Following his shocking return at Survivor Series last year, CM Punk only took part in one televised match before tearing his tricep at January’s Royal Rumble. However, the “Cult of Personality” looks to be closing in on a return to the ring — likely at Summerslam 2024.
Assuming he can stay healthy the rest of the year, let’s look at 10 matchups we would like to see for the WWE Raw star in the second half of 2024.
CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre
This one is a no-brainer and is likely to be Punk’s first match back this summer. Drew McIntyre and the “Second City Saint” have put together a fantastic feud for months without even having a match. And the ways in which Punk has screwed the former champion out of title wins twice recently has turned this into the most entertaining rivalry on WWE TV. The match will be a huge pay-off moment and very well could headline Summerslam.
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CM Punk vs. Finn Balor
The most exciting part of CM Punk’s return is the chance for dream matches fans have yet to see. One perfect example we could see on an episode of WWE Raw in the months ahead is against Finn Balor. The Irishman has long been one of the best wrestlers on the roster and a clash with “The Best in the World” is a must at some point in 2024.
CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens
While Punk is technically limited to opponents on Raw, crossover matches with Smackdown to elevate stories happen all the time. That is why the promotion must find a way to get the legend in the ring at some point with Kevin Owens. They are two WWE greats cut from the same cloth and could put together a highly entertaining match.
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CM Punk vs. Sami Zayn
Similar to Owens, Sami Zayn is another beloved WWE talent who has had a similar path as Punk. The pair have no reason to feud any time soon, but a one-off match to headline an episode of Raw would be outstanding and check another big match off the bucket list fans are sure to have for Punk’s final run in the company.
CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins
Like the eventual match with Drew McIntyre, a scrap between CM Punk and Seth Rollins — two bitter rivals — is guaranteed to happen. Chances are the bout originally planned for Wrestlemania 40 will be held until Wrestlemania 41, but if it can happen before 2024 comes to a close fans will not be disappointed.
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CM Punk vs. Damian Priest
Punk has been unexpectedly linked to Damian Priest since his return. His attack on McIntyre after his ‘Mania 40 win set up the Judgement Day leader’s legendary cash-in moment. He indirectly helped him retain the belt at Clash at the Castle and did so again at Money in the Bank. Priest and Punk having a match over the Chicago native’s unplanned involvement in his title journey is an easy route to a match.
CM Punk vs. AJ Styles
There is no bigger dream match for CM Punk in his latest run with WWE than to face AJ Styles. They are two legends of the last 20 years that surprisingly have not crossed paths. With both great’s days in the ring numbered, working toward a match between the two future WWE Hall-of-Famers has to be made in the next few months. Even if AJ is on Smackdown.
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CM Punk vs. Gunther
Gunther has to be added to any list of matches we must see. Despite not being a freak athlete with fancy moves, the Austrian is the best in-ring storyteller in the company. There is little doubt a match with the former Intercontinental champion is on Punk’s bucket list and it will be a moment that will likely help elevate Gunther’s status in the company.
CM Punk vs. Bron Breakker
Since we are on the topic of main eventers to be on the Raw roster. Former NXT champ Bron Breakker is being built to be one of the future faces of the company and a clash of styles with Punk would be interesting. The former AEW champion had a fun match with Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania in his previous run, and a matchup with Breakker could channel that unique collision of styles.
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CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio
If WWE wants to place CM Punk in some fun matches that can pull from previous history, a matchup with long-time rival Rey Mysterio would make a lot of sense. The pair had a fantastic feud in 2010 that led to Punk getting his head shaved. One last battle between the future Hall-of-Famers with their careers close to an end is something fans deserve.
