CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns Set for WWE WrestleMania 42 After Win vs. Finn Balor at Elimination Chamber

CM Punk defeated Finn Balor to retain the World Heavyweight Championship at WWE Elimination Chamber on Saturday, confirming a WrestleMania 42 main event between Punk and Roman Reigns in the process.

The closing sequence began when Punk countered Balor's Coup de Grace attempt into a sharpshooter. The Irishman was able to reach the rope to break the submission, but he was clearly weakened by the move amid a tough match.

With both men battle-weary, Punk lifted Balor and hit him with his GTS finisher for the victory.

Saturday's bout was a rematch from the Jan. 19 episode of Raw in Belfast, Northern Ireland, which saw Punk beat Balor to retain the world title in a tightly contested affair.

The following week on Raw, Punk put the title on the line against AJ Styles, but there was no definitive finish, as Balor interfered by attacking The Best in the World, causing a disqualification.

One week earlier, Punk raised Balor's arm and showed his appreciation for the effort he put forth, but that wasn't enough to convince The Prince to change his villainous ways.

On the Raw after Royal Rumble, Reigns cut a promo about winning the men's Royal Rumble match, and while weighing his WrestleMania 42 options between Punk and Drew McIntyre, Punk interrupted.

They ended up having an epic promo battle, and Reigns ultimately chose Punk as his WrestleMania opponent, but not before Punk addressed Balor in a scathing manner.

On the Feb. 9 episode of Raw, Balor got on the mic and demanded another shot at the World Heavyweight Championship. Raw general manager Adam Pearce denied his request, but Punk pumped the brakes.

Punk accepted the challenge, and while Pearce initially wouldn't allow it due to the possibility of the WrestleMania 42 main event being ruined, Punk insisted and was ultimately granted the match with Balor.

At Elimination Chamber, Balor entered enemy territory, as the event took place at the United Center in Punk's hometown of Chicago.

The support of the home crowd seemed to work to Punk's advantage, as he retained the World Heavyweight Championship and ensured that his WrestleMania clash with Reigns is going to happen as planned.