CM Punk remains the WWE World Heavyweight Champion after overcoming Bron Breakker‘s intense challenge during the main event that marked the first anniversary of Raw on Netflix. The showdown took place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, making it a memorable night for both the brand and the champion. The CM Punk World Heavyweight Champion storyline was highlighted as Punk delivered a dramatic finish, solidifying his spot at the top of WWE.
Intensity and High Stakes Define the Match
Punk’s first televised title defense during his second reign brought added pressure, as he previously secured the vacant championship against Jey Uso in November at Saturday Night’s Main Event, following Seth Rollins’ vacated title due to injury. On this night, Breakker controlled much of the match, relying on sheer strength and an aggressive fighting style to keep Punk on the defensive.
Early on, Breakker battered Punk with powerful moves, using a physical approach to maintain the upper hand. A pivotal moment came when Breakker launched a running spear on the outside of the ring, only for Punk to counter with a flying clothesline, shifting momentum as the action briefly calmed before resuming with even greater energy.
Unexpected Errors and High-Drama Moments
The contest wasn’t without its mishaps. Breakker’s attempt at a top rope Frankensteiner resulted in an awkward landing, but both men quickly recovered, with Punk delivering an elbow drop. The action was relentless, and another attempt saw Breakker successfully execute the Frankensteiner. Punk tried to regain control, but a distraction from Paul Heyman halted his momentum just as he was closing in for a GTS finish.
Chaos increased when “The Vision” appeared, pulling Punk’s attention at a crucial moment. Amid the confusion, Breakker struck Punk from behind and knocked out the referee, allowing Austin Theory to enter with a curb stomp, nearly stealing a victory. The numbers game intensified as Dragon Lee, Penta, and Rey Mysterio rushed in to counter Bronson Reed’s interference, while Reed was clearing off a table for what seemed like a planned attack on Punk.
Punk’s Determination and Repeated Near Falls
Despite taking significant punishment, Punk continued to find ways to survive. After dodging Breakker’s ring-post spear and connecting with a GTS, Punk almost secured a win, but Breakker showed resilience by kicking out. When Breakker managed to trap Punk in an armbar, Punk answered with an anaconda vice, but Breakker escaped, hitting a gutbuster and a clothesline for another close two-count.
Punk later locked on an STF as a counter to another GTS attempt, forcing Breakker to the ropes. Heyman interfered once more by clambering onto the apron, prompting Punk to deliver a punch, followed by an evasive maneuver that sent Breakker out of the ring. However, Breakker retaliated with a punch as Punk attempted a dive through the ropes, causing Punk to hit the floor hard outside the ring.
The brutality escalated when Breakker used the top rope for a flying elbow drop and clothesline combination, smashing through the table with Punk. As the action returned to the ring, Breakker went for his devastating spear, but Punk anticipated the move, delivered a thunderous knee counter, and nailed the GTS to pin Breakker and retain the championship.
Celebration and Acknowledgment of Wrestling Heritage
Before the match started, Punk took a shot at Breakker’s lineage, wearing a University of Michigan-themed varsity jacket, calling back to the famous Rick and Scott Steiner, with whom Breakker shares a close family connection. The crowd in Brooklyn, as well as many watching on the Netflix anniversary episode, witnessed one of the most action-packed title defenses in recent history for the WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
Impact on WWE and the World Heavyweight Title Picture
The match’s high drama and multiple storylines involving Paul Heyman, Bronson Reed, Austin Theory, Dragon Lee, Penta, and Rey Mysterio demonstrate the current unpredictability and depth within WWE’s main roster. Fans can expect heightened anticipation for future title defenses, as Punk’s resilience and star power continue to drive interest in the championship scene. Punk’s victory reinforces his status as a cornerstone figure on WWE’s new era of Raw, featured on Netflix, promising more intense rivalries and unforgettable matches in the months ahead.
“PUNK RETAINS! 🏆@CMPunk is STILL World Heavyweight Champion! pic.twitter.com/69Mk2U1R6e”
— WWE (@WWE)
PUNK RETAINS! 🏆@CMPunk is STILL World Heavyweight Champion! pic.twitter.com/69Mk2U1R6e
— WWE (@WWE) January 6, 2026
