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3 Reasons Why CM Punk vs. Finn Balor is Happening on WWE RAW

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Shiraz Aslam | Last updated Jan 17, 2026 4:43 PM ET

CM Punk vowed to be a fighting champion, and he will live up to his promise on the next episode of RAW. For the second time this month, Punk will put the World Heavyweight Championship on the line. Only this time, he stands across a highly motivated Finn Bálor.

Naturally, WWE wants to book some high-profile matches for its ongoing European tour, but Punk vs. Bálor seems to have come out of nowhere. Here, we explore a few reasons why Triple H might have booked CM Punk vs. Finn Bálor for the upcoming episode of RAW.

#3. Belfast Will Be Hot for CM Punk vs. Finn Bálor

The Second City Saint offered to face Finn Bálor in Germany this past week, but Balor turned it down. The match was booked for RAW in Belfast. From a business perspective, this is a logical approach. Having grown up in Ireland, the Prince is a well-loved and popular figure in Belfast.

The WWE Universe will come in huge numbers to see the Prince battle Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship. European crowds are known for their insane energy. However, Balor’s popularity and fame will only increase the crowd’s energy level on RAW.

Although Punk is incredibly popular and over, he could be booed as Belfast will firmly support Bálor. Therefore, WWE was looking to capitalize on Bálor’s fame by booking him in a high-profile bout.

#2. WWE Wants to Keep CM Punk Away From the Vision

For the majority of 2025, CM Punk was embroiled in a perpetual feud with the Vision. When Seth Rollins was part of the group, the storyline made sense. However, WWE unnecessarily prolonged the Vision’s storyline with Punk beyond Rollins’ injury and ejection from the group.

Punk defeated Bron Breakker on the first RAW of 2026. While this could have been the end of their feud, Triple H might just be keeping the Straight Edge Superstar away from the Unpredictable Badass to avoid audience fatigue. Adam Pearce handed Breakker a suspension this past week, and the company could continue this angle for a while.

Therefore, in this scenario, Finn Bálor is just a placeholder challenger, keeping the World Heavyweight Champion preoccupied until WWE revisits the angle with Breakker.

#1. WWE Might Be Looking to Pull a Massive Surprise

Very few people expect Finn Bálor to win the World Heavyweight Championship on RAW in Belfast. The Prince has not been booked convincingly in months, and Triple H has not committed to a sustained push. However, Hunter is known for pulling out surprises, especially this close to the Road to WrestleMania.

Drew McIntyre recently dethroned Cody Rhodes in an epic Three Stages of Hell Match on the January 9th edition of SmackDown. Along similar lines, the World Title scene on RAW could also receive a major jolt. The Prince could shock the Best in the World out of nowhere and snatch the World Heavyweight Championship.

If WWE has potential plans with Bálor as champion, then a bold move like this would make sense. However, considering Bálor’s lack of momentum and Triple H’s low-risk booking, it is an improbable option.