4 best matches since CM Punk's WWE return at Survivor Series WarGames 2023

At Survivor Series: WarGames 2023, CM Punk returned to WWE after almost a decade away, in his hometown of Chicago. A lot has happened to The Voice of the Voiceless since then, but the same can be said about the rest of the roster. Championships changed hands, groups broke up, stars were added to the roster, and more.

Since then, major events have reshaped the company such as The Rock returning as a heel to align with Roman Reigns, who then lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes, The Judgment Day changing line-up, the Motor City Machine Guns debuting, RAW and SmackDown moving to a new network, and more. Amid these changes, the promotion has delivered some of its most thrilling matches.

For this list, we will look at four of the best matches since CM Punk's WWE return at Survivor Series: WarGames 2023.

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#4. Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles at WWE Clash at the Castle 2024

Although CM Punk is the topic of this article, it's hard to deny that Cody Rhodes had the best 2024. AJ Styles was the first superstar Cody Rhodes feuded with after becoming the Undisputed WWE Champion. Their first match for the title was at Backlash, where Cody retained. This led to Styles "retiring" only to swerve and use the emotional moment to attack Rhodes instead.

Their second contest for the title took place at Clash at the Castle in an I Quit match, which was equally intense and dangerous. It showed AJ's grittier side where he would do anything to be champion again, while Cody showed a much more aggressive side of him that hasn't been seen on WWE, showing just how willing he was to prove himself a worthy champion. The match had a good balance of physicality and storytelling.

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#3. IYO SKY vs. Bayley at WrestleMania XL

WrestleMania XL had several personal matches on the card. Roman vs. Cody, Jimmy Uso vs. Jey Uso, Gunther vs. Sami Zayn, but the one many were looking forward to was Bayley vs IYO SKY.

Both women were part of the original lineup of Damage CTRL alongside Dakota Kai. Fans adored the stable, but it was noticeable how it affected The Role Model's solo run. However, things took a turn when she won this year's Women's Royal Rumble and eventually had a tense feud against her former teammate.

WrestleMania proved to be the best stage to showcase the end of the original Damage CTRL. The match had emotional depth due to their time together as partners and had a mix of technical and high-flying maneuvers. Of course, Bayley finally reaching the top again was the perfect ending to the match.

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#2. Gunther vs. Sheamus in the King of the Ring tournament

Gunther has had many incredible matches as the Intercontinental Champion and is arguably one of the best WWE stars ever to hold that title. However, after WrestleMania, it was clear that he was set to achieve greater things, and who better to start that journey with him than Sheamus?

The Celtic Warrior and The Ring General always deliver an amazing match when they share the ring. Their most notable match was at the 2022 Clash at the Castle, and their meeting in the first round of the King of the Ring tournament two years later held the same quality. Their match on the May 6, 2024, episode of RAW was physical, strategic, and overall a thrilling experience.

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#1. CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre at Bad Blood 2024

Unfortunately for CM Punk, he was injured shortly after his return. At Royal Rumble, he tore his right tricep after being hit with a Future Shock DDT by Drew McIntyre. Despite the injury, the rivalry between them didn't slow down, with both stars taking several shots at each other through social media and segments.

They had their first match at SummerSlam, followed by a Strap Match at Bash in Berlin. Both matches exceeded expectations, especially on the part of the previously injured CM Punk. However, their Bad Blood Hell in a Cell match stole the show. It was a violent and intense clash that perfectly encapsulated the months of build-up to that ending.