1. A WrestleMania Already Written… Just Not With Punk or Reigns
The name of Seth Rollins has been taking up the headlines of WWE since his victorious fightback in the place of both CM Punk and Roman Reigns at Wrestle Mania in the year 41. But as fans and insiders begin to piece together and head in the direction of WrestleMania 42, Rollins is categorical: he does not wish for either Punk or Reigns on the opposite side of the ring. The ex-Shield Architect is planning his second chapter, and it is oddly poetic.
- 1. A WrestleMania Already Written… Just Not With Punk or Reigns
- 2. The Well-Worn Rivalry: Why Another Match with Punk or Reigns Feels Overdone
- 3. “Poetic Justice”: Redefining WrestleMania with Cody Rhodes
- 4. WWE Landscape: Is Cody Even Free for a Grant?
- 5. Layers of Emotion: Why Setting New Ground Matters
- 6. Commentary: Emotions Over Repetition
- 7. The Bigger Picture: What Rolls On After This Choice
2. The Well-Worn Rivalry: Why Another Match with Punk or Reigns Feels Overdone
Rollins is not afraid of anything, but has developed a narrative. His confrontations with Punk and Reigns have been protracted, bloody, and heart-wrenching. Punk was especially moved when Rollins attacked him at SummerSlam on a faked injury and with the Money in the Bank briefcase in what would come to be called the Heist of the Century Part 2. Bleacher ReportDiario AS
Outside hostility, the antagonism between Rollins and Punk or the unspoken mistrust with Reigns has now been bound into a non-fictional storyline. It is interesting, certainly, yet demarcations between ring and reality are washed over, so rematches are repeated emotionally over and over.
3. “Poetic Justice”: Redefining WrestleMania with Cody Rhodes
Rollins’ real vision? A title match with the biggest rival he has ever defeated during WrestleMania: Cody Rhodes.
In an eye-opening interview with The Rich Eisen Show, Rollins, in February 2025, stated:
Cody Rhodes should be my dream opponent for that title… I believe that it would be extremely poetic to find a way to take the WWE Championship off Cody Rhodes this year during WrestleMania.
Their three-match series in 2022, leading to a brutal Hell in a Cell in which Rhodes fought through a torn pectoral, was emotional as it was physical. Now, the common past establishes the moment of one more defining moment, Rollins changing the fate and winning not only a belt, but redemption. The Sport Review
4. WWE Landscape: Is Cody Even Free for a Grant?
Rhodes sits at the apex, entering WrestleMania 42 WWE Champion after toppling John Cena at SummerSlam. Traditionally, Rumble winners challenge the champion, which means Rhodes’ spot may already be claimed. The Sport Review
On the other hand, CM Punk could win the Royal Rumble, potentially setting the stage for a Punk vs. Rhodes showdown, further clouding the path to Rollins’ dream match. The Sport Review
5. Layers of Emotion: Why Setting New Ground Matters
This is not a fine, matchup choice; it is thematic development.
The feud between Rollins and Punk is an emotional betrayal and a legacy fight. To go against Punk once more in Mania is to walk upon territory already covered with psychic blood. Like Reigns, but they have never really believed in each other; their history has become circular.
But Cody Rhodes? They have their ups, downs, and business to finish. It is traditional hero-versus-old comrade, now enriched with years of individual development, joint martyrdom, and mutual legend. The Midwest Kid vs. The Visionary. The redemption story that longs to be closed.
6. Commentary: Emotions Over Repetition
This is where the humanity clicks in: Wrestling is theater, and good theater is one that develops.
Punk and Reigns have had a significant role in shaping the direction of Rollins. Yet WrestleMania is the arena. It is as though you were writing a song with the pause button on. Against Rhodes? It is the last stanza to an epic ballad that they have both been creating over the years.
The spectacle of WrestleMania is in need of new stakes, which are personal as they may be. Rhodes’ confrontation grants Rollins his wish: he doesn’t just get vengeance, he gets a complete character transformation of what he has become.
7. The Bigger Picture: What Rolls On After This Choice
- If WrestleMania 42 offers Cody vs. Rollins, it signals creative ambition and emotional closure.
- If Punk or Reigns return anyway? Fans still show up, but the narrative runs the risk of echoing.
- Cody’s path to Rhodes could be blocked by Rumble politics, but even the speculation builds drama.
Rollins is steering the ship and in doing so, reshaping WrestleMania scripts away from repeating old conflicts, toward something more resonant.
