Nia Jax, who is related to Roman Reigns through the rock side of the family, publicly defended Reigns after CM Punk used a line about Reigns’ late father that drew sharp reaction. The exchange erupted on Monday’s Raw when Punk vowed to “bury” Reigns next to his father at WrestleMania 42, and Punk immediately left the ring after the remark. Jax said Punk’s comment won’t change the outcome at WrestleMania and emphasized her family’s strength as the feud intensifies.
The Rock family rallies: Jax stands by Reigns
Nia Jax, the reigning Women’s Tag Team Champion, framed the incident as the work of an opponent trying to get under Reigns’ skin. “I think small men bark loud, ” Jax said, and later added, “I know what my family is physically capable of. ” Jax noted her family ties on the rock side as part of her response and rejected the notion that a verbal jab would alter the path to their scheduled WrestleMania collision. She also addressed the challenger by his real name while predicting the outcome of the matchup, asserting that Punk’s words will not determine the result in the ring.
Punk’s line, Reigns’ reaction and outside voices
CM Punk escalated the segment by telling Roman Reigns, “You went from gettin’ beat at WrestleMania, now I’m gonna bury you. And then you won’t be all alone anymore because I’m gonna bury you next to your father. ” Reigns’ father, Sika Anoaʻi, passed away in 2024, and the line visibly shook the Tribal Chief; Punk bumped Reigns’ shoulder as he exited the ring. Many questioned whether the comment crossed a line, and Hall of Famer Bully Ray said he did not understand the choice other than for shock value, stating, “I still don’t understand, other than for shock value, why Punk would say it. ” The moment left Reigns looking unsettled at the end of the segment, suggesting the tactic did achieve the immediate aim of getting inside his head.
Looking ahead: WrestleMania in April and the fallout
The angle hardens the personal stakes for the match set to take place in April in Las Vegas, positioning Punk as willing to deploy extreme tactics and framing Reigns as a challenger forced to prove himself without the same support system he has relied on. Observers note the beat targeted Reigns’ isolation and past losses and say the exchange could define fan alignment heading into the show. With tensions now public and family support vocal, the rock family presence and the reactions from inside the locker room will be a storyline to watch as the build continues toward the April clash in Las Vegas.
