CM Punk to reunite with former WWE manager, heel turn 11 years in the making? - 4 Things The Best in the World can do when he returns from hiatus
CM Punk had an incredible yet brutal night at WWE Bad Blood. The premium live event was held in Atlanta, Georgia, and The Voice of the Voiceless collided with Drew McIntyre in a Hell in a Cell Match.
The match was a mixed bag. It was unbelievably violent and left both men beat up, but it was also one of the greatest Hell in a Cell matches ever. It was truly impressive and will be remembered as an all-time great bout.
Punk showed up to RAW tonight, struggling to walk and bandaged up. He discussed his win but also mentioned that he would be taking a break to heal up. The Straight Edge Superstar did not offer any kind of timetable for when he could return.
Now, fans are already eagerly anticipating his return, but the question becomes, what will he do? This article will take a look at a handful of possible things The Voice of the Voiceless could potentially do once he returns from this hiatus.
Below are four things CM Punk could do when he returns from a WWE hiatus.
#4. CM Punk could come back as a heel and feud with Seth Rollins
As noted, CM Punk revealed he was taking a hiatus from WWE on Monday Night RAW. He did so on the stage, but as he turned to leave, Seth Rollins' music hit. The two men had a face-to-face meeting, with Seth ultimately shoulder-bumping Punk before walking away.
That wasn't all, however. Seth Rollins then cut a promo on a number of subjects but made sure to mention The Straight Edge Superstar. He told CM Punk to get well soon, as when Punk returns, Seth plans to retire him from WWE once and for all.
There is a clear tension between the two, and they will fight sooner rather than later. Punk may return to target Seth, but in a shocking moment, he might turn heel. If he does, Punk could brutally attack Rollins and try to injure The Visionary as payback for Seth's threat.
A heel CM Punk back on television would be fascinating, especially since this would be the first time since the summer of 2013. Could it happen once he's back?
#3. He could enter the 2025 Men's Royal Rumble Match
CM Punk's in-ring return, at least on a broadcasted program, took place at the 2024 Royal Rumble. His first match back in WWE after a decade was the Men's Royal Rumble Match, but unfortunately, Punk was injured in the bout.
For a long time, Punk's dream has been to main event WrestleMania. He was so close to doing it this year before injury struck, so the former WWE Champion will try to correct course at the 2025 Royal Rumble.
The big show will be held on Saturday, February 1, live from the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Punk could return in the Men's Royal Rumble Match with the goal of winning and challenging for a world title at WrestleMania.
#2. Punk could challenge Gunther at WWE Survivor Series WarGames
Gunther is the reigning World Heavyweight Champion. He won the prized title at WWE SummerSlam when he defeated the-then champion Damian Priest. Many wondered if Gunther's reign would end earlier than expected, however.
The Ring General went toe-to-toe with Sami Zayn on WWE Monday Night RAW tonight. Sami was the one man to beat Gunther on the main roster, but he failed to dethrone the champion on the red brand. As a result, the powerful Austrian needs a new challenger soon.
While he'll be busy with Cody Rhodes at Crown Jewel, Gunther could face a returning CM Punk at Survivor Series WarGames. Punk challenging for a world title one year after his return would be a smart decision, and it would certainly be fitting.
#1. He could reunite with Paul Heyman
Paul Heyman is a WWE legend and an icon in pro wrestling. He has been involved in the industry for longer than most wrestlers have been alive, and his legacy is forever cemented, thanks to his induction into the Hall of Fame.
Heyman has long been associated with The Bloodline angle, but he was assaulted by Solo Sikoa and the rest of the group a few months ago. Fans expected Heyman to return once Roman Reigns was back on WWE television, but he has yet to appear.
Instead, Heyman could be moving to RAW to get away from the dangerous family who put him through a table. If that happens, Punk and Heyman could reunite. Heyman managed Punk over a decade ago and was even one of The Voice of the Voiceless' sole supporters when he first joined ECW. The duo must work together again eventually, and this could happen as soon as Punk returns to television.