4. Trick Williams
Next up may be an unexpected pick, but he is someone who we think would work quite well. Trick Williams is the current United States Champion and stands out as one of the company’s fastest-rising new stars.
He’s incredible on the mic while also being a solid in-ring worker, someone who perfectly fits Punk’s style. WWE can introduce this story by leaning into an even cockier version of Williams, having him defeat his current field of competition vying for the United States title: Carmelo Hayes and Ricky Saints.
After defeating both challengers, Williams could boast that he’s already the best on the microphone, but is now becoming the best in-ring talent that WWE has to offer. That sets the stage for a shocking entrance from CM Punk, who can cut off the champion to declare that Williams is full of it, and that the real “Best in the World” on the mic has arrived.
While a battle of words on the microphone between the two would already be incredible, the in-ring stakes would make a matchup even more thrilling, providing a massive payoff for both competitors. While Williams could secure the biggest victory of his career by taking out a legend, Punk would have the opportunity to win the one title missing from his resume to become a Grand Slam Champion.
3. Carmelo Hayes
For our next selection, we decided to choose another unpredictable superstar who would keep things interesting: Carmelo Hayes. Historically, Punk has done an incredible job throughout his career when working with young and savvy wrestlers.
Over the last couple of months, Hayes has noticeably improved on the microphone. And who better to put Hayes to the test than “The Voice of the Voiceless”? Hayes can proclaim that he’s ready for the main event scene, while asserting that fans are tired of aging veterans like Punk.
Hayes could then lay down a challenge, testing whether Punk can truly hang with the new generation. A feud between the two would feel fresh while building massive equity for Hayes’ future by establishing him as a legitimate main event player.
