5 ways AEW could book the finish of MJF vs. CM Punk

AEW is finally pulling the trigger on MJF vs. CM Punk. On the upcoming episode of Dynamite, the two stars will compete inside the squared circle, live from Punk's hometown of Chicago.

Since November, the company has been teasing this when the Straight Edge Superstar first came face to face with the loudmouth from Long Island. We have seen epic back and forth promos between two of the best talkers in the game, but no physical blows were thrown.

Somehow MJF has managed to avoid a showdown, whether it is walking away from a confrontation or putting his cronies Wardlow and Shawn Spears in Punk's way.

However, Punk has jumped through every hoop and obstacle that MJF has put in his way. But it came to a head-on last week's Dynamite when the leader of The Pinnacle finally accepted Punk's challenge, warning that his career comeback would end in the same place it began.

Now that the highly-anticipated match is upon us, how will it go down? Here are five ways Tony Khan can book a finish for CM Punk vs. MJF.

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#5. AEW books a screwy no-contest finish to extend the rivalry

The Punk/MJF feud has been masterfully paced thus far. But it seemed with how long it was being dragged out that it would only make sense if the company had the blow-off match on a pay-per-view.

A first-time match between the two wrestlers at Revolution 2022 will draw box-office numbers for the pay-per-view. Instead, it takes place on an episode of Dynamite, even though it's in front of a partisan hometown crowd for Punk. If that pay-per-view is still the endgame, the match should end in a no-contest to extend the feud further.

Perhaps MJF teases the audience but no shows when it's time for the match. The Pinnacle leader could even walk out halfway through the contest, leading to an arena brawl to throw the match out. Don't be surprised if MJF somehow manages to find a way to escape a beatdown that the Chicago crowd is clamoring to see.

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#4. AEW books a time-limit draw with no clear winner

If AEW lets MJF and CM Punk wrestle a competitive match, they can still keep the two stars strong by booking a time-limit draw. Tony Khan has gone down this route with Kenny Omega vs. Bryan Danielson for the world championship at Winter Is Coming.

While that might leave the crowd disappointed, it immediately builds anticipation for a rematch. It keeps Punk's undefeated record intact, but MJF can still give out a stellar performance that elevates his stock. It is a win-win situation that extends the rivalry but doesn't ruin the momentum of both wrestlers.

However, the time-limit draw might turn off the audience if used too often. But both Punk and MJF should find a way to make it compelling while building towards a dramatic finish. Perhaps a GTS into a pin just as time runs out could elicit a massive response for the crowd who will boo MJF mercilessly for escaping once again.

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#3. CM Punk beats MJF decisively and goes on to world championship contention

CM Punk has never been shy about his intentions to challenge the AEW World Championship. He previously disclosed that it's not his time to go after the championship yet, but it is bound to happen at some point:

"Looking at the bigger picture of things, the map that I have laid out in front of me, I know all the destinations. You know, there's so many people I wanna get in the ring with, but knowing how much time I have, I know I'm going to get to all of them," Punk said.

The road to the AEW world title picture could run through MJF. Punk stated in a promo on Dynamite that he wants to move past his arch-rival onto bigger and better things. A decisive victory over the younger star will put Punk in the conversation.

Punk deserves to get back on top of the mountain, given his stellar win-loss record and immense popularity. It will be the perfect comeback story for the former WWE champion.

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#2. MJF hands CM Punk his first AEW loss

AEW's greatest strength is the youth movement that permeates through the roster. While MJF is already a top heel, he is also being groomed for the future. He already has had the rub from established stars such as Cody Rhodes, Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley.

Handing CM Punk his first loss would launch MJF into the stratosphere. It will be an accomplishment that MJF can boast about for the rest of his career, similar to how Chris Jericho still brags about beating The Rock and Stone Cold on the same night twenty years later.

Whether it is through underhanded tactics or with the help of The Pinnacle or beating Punk fair and square, it will be quite the notch in the young star's career.

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#1. Wardlow turns on MJF and helps CM Punk to win

While CM Punk vs. MJF is on most fans' minds, another sub-plot brewing is the slow-burning face turn of Mister Mayhem. Perhaps AEW is saving the epic moment for a critical scenario. What if Wardlow finally loses his cool and attacks MJF during his match with Punk?

The seeds have already been planted in last week's Dynamite, where Wardlow seemed reluctant to take part in the beating of the Straight Edge Superstar. After months of subtle teasing, his face turn will be an epic moment that turns the heavyweight into a babyface.

It is similar to Batista turning on Triple H in WWE back in 2005. Wardlow has cited The Animal as his role model in the business, so this makes a lot of sense. This could be the company's way of killing two birds with one stone by letting MJF lose and transitioning into a feud with Wardlow, which opens up CM Punk to enter the world title picture.