Full Gear 2021 is just around the corner, and CM Punk is yet to have an opponent. Ever since his match against Darby Allin at All Out, he's had a few matches on television but hasn't entered into a substantial feud.
One of the greatest advantages of signing with AEW is that several fresh opponents can work with Punk. Here are just five stars he could potentially face at Full Gear 2021.
#5 CM Punk vs. Wardlow
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Tony Khan's leaked notes suggested that he considered Wardlow as CM Punk's opponent for Full Gear 2021. The latter is loosely associated with Darby Allin and has praised the former TNT Champion, who will have a heated grudge match on the event against The Pinnacle's leader, MJF.
Punk could potentially align with Allin and MJF to even up the odds. He wrestled Bobby Fish to prove that he hates bullies and loudmouths. Wardlow has been presented carefully on AEW television and would benefit tremendously from a match with the veteran.
Since Punk is trying to shed his ring rust, he could even put Wardlow over and get a win back down the line.
#4 CM Punk vs. Orange Cassidy
A puzzling addition at first, Orange Cassidy has proven to be one of the most popular wrestlers on the AEW roster. He's had one of the best character arcs while steadily climbing up the card. The former Chikara star was even named ESPN's "professional wrestling male breakout star" in 2020.
In an exciting feud last year, Chris Jericho put over OC. He also went on to unsuccessfully participate in a triple threat match for the AEW World Championship.
A match with an icon like CM Punk at Full Gear 2021 would be the biggest exposure of Cassidy's career. It would also allow Punk to work with one of AEW's most unique characters.
#3 CM Punk vs. Ricky Starks
After his match at All Out, CM Punk started a feud with Team Taz and defeated Power Hobbs at Rampage: Grand Slam. However, he is yet to face the stable's top player, Ricky Starks. Over the last year, Stark has proven to be one of the most promising wrestlers in AEW and would be an excellent opponent for Punk.
Starks is a well-rounded performer who can challenge the former WWE Champion on the microphone and in the ring. CM Punk and the FTW World Champion are more than capable of stealing the show at Full Gear 2021 with a solid storyline.
#2 CM Punk vs. Miro
Miro's AEW career didn't get to the greatest start as he debuted as Kip Sabian's best man. The audience didn't take his character seriously, and he was floundering in the midcard. However, things turned around after he turned on Kip Sabian.
Miro then went on a winning streak, defeating Darby Allin to win the TNT Championship. In addition to being a dominant champion, he also displayed his mic skills to connect with the audience. He eventually dropped the title to Sammy Guevara after a 140-day reign.
Miro needs to bounce back with a big match after his first singles loss in AEW. There's no better opponent for him to face than CM Punk, arguably the hottest commodity in professional wrestling. The match will benefit both men as they move forward in the company rankings.
#1 CM Punk vs. Bray Wyatt
When Bray Wyatt was released from WWE, it shocked the entire professional wrestling community. He was one of the biggest stars in the company with big merchandise sales and was expected to be featured in a prominent position once he returned to television.
Wyatt is currently one of the hottest free agents in professional wrestling and would be an asset to any promotion. There were rumors that he would sign with Impact Wrestling, but those plans might have fallen through. In an interview with WFAN's Moose & Maggie Show, Tony Khan was open to signing the former WWE Champion.
Wyatt could make a massive impact by signing with AEW, and there's no better opponent for him to start with than CM Punk. There's even a connection between them because of their brief stint together as part of the Nexus.
The CM Punk vs. Wyatt match will place the spotlight firmly on All Elite Wrestling and make Full Gear 2021 one of the biggest pay-per-views of the year.