WWE Raw on January 12, 2026, took place at the PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf, with an early start time as part of WWE’s international tour. The show aired live on Netflix, giving fans RAW earlier than usual.
CM Punk was in attendance following his recent title win. Punk captured the WWE World Heavyweight Championship on November 1, 2025, at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event by defeating Jey Uso for the vacant title. That massive win marked Punk’s second world title reign since returning in 2023.
He was present on RAW to continue his run as champion, one week removed from his war with Bron Breakker. Fans in Germany chanted for Punk before he came out, and they didn’t let up.
CM Punk started his promo out by saying it is his plan to be champion forever. Then again, anything can happen, just ask Cody Rhodes. The road to WrestleMania is a long one, but Punk said it goes though him.
With The Vision in the rearview mirror, CM Punk said he is very excited to see who his next challenger will be. At that time, Finn Balor made his way out on his own, without his Judgment Day stable. Earlier in the night, Liv Morgan told Balor to win some gold for himself, and that is what he was out to do.
Finn Balor said he isn’t waiting on the Royal Rumble or Elimination Chamber, but he said CM Punk named him as someone he wants to face, so he came out. Then CM Punk asked “where’s your ambition, that was two months ago, where have you been?” Punk then pointed out how Finn Balor has wasted time backstage playing video games and “shining Liv Morgan’s shoes.” Punk asked Balor if he would be wrestling him one-on-one, or with the Judgment Day. He then pointed out how he did take on the entire Vision last week.
CM Punk admitted that he’s a fan of Finn Balor. He’s a fighting champion, so he took the match, right there in Germany that night. However, Balor said that “timing is everything,” because he’s been around long enough to learn that. Balor promised that Punk won’t have to deal with JD McDonagh or Dominik Mysterio, but he won’t be alone. He then took the match for next week in Belfast, Ireland, where Balor is from.
CM Punk accepted the match, calling Finn Balor “Prince,” and then he apologized to the fans in Germany for not getting to see him wrestle, before he apologized to the fans in Ireland for beating Balor.
What’s your take on CM Punk’s latest reign as World Champion? Do you think he will carry the title to WrestleMania 42? Let us know what you think in the comments section!
