5 ways AEW can book CM Punk vs MJF

AEW's rivalry between CM Punk and MJF is quickly heating up. The latest chapter was written on tonight's AEW Dynamite which took place at MJF's hometown of Long Island, New York.

Unsurprisingly, CM Punk opened the show to a chorus of boos from the partisan crowd. He took cheap shots at their sports teams and condescendingly criticized the New York audience for lauding Maxwell Jacob Friedman as their hero. While it was a heel promo in essence, Punk was merely getting the pro-MJF fans solidly behind AEW's rising star.

Punk also issued a challenge to the Long Island Loudmouth for a one-on-one match. He subtly suggested that his eyes are on the AEW World Championship next. Where or when this first time encounter will take place is anyone's guess, but as of now the gauntlet has been laid down by the veteran.

Later on in the show, there was a Dynamite Diamond Battle Royal in which MJF and Dante Martin made it to the finals where they will compete next week at Winter Is Coming for the right to wear the Dynamite Diamond Ring.

So far we have seen epic promo battles and hometown panderings. But how can the promotion maintain the momentum of its biggest rivalry and ensure a satisfying payoff? Here are 5 ways to book CM Punk vs MJF going forward.

---

#5 CM Punk costs MJF the AEW Diamond Ring

MJF is set to defend his Dynamite Diamond Ring against another young upstart in Dante Martin. Having been a two-time winner previously, the leader of the Pinnacle is gunning for a three-peat.

So who better to spoil MJF's party than CM Punk himself. This achieves a number of things as it gives Dante Martin a well-deserved spotlight and a notch in his belt early in his career but also pours gasoline between the Straight Edged Superstar and the Salt of the Earth. Hopefully this elevates the war of words into an all-out physicality sooner rather than later.

#4 MJF uses Wardlow to destroy CM Punk on AEW television

AEW hit the jackpot when they let MJF spread his wings as the leader of his own faction with the Pinnacle. Flanked by Shawn Spears, FTR and his long-time bodyguard Wardlow, it let the young star shine in a more featured role which set him up perfectly for a future main event heel run.

While Wardlow has been paired with MJF for the better part of two years, the company has also teased a disension between the duo. As of now, however, Mr Mayhem is willing to do his paymaster's bidding.

Earlier in October, a leaked photo was released of Tony Khan's scribbled match card for AEW Full Gear. One of the matches teased was CM Punk vs Wardlow.

That match didn't happen, of course, as Punk went on to have an outstanding match up with Eddie Kingston instead. Wardlow also had zero interaction with Punk up to that point.

But now that he is embroiled in a rivalry with MJF, it makes sense to incorporate Wardlow into their rivalry. The young star can utilize Wardlow to soften CM Punk up before he even has to lay a finger on the Chicago native.

The powerhouse came between the two rivals when Punk tried to get in MJF's face last week. It certainly left fans wanting to see a face off in the ring between the two wrestlers. With Punk wanting to put over young talent in AEW, this could be a way to spotlight Wardlow while throwing a wrinkle in the CM Punk-MJF feud.

#3 AEW incorporates Britt Baker in CM Punk-MJF feud

AEW potentially has a fun angle sitting right in their lap. Since CM Punk made his long-awaited return to pro wrestling on AEW Rampage: The First Dance, he has mentioned Britt Baker in his promos almost every chance he gets.

“You guys really know how to make a kid feel like Britt Baker in Pittsburgh.” CM Punk said in his first appearance on AEW television.

He even talked about the Women's champion replacing MJF as one of the four pillars. Britt Baker took the comments in stride, thanking Punk and asking the company to put it on a T-shirt.

AEW clearly listened as this past Dynamite, Punk stood in the middle of the ring in Long Island, New York, and unveiled a new T-shirt to troll MJF's hometown fans. MJF has also responded by chastising Punk for his constant mentions of Baker.

Whether it's unintentional or by design, Britt Baker's name has been caught in the war of words between Punk and MJF.

It would be interesting to see if the company actually incorporates the Women's champion to further the feud. As she is currently working as a heel, it would make sense for her to side with MJF to taunt Punk or they could have an in-ring segment with the dentist that leads to a sneak attack by MJF.

Perhaps it could lead to a future matchup between Punk, Adam Cole, or MJF and Cole?

#2 CM Punk defeats MJF en route to AEW World Championship contention

CM Punk, AEW World Champion. That could soon be a reality, if Punk has his way.

In his promo, Punk teased that he'll be watching the match between Adam Page and Bryan Danielson taking place at Winter Is Coming.

The way he framed it, the MJF-Punk match is shaping up to be the number one contender for the AEW world title. And why not? Since his debut, Punk's segments have generated the biggest buzz and by name value alone, he should definitely in the conversation.

MJF, on the other hand, had a banner year in 2021, defeating the likes of Chris Jericho and Darby Allin. If ever there was a time to elevate him to the main event, it's now.

When asked about not being in the AEW World Title Eliminator Tournament, Punk said:

“I would have loved to have been a part of it. Looking at the field and seeing the names that were in it, I definitely think I could have fit in there. It'll come. You know, it's not my time, but it'll come at a later date."

That time seems close to arriving.

By handily defeating MJF and shutting him up for good, Punk can finally return to the top of the mountain in professional wrestling. And if he faces off against Hangman Page post-Winter Is Coming, whose to say he can't turn heel like Bryan Danielson.

He would definitely enjoy playing the antagonist, as evidenced by his reaction to the Long Island crowd booing him.

#1 MJF hands CM Punk his first loss in AEW

AEW has a star in their hands with MJF. He could potentially be pro wrestling's biggest in the next decade if the company can launch him right. Therefore, handing Punk his first loss would be a major accomplishment for 25-year-old MJF.

The Salt of the Earth is certainly not content to play second fiddle to CM Punk's emotional return to wrestling. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, he said:

“The truth is scary. There’s no Batman without Joker. Punk needs me more than I need him.”

When MJF finally squares off against CM Punk in the ring, the best booking decision AEW can make is to give the 25-year-old the 'W'.

This will give MJF the biggest victory of his career against a recognizable former WWE star and also be the accomplishment he needs to turn him into a bonafide main eventer going into 2022.