1. CM Punk
Amongst all the wrestlers discussed here, CM Punk might be the most surprising addition to the list. The two share a notable history, as Royce Keys (competing then as Powerhouse Hobbs) was Punk’s opponent in his second AEW match at Rampage: Grand Slam in 2021. As it was Punk’s first televised wrestling match in over seven years, it was a significant milestone for Keys to go toe-to-toe with such a legend.
Keys has frequently spoken about the significant mentorship he received from Punk during their time in AEW. Punk would often sit down with him after shows to offer advice and encouragement following his matches. Given Punk’s elite mic skills, drawing on this personal history could open up a fascinating psychological angle for a potential feud.
Fast forward to today, Punk is the reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion, receiving immense praise for the quality of his run. He has already successfully defended the title three times, with every defence occurring on Monday Night Raw. Having Punk grant Keys a title opportunity would be a perfect way to spotlight Keys’ abilities and put him over, signalling the confidence the company has in his future.
Whether he’s colliding with the raw strength of “Aus-zilla” Bronson Reed or testing his technical limits against CM Punk, one thing is certain: WWE needs to showcase Keys as a cornerstone of the future. The blueprint for this success already exists in the rise of Trick Williams; the task now is for the company to replicate that momentum and prove that Royce Keys is, indeed, the next big thing.
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