CM Punk, the reigning World Heavyweight Champion, set the stage for a major showdown on WWE RAW in Düsseldorf, Germany, just one week after successfully defending his title against Bron Breakker during the program’s anniversary event on Netflix. The anticipation surged when Punk openly challenged anyone backstage, indicating he was ready to defend his title again at a moment’s notice.
Finn Balor Targets Championship After Candid Backstage Exchange
Two weeks before the challenge, Finn Balor made it clear in a promo that his focus was set on reclaiming gold for The Judgment Day. Backstage, while Balor was seen immersed in video games, Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez pressed him to shift his attention. Morgan told him,
“it’s time to stop playing games,”
—Liv Morgan—prompting Balor to assure them that bigger plans were in motion.
Title Match Agreed for Next RAW in Ireland
The RAW crowd in Düsseldorf was caught off guard when Finn Balor became the first to answer CM Punk’s open challenge. Excitement in the arena spiked as Punk declared his readiness to compete that very night, but Balor insisted the match would take place elsewhere. Instead, Balor requested the championship opportunity to be scheduled in his home country, Ireland, during the next edition of WWE RAW in Belfast.
With Balor’s challenge set, the stakes were elevated as he promised to become the first Irish World Heavyweight Champion by defeating “The Best in the World” on home soil. This announcement generated immense buzz, as it marks the first time these two superstars will meet in the ring, creating a dream scenario for dedicated wrestling fans.
What This Match Means for WWE and Fans
A CM Punk World Title Match against Finn Balor in Ireland represents not just a clash between two premier athletes, but also a historic moment for WWE’s international audience. With the match being staged in Belfast, the anticipation is high for a significant crowning or an emphatic defense. For fans of wrestling, this encounter is notable both for its novelty and the personal stakes involved, particularly for Finn Balor competing before a home crowd.
Finn Bálor wants a match against CM Punk for the World Title.#WWERAW pic.twitter.com/3o46rcn83h
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) January 12, 2026
