CM Punk uses the World Heavyweight Championship belt to honor his idol at WWE HQ

”
], { type: “text/html” }
);
const iframe = document.createElement(“iframe”);
iframe.src = URL.createObjectURL(blob);
iframe.style.cssText = “width:100%;height:100%;border:0;”;
container.appendChild(iframe);
attachIframeMessageListener(iframe);
}
const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, obs) => {
const entry = entries[0];
if (entry.isIntersecting) {
obs.unobserve(entry.target);
requestIdleCallback(() => {
initWidget(entry.target);
}, {
timeout: 200
});
}
}, {
root: null,
rootMargin: “300px 0px”,
threshold: 0.01
});
requestIdleCallback(() => {
$all(“.nl-inline-form-container”).forEach((c) => {
observer.observe(c);
});
});
})();

Here’s a screengrab of the Straight Edge Superstar’s IG story.

CM Punk has long heralded ‘Rowdy Roddy’ Piper as his idol and the man who inspired him to become a pro wrestler. Interestingly, while the late legend had won a Tag Team Championship and the Intercontinental Championship, he had never held a world title during his WWF run. This makes Punk honoring Piper with the WHC even more special.

CM Punk faces a challenge to his Best in the World claim

This week’s episode of WWE RAW saw CM Punk getting interrupted by Finn Balor. Dominik Mysterio and a returning JD McDonagh accompanied The Prince. Entering the ring, Balor said that to be the best in the world, one has to face the grittiest wrestlers in Europe.

Speaking further, he said that one should also fight against the luchadors in Mexico and in the dojos of Japan. Lastly, he said that the best in the world is someone who defeats Roman Reigns on their very first RAW appearance. Finn Balor stated that since he is the man who has achieved all of this, he is the real best in the world.

CM Punk acknowledged all the achievements listed by the Irishman, but said that they belong to a former version of him. The World Heavyweight Champion said that, since joining Judgment Day, he has, however, instead of elevating his teammates to his level, fallen to theirs.

With this, the Second City Saint threw his mic at Balor before walking away. Punk will defend his title against Balor at the Elimination Chamber on February 28, 2026. It would be interesting to see if the title changes hands on Punk’s home turf of Chicago.