4 Possible opponents for CM Punk at WWE SNME 

Monday Night RAW - Source: Getty
CM Punk. [Image Source: Getty]

CM Punk has been away from WWE television since losing the Men's WarGames Match at Survivor Series 2025. A masked individual interfered and attacked The Second City Saint, costing the babyface team the bout.

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In Punk's absence, Bron Breakker has been named as the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship. The two will collide for the title on the January 5, 2026, episode of Monday Night RAW.

That said, one of Punk's biggest rivals, John Cena, is set to wrestle his final match in just a few days at Saturday Night's Main Event XLII. The Second City Saint is rumored to be in attendance for the GOAT's retirement.

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If Punk is there, he could compete in a match at the event. Four matches are currently confirmed for the show, and the Triple H-led creative team could add another on this week's episode of SmackDown.

John Cena's last match opening SNME - Check out Why!

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At John Cena's request, his retirement show is set to feature exhibition matches between top WWE Superstars and rising stars from NXT. In this listicle, we will look at four possible opponents for CM Punk if he competes at SNME:


#4. Trick Williams

Trick Williams is one of the top names in NXT, but has suffered several setbacks lately. Williams failed to win the NXT Championship from then-champion Ricky Saints despite multiple attempts, and even lost the opportunity to compete in the Iron Survivor Challenge to Myles Borne.

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That said, he could be on his way to the main roster soon, and before his official debut, he could step up to face CM Punk at Saturday Night's Main Event.


#3. Myles Borne

After parting ways with NQCC earlier this year, Myles Borne is being positioned as the next main eventer in NXT. Often compared to Randy Orton due to his look, the 26-year-old has impressed many with his performance on the developmental brand.

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Borne could get the ultimate spotlight of being CM Punk's opponent for Saturday Night's Main Event XLII.


#2. Ethan Page

Ethan Page is the current NXT North American Champion and one-half of the AAA World Mixed Tag Champions with Chelsea Green. Page is one of the most entertaining acts on the brand, showcasing his exceptional range as a character and as an in-ring performer.

Since the NXT Champion, Oba Femi, is facing the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, on Saturday, the World Heavyweight Champion could go up against the NXT North American Champion.

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#1. Randy Orton could face CM Punk

While the primary theme of the upcoming event is present vs. future, the Triple H-led creative team could make an exception and book Randy Orton vs. CM Punk. The Viper has been away from television for over two months, but could return to bid John Cena goodbye at Saturday Night's Main Event.

Punk and Orton have played an integral part in Cena's career. Having the veterans go one-on-one in an exhibition match would be a fitting tribute to The Cenation Leader on his last show as an active in-ring performer.

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Edited by Parth Pujara
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