In a bold declaration, one of WWE's top female stars has set her sights on a groundbreaking main event spectacle. Roxanne Perez has exclusively revealed her desire to headline WrestleMania in a rare intergender match against none other than CM Punk.
A Dream Match Forged in Fandom
For the 24-year-old Perez, the choice of opponent is deeply personal. She confessed that Punk was her favourite wrestler while growing up, making a potential showdown the ultimate career milestone. 'If I had the chance to wrestle someone, main event WrestleMania with a male wrestler, it would definitely 100% be CM Punk,' she stated emphatically.
The connection between the two runs deeper than just fandom. Perez highlighted a memorable promo segment with Punk during her time in NXT as one of her favourites. Furthermore, Punk is married to AJ Lee, who Perez cites as her own childhood hero. The return of the former Divas Champion has only fuelled Perez's ambitions.
'I'm constantly telling [AJ], "I can't retire until I have a match with you,"' Perez teased. 'We both want to make it work, so you never know... If I can't get AJ, I'm gonna Pop Rox CM Punk as much as I can!'
Proving Her Mettle Among Legends
Despite her youth, Roxanne Perez has already earned the respect of WWE's most iconic figures. This was showcased recently when John Cena personally requested her involvement during his retirement tour. At the Survivor Series event last month, Perez and Raquel Rodriguez hit their signature moves on the 17-time world champion.
Perez admitted she was surprised by Cena's request, wondering if he would agree to take a finisher from someone of her stature. 'It actually was all [Cena's] idea,' she revealed, noting his full support for the spot. This endorsement underscores the high regard in which she is held backstage.
Her credentials are formidable. Perez made history in the 2025 Royal Rumble, lasting an incredible one hour, seven minutes and 47 seconds and finishing as runner-up to Charlotte Flair. 'It just shows that I've always been able to step in the ring with the best and hold my own,' she said with pride.
The Path of a Young Veteran
Roxanne Perez's journey is unique. She began training at just 13 years old, signed with Booker T's Reality of Wrestling at 16, and was snapped up by WWE when she was only 20. She reflected on the challenge of being a teenager on the independent circuit, surrounded by older, more experienced performers.
'I guess it was hard to navigate at that age, just because I wasn't sure if I was on the same level,' she recalled. These 'sink or swim situations' forged her into a champion, with Shawn Michaels crowning her NXT champion before her 21st birthday.
Now, she sees herself as a trailblazer for a new generation, inspired by young achievers like actress Jenna Ortega and fellow rising WWE talents. 'My goal was always just to prove to everybody and to show younger people that it's possible, regardless of age,' Perez affirmed.
Looking ahead, Perez is set to return to the UK for the inaugural Road to Royal Rumble Tour next month, ahead of the iconic event on January 31. As she continues to shatter expectations, her dream of a historic WrestleMania clash with CM Punk remains a powerful motivator, signalling a potential new era for WWE's storytelling.
