Former WWE referee Mike Chioda says Reigns’ use of steel steps on Punk at WrestleMania 42 should have been a DQ

Retired WWE referee Mike Chioda replied to a fan on Twitter after Roman Reigns weaponized the steel ring steps on CM Punk during the WrestleMania 42 World Heavyweight Championship main event, writing, “Yes it sure is a DQ. Don’t know why the referee didn’t protect himself while goin over it in rehearsals.” The singles match carried standard disqualification rules, but referee Rod Zapata did not call for a DQ after the incident—despite Zapata reacting immediately—and Michael Cole noted on commentary that the magnitude of the WrestleMania main event appeared to afford some leeway. Reigns ultimately won the match to become the new World Heavyweight Champion.

The fallout continued on Raw, where Reigns celebrated with The Usos and was confronted by Jacob Fatu, who issued a challenge for the World Heavyweight Title at Backlash Tampa; Reigns gave Fatu a week to decide. CM Punk also addressed the loss on Raw and suggested targeting the Undisputed WWE Championship, a tease interrupted by Cody Rhodes’ appearance but without a concrete timeline for Punk’s next title pursuit.

Originally reported by Wrestling Observer: https://www.f4wonline.com/news/former-wwe-referee-addresses-dq-oversight-in-wrestlemania-42-main-event/.