CM Punk's replacement at WWE Survivor Series is lackluster, says analyst

One year after the earth-shattering WWE return of the prodigal son CM Punk at Survivor Series: WarGames, it made all the sense in the world for The Straight Edge Superstar to headline this year's edition. Punk himself teased it ahead of his final showdown with Drew McIntyre inside Hell in a Cell. The Best in the World had challenged World Heavyweight Champion Gunther to a title match on an episode of RAW in September.

This led to rumblings around the wrestling world that CM Punk vs. Gunther would happen at the year's final 'Big Four' event. But he did not return as expected, and Damian Priest became the new number-one contender. Former WWE analyst Matt Camp discussed Gunther vs. Damian Priest II on his podcast The Wrestling Matt, claiming that the showdown is lacking a punch.

"Just because it's a championship match doesn't mean it's got a lot of juice behind it. Gunther-Priest for Survivor Series doesn't feel that big. And I'm not saying that with the thought of—well, the rumor was Punk and Gunther—I can look at Gunther-Priest and go, I'm not super into that match," he added.

Camp further talked about how the winner of the upcoming title contest can be seen from a mile away, especially after The Ring General lost to Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes at Crown Jewel.

"I just don't feel like Priest has hit the level of star power that he needs as a babyface to make me care about this match; to make me want him to beat Gunther, if that is the case," Camp said. [From 03:02 to 04:02]

Check out the video below:

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CM Punk's in-ring return has been announced for December

After Bad Blood, CM Punk announced that he was taking time off to heal up. WWE teased a program between him and Seth Rollins, but the heavy rumors are that the bout is being planned for WrestleMania 41.

Meanwhile, The Best in the World will step back in the ring on December 26, 2024. Madison Square Garden made the announcement a few days ago on social media. Last year, he worked the same live event schedule.

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If you use any of the quotes, please credit The Wrestling Matt and give a H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.