WrestleMania 41 April 19–20, 2026 · Las Vegas

CM Punk
vs
Drew McIntyre

Two years of genuine hatred — real and worked — collide on the grandest stage. The rivalry that defined 2025 WWE reaches its climax at WrestleMania 41.

The Rivalry

Started with CM Punk's return to WWE in late 2023, escalated into real backstage heat, locker room confrontations, and one of the most layered storylines in modern WWE history.

Stipulation Watch

Rumoured stipulations include Hell in a Cell, I Quit Match, or an Unsanctioned Street Fight — each would reflect the personal nature of this feud. A standard singles match would feel underwhelming.

The Stakes

Beyond wins and losses — this is about pride, legacy, and who has the last word. Whoever loses at WM41 may never fully escape the other's shadow again.

Rivalry Timeline

Late 2023

CM Punk Returns to WWE

Punk's return at Survivor Series ignites the wrestling world. Immediate friction with Drew McIntyre backstage.

Early 2024

Royal Rumble Aftermath

Tensions escalate on Raw. Drew cuts promos exposing what he claims is Punk's true character. The crowd doesn't know what to believe.

Mid 2024

Punk Injury — Drew Wins

CM Punk tears his tricep. Drew McIntyre capitalises, winning the WWE Championship. He dedicates the win to exposing Punk.

Late 2024

Punk Returns — War Continues

Punk comes back more dangerous than ever. The personal heat between both men has never been more real or more compelling.

2025–26

Road to WrestleMania 41

Both men manoeuvre to secure the WrestleMania showdown. The city of Las Vegas will be the final battlefield.

Match Breakdown

CP

CM Punk

The Best in the World

  • +Unmatched promo ability — wins the crowd every time
  • +WrestleMania experience — knows how to deliver big match moments
  • +Technical wrestling mastery — GTS, Anaconda Vice
  • -Injury history — tricep, knee concerns heading in
DM

Drew McIntyre

The Scottish Warrior

  • +Motivated like never before — personal investment in this match
  • +Power game + Claymore Kick — devastating finishing sequence
  • +Former WWE Champion — knows championship-level pressure
  • -WrestleMania main event losses — can he finally get the W?

Watch Highlights

Latest News

What They're Saying

Mark Henry (Busted Open Radio): "I'm excited for WrestleMania even more than I already was. I was already excited about CM Punk. I..."

2 months ago

Dave LaGreca (Busted Open Radio): "This Friday night on SmackDown, it is Drew McIntyre versus Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship."

2 months ago

Roman Reigns (Busted Open Radio): "You're gonna retire me? You're gonna retire CM Punk? Well brother you just made the list. You wen..."

2 months ago

CM Punk (POST Wrestling): "I've got to carry your bullshit to wrestlemania... I'm going to put you on one of those Cena reti..."

2 months ago

Davey Portman (POST Wrestling): "CM Punk taking a trick out of Christian's bag and telling Roman Reigns, hey, your dad? Your dad's..."

2 months ago

Peter Rosenberg (Cheap Heat with Peter Rosenberg): "I would not be remotely surprised to see that happen [Roman Reigns showing footage of CM Punk's U..."

2 months ago

Adam Silverstein (Getting Over Wrestling Podcast): "Cody Rhodes winning back the WWE Championship over Drew McIntyre in the main event of SmackDown o..."

2 months ago

CM Punk (Getting Over Wrestling Podcast): "I'm sorry Roman Reigns treated you, the Bloodline and his family like garbage over the years. I'm..."

2 months ago

Kenny (Inside The Ropes): "Drew McIntyre is leaving after WrestleMania to go and film Highlander. If it is that, that's goin..."

2 months ago

Peter Rosenberg (Cheap Heat with Peter Rosenberg): "There's no way that CM Punk mentioning Sika wasn't something that was considered. There's no word..."

2 months ago

CM Punk (Getting Over Wrestling Podcast): "Fuck you, buddy. This is the garden. The marquee says wrestling, not cinema, you fucking idiot."

2 months ago

Jeff Hawkins on Voices of Wrestling: "CM Punk is going to get booed out of the building at WrestleMania."

2 months ago

More WrestleMania 41