Finn Balor to Face CM Punk for World Heavyweight Title at Elimination Chamber – Finn Balor forced his way back into the title picture on the February 9 episode of RAW, setting up a World Heavyweight Championship match against CM Punk at Elimination Chamber in Chicago.
The segment began as Michael Cole entered the ring to interview Punk, but Balor interrupted by emerging from the crowd and confronting the situation head-on. He made it clear he was frustrated with being overlooked, reminding everyone of his recent attack on Punk and insisting he deserved recognition for it.
“Everyone is so focused on the future that people forget what happened two weeks ago when I left the champion in the ring like a wounded dog,” Balor said. “I’m not going to step aside and let Roman take credit for what I did.”
Balor also referenced his issues with Roman Reigns, claiming circumstances cost him a victory and reinforced his belief that he has been treated as an afterthought. His focus quickly returned to Punk as he demanded another opportunity at the title.
Adam Pearce attempted to shut the situation down, stating that WrestleMania plans were already in place and ordering Balor to leave the ring. The situation escalated when Punk made his entrance and stepped directly into the confrontation.
“You’re not an afterthought, you’re my first thought,” Punk told Balor. “You don’t deserve a title match, but you deserve an ass beating.”
Balor refused to fight without stakes, pushing Punk to put the championship on the line. Punk, feeding off the energy of the Cleveland crowd, accepted the challenge and continued to pressure Pearce.
“I beat Finn in Belfast and I’ll do it in Chicago,” Punk said, demanding the match be made official.
Pearce initially resisted but relented after Punk threatened to spend the rest of the night attacking Balor. The RAW General Manager confirmed the bout, making Punk vs. Balor for the World Heavyweight Championship official for Elimination Chamber on February 28.
The match adds another high-profile title defense for Punk as WrestleMania 42 approaches, while Balor gets the opportunity he’s been chasing since re-entering the championship conversation.
Finn Balor to Face CM Punk for World Heavyweight Title at Elimination Chamber
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