WATCH: CM Punk refuses Paul Heyman's request before WrestleMania 41

This week's WWE Smackdown began with a promo cut by CM Punk, in which Paul Heyman entered the ring to speak to his friend. Punk opened Friday night's performance in his birthplace of Chicago, where he expressed gratitude to the crowd and claimed that he deserved to face Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania. The soon-to-be main event of WrestleMania thanked the audience and gave a reflection on his life's struggles. Paul Heyman, who owes him a favor, joined him shortly after.

Paul Heyman informed CM Punk of his next request, which was for Punk to inform him of the nature of the first favor. Heyman happened to be there when Punk said that he wanted to tell Roman Reigns what the favor was to his face. The "favor" would have some effect on Reigns, he hinted. Roman Reigns was running late because he was at a "training camp". But there was yet another significant hint as to what that favor may be. Before saying that Punk belongs in the main event of WrestleMania, Heyman apologized for his late arrival and insisted there was no disrespect intended.

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WHAT IS THE FAVOR?!? 👀@CMPunk@HeymanHustle#SmackDownpic.twitter.com/rh8RzAFDOR

— WWE (@WWE) April 5, 2025

 At the Survivor Series, he talked about bringing Punk on board for Roman Reigns' squad. He also mentioned that he had one more favor to do, asking Punk what he owed him. Although it is not his business, Punk stated that he would want to tell Reigns the favor in person since it may have an impact on him. He also mentioned that Reigns was scheduled to be here but had not yet arrived at the arena. Heyman was left alone in the ring when Punk fled. 

CM Punk to win at WrestleMania 41

At that time, they were simply hoarding favors, as Punk said. CM Punk talked about his days as a backyard wrestler and his time cosplaying as Al Capone during John Cena's entrance in the main event of WrestleMania 22 (in 2006). He responded to the crowd's chant of "You deserve it!" after pointing out his spot at the main event of WrestleMania 41 by saying that he earned it. Before thanking Chicago, he thanked his wife, AJ Lee. He then said, "The hard work began now," promising to defeat Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 41.