10 dream matches we'd love to see if WWE and AEW cross paths

#3 Samoa Joe vs. CM Punk (WWE vs. AEW)

You did it, @SamoaJoe! First-ever 3-time CHAMPION. #WWENXT #AndNew pic.twitter.com/CGtP2wSoU6

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) August 25, 2021

There is so much history with some of these WWE vs. AEW dream matches, but they pale in comparison to this one. Samoa Joe vs. CM Punk is a rivalry that elevated both men to superstardom and allowed them to be signed for top promotions following their classic series of encounters. Now, over 15 years later, the contest will be even more captivating.

Samoa Joe is the current NXT Championship and the first superstar to win the title three times. His release and then re-signing with WWE has helped raise intrigue in him overall and allowed a bigger spotlight on the former TNA Heavyweight Champion. Joe has a different aura to himself than anyone else on the WWE roster, whether it be NXT, Raw, or SmackDown.

Do not miss @CMPunk’s return to the ring and #AEW debut against @DarbyAllin (w/ @Sting) when #AEW is LIVE on Pay Per View for #AEWAllOut - Sunday, September 5, 2021 from the @NOW_Arena in Chicago.Available on all major providers, @BleacherReport, and @FiteTV (Internationally) pic.twitter.com/PaieFgOkix

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 21, 2021

Although there are many competitors that Joe would match up well within a WWE vs. AEW supercard, none are quite as interesting as CM Punk. Punk has found himself in the headlines once again after making his long-awaited return to professional wrestling on the First Dance special of AEW Rampage on August 20th this year.

With his in-ring return against Darby Allin at AEW All Out 2021 on the horizon, there are old scores for him to settle in not just All Elite Wrestling, but also in WWE. At the top of that list is a man who was never able to defeat Samoa Joe. They had three incredible bouts with two ending in a one-hour draw and Joe winning the last. This WWE vs. AEW confrontation feels necessary.

For many fans, Samoa Joe vs. CM Punk is the final encounter that everyone wished could have happened if Joe hadn't been re-signed by WWE. The two men haven't touched each other since Punk signed with WWE and Joe signed with TNA in 2005. This just might be the WWE vs. AEW dream match that needs to happen the most.