CM Punk Defeats Finn Balor To Retain World Heavyweight Championship At WWE Elimination Chamber 2026

Finn Balor’s attempt to change the entire landscape of WrestleMania 42 didn’t come to fruition at tonight’s WWE Elimination Chamber PLE, as CM Punk retained the World Heavyweight Championship in front of his home fans at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

As was expected from two seasoned performers like Finn and Punk, it proved to be a gritty, back-and-forth contest, with Balor bringing the fight to The Best in The World at his home turf. However, Punk, who was busted open by the time it ended, managed to stay alive in the contest.

Balor threw everything at Punk. He repeatedly attacked his ribs, nailed the Coup de Grace, and Dropkicked Punk through a barricade, but The Judgment Day member couldn’t get the job done. After sending the champion crashing through a barricade, Balor tossed his body inside the ring. However, Punk immediately stood up and nailed a GTS for a near pinfall. After another back-and-forth, Balor went for another Coup de Grace, but Punk converted it into The Sharpshooter.

Balor eventually got to the ropes, forcing Punk to break the hold. He resisted another attempt from Punk, who, in response, rained down kicks to the former Universal Champion’s head before executing another GTS to pick up the victory. After the match, Finn offered a handshake to Punk, and he obliged. He was then joined by newly crowned Women’s IC Champion AJ Lee in the ring.

The Best in the World will now defend the title against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42.

Check out the clips of CM Punk vs. Finn Balor via WWE’s X below:

The Second City Saint returns HOME! 👊@CMPunk pic.twitter.com/YC8hvGDun6

— WWE (@WWE) March 1, 2026

This match is BACK and FORTH 😤@CMPunk | @FinnBalor pic.twitter.com/0irIcK8TfW

— WWE (@WWE) March 1, 2026

.@CMPunk pulls out the GUTSY win and retains the World Heavyweight Title! 🫡

Next stop ➡️ The #WrestleMania Main Event pic.twitter.com/gNqwoCHrUk

— WWE (@WWE) March 1, 2026

#ANDSTILL 🏆@CMPunk retains and WILL Main Event WrestleMania! pic.twitter.com/utChW5ECER

— WWE (@WWE) March 1, 2026