4 WWE veterans who should challenge CM Punk next after SummerSlam

CM Punk has found himself back on top of WWE after capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship. His first title defense is set for SummerSlam, against Cody Rhodes. The blockbuster encounter has all the ingredients to steal the show, especially after weeks of heated confrontations between the two stars on SmackDown.

However, if Punk successfully retains the Undisputed WWE Championship against The American Nightmare, WWE will immediately need to line up fresh challengers for The Straight Edge Superstar. Fortunately, the company has no shortage of established names who could step into the title picture and create compelling programs.

That said, in this article, we look at four WWE veterans who should challenge CM Punk after SummerSlam if he retains the Undisputed WWE Championship.

#4. Randy Orton

The Viper has been absent from WWE programming. However, his eventual return is expected to generate one of the loudest reactions of the year. Whenever Randy Orton comes back, he should be positioned right in the Undisputed WWE Championship picture.

Orton and Punk are two of WWE’s greatest stars of the modern era. Although they have crossed paths numerous times throughout their careers, fans have not seen a major rivalry between the two in years. Thus, putting them back in a feud with the richest prize on SmackDown would instantly feel like a premium-level attraction.

The timing also works perfectly. The Second City Saint retaining against Cody Rhodes would establish him as the face of the blue brand. Meanwhile, The Viper’s return would immediately present a believable threat to his reign without requiring weeks of buildup.

From a storytelling perspective, WWE could easily frame the rivalry around legacy. Both men belong to the same generation and have spent decades defining sports entertainment. Now, with CM Punk finally back at the top of WWE, Randy Orton could argue that he deserves one more world title run before his career winds down.

The promos alone would be worth the price of admission. Both veterans excel at psychological storytelling. Thus, their verbal exchanges could elevate the rivalry long before they ever step into the ring.

#3. Drew McIntyre

Like Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre has been away from WWE television, filming a movie. Once he returns, he should immediately target CM Punk.

There is already plenty of unfinished business between these two. Over the past couple of years, Punk and McIntyre developed one of WWE’s most personal rivalries. Their feud produced memorable promos, brutal matches, and months of intense storytelling that consistently captivated audiences.

Although they eventually went their separate ways, WWE never completely closed the chapter on their rivalry. Thus, a championship feud would raise the stakes higher than ever before.

The Scottish Warrior could return claiming that CM Punk has taken everything he worked for. Meanwhile, the champion could argue that Drew McIntyre has already had multiple opportunities and failed to capitalize on them.

Also, McIntyre possesses enough credibility to headline premium live events immediately. His physical style contrasts perfectly with Punk’s technical and psychological approach inside the ring. Thus, making another championship feud feel fresh despite their previous encounters.

With both men established as top-tier main-event stars, WWE would have little trouble convincing fans that Drew could be the one to dethrone the champion finally.

#2. Damian Priest

Unlike some of the other names on this list, Damian Priest has already made his intentions crystal clear.

Last week on SmackDown, Priest confronted CM Punk backstage and warned him that if he retained the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam, he would be coming after the title next. That single statement immediately positioned The Archer of Infamy as a future contender.

WWE should absolutely follow through on that tease. Priest has spent the past year proving he belongs in the main-event scene. His confidence, presence, and championship pedigree make him a legitimate threat to Punk’s reign.

Also, the rivalry could revolve around respect. The WWE Tag Team Champion has consistently elevated himself through hard work. Meanwhile, CM Punk believes he is the Best in the World regardless of what others think. Those opposing mindsets could create several compelling promo segments before they ever lock up.

Another interesting wrinkle is Priest’s willingness to embrace a more aggressive attitude when necessary. Against a veteran like Punk, that ruthless edge could force the champion into some of his toughest battles yet.

Most importantly, WWE has already planted the seed. Thus, ignoring Priest’s challenge after SummerSlam would waste an opportunity to build continuity across SmackDown’s biggest storyline.

#1. Finn Balor could challenge CM Punk

If CM Punk is looking for his most intriguing challenger after SummerSlam, Finn Balor should be at the top of the list.

The two men already have history, stemming from Punk’s previous reign as World Heavyweight Champion. During his time in The Judgment Day, Balor challenged The Second City Saint for the world title. Although The Prince came up short, he might still not have given up on his dream of winning the big one.

Now that Finn Balor has moved to SmackDown, the opportunity to revisit that rivalry feels even more exciting. Perhaps this time, he might eventually get the job done.

If WWE wants Punk’s first post-SummerSlam rivalry to feel personal, competitive, and worthy of the Undisputed WWE Championship, perhaps Finn Balor is the obvious choice. He has history with the champion, credibility as a former world champion, and enough motivation to convince fans that he could finally finish what he started.