WWE news: Finn Balor attacks CM Punk during title defence against AJ Styles

Finn Balor returned to his usual antics after returning to the United States, attacking CM Punk while defending his World Heavyweight Championship against AJ Styles on the latest episode of “Raw.“

The attack comes a week after Balor faced Punk in his home country of Ireland.

Last week, Balor shed his heel persona and played the hometown hero during his bout against Punk, as the two shared a few words and a hug after that match.

Before the championship match of the night, Balor approached Punk backstage to talk.

“I’ve been thinking about everything that happened last week. I wanted to be champion, but things didn’t go to plan.

“And even though I didn’t win, you were still part of the most memorable night of my career,” a respectful Balor told Punk.

“After the match, you picked me up, and you gave me my flowers. And with all the emotions flowing, I didn’t return ‘em, so I will now. Thank you.”

Punk then told Balor that he considers the Irishman as “one of the greats,” adding that he hands out championship opportunities against those who have earned it.

Punk offers advice

The ‘Best in the World’ then insisted that if Balor wants to have a lasting legacy or become a champion again, he has to leave the villainous faction, The Judgment Day.

“Think about what you want your legacy to be. You want to be champ? Maybe you need to ditch The Judgment Day. Because you can’t be champ hanging around garbage like Dom Mysterio,” Punk added, referring to one of the members of the heel stable.

The champion also told Balor that if he wants another shot at the belt, he has to win the upcoming “Royal Rumble” and challenge him in “WrestleMania 42.”

Shortly after, Balor was approached by Liv Morgan, a fellow Judgment Day member.

“You don’t actually believe he was showing you respect last week, do you? He showed you up in your own hometown and then raised your arm like some kind of participation, Finn, and then you thanked him for it,” Morgan said.

She then reminded Balor that The Judgment Day is his family, affirming that the group wants to see him get championship success.

Balor then replied that the situation is not straightforward, stating that he needs to figure it out.

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Balor eyes gold

During the main event, it seemed that Balor had it all figured out, as he attacked a fatigued Punk during his title defence against Styles, leading the match to end on a disqualification.

Balor unleashed a relentless assault, booting the champion multiple times in the head and hitting Punk with a “Shotgun Dropkick” through the barricade.

“Finn Balor is forcing the champion’s hand. Balor has everyone’s attention now,” commentator Corey Graves stated.

“I hate it. I don’t agree with it, but part of me understands it,” Graves added, as the night ended with Balor hitting Punk with three ‘Coup de Grace.’

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