CM Punk, the reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion, will soon defend his title against a new contender as Finn Balor has officially issued a challenge for the championship. The upcoming bout is set for the next episode of RAW in Belfast, Northern Ireland, making Finn Balor the next CM Punk WWE title challenger in front of his home crowd.
CM Punk Looks Toward a New Opponent After Successful Title Defense
After emerging victorious in a physically intense contest against Bron Breakker last week, CM Punk addressed fans in Düsseldorf. He expressed his gratitude to the crowd and declared his intention to reign as World Champion for as long as possible. Punk noted that by overcoming Breakker and moving past The Vision’s interference, his focus now turns to whoever will challenge him next for the championship.
Finn Balor Steps Forward to Issue Challenge
As Punk was preparing to leave the ring, Finn Balor, alongside The Judgment Day, interrupted to confront the champion. Balor reminded Punk that there had been past discussions about a potential matchup between the two of them. He formally requested a title match, putting himself forward as the next contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Punk responded by emphasizing his reputation as a fighting champion and affirmed his willingness to honor his word. He accepted Balor’s challenge, indicating readiness to defend the title against him immediately. However, Finn Balor opted not to compete that night in Germany, instead proposing to face Punk in Belfast during the next RAW episode, allowing him to perform in front of his fellow Irish fans and compete for the championship on home soil.
“Things are heating up! 😲Are we getting @CMPunk vs @FinnBalor in Belfast, Ireland NEXT WEEK for the World Heavyweight Championship? pic.twitter.com/c1sNm1263m”— WWE (@WWE)
Anticipation Builds for the Title Match in Belfast
The announcement of the impending title match has stirred excitement among the WWE audience, particularly with the prospect of CM Punk defending his championship against Finn Balor in Northern Ireland. The home advantage may add extra motivation for Balor, while Punk aims to solidify his legacy as a fighting champion by accepting high-profile challenges across the WWE roster.
This impending contest also positions both wrestlers—CM Punk and Finn Balor—as central figures in WWE’s ongoing storylines, with the outcome likely to influence the larger championship landscape and set the tone for future rivalries. Fans will be paying close attention to RAW in Belfast to see whether Finn Balor can seize the WWE World Heavyweight Championship from Punk, or if Punk will continue his reign amid growing competition.
Things are heating up! 😲
Are we getting @CMPunk vs @FinnBalor in Belfast, Ireland NEXT WEEK for the World Heavyweight Championship? pic.twitter.com/c1sNm1263m
— WWE (@WWE) January 12, 2026
