Despite a home country advantage, Finn Balor failed to beat CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship in the latest episode of “Raw”, which was held in the SSE Arena in Belfast.
Balor, a heel who is a member of the villainous “Judgement Day” faction, shed his usual character and entered the match with his original entrance and previous mannerisms.
The animated crowd all followed along, imitating Balor’s signature taunt alongside their fellow Irishman.
The two superstars fought tooth and nail, both swapping heel and face rolls for the night, as the electric crowd cheered for Balor and booed Punk.
Balor and Punk lock horns
At one point, Punk locked in an “Anaconda Vice” on his opponent. But a determined Balor, urged on by the crowd, managed to break the hold, despite Punk’s best efforts.
Punk then signalled that he was going for the kill with a “GTS”, amid a chorus of boos.
But Balor fought off the finisher and hit the champion with a “Sling Blade”.
Belfast believed in their hero as Balor nailed two consecutive “Shotgun Dropkicks” to Punk.
The crowd were on their feet as Balor hit the “Best in the World” with a “Coup de Grace”, but the champion fought back.
Balor continued his offence, but Punk set up another “GTS”, which an agile Balor countered with a “Small Package” pin.
However, Punk employed a single-leg takedown which he transitioned to a “GTS” to end the bout.
After the dust settled, the two combatants hugged each other and shared a few words.
Balor’s “Judgment Day” pals were nowhere to be seen.
The Irishman last won a world title 10 years ago, which he immediately relinquished the day after winning it due to an injury.
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Balor addresses the Belfast crowd
After the show ended, WWE posted videos on social media of Balor addressing the home-town crowd.
The Irishman called on the audience to applaud Punk, as Balor termed his homecoming as his “most memorable night” of his career so far despite the loss.
“You know, I don’t get to come home very often. And this week was very special because yesterday, for the first time in almost 15 years, I got to celebrate my mother’s birthday with her,” he said.
“You know what, it’s true what they say. There is no place like home. Thank you very much Belfast,” a fired-up Balor stated.
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