Next Undisputed WWE Champion After CM Punk

WWE

CM Punk won the Undisputed WWE Championship on the July 6 Raw episode, defeating Sami Zayn to win the title in front of a Chicago crowd.

With Punk proving himself as a fighting champion across premium live events and SmackDown episodes, there has been some speculation about the star who will eventually dethrone WWE’s top champion.

From former rivals to stars yet to hold their first world title, these names all could be next in line to reach the top of the WWE mountain.

Here are five stars who could become the next Undisputed WWE Champion after CM Punk.

Sami Zayn

With the duo set to face off on SmackDown in Mexico City, Sami Zayn is the most immediate threat to CM Punk’s Undisputed WWE Championship reign.

Zayn is who Punk originally defeated to win the championship, with the Chicago native replacing Cody Rhodes in that night’s title match to end Sami’s first-ever WWE world title reign after just nine days.

With Sami Zayn seeking retribution, it would be an interesting turn of events to have this version of Zayn win back the gold from Punk.

With many disappointed by Zayn’s Undisputed WWE Championship reign being cut short, it would be fulfilling to see the star have another reign, one which doesn’t end after less than two weeks.

Kevin Owens

Kevin Owens immediately re-established himself as a main eventer following his return to the ring, winning the Undisputed WWE Championship #1 contender’s match at SummerSlam in his first bout back.

With Sami Zayn’s interference ultimately resulting in Punk defeating Owens on August 21, there is a storyline reason for KO to want a rematch.

Owens and Punk’s segments together ahead of their title bout were electric, blurring the lines between work and shoot.

Following Owens’ lengthy absence, it would be a full-circle moment to see the wrestling veteran win the big one.

Randy Orton

After unsuccessfully challenging for Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42, Randy Orton made his return during the WWE Title match at SummerSlam.

The Viper attacked Cody Rhodes, hitting him with an RKO to allow CM Punk to retain his gold in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

With Orton defeating Rhodes at Sunday Night’s Main Event, either star is just one rubber match win away from being back in the Undisputed WWE Title picture.

A 14-time WWE world champion, defeating CM Punk would move Orton one step closer to making WWE championship history.

Dominik Mysterio

With the likes of Big E predicting that Dominik Mysterio will win a WWE world championship within the next few years, there’s perhaps nobody better for Dirty Dom to dethrone than CM Punk.

Mysterio and Punk have a storied history, dating as far back as the current champion terrorizing Dominik and the rest of Rey Mysterio’s family during his Straight Edge Society era.

Dominik was also Punk’s first opponent following his return to WWE in 2023, with the duo facing off twice during the Holiday Tour in non-televised matches, ahead of Punk’s televised in-ring return at Royal Rumble 2024.

Following his AAA run, a feud with CM Punk would be a great way to establish Dominik Mysterio as a main eventer.

Cody Rhodes

Keeping previous promises, CM Punk defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam.

With Randy Orton costing Rhodes the match, Punk later told the American Nightmare that he can have a championship rematch at a time of his choosing. 

Regardless of what else happens on WWE TV, it’s worth remembering that Rhodes has this in his back pocket, and as shown ahead of SummerSlam, Punk is a man of his word.

With this match being rumored for WrestleMania 43, we could ultimately see Rhodes finally put away Punk to win back the title his father never officially held.

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• champion
• wwe
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