5 opponents for CM Punk if he returns to the WWE

CM Punk’s abrupt departure from WWE in January of 2014 shocked just about everyone, from his fellow wrestlers and management to the fans and the media alike. Since then the relationship between WWE and CM Punk has turned nuclear -level toxic, especially with CM Punk’s scathing interview on Colt Cabana’s podcast and WWE sending Punk his letter of termination on the day of his wedding.

In the period that’s followed, CM Punk unsuccessfully tried to get into the movie business before his shock signing for the UFC in late 2014 and making his debut at UFC 202 earlier this year against Mickey Gall. Punk tapped out in the first round. In his second MMA, he lost to Mike Jackson, and it looks like his MMA career is over. Subsequently, he made a shock return when he joined FOX Sports 1's WWE Backstage as an analyst.

Since then, there is one question running through the mind of the every WWE fan -- could he return to the WWE? Although on face value the chances of that are low, Vince McMahon has long been known to put personal feelings aside to do what’s best for business.

And quite frankly, CM Punk is best for business. After the returns of Goldberg, Sting and even Shawn Michaels in the recent years, this is the next huge return that WWE need to orchestrate.

CM Punk’s return could see a number of fresh rivalries for him in a WWE and some old ones that need revisiting. Here are 5 fresh matches in the WWE for CM Punk if/when he returns.

5. Kevin Owens

Kevin Owens and CM Punk have a very brief history in the indies

Former WWE Universal Champion, Kevin Owens, is exactly the type of wrestler who would think that CM Punk’s return would steal his thunder. He could then proceed to sneak up on him and take him out in a fit of jealous rage that’s so typical of him. At the same time, Punk is exactly the sort of person who could really get under Kevin Owens’ skin. And a pissed off KO, is the best KO.

The duo is two of the best around, both on the mic and in the ring, and the feud between them would be absolute gold. It could help take Kevin Owens back to the top level and would act as a hot feud for Punk upon his return.

At one time, CM Punk helped train Kevin Owens for a period and had apparently made fun of the latter for wearing a shirt and wrestling. At the time, Owens never hit back.

Could this angle be worked into the match for extra sheen?

4. Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns and CM Punk have faced each other in the past

Imagine Vince’s new golden boy taking on the outspoken, sharp-tongued, anti-establishment rebel that is CM Punk. The man Vince is pushing despite a large section of fans rejecting him outright, versus the man who is a fan favourite that Vince never really got behind.

With all the backstory surrounding them, this match could show what reality era feuds are capable of.

CM Punk is one of the best in the world and at the same time, Roman Reigns’ in-ring ability has steadily improved over the last few years and they have already faced each other in the past when Reigns was still a part of a functioning Shield.

Their match has the potential to main event Wrestlemania and would be an absolute barnburner.

3. AJ Styles

CM Punk and AJ Styles have only faced each other in the independent scene, years ago

CM Punk and AJ Styles have taken on each other in the past on the independent scene and all of their matches have been breathtaking. If Punk returns, we could finally see them taking on each other in WWE.

The Best In The World and the Phenomenal One are wrestlers at the top of their game right now. And provided with the right circumstances, they could put on a wrestling clinic.

Styles has been a top performer in every promotion he has been in. CM Punk is a former WWE Champion amongst other things, and one of the most popular wrestlers of the modern era.

The stage has been set for a modern-day classic.

2. Seth Rollins

CM Punk and Seth Rollins have never faced each other in a singles match

CM Punk and Seth Rollins never faced each other in the indies. They missed each other by a year or two. The first time they were involved in a match together is when they teamed up with Cesaro and Kassius Ohno at an NXT house show.

Punk and Rollins have wrestled on the main roster before, but their match would be the first time that they’ve faced each other one on one since Seth Rollins became ‘the man’ in WWE, and by all accounts, it’s a dream match for both casual and hardcore fans alike.

Rollins challenged CM Punk to a match as soon as his return was announced on WWE Backstage. The two have exchanged words on a few occasions and a match

1. Shinsuke Nakamura

Shinsuke Nakamura is a dream opponent of CM Punk

Shinsuke Nakamura versus CM Punk is a dream for most hardcore wrestling fans; a match many fans thought would never be possible. However, with Shinsuke Nakamura now with WWE, half the chips have fallen into place. So if CM Punk does return to WWE, the stage will be set for what could be a five-star match.

Nakamura is a former 3-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and a 5-time former IWGP Intercontinental Champion and a former NXT Champion. He’s wrestled all around the world and is an international wrestling sensation.

In the other corner, CM Punk, a former 7-time world champion in WWE and the longest-reigning WWE Champion in the modern era. He’s also the first WWE Superstar to become a 2-time Money In The Bank winner.

With their respective history in Mixed Martial Arts, both Nakamura and CM Punk can match up with each other perfectly and a showdown between them would be a must-see affair for all pro-wrestling fans.