WWE has been dealing with an awkward power dynamic for quite some time, as fans have noticed just how stacked the main roster talent pool is on Raw compared to SmackDown. However, it appears the blue brand is set to welcome a major star in the coming weeks who can help balance the scales: CM Punk.
After making his return to WWE after nearly 10 years at Survivor Series 2023, he immediately reclaimed his spot as a top seller on the WWE Shop, further solidifying his status as one of the company’s biggest stars. But it hasn’t just been his merchandise-selling ability that stands out; it’s also his ability to tell incredible stories while delivering great matches.
Some of the prominent storylines he was involved in included his 2024 rivalry with Drew McIntyre, which culminated in three matches that concluded inside Hell in a Cell at Bad Blood. He was also one of three men involved in the classic Triple Threat match at WrestleMania 41, alongside Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins.
Most recently, he delivered what many consider to be one of the best WrestleMania main event matches in recent memory, taking on Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship in a spectacular bout lasting over 33 minutes.
Before counting down the five potential SmackDown opponents we envision for the “Best in the World,” it’s important first to explain why his move to the blue brand isn’t just a good idea, but an absolute necessity.
Why is Punk to SmackDown So Important?
Sticking around on Raw is no longer an option, and there are three crucial reasons why Punk’s move to SmackDown would be a complete game-changer. First, his time on Raw has largely run its creative course. Since returning to WWE in 2023, Punk has almost exclusively wrestled on Monday Night Raw. Had WWE kept him there after his loss at WrestleMania 42 to Roman Reigns, the company risked a serious case of stagnation. Ultimately, WWE needed to make this move to guarantee Punk maintains his status as one of the company’s elite, crowd-pleasing stars.
The second reason ties back to the show-to-show power dynamic we mentioned earlier. Bringing a star of Punk’s caliber to Friday nights gives his loyal fans a compelling reason to tune in every Friday night, while simultaneously injecting a much-needed spark into the SmackDown roster.
The third reason has been saved for last, as it is easily the most important. It directly validates what WWE teased in the aftermath of WrestleMania 42, when Cody Rhodes confronted a defeated Punk and issued an open invitation for whenever he wanted a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship.
With Rhodes currently on SmackDown, it makes all the more sense for the blue brand to be where CM Punk resurfaces. Many fans are expecting WWE to continue a slow burn before the inevitable start of their feud, with most predicting an eventual clash at WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia.
Now that we’ve discussed why the move to the blue brand is so crucial, it’s time to dive into our top five list of opponents we want to see “The Best in the World” take on when he eventually arrives on SmackDown.
5. Gunther
We’re starting our list with the “Ring General,” Gunther. Punk has a great history with him, given that the two fought at last year’s SummerSlam in a brutal clash for the World Heavyweight Championship, with Punk ultimately coming out on top.
Their established history makes this an easy feud for WWE to revisit, allowing creative to reintroduce it now in a way that makes perfect sense. Following Punk’s return and making SmackDown his new home, he declares that he used his time away to get into peak physical shape to prepare himself for the perfect opportunity to target Cody Rhodes and his title.
(Photo Credit: WWE)
But Gunther has other plans as he confronts Punk, telling him that if he wants to go after Rhodes, he has to go through him first. This sets up a perfect response from Punk, who can remind the “Ring General” that he’s already beaten him once, and he’s more than willing to do it again.
Gunther represents an excellent first opponent for Punk, offering a high-profile feud capable of injecting serious heat into a SmackDown product that has often felt as cold as a freezer lately.
