Six WWE stars who could challenge CM Punk for his first World title defense

CM Punk could have some worthy challengers for his World title.

CM Punk rose to the occasion and climbed the top of the mountain once again at the November edition of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event.

He defeated Main Event Jey Uso to win the vacant World Heavyweight Championship, marking his seventh World title win. With The Best in the World focused on becoming a fighting champion, here are the top six challengers he could face for his first title defense.

6. Rusev

Since returning to WWE earlier this year, Rusev has been turning heads with his dominant in-ring performances and pursuit of the Intercontinental title. He could now shift his focus to CM Punk‘s World title and earn himself the opportunity to challenge him for it in the coming weeks on RAW.

5. Sheamus

Sheamus has been known to produce bangers on Monday Night RAW and has a lot left in the tank even after being in WWE for than a decade. He could pose a formidable challenge to CM Punk in a title match, while the two veterans could produce a highly stellar showdown.

4. Bronson Reed

Bronson Reed has been riding a huge wave of momentum since pinning Roman Reigns at WWE Crown Jewel 2025. The accomplishment of beating the OTC, who had been rarely pinned in the last five years, could put the Aussie-zilla front in line to challenge CM Punk for his World championship.

3. Bron Breakker

Paul Heyman has proclaimed Bron Breakker as the future of WrestleMania. The road to his greatness could begin at the expense of CM Punk, with the Wolf Dog earning an opportunity to challenge The Second City Saint for the World Heavyweight Championship before anyone else.

2. Logan Paul

Logan Paul called his shot at CM Punk’s World title on the November 3rd edition of Monday Night RAW. He seemingly sided with Paul Heyman and The Vision at the end of the show, and that could be his ticket to a direct World Heavyweight Championship match against The Best in the World.

1. LA Knight

LA Knight has been eyeing the World Championship since becoming a part of the RAW roster. After multiple attempts of failing at securing a major title shot, The Megastar could finally earn his opportunity in a No.1 contenders match to become CM Punk’s first challenger in the process.