CM Punk’s return to World Wrestling Entertainment means he should be facing some of the WWE’s best and brightest . Here are the seven best candidates.
No one could have predicted that CM Punk would return to World Wrestling Entertainment. It’s been almost a decade since his departure from the company and Punk has been on record saying that his days in the WWE were behind him. Yet, here we are. He made his surprise return at Survivor Series: WarGames and fans still can’t believe he’s back.
Now that he’s back, there are two things that everyone wants to know. First, what’s he going to say? CM Punk is known for not holding back. It’s doubtful that’s going to change. Especially since there are real and kayfabe reasons that he re-signed with WWE.
Second, what show is he going to be on going forward? Both Raw and SmackDown have superstars that he can feud with. Also, who’s to say that he has to pick a brand? CM Punk has never been one to follow the rules. Why would he start now?
Regardless of where he goes, there are some people he should definitely feud with. Here are the superstars that make the most sense.
7. Kevin Owens
It’s a shame that Kevin Owens missed his opportunity to wrestle CM Punk the first time around. Owens debuted on the main roster shortly after Punk’s infamous 2014 exit. Thankfully, The Best In The World’s return at Survivor Series: WarGames is an opportunity to rectify this.
No one on this list matches up with CM Punk quite like Kevin Owens. Both of them followed a similar path on the independent wrestling circuit and they’re both hardcore with their styles. The latter is something the WWE has moved away from over the past 15 years, but they can work around that. We all know that both athletes are talented enough to make it work – and they would make it work with ease.
This could be the best rivalry on the list. Not just because of the action in the ring. Their war of words would be memorable. Once these two get on the mic, there would be an unforgettable sequence of exchanges that would have fans excited for every single interaction between them – long before the actual match takes place.
It would be a legendary feud, for sure. Here’s hoping that WWE doesn’t miss this opportunity.
6. The Judgment Day
Long before Rhea Ripley was the hottest superstar in wrestling, CM Punk was leading his own WWE cult (yes, Mami is the leader). Whether it was Nexus or the Straight Edge Society, Punk was doing what the Judgment Day is doing now. Of course, he will be the first person to remind them of that.
The first superstar that Punk should fight is Dominik Mysterio. He’s the perfect person for the veteran to remind WWE fans what he’s capable of. First, fans want someone to shut Mysterio up. He’s been the best heel on every show he’s appeared on. If there’s anyone who deserves a CM Punk promo, it’s Rey Mysterio’s delinquent son.
After defeating Dominik, he should set his sights on Finn Balor and Damian Priest. This feud and those matches would allow Punk to successfully remind everyone that he’s the best in the world. This would also lead to more animosity within Judgment Day, and more heat for Dominik. It works out for everyone.
5. Gunther
The self-proclaimed Ring General has defeated everyone who’s tried to take his Intercontinental Championship from him. Why not have him go up against a former Intercontinental champion? CM Punk won’t be the one to take the title from Gunther, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t compete against one another.
Gunther vs. Punk would be full of hard-hitting kicks, chops, and suplexes. The pair could very easily have a match of the year contender on their hands. Maybe the best of the decade. However, don’t look for their back-and-forth on the mic to be epic. Gunther’s no slouch, but he’s not on Punk’s level. Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter. These two just need to battle.
4. Grayson Waller
Grayson Waller may be the only person on the WWE roster more annoying than Dominik Mysterio. He has a lot of arrogance for someone who’s just made it to the main roster, which makes him a great heel. Unfortunately for those who don’t like him, Waller always backs it up in the ring.
Punk will definitely be on The Grayson Waller Effect at some point. Waller will talk trash and do his best to shut Punk up. Too bad better people than Waller have tried and failed. Don’t be shocked if this is CM Punk’s first match – if it is, it will be surprising if the match is longer than a few minutes. Then again, Austin Theory’s involvement could prolong it. That will only add another two minutes before Waller gets pinned or taps out.
3. Brock Lesnar
Picture this, CM Punk is delivering a promo. Right in the middle of him talking smack, Brock Lesnar’s music hits. Lesnar comes into the ring and there’s a stare-down. Punk doesn’t run away because he’s not afraid of The Beast. Lesnar appreciates this and smiles. Then, Lesnar hits the F-5. Why? Because you don’t defy The Beast.
Both Brock and Punk are in different places in their careers than they were when they last clashed. This has made them better in-ring performers. Since Brock made his return, everyone he’s wrestled has looked good. Even when he wins. The same should happen if these two go at it again.
2. Seth Rollins
After Survivor Series: WarGames went off the air, Seth Rollins appeared to have words for CM Punk. What they were remains to be seen but the World Heavyweight Champion was furious. Sami Zayn was also seen holding him back. Whether or not this was Kayfabe or real is also unknown. The only thing for certain is that Rollins and Punk are likely on a collision course, with the potential for a clash in the near-future. Especially after Seth’s comments during a recent live show.
Seth Rollins doesn’t like CM Punk, but it’s doubtful that Punk cares. His only concerns are his wife and reminding people that he’s the greatest of all time. That means he will put on an A+ performance when these two finally compete. Hopefully, everything will remain professional.
Rollins has crossed paths with Punk in the past, but he has ascended to the top of WWE during his absence. As a fan, it would be an experience to see them face off against each other now. Both are veterans and both are at the height of their star power. It could be a real moment – one that needs to happen in the very near-future.
1. Roman Reigns
After leaving the WWE, CM Punk talked about how the company told him “You gotta make Roman look really really strong.” World Wrestling Entertainment knew they had something in Reigns way back then. Granted, it took a while for him to become what he is today, but it happened. The Tribal Chief is in the midst of a record-setting three-year title reign and without a doubt the top heel in WWE today.
This has been a long time coming. After everything CM Punk said, there’s no doubt Roman will have words for him. In fact, Roman said he doesn’t like him. Naturally, Punk will have something to say about that. First, he’ll acknowledge that Roman finally looks strong, but he could say it’s thanks to him making him. That one retort is going to set Roman off and start the feud that’s been close to a decade in the making.
This would be a thrilling feud. Like Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns is in a very place from where he was when CM Punk was last with WWE. That alone makes this one a must-watch.
What other WWE Superstars should go up against CM Punk? Is there a particular feud you would like to see?