At the very beginning of his return to WWE, CM Punk made it crystal clear that one of his ultimate goals still involves main-eventing WrestleMania. Due to injury, he did not achieve that goal in 2024. Fortunately, he’s back, healthy, and better than ever as we hit the road to WWE WrestleMania 41.
That said, it’s still unclear what direction WWE will take regarding the “Second City Saint,” but there is no shortage of talent CM Punk could face at the “Showcase of the Immortals.” Here are some of the top names the promotion could consider pairing up with Punk at WrestleMania 41.
Seth Rollins
Depending on when you’re reading this, the match might already have been set for these two for ‘Mania 41, as they’re set to clash on the first WWE Monday Night Raw episode on Netflix. However, there really is no downside to booking a rematch between the two, regardless of the outcome.
If it weren’t for a CM Punk injury at last year’s Royal Rumble, the WWE Universe would’ve more than likely seen an epic clash between the two for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XL. As we all know now, that didn’t happen, but the door is still pretty much open.
The story writes itself. There’s been real-life heat between the two for close to a decade now, and WWE could easily capitalize on that genuine situation. As we’ve all learned from the almost year-long feud between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre, WWE could make a long-term storyline compelling, and they would have no problem prolonging this rematch until April.
Stylistically, these two perfectly complement each other. Seth Rollins could take to the air or showcase his technical prowess, while CM Punk could focus more on his excellent fundamentals to ground “The Architect” or have a straight bar room brawl.
To sum this up, a rematch between the two will still be a marquee match-up at WrestleMania 41.
Gunther / Cody Rhodes
Aside from a main event match at WrestleMania, CM Punk stated that he wants another run as a top champion in WWE. One of two competitors will more than likely be waiting for him if he becomes the number one contender by either winning the Royal Rumble or coming out on top at Elimination Chamber.
These two men are Gunther and Cody Rhodes. Let’s start with Gunther. During his feud with McIntyre, Punk issued a warning directly to Gunther that upon “putting Drew McIntyre to sleep,” CM Punk is finally ready once again to “wake up as champion.”
Sure, it was a throwaway line in a storyline promo that did not involve the “Ring General.” But, as established, WWE could take any little spark and turn it into a roaring fire in no time at all. This potential bout is one of those dream matchups that many don’t think about, but it is exactly that: a dream match.
The hulking monster, Gunther, takes on the old gunslinger in CM Punk. It’s a tale as old as time, and these two would certainly put on one heck of a show.
On the other hand, WWE could build off of last year’s confrontation ahead of the Rumble between Punk and Cody Rhodes. These two had a heated discussion heading into the 30-man showcase, and Rhodes eliminated Punk last on his way to “finishing the story” at WrestleMania XL.
Maybe Punk wants revenge for that and is eager to get in a main event match at WWE WrestleMania 41 for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Similar to the Rollins situation, this potential match already has legs, and it’s up to WWE to decide if they want to pull the trigger. Fans would pay big money to see the “Best in the World” vs “American Nightmare” at this 2025’s biggest show.
If The Rock program does not go ahead for Cody this year, this is an easy pivot WWE could make that nobody would bat an eye at.
Roman Reigns
The rumor mill has been buzzing about a hypothetical match between the “OTC” Roman Reigns and CM Punk.
If reports are to be believed, Punk is more than open to a match with the “Tribal Chief.” Fortunately, these two have crossed paths in a significant way over the past few months, which WWE could spin into a storyline that could act as a catalyst for a face-off.
Doing his best friend, the “Wise Man”, Paul Heyman, a solid, Punk agreed to be the fifth man for The OG Bloodline at Survivor Series 2024 WarGames. They ended up winning in a spectacular fashion against the Solo Sikoa-led New Bloodline.
As promised, Punk came through for Heyman and Reign’s faction, but it definitely was not free. Before agreeing to be the final member of “Team OTC,” CM Punk stated that Heyman owes him a favor, and when he comes knocking, the former ECW head honcho better be there to answer.
Is that favor related to Roman Reigns? It could be since there’s still no confirmation on what that favour could be. There’s a chance CM Punk wants to prove once again that he’s still the “Best in the World” after Roman Reigns has taken the mantle over the last five years.
This was not on the table (no pun intended) a few months ago, yet here we are. Admittedly, a Roman/Punk matchup would definitely notch a main event slot on one of the two nights of WrestleMania 41 if WWE decides they want to go this route.
And we have zero problems regarding a showdown between two of the best to ever do it.
Who do you think CM Punk should face at WWE WrestleMania 41?
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header photo – WWE – Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. You can check out an almost unlimited array of WWE content on the WWE Network and Peacock.
