During a WWE Raw segment, CM Punk and Roman Reigns traded similar quotes refusing to call each other 'Joe' out of respect for a 'real Samoan.' WWE shared Reigns' remark on X, while Fightful reported Punk's response and a new match graphic for Punk vs. Reigns.
On March 17, 2026, during WWE Raw, CM Punk and Roman Reigns engaged in a verbal exchange featuring mirrored quotes emphasizing respect for Samoan heritage, a kayfabe nod likely referencing wrestler Samoa Joe. Fightful first posted at 02:23:45 UTC about a new match graphic teasing CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns. Minutes later, at 02:30:54 UTC, Fightful shared Punk's quote directed at Reigns: “Certainly I am not calling Joe because that would be insulting to a Samoan who I love very, very much.” Almost simultaneously, at 02:30:45 UTC, WWE posted Reigns' response on X, tagging @CMPunk: 'I'm certainly not going to call you Joe because that would be insulting to a real Samoan who I love very much,' accompanied by a shocked emoji (😱). These posts build hype for an apparent upcoming clash between the two stars, blending WWE's scripted rivalries with social media teases. No further details on the segment's outcome or match date were provided.