CM Punk won the vacant WWE World Heavyweight Championship when he defeated Jey Uso at Saturday Night’s Main Event, and ever since then he’s had a target on his back. The Second City Saint successfully defended his title against Finn Balor during the 1/19 episode of Raw in Northern Ireland, but Balor made it clear he wasn’t done with the champion.
Over the last few weeks Finn Balor’s rivalry with CM Punk has become heated and Punk agreed to put the World Heavyweight Championship on the line in Chicago.
Finn Balor managed to connect with Coup De Grace and Punk kicked out at the last second. Punk hit Balor with the GTS right after, but Balor rolled out of the ring when he landed on the mat so Punk couldn’t capitalize.
Punk went to the outside and Balor dropkicked him through the barricade then threw him back into the ring. Balor went for another Coup De Grace, but Punk caught him when he came down and reversed it into the Sharpshooter. Balor got to the ropes to break the hold. Shortly after Punk connected with another GTS to retain the title.
After the match Finn Balor extended his hand for a handshake and CM Punk accepted. The two stars showed respect to one another as Balor left the ring. AJ Lee then ran down with the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship and the two champions celebrated together.
#ANDSTILL 🏆@CMPunk retains and WILL Main Event WrestleMania! pic.twitter.com/utChW5ECER
— WWE (@WWE) March 1, 2026