Feud with top heel faction, challenge for the World Title - 4 directions for CM Punk after WWE Bash in Berlin
At WWE Bash in Berlin, CM Punk finally got his revenge on Drew McIntyre for robbing him of the opportunity to main event WrestleMania XL. The question is: What's next for the Second City Saint?
The PLE emanating from Germany featured five hard-hitting bouts, with Punk vs. McIntyre being a strong highlight of the night. Despite fans' initial concerns about the choice of stipulation, the gifted veterans put on a masterclass and gave the WWE Universe the fight they'd been anticipating since this rivalry began in January 2024.
Now, with CM Punk finally getting a win over The Scottish Warrior, it will be interesting to see how the rest of the year will look for him. There is no shortage of dream programs for him, and WWE would be wise to capitalize on those without any further delays.
That said, here are four possible directions for The Voice of the Voiceless following his triumphant victory at WWE Bash in Berlin.
#4. Challenge Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship
It's been almost 12 years since CM Punk last held a World Championship in the Stamford-based wrestling promotion. Maybe the time to change that is now.
Following his hard-fought win against Drew McIntyre, the 45-year-old legend expressed interest in fighting for the top prize. He left nothing to assume when he declared in a backstage interview that he'd be coming after Gunther.
If that's indeed the direction WWE has planned for the World Heavyweight Championship, then there's no doubt that RAW's main-event scene is bound to remain a must-see attraction for the foreseeable future. A feud with The Best in the World would be the perfect next step for The Ring General following his stellar match with Randy Orton.
Furthermore, feuding with one of the most beloved megastars in the industry today would further elevate Gunther's legacy as the top heel of this era. After all, which other top star in the last 10 years had the privilege of fighting Randy Orton and CM Punk at successive PLEs?
#3. Complete the trilogy against Drew McIntyre by having one more match at WWE Bad Blood
CM Punk claimed that he's done with the 2020 Royal Rumble winner after their gruesome Strap match at Bash in Berlin.
However, if there's one thing about the current version of The Scottish Warrior, it's that he's not great at letting things go unless they end his way. So, while The Second City Saint has made everyone aware of his championship aspirations, his arch-rival may want to avenge his loss before moving on to another feud.
So, the WWE Universe should fully expect The Chosen One to continue being a menace in CM Punk's ongoing run, leading to a third and final (for the time being, at least) bout at Bad Blood.
Based on the previous Bad Blood events, a Hell in a Cell match is basically guaranteed to be a part of the PLE. With this in mind, out of the ongoing storylines across RAW and SmackDown, the Punk vs. McIntyre saga is the most fitting for the unforgiving match.
#2. Announce his involvement in SmackDown's return episode on USA on September 13
For the first time in several years, SmackDown is once again about to start airing live on USA.
The premiere date for this highly-anticipated return is September 13, 2024. It goes without saying that WWE will load up the show with numerous 'bangers,' exciting surprises & potential appearances from legends.
CM Punk could further amp up the anticipation around said SmackDown episode by announcing that he'll be a part of it. He could be there for a promo or an open match against a rising SmackDown Superstar.
Furthermore, just like his last few SmackDown appearances, The five-time WWE World Champion could have unexpected interactions with a variety of top stars, whom WWE plans on booking him against in the future. A backstage segment with Kevin Owens following the Canadian wrestler's recent comments could get the fans talking.
#1. Aid The Terror Twins in their fight against The Judgment Day
While SmackDown is currently navigating the challenge of having a shortage of top heels, RAW is loaded with believable 'bad guys.'
The Judgment Day, for the last two years, has been a force to reckon with for the babyfaces of the red brand. The faction recently imploded, leaving Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley on their own. The current iteration of The Judgment Day features five WWE Superstars, including the current World Tag Team Champions, the WWE Women's World Champion, and the most despised heel in the business today.
So, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to state that Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley could use some help. While Rey Mysterio's LWO recently decided to join the fight against the villainous group, that might not be enough to silence them for good.
That would create the space for a bigger star to enter and assist The Terror Twins. CM Punk could easily slide into that role. His recent off-screen interactions with Priest and Rhea strongly indicate that they'd have amazing chemistry as short-term allies.