Penta came up short in the biggest match of his WWE career, and cameras caught the emotional aftermath. Following the September 14, 2026 episode of WWE RAW, WWE posted footage on Twitter that never aired during the broadcast, showing Penta reacting moments after his World Heavyweight Championship loss to Roman Reigns in Mexico City.
Penta had just gone to war with Reigns in front of a crowd that treated him like a hometown god. He pushed Roman to the limit, survived a Superman Punch and came dangerously close to pulling off the upset before Reigns finally caught him with another Superman Punch and a spear for the three-count.
There wasn’t any bitterness from Penta afterward. When asked what competing for the World Heavyweight Championship in Mexico City meant to him, he immediately talked about the fans who had his back all night.
“First of all, I feel so proud about me. Because this is only for me. This is for all my people to come here to this arena in Mexico City. So thank you so much for everyone supporting me tonight. So this night was amazing.”
Penta also gave Roman his respect after finally experiencing firsthand what it’s like to share the ring with the World Heavyweight Champion.
“I know now why he is one of the best in the world.”
The emotion quickly turned into determination. While part of Penta’s next sentence in WWE’s footage was difficult to make out clearly, he appeared to make it known that he still wants another opportunity. What wasn’t unclear was his promise about where this story eventually ends.
“One day I become a World Heavyweight Champion. I promise you.”
Penta earned the shot after winning WWE’s tournament to determine Roman Reigns’ next challenger, and Mexico City made it painfully obvious who they wanted leaving with the championship. Penta received one of the biggest reactions of the entire night, while Roman was hammered with boos when he made his entrance.
Roman may have left Mexico with the championship, but Penta certainly didn’t sound like a man ready to accept that this was his only shot. He lost the match, gave Reigns his respect and then made one hell of a promise — someday, that World Heavyweight Championship is going around his waist.
Do you think Penta eventually becomes WWE World Heavyweight Champion after coming so close against Roman Reigns? Let us know your thoughts and feedback.
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