At Survivor Series: WarGames in 2023, CM Punk shocked the wrestling world by returning to WWE. He had spent ten long years away from the company, last appearing at the Royal Rumble in 2014. Fans were ecstatic, as not only did he return at the Allstate Arena, but he returned to a company that many thought he would never work for again.
Since then, Punk has done a lot of things that have captivated everyone. He made a triumphant return from a torn triceps that occurred in the Royal Rumble. The injury was mocked by Drew McIntyre, turning into a nearly year-long feud and three amazing matches.
He also helped the OG Bloodline during last year’s Survivor Series: WarGames. But he hasn’t had the chance to fight for championship gold yet. Winning the Royal Rumble can help reclaim his spot as one of the top wrestlers in WWE.
CM Punk Can Finally Get His Match with Cody Rhodes
Last year, CM Punk and Cody Rhodes had a promo battle for the ages, igniting the fans’ appetites for a match. Their career paths, to this day, are very similar.
They had success in WWE, then left the company on their own accord, before coming back with support and a fandom. They were the final two in the Royal Rumble last year but Rhodes ended up winning. Last Monday on Raw, their paths crossed again.
With Rhodes still champion, Punk vowed to win the Rumble. Rhodes then told a story talking about how they came up together years ago, and he was very popular. Even when he was gone, people were still chanting his name.
Just like Rhodes finished his story last year, Punk has an opportunity to finish his story this year. The only way for CM Punk to do that is to win the Royal Rumble.
WWE Can Make His First Championship Match Since His Return Meaningful
Including the World Heavyweight Championship three times and the WWE Championship twice, CM Punk has held WWE gold eight times. Even though he has a lot of accomplishments, WWE had to be smart about his return.
Having him be super close to winning the Rumble last year, fight through Drew McIntyre for months, and participate in WarGames has actually helped him in his preparation for a title run. Throwing him straight into a title feud would feel like an easy way out.
By having his first title feud a year into his return after countless battles and a Royal Rumble win, Punk can say that he has fought countless battles to get to that spot. With CM Punk winning the Rumble, WWE can craft the ultimate underdog story, as a true fighter would be challenging for a championship at WrestleMania.
A Royal Rumble Match Win Would Validate His Return
Given how he left the company, it wouldn’t have been surprising if CM Punk never came back to WWE. However, he shocked everyone when he walked back in on a chilly November night in his hometown of Chicago. He came back to the company because he knew the fans would still be behind him.
His run has been great so far but he is missing the championship gold that made him a star. He has a golden opportunity to prove that he is still the guy he was over a decade ago.
If he can secure a championship match, it’ll fully validate his return to the company, proving everyone wrong who said his return would be unsuccessful for a multitude of reasons. CM Punk can prove that he is still the Best in the World by winning the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble and main-eventing WrestleMania.
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
