CM Punk to Defend World Heavyweight Title in Chicago

Finn Balor gets a chance to challenge Punk in his hometown before Reigns match at WrestleMania

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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WWE has announced that CM Punk will defend his world heavyweight championship against Finn Balor at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view on February 28th in Chicago. This match comes before Punk's highly anticipated title defense against Royal Rumble winner Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.

Why it matters

Punk is a Chicago native, so defending his title in his hometown will be a huge moment for the champion. Balor also has history with Punk, having lost to him previously, so this is his chance to regain the title in Punk's backyard. The outcome of this match could have major implications for the WrestleMania main event between Punk and Reigns.

The details

On this week's episode of Monday Night Raw, Finn Balor made it clear he wants another shot at Punk's world heavyweight championship. Raw General Manager Adam Pearce was hesitant to book the match, but Punk insisted on defending his title in Chicago and giving the fans what they want to see. The match at Elimination Chamber will be a high-stakes showdown, with Punk looking to retain his title before his blockbuster WrestleMania match against Reigns.

  • The Elimination Chamber pay-per-view will take place on February 28, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
  • WrestleMania 42 is scheduled for April 6, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The players

CM Punk

The current WWE world heavyweight champion, a native of Chicago who will be defending his title in his hometown.

Finn Balor

A former WWE Universal champion who is getting another opportunity to challenge Punk for the world heavyweight title.

Roman Reigns

The winner of the 2026 Royal Rumble, who is set to challenge Punk for the world heavyweight championship at WrestleMania 42.

Adam Pearce

The Raw General Manager who was hesitant to book the Punk vs. Balor match at Elimination Chamber.

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What they’re saying

“We're getting it: It's going to be one hell of a night for Chicago later this month, what with both Punk and AJ Lee on the card.”

— Geno Mrosko, Author (cagesideseats.com)

What’s next

The winner of the Punk vs. Balor match at Elimination Chamber will go on to face Roman Reigns for the world heavyweight championship at WrestleMania 42.

The takeaway

This match in Punk's hometown of Chicago adds an extra layer of drama and excitement to his title reign, as he looks to successfully defend his championship before his highly anticipated WrestleMania showdown with Royal Rumble winner Roman Reigns.