5 WWE stars who could battle CM Punk when he returns
CM Punk defeated Drew McIntyre in a brutal Hell in a Cell Match at WWE Bad Blood last month. The veteran cut a promo on the October 7 edition of RAW following the match and noted that he would be going away for a while.
The 46-year-old could be set to return in the weeks ahead, and the promotion likely has big plans for him. Punk missed this year's WrestleMania due to a torn triceps but still managed to cost Drew McIntyre the World Heavyweight Championship during The Show of Shows.
Listed below are five stars who could battle CM Punk when he returns to the company.
#5. CM Punk and Seth Rollins could reignite their rivalry on WWE RAW
Seth Rollins is currently in a bitter rivalry with Bronson Reed on WWE RAW. The Visionary got the better of the big man at Crown Jewel, but the two stars are scheduled for a rematch next Monday night.
CM Punk and Seth Rollins had a brief confrontation last month on the red brand. Punk could return in the coming weeks and announce that he finally wants to face Rollins in a match. The two stars were rumored to clash at WrestleMania XL earlier this year, but Punk's injury prevented that from happening.
#4. Punk may challenge Bron Breakker for the Intercontinental Championship
Bron Breakker defeated Jey Uso last month on WWE RAW to become the Intercontinental Champion for the second time in his career. The 27-year-old will be defending the title against Sheamus next week. The Celtic Warrior has never captured the Intercontinental Championship during his career.
If Breakker vanquishes Sheamus next week, CM Punk could make his return to issue a challenge to the champion. A rivalry with Punk would help make Breakker a bigger star, and a victory over the former AEW World Champion could elevate him into the main event scene.
#3. CM Punk could confront Xavier Woods
The New Day's Kofi Kingson and CM Punk have been friends for years. Pete Dunne defeated Kingston last night on WWE RAW after the veteran got into another argument with Xavier Woods. The argument caused a distraction for Kingston, allowing Dunne to connect with the Bitter End for the pinfall victory.
If Xavier Woods decides to betray Kofi Kingston in the weeks ahead, it could lead to Punk returning to defend his friend. Xavier Woods' run as a singles star would get a huge bump with a rivalry with Punk, and it could lead to some entertaining promos in the weeks ahead on WWE RAW.
#2. Braun Strowman could return as a heel to attack Punk
Braun Strowman tore his groin during the Last Monster Standing Match against Bronson Reed in September and has not returned to action. Despite picking up the victory, it was Bronson Reed who had become a bigger star since the match.
Strowman may be getting jealous of Reed's success during his time away and could decide to return to the company as a heel. The Monster of All Monsters could ambush CM Punk during his return promo and begin a rivalry with The Second City Saint on WWE RAW.
#1. CM Punk could go after Gunther's World Heavyweight Championship
Punk called out Gunther and made it known that he wanted a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship earlier this year. However, Drew McIntyre would not let the legend move on from their rivalry at the time, and Punk never crossed paths with The Ring General.
The leader of Imperium is scheduled to defend the title against Damian Priest at WWE Survivor Series 2024. If Gunther retains, Punk could return during the final moments of the premium live event to have a staredown with the World Heavyweight Champion.