CM Punk is once again at the top of WWE. The Second City Saint has reclaimed the Undisputed WWE Championship. However, keeping his reign interesting will require the company to surround him with credible challengers. Although several active stars could step up, a surprise return could immediately elevate the title picture.
That said, in this article, we look at three absent superstars who could return and make a strong case for challenging Punk.
Thanks for the submission!
#3. Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre could be one of the biggest surprises to enter CM Punk’s championship picture. The Scottish Warrior has been off WWE television following his match at WrestleMania 42 due to major Hollywood commitments, specifically filming the “Highlander” reboot and the movie “The Last Druid” with Russell Crowe.
However, recent updates indicate that filming for these projects has wrapped up, fueling speculation and reports that McIntyre’s return could be getting closer, thus making him a realistic option for WWE if the company wants to add another established name to the world title scene.
More importantly, Drew McIntyre already has plenty of history with The Second City Saint. The two have been involved in major WWE storylines and have established themselves as two of the company’s biggest personalities. Also, McIntyre is a former world champion who has repeatedly demonstrated that he belongs in the main-event picture. That makes him an opponent who would immediately give Punk’s championship reign credibility.
The Scottish Warrior has already achieved enough in WWE to justify a title opportunity. Also, his physical style would provide a different challenge for CM Punk. Thus, if the company wants to revisit their rivalry, Drew McIntyre could be an excellent first major challenger for Punk.
#2. Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins could arguably be the biggest blockbuster return WWE could make. The former World Heavyweight Champion has already been involved in some of the company’s most important storylines this year. His rivalry with Roman Reigns reached another major chapter at SummerSlam, where Reigns defeated him.
With that chapter seemingly closed, Rollins needs a new direction. That could lead him straight toward CM Punk. The two superstars have enough history to make a championship feud feel important immediately. Also, they are very different performers, which would make their matches particularly intriguing.
Punk is the experienced veteran who relies on ring psychology, timing, and his ability to manipulate his opponents. Rollins is much more unpredictable and can turn a match into chaos within seconds. More importantly, the duo has a storied history in the company.
In a jaw-dropping twist, The Visionary could return and argue that although CM Punk has reclaimed the championship, he has not earned the right to consider himself WWE’s best. That gives the company a straightforward story.
Seth Rollins is a proven main-event star. Thus, putting him opposite The Second City Saint would immediately make the Undisputed WWE Championship feel like the most important prize in the company.
If Triple H wants to give Punk an established opponent capable of carrying a major premium live event feud, Rollins would be one of the strongest options available.
#1. Ilja Dragunov could return and challenge CM Punk
Ilja Dragunov could be the most exciting choice. The Mad Dragon has been absent from WWE television for an extended period. However, reports have indicated that his return could be approaching. That presents the company with an opportunity.
Instead of bringing Dragunov back and immediately placing him into another midcard feud, the company could establish him as a serious threat by putting him directly into the Undisputed WWE Championship picture. Thus, a surprise return would be particularly effective.
Dragunov’s greatest strength is his intensity. He approaches every match with an almost reckless determination, thus making him one of the most compelling wrestlers to watch when the stakes are high. That mentality would make him an excellent contrast to Punk.
CM Punk could see Ilja Dragunov as an ambitious star trying to take his place at the top. Meanwhile, Dragunov could view Punk as the biggest obstacle between himself and becoming a legitimate WWE main-eventer.
The Mad Dragon has already demonstrated that he can thrive in high-pressure championship matches. His United States Champion reign further established him as someone WWE can trust with major storylines. Meanwhile, his physical style would make a feud with CM Punk feel different from the champion’s other potential programs.
Most importantly, Ilja Dragunov represents something fresh. Drew McIntyre is the powerhouse. Seth Rollins is the established main-event star. Dragunov is the hungry challenger looking to prove that he belongs at the very top. That could make him the most interesting surprise challenger of the three.
Get all the hottest wrestling news FIRST by clicking here
Edited by Joseph Schiefelbein
