3 realistic feuds for CM Punk if he decides to compete in WWE

Speculation is advancing that CM Punk will eventually make his WWE in-ring return. As of now, it looks like he'll be heading to FOX for the pre-show analysis, but many believe this will ultimately lead him to another run as a competitor inside the squared-circle.

Punk is rumored to be a top candidate for analysis on FOX's show WWE Backstage, which won't premiere until November. CM Punk was open about the fact that he did audition for the show and has an interest in working on FOX.

Adding fuel to the fire, Punk recently removed all of his merchandise from the Pro Wrestling Tees website. This is further indication that Punk might be heading to FOX or WWE. FOX and/or WWE will definitely retain exclusive rights to CM Punk merchandise.

CM Punk hasn't been in WWE for over five years and the crowds will still occasionally chant his name during shows. CM Punk is one of the most popular names in WWE history. His affiliation with the brand would be a feather in the cap of the company, whether it's behind a desk or eventually in the ring.

With all the talk of CM Punk returning for a match, who is the most likely candidate for his first match, at this point?

#3 Booker T

Booker T currently runs a wrestling school in Houston.

Booker T recently stated that he'd get back in the ring for a comeback match against CM Punk. Additionally, on the Hall of Fame Podcast, Booker T planted seeds that could lead to a story-line with Punk.

"Make sure you're looking real tight. Make sure you're looking real right around me because you don't want no trouble, you don't want no problems around Booker T. The one thing about Booker T, he can get real mean and real mad. There's a saying, 'I gets mean if you mess with my green."

Source: Hall of Fame Podcast (h/t Wrestlinginc.com for the transcription)

Even if they were broadcast partners and tension gradually built to the point that they have a blow-up on the show, it could be settled in the ring. Booker is obviously instigating with these words. It's possible WWE is starting their on-screen relationship off with tension for the eventual feud.

Either way, it would capture the fans' attention to see these two retired Superstars have more and more trouble each week as they try to co-exist on WWE Backstage on FOX. The idea would have to be that it builds to the point in which it eventually spills over into the ring.

One question does arise though; is Booker T too old to lace up the boots? He is the same age as The Undertaker, whom is currently on the active roster. Booker's last pro-wrestling match was more recent than CM Punk's when the former teamed up with his brother Stevie Ray in 2015. Booker also owns the Reality of Wrestling school in Houston, Texas. He has an active role training students how to wrestle, so he hasn't really "hung the boots up" yet.

Booker T might just be the opponent to re-introduce Punk back into the ring after his long absence and to have a story behind it. It certainly appears Booker T is setting the stage with his comments.

#2 Drew McIntyre

Drew McIntyre is headed to the main event, battling CM Punk could provide the push he needs.

Despite not wrestling in WWE for over five years, CM Punk is still very over with the fans as a babyface. It would be a real stretch to turn him heel, should he step back in the ring. WWE will likely need a strong heel to play the foe to CM Punk's anti-hero, hero. Drew McIntyre's character has been very strong since he was "called-up" from NXT. He's been in and around the main event scene for quite some time.

Many people are speculating that it's only a matter of time before McIntyre holds the Universal Title. WWE management has been very high on the Scottish Psychopath and The Rock even chimed in saying Drew McIntyre is the "next big thing". If WWE sees him as a bonafide main-eventer, then doing battle with CM Punk would provide the rub to make that final leap.

Win, lose or draw, Drew McIntyre is a heel that draws boos and legitimately intimidates fans with his look and presence. He's one opponent fans would love to cheer CM Punk against.

If WWE thinks of him as a future World Champion, then putting him in such a high-profile feud would be further evidence of such trust. As this character has proven, he can take a loss and still show up just as intimidating the next night.

There is only one person who might be a better foe than McIntyre and we'll cover him on the next slide.

#1 Baron Corbin

Can the King withstand the effects of a pipe bomb?

It's hard to admit when a heel is at the top of his game because if he/she is doing his job well, then you won't like them. Sometimes it's easy to see when a heel is cool, or a good worker, and fans begin to like them. This causes a blurring of the lines for the character, which isn't really what WWE is shooting for.

They have hit it out of the park with Baron Corbin (now King Corbin). Fans routinely boo him, he's an incredible instigator, and he is one smug king. He was certainly deserving of the crown of 2019 King of the Ring. Corbin is arguably the top heel in the company.

CM Punk used to be a very popular Superstar, now he's a man of legend amongst the WWE Universe. He represented the jaded fan, he allowed the disgruntled viewer to live vicariously through his rebellious romp through WWE. Pitting him against a much-maligned product of the WWE machine would provide even more fan support.

I can only imagine the pipe bombs Punk could drop on the former RAW General Manager...

Don't forget, Corbin is no slouch in the ring. While drawing a chorus of boos and jeers, every one of his King of the Ring matches received (and deservedly so) chants of "this is awesome!"

King Corbin is the best fit to square off with CM Punk in a return to the ring. At this point in his career, he is the best heel WWE has to offer up to a huge babyface. The crowd hates him for all of the right reasons.

All hail King Corbin!