CM Punk To Defend World Title In Chicago Before WrestleMania 42

CM Punk may have another major title defence ahead of him before his scheduled WrestleMania main event.

CM Punk is currently set to defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. However, a new report suggests he could face a familiar rival first.

According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, as of February 2, one proposed plan for Elimination Chamber would see Punk defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Balor. The event is scheduled for February 28 in Chicago, Punk’s hometown, making his presence on the card a priority.

Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp added that the long-term plan has been for Punk to compete at the show in some form because of its location. One creative idea would see Punk accept the rematch on “his turf” after previously facing Balor in Europe, which was closer to Balor’s home base.

The rivalry between the two has intensified in recent weeks. Balor last wrestled on January 19, when he lost a World Heavyweight Title match to Punk. The tension escalated on WWE Raw when Balor attacked Punk during his match against AJ Styles. Balor also missed out on competing in the 2026 Royal Rumble.

If the match becomes official, it would add a major title bout to the Elimination Chamber card over a month before Punk’s expected showdown with Reigns at WrestleMania.

How Long Has CM Punk Been WWE World Heavyweight Champion?

CM Punk has held the WWE World Heavyweight Championship for 97 days at the time of writing. Punk won the title by defeating Jey Uso in a match for the vacant belt at Saturday Night’s Main Event on November 1, 2025.

The title was vacated by Seth Rollins after he suffered a shoulder injury at Crown Jewel in a match against Cody Rhodes.