Former WWE referee addresses DQ oversight in WrestleMania 42 main event
Retired WWE referee Mike Chioda responded to a tweet questioning Roman Reigns using steel steps as a weapon in the WrestleMania 42 main event.
There was no stipulation set for CM Punk and Reigns’ World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania Sunday. It was a singles match which meant a winner would be declared via pinfall, submission, countout or disqualification. Chioda stated it was a certain disqualification and questioned why referee Rod Zapata did not call it out.
“Yes it sure is a DQ. Don’t know why the referee didn’t protect himself while goin over it in rehearsals.”
Reigns weaponized the steel steps on Punk who was hanging upside down from the ropes. Zapata stood up to Reigns immediately after it happened but it did not bear any repercussions on the match’s outcome. However, during the bout Michael Cole exclaimed that given the stature of the WrestleMania 42 main event it is granted a leeway.
Reigns ended up winning the match to become the new World Champion. Following the error in the match, there is no confirmation on whether it will impact his future as titleholder.
On the Raw after Mania, Reigns celebrated his win with The Usos by his side, and laid out an invitation for a Bloodline reunion. They were interrupted by Jacob Fatu who cited his intention to challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash Tampa in May. Fatu didn’t just want what Reigns had but needed it. Reigns did not give a conclusive answer to the challenge but stated that he will give Fatu a week to ponder on his request.
Punk also appeared on Raw earlier discussing the loss and his mindset to overcome it. Cody Rhodes walked out and Punk suggested potentially going after for the Undisputed WWE Championship but did not give any specification on when.
Rosanne Raphael is a wrestling writer with over three and a half years of experience covering all things related to the industry. From a kindergarten teacher to PR Associate to turning her lifelong passion for the industry into a career, Rosanne is currently writing for F4W Online where she focuses on wrestling news, analysis, and storytelling.
Rosanne previously contributed to Sportskeeda as an Assistant Content Manager.
When not consumed by wrestling, Rosanne is a musician and an aspiring artist.