Report: WWE changed original creative plans for Punk-Reigns Raw segment
CM Punk and Roman Reigns’ encounter on WWE Raw, as tense as it was, was reportedly not the original ending that was planned.
According to BodySlam+, the show-closing segment of Monday’s Raw was initially planned for a different creative direction. It was supposed to end with Reigns bringing up Punk’s dog, Larry, who passed away in December 2025, in a “darker response” than WWE ultimately ended up going with. This would be in retaliation to Punk’s comment about Reigns’ late father Sika Anoa’i a few weeks earlier.
Larry was CM Punk and AJ Lee’s rescue dog adopted from Paws Chicago in 2015. Following Larry’s passing, the couple participated in a fundraiser to raise money for Paws.
After what transpired with Punk mentioning Reigns’ family, social media was flooded with people anticipating a rebuttal about Larry. It seems it was heavily considered for last night. But instead of the planned route, the Raw face-off saw Reigns mock Punk for being old. The confrontation ended with Punk punching Reigns in the face as security rushed out to separate the two men.
There’s been no word as to why WWE changed directions for the segment. Punk and Reigns are facing off for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 42 this April. It’s expected to be the main event of night two on Sunday, April 19, though no official announcement has been made yet.
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.