The Arrogant Champion And CM Punk Rules the WWE

When CM Punk made his return to WWE after a tumultuous hiatus, it was clear he had one ultimate goal in mind: to main-event WrestleMania. While an injury prevented him from achieving that milestone in 2024, Punk is back, stronger than ever, and ready to make a splash at WrestleMania 41 in 2025. The question remains: who should CM Punk face at WWE’s biggest event of the year? With his reputation as one of the most decorated and polarizing figures in wrestling, Punk’s match at WrestleMania 41 is a topic of great speculation, and the potential opponents are numerous.

As we look toward what could be one of the most electrifying events in WWE history, several names stand out as potential opponents who could deliver both from a storyline and in-ring perspective.

Seth Rollins: The Dream Rematch

Perhaps the most obvious and anticipated match for CM Punk at WrestleMania 41 is a showdown with Seth Rollins. The two have a long-standing history, both personally and professionally, and their rivalry could translate into one of the most heated matchups in recent WWE memory.

When Punk first returned to WWE, fans were immediately drawn to the idea of a Punk vs Rollins feud. There’s real-life heat between these two, stemming from past backstage tensions, and WWE would be wise to capitalize on this. With Rollins being one of WWE’s top stars, this match could be a headliner that sets the stage for WrestleMania 41.

Stylistically, Punk and Rollins are a perfect match. Rollins, known for his high-flying abilities and technical wrestling, contrasts well with Punk’s more grounded and psychological approach. The match could blend aerial maneuvers with intense storytelling, creating a dynamic that fans would love. A Rollins vs Punk encounter also provides the chance for a long-term build, utilizing their shared history to create a compelling feud leading up to the big event.

Gunther: The Clash of Styles

Another possible opponent for CM Punk is Gunther, the reigning Intercontinental Champion and one of the most physically imposing stars in WWE. While Punk’s return has been largely centered around his pursuit of the top titles in the company, a match with Gunther would offer an exciting contrast in styles.

Gunther’s hard-hitting, no-nonsense style would provide a perfect foil for CM Punk’s more technical and cerebral approach to wrestling. This would be a battle of endurance and willpower, with Gunther’s imposing size and strength going head-to-head with Punk’s experience and grit. Punk could play the underdog role in this matchup, using his cunning and technical prowess to survive Gunther’s brutal attacks.

A Gunther vs Punk match would be one of those dream encounters that wrestling fans have long fantasized about but never truly expected to happen. The idea of the larger-than-life Ring General squaring off against the self-proclaimed “Best in the World” would undoubtedly create buzz.

Cody Rhodes: The Revenge Angle

One of the more intriguing options for Punk at WrestleMania 41 is a rematch against Cody Rhodes, who eliminated him from the Royal Rumble in 2024. While the two did not have a prolonged feud, their interaction at the Royal Rumble planted the seeds for a potential Cody Rhodes vs CM Punk program. Given that Rhodes is one of the top faces in WWE and Punk is a natural heel, this feud could write itself.

Punk would likely be seeking revenge for his Royal Rumble elimination, which could serve as the foundation for a high-stakes match at WrestleMania 41. Both men have the charisma, in-ring skills, and promotional abilities to make this one of the most anticipated encounters on the card. The storyline writes itself—Punk’s desire to show that he’s the best, coupled with Rhodes’ pursuit of completing his “WrestleMania” journey, makes this feud highly compelling.

Roman Reigns: The Ultimate Test of Punk’s Legacy

While this matchup may seem unlikely, the prospect of a Roman Reigns vs CM Punk encounter is one of the most exciting and intriguing. Reigns has dominated WWE for the past several years, leading the Bloodline faction and solidifying himself as one of the company’s biggest stars. For Punk, who has been outspoken in his criticisms of WWE’s current direction, facing Roman Reigns would be the ultimate test of his legacy.

After Punk helped Paul Heyman’s faction at Survivor Series 2024, a storyline connection was established, and the seeds have been planted for a potential clash. Punk’s motivations for such a match would be clear: he wants to prove once again that he’s the Best in the World, especially after Roman’s years of dominance. Punk’s incredible mic skills and passion for competition could provide the perfect narrative for a WrestleMania showdown against Reigns, who is at the peak of his career.

This potential match would be a true main-event caliber match, with Roman Reigns seeking to defend his position as the head of the table while Punk looks to prove that he still has what it takes to be the very best in WWE.

The Future of CM Punk in WWE: What’s Next?

As WWE begins to plan for WrestleMania 41, it’s clear that CM Punk will play a key role in the event. Whether it’s a rematch against Seth Rollins, a hard-hitting clash with Gunther, a revenge-filled encounter with Cody Rhodes, or an ultimate test of his legacy against Roman Reigns, the possibilities for Punk’s involvement are endless.

For CM Punk, this is more than just a return—it’s an opportunity to prove that he still belongs at the top of WWE. As we head into WrestleMania 41, fans will be eagerly awaiting the announcement of his opponent, and whichever direction WWE chooses, Punk is sure to deliver one of the most talked-about matches of the year.