CM Punk’s Dream Opponents: Who’s on the Hit List?

After years, the wrestling world was knocked out again when CM Punk made his successful return. Known for his sharp tongue, straight-edge lifestyle, and beyond-doubt match charm, Punk’s comeback wasn’t just about nostalgia. It was a statement. And with that statement came the question: Who does “The Best in the World” still want to face?

It’s a list as different as it is interesting, sparking endless fantasy bookings and heated debates.

Let’s break down why each of these names can make for unforgettable matches and why CM Punk may have them in his sights.

Randy Orton: Legacy vs. Rebellion

Few fights scream “unfinished business” quite like CM Punk and Randy Orton. Their history runs deep, with important fights dating back to the early 2010s. One of their most important fights peaked at WrestleMania XXVII, where Orton defeated Punk a defeat in a heated match. However, that was a different era, one in which Punk was still for respect, and Orton was putting himself as a top-tier villain.

Orton’s survival and change as a performer parallel CM Punk’s journey in many ways. A fight today can’t just be about strength, but it may be grounded in history, pride, and the kind of propaganda that only these two can deliver. In many ways, this is less about concluding revenge and more about showing two masters of the game in their final prime.

AJ Styles: A Dream Match Years in the Making

When fans talk true “dream matches,” CM Punk vs. AJ Styles frequently tops the list. Even though both were top names in pro wrestling for two decades, their paths were rarely covered in any important way. CM Punk’s rise in WWE happened while Styles was making it up in TNA and later in New Japan. The Punk joined WWE in 2016, but Punk had already walked away.

But the appeal goes beyond their legacy. These two have wildly contrasting styles: Punk brings raw aggression and mic mastery, while Styles is known for his correctness, speed, and high-flying brilliance. It’s a match that can easily headline any pay-per-view, not just for the fight of skills, but because it shows two worlds finally run into.

There’s also real-life tension from all accounts between the two that comes from old-school politics and differing views on wrestling’s change. Even if that’s set on or not, it only adds fuel to the fire. With both men now older, maybe wiser, a one-on-one clash can be a beautiful mix of experience, ring IQ and competitive spirit.

Chad Gable: The Dark Horse Pick

Of all the names CM Punk showed, Chad Gable surprised, and maybe the most curious.

Gable isn’t a household name like Orton or Styles, but he’s got the respect of hardcore fans and fellow wrestlers for his technical ability. A former Olympian and mat technician, Gable has quietly built a name for putting on crisp, intelligent matches with anyone he steps in the ring with.

So why can Punk pick him? Maybe it’s Punk acknowledging Gable’s underdog story, something Punk himself knows all too well. Or maybe Punk desires to prove he can still go toe-to-toe in a technical showcase. A match between them can’t be flashy in the traditional sense, but it can be a clinic, full of reversals, holds, and smart psychology.

Punk choosing Gable shows that he’s not just chasing marquee names; he’s also seeking meaningful match challenges. It’s the kind of match that increases both men, and maybe that’s exactly the point.

Why These Choices Matter

At first, Punk’s hit list may seem random, but dig deeper and a pattern emerges. Randy Orton represents old fights and unfinished business. AJ Styles is the dream opponent that never was. And Chad Gable is the rising talent Punk believes deserves fame.

Each name shows a different kind of challenge: the emotional, the stylistic. For Punk, who’s always himself on narratives, these aren’t just matches. They’re chapters in a larger legend about respect, and ignoring the guess.

It also suggests that Punk, despite his age and time away, isn’t interested in easy wins or safe bets. He’s still that same firebrand who wants to test himself against the best, whether that means headline names or underappreciated gems.

Fan Reaction & Speculation

As expected, social media filled up after Punk named his dream opponents. Forums filled with fantasy booking. Memes of Punk vs. Styles flooded timelines, while fans started calling for Orton-Punk II with a modern twist. Even Gable’s name started trending, proof of just how much fans love fresh, gaining matchups.

Wrestling depends on chance, and CM Punk’s return has restarted that fame. Even these matches happen or not remains to be seen. But the very idea of them? That’s enough to show everyone why they still believe in Punk and why the wrestling world watches him.

One thing’s sure: If CM Punk gets his wish, wrestling fans are in for something special.