While the WWE Universe was left stunned by Paul Heyman’s double betrayal of Roman Reigns and CM Punk at WrestleMania 41, not everyone is sympathizing with the fallen champions. In fact, a growing number of fans are standing behind Heyman, arguing that Reigns and Punk had it coming and deserved this betrayal from the Hall of Fame manager.
For years, Paul Heyman has been known as the mastermind behind some of WWE’s greatest champions, but his loyalty has often come at a cost. His alliance with Roman Reigns defined an era of dominance, yet cracks began to show when CM Punk returned to WWE and rekindled his past relationship with Heyman.
In reality, Paul played a significant role in shaping both Reigns’ “Tribal Chief” persona and Punk’s character. He’s the greatest manager in WWE right now. But when it came to making a decision, he never got that position.
Rather than allowing Heyman to make his own choices, Reigns and Punk engaged in a toxic battle. Every time Reigns called himself the “Tribal Chief,” it wasn’t always backed up with respect. He insulted Heyman in front of everyone on Raw and failed to be there when Wiseman needed him.
That’s why some fans supporting the 59-year-old argue that by pressuring him, Punk and Reigns betrayed him first—making Paul Heyman’s actions at WrestleMania 41 not an act of treachery, but of self-preservation.
Roman and Punk deserve no sympathy, they deserved it. Roman abused and forced Paul to choose between the two of them, and Punk put Heyman into a toxic situation with Roman. In a way, they're the ones who betrayed Paul first. #WrestleMania
— Johnny Wrestling Fan (-_•) (@JJUndisputed) April 20, 2025
Here’s what one fan said, who was frustrated with Reigns and Punk’s toxic battle: “Roman and Punk deserve no sympathy; they deserved it. Roman abused and forced Paul to choose between the two of them, and Punk put Heyman into a toxic situation with Roman. In a way, they’re the ones who betrayed Paul first.”
Camera caught CM Punk blaming himself for this mess
Once the situation had calmed down, CM Punk stood in the ring, muttering, “I f*cking did it.” His frustration was clear because everyone knew the mess started because of him.
Punk had a dream of headlining WrestleMania and winning the title with Heyman’s help. But things quickly turned against him as Heyman had his own plans. Paul Heyman shocked everyone by turning on both Punk and Reigns, helping Seth Rollins win the match.
“I fucking did it”
— CM Punk Stories (@CMPunkStories) April 20, 2025
-CM Punk, #Wrestlemania Main Eventer. pic.twitter.com/oeXoZb1wnY
Now, it’s unclear how Punk will fix this mess. If he can’t, we might witness the rise of a new era led by the Visionary, as anyone Paul Heyman touches becomes a goldmine and money-maker for WWE in a short time.
