As WWE’s Road to Royal Rumble European Tour continues, the company is stacking cards with its fighting champions.
CM Punk was out to address retaining his title last week against Bron Breakker. As Punk noted that Breakker and the Vision were in his rearview mirror, he expressed his excitement to find out who his next challenger would be. Fortunately, Punk didn’t have to wait long as Finn Balor, newly energized by his earlier conversation with Liv Morgan, made his way to the ring.
Finn Balor Wants Next During Raw’s Stop in Belfast
Balor reminded Punk that when he became champion, he named Finn as one of the guys he wanted to test his mettle against, so here he was. Punk acknowledged he did say Balor’s name, but that was months ago. Punk called out Balor’s ambition as he wondered what the man had been doing since then, echoing Morgan’s sentiment that Balor seemed to have become complacent. Punk said he’s seen Balor playing video games or backing up Dom and JD, and even some weeks, seemingly shining Liv Morgan’s shoes. He thought the timing was interesting, that Balor was there to pick the bones after Punk’s brutal battle with Bron Breakker. So Punk just had to know one thing: would he be wrestling Finn Balor or would he be wrestling Finn Balor and the Judgment Day? Punk was a man of his word, and he did say he wanted to face Balor. He was also a fighting champion and a fan of Finn Balor, so he wanted to do this right here and now.
Not so fast, Balor said. The former world champ pointed out that anyone who’s watched his career knows he’s not cutting the line because the line starts with him. But he has also watched Punk’s career, and he knows far too often Punk has taken advantage of timing and winning big matches in his hometown of Chicago. So Balor had an idea. He’d leave JD and Dom at home, but he wouldn’t be alone because this match was going to happen in Belfast, in front of Balor’s hometown, his friends, and family. Punk accepted, but not without apologizing to the people of Düsseldorf for not getting a match and the people of Belfast who would have to watch their hero go to sleep.
It’s been nearly four years since Finn Balor last held singles gold in WWE, having won the United States Championship in February 2022. He hasn’t been the world champion in nearly a decade, and fans will remember that reign was over before it could even begin due to Balor’s injury.
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