diff --git a/specs/merge/fork-choice.md b/specs/merge/fork-choice.md
index d299a8247..430128c12 100644
--- a/specs/merge/fork-choice.md
+++ b/specs/merge/fork-choice.md
@@ -76,8 +76,8 @@ def on_block(store: Store, signed_block: SignedBeaconBlock) -> None:
     
     # [New in Merge]
     if is_transition_block(pre_state, block.body):
-        pow_block = get_pow_block(block.body.application_payload.block_hash)
         # Delay consideration of block until PoW block is processed by the PoW node
+        pow_block = get_pow_block(block.body.application_payload.block_hash)
         assert pow_block.is_processed
         assert is_valid_transition_block(pow_block)