The first few weeks of 2026 have completely changed the direction of Monday Night Raw. Out of nowhere, Finn Balor has pushed himself back into the main event scene. From challenging CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship to bringing back his iconic entrance theme, Balor has once again become one of the most talked-about names in WWE.
Finn Balor Returns to the Main Event Scene
Finn Bálor shocked fans on January 12 when he confronted CM Punk and demanded a World Heavyweight Championship match during WWE’s European tour.
The two faced off in Belfast, where Punk managed to retain his title in front of a loud and passionate crowd. Even though Balor did not win the gold, the rivalry is clearly not over.
One major highlight from that match was Balor’s entrance. He brought back his famous “Catch Your Breath” theme song — a track fans had not heard since before he joined The Judgment Day. For many supporters, that theme represents Balor at his peak as a singles competitor.
Soon after, Balor confirmed on social media, using a popular Bad Bunny meme, that “Catch Your Breath” is officially back. This move signals that Balor is serious about this new chapter in his career.
Elimination Chamber Could Change Everything
The road to WrestleMania just became more complicated.
After winning the Royal Rumble, Roman Reigns immediately targeted CM Punk and the World Heavyweight Championship. The two exchanged personal words on Raw, setting the stage for what looked like a WrestleMania main event clash.
However, Raw General Manager Adam Pearce announced that Punk must first defend his title against Balor at Elimination Chamber.
This means Balor has a huge opportunity. If he defeats Punk, he will move on to face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania — a massive spotlight moment.
Here’s a quick overview of the current title picture:
| Event | Key Match |
|---|---|
| Royal Rumble | Roman Reigns wins Men’s Rumble |
| Elimination Chamber | CM Punk vs Finn Balor (World Heavyweight Title) |
| WrestleMania | Winner faces Roman Reigns |
Balor now stands between Punk and a guaranteed WrestleMania main event.
Finn Balor vs Roman Reigns: A Long History
Balor and Reigns share a deep history that dates back nearly a decade.
In 2016, Balor defeated Reigns on his first night on Raw and later became the first-ever Universal Champion at SummerSlam. That victory cemented his status as a top star.
In 2021, they met again at Extreme Rules. Balor brought back his Demon persona, but Reigns won in controversial fashion after the top rope mysteriously broke. That match still remains a hot topic among fans.
If Balor wins at Elimination Chamber, it could set up another chapter in this rivalry — this time on the grandest stage of them all.
CM Punk Is Not Backing Down
CM Punk, however, is not showing any signs of fear.
On the latest episode of WWE Raw, Punk admitted he was frustrated that his WrestleMania main event was suddenly at risk. But he also made it clear that he is willing to defend his title against anyone.
Balor responded confidently, reminding everyone that he has succeeded in tough environments across the world. From Japan to WWE’s biggest shows, he has proven he belongs at the top.
Other Big Matches at Elimination Chamber
Elimination Chamber is shaping up to be one of the most stacked events of the year.
Other confirmed matches include:
- Becky Lynch defending the Women’s Intercontinental Title against AJ Lee
- Two Elimination Chamber matches to determine number one contenders
- Drew McIntyre currently holding the WWE Championship
- Jade Cargill reigning as Women’s Champion
With so much at stake, the road to WrestleMania is full of twists.
A New Chapter for Finn Balor
Finn Balor bringing back “Catch Your Breath” feels symbolic. It represents a return to his roots — the confident, fearless competitor who once became the first Universal Champion.
Whether he defeats CM Punk or not, one thing is clear: Balor is no longer just another name on the Raw roster. He is back in the spotlight, and he looks determined to rewrite his legacy in 2026.
Now the big question remains — can he shock the world at Elimination Chamber and head into WrestleMania as World Heavyweight Champion?
