throughout the summer. WWE wasted no time in setting up its next direction, setting up a showdown between Reigns and Jacob Fatu on that Monday show.

There is already an important program attached to the long-term picture beyond Fatu. Gunther has been identified as a key direction for Reigns’ title reign, which would be one of the best championship programs WWE could do, given the star power of both sides. With Reigns now confirmed as the centerpiece of the summer’s World Heavyweight Championship picture, the creative roadmap appears to be in place.