3 Reasons why CM Punk qualified for WWE Money in the Bank Ladder Match 2026

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The ending of the match was creative as Gunther held CM Punk in a sleeper hold, and it looked like that win was all his, but Finn Balor had some other plans in his mind as he connected a sickening Coup de Grâce on The Ring General’s back, who still had the gripping hold of the Best in the World.

As it appeared to be the Prince’s night, Punk managed to gather strength, and he pinned Gunther before Balor could have recovered and broken the pin, stealing Finn’s easy win in the final moments.

CM Punk will compete in the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder match, joining Bron Breakker, Je’Von Evans, Trick Williams, and Penta.

In this listicle, we take a look at three reasons why CM Punk qualified for WWE Money in the Bank Ladder Match 2026:

#3. He couldn’t afford a loss

CM Punk has held the World Heavyweight Championship and the Undisputed Title in the same year. He is considered one of the company’s top three on the current roster.

He is coming off a title loss, and losing a qualifying triple-threat match would have ruined all the momentum he had in the past as a champion.

That said, the Second City Saint could not have afforded a loss. Thus, WWE let Punk capture a win over The Prince and The Ring General.

#2. WWE teased a heel turn

The Second City Saint has been a babyface throughout his second stint in the Stamford-based promotion since he returned to WWE. He has already had a great run as a babyface champion.

Now, WWE indeed needs to change his character, as his run is starting to feel repetitive. The WWE creative team may have begun building towards Punk’s heel turn.

A hint at his heel turn was revealed on SmackDown, and CM Punk’s victory played a role in it. The win actually belonged to Finn Balor, who has become one of the top fan favorites. However, the Best in the World snatched the win away from Punk at the last moment.

The Second City Saint stealing a win from Balor is a sign that WWE is gradually turning him into a heel.

#1. Adding more star power

All four challengers in the 2026 Money in the Bank ladder match are rising stars in the industry. World Wrestling Entertainment is eager to promote this ladder match, and adding The Second City Saint would bring significant star power to the contest.

Thus, to add more star power to the 2026 Men’s Ladder Match, the company may have decided to add Punk to the bout and hand him a victory over Finn Balor and Gunther on SmackDown.

That said, all the pointers above are speculative, and nothing has been officially confirmed as of now. It will be interesting to see what plans Triple H and his creative team have for CM Punk in the coming months and whether he will shock the world by winning the Money in the Bank briefcase for the third time, becoming the first star to do so. Only time will tell.