MOTW 132: CM Punk vs Finn Balor

"M.O.T.W. #132: CM Punk vs. Finn Balor" - ink & digital illustration

Today brings us to the 132nd edition of our Chris Things Art 'Match of the Week' illustration series! And this week we travel to Chi-Town for a PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING match that made me oh so happy to see!

This no-nonsense display of Pro Wrestling goodness took place on February 28th of this year at the Elimination Chamber PPV from the home of the Black Hawks, the United Centre in Chicago, IL for the up-north territory's World Heavyweight Championship.

So on the heels of that incredible promo this past week, I thought I'd finally get around to watching this match that I knew that I would likely enjoy a lot. And my gosh, I was certainly not disappointed!

After their wonderful Championship match on Raw in Ireland, I had a feeling this one was going to be special. And being the big return match for the Punker to his home town, in front of some of the greatest fans around made it all the more perfect. Not gonna lie, I got chills when they did the Bulls tribute nostalgia entrance!

I thought it was very cool to get these two matches in one another's home towns & really made for an interesting & unique dynamic for both. Such cool atmospheres! When that bell rang for this one, I was totally glued to the screen.

I'm a big fan of Prince Devitt from way back & so many of his wonderful Jr. Heavyweight New Japan classics. So it was very fulfilling to see a proper return to form for Fergal. Little do I love more than getting these big matches where we really get to see what these amazing pro wrestlers are still capable of.

As a long time fan of Punk's, this title-reign has been such a cool thing to see. The variety of matches & celebration of the craft of Pro Wrestling has been something I've really enjoyed.

And this was exactly that. No nonsense convoluted "storytelling" at the expense of the wrestling. Just an awesome match where the story was told in the ring. I especially adored the working over of the ribs, the selling & that playing into things later on. I also LOVED that sharpshooter counter (obviously!). Just quietly, I think Bret would give this a big ol' thumbs up.

This ROCKED!

ENJOY!!

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