CM Punk is heading into one of the biggest matches of his WWE career this April at WrestleMania 42, where he’s set to face Roman Reigns. But before the Second City Saint can reach that blockbuster showdown, a major obstacle could block his path—Finn Bálor and the looming Elimination Chamber event in Punk’s hometown of Chicago.
CM Punk’s WrestleMania Road Hits a Bálor-Sized Bump
The highly anticipated Elimination Chamber 2026 is set for Saturday, February 28, live from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. With the event taking place in his backyard, it’s no surprise that WWE is planning for CM Punk to be in action that night.
According to Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp, one early plan involved Punk accepting a rematch against Finn Bálor—this time on his turf, after previously beating Bálor in Northern Ireland on the January 19 episode of Raw.
That match in Belfast was a big one. Bálor had the homefield advantage, even bringing back his iconic “Catch Your Breath” theme song and classic NXT entrance. Despite the hype and support, it was CM Punk who walked out as World Heavyweight Champion.
Bálor Turns on Punk and AJ Styles
After the Belfast loss, many fans thought Finn Bálor might be turning babyface. But that changed quickly.
On the January 26 edition of WWE Raw, Punk called out Bálor and suggested he ditch the “dead weight” known as Judgment Day. That didn’t sit well with Finn. Later that night, he brutally attacked both CM Punk and AJ Styles, ruining their scheduled title match and making it clear he’s still very much a heel.
His actions not only reignited the feud but set the stage for another potential clash—possibly in Chicago at Elimination Chamber.
Bálor Denied Rumble Spot, Eyes Another Route
Still desperate to get another shot at Punk, Bálor tried to enter the Men’s Royal Rumble Match last Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, Raw GM Adam Pearce told him all 30 spots had already been filled.
That rejection might push Bálor straight into a one-on-one rematch with Punk at Elimination Chamber instead.
Can Bálor Derail Punk’s WrestleMania Plans?
Right now, CM Punk vs Roman Reigns is one of WWE’s biggest planned matches for WrestleMania 42. But if Punk ends up defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Bálor in Chicago, it adds a new level of risk.
While it’s unlikely WWE will shift the WrestleMania main event this late, a surprise twist or injury could flip the script.
What’s Confirmed for Elimination Chamber So Far?
Here’s a quick look at what we know heading into Elimination Chamber:
| Match/Event | Status |
|---|---|
| CM Punk Match | Likely vs Finn Bálor (Not Official Yet) |
| Men’s Chamber Match | Qualifiers begin this week on Raw |
| Women’s Chamber Match | Qualifiers also begin this week |
| Other Matches | To be announced |
Expect the card to shape up more clearly in the next two weeks, especially once Raw kicks off its qualifying matches.
