5 Next challengers for Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk after beating Kevin Owens

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With a successful defense over Owens in his pocket, CM Punk could face several WWE stars next. He’s crossed paths with many people from his past.

Randy Orton even declared his intent during the same show. The next five WWE stars could challenge CM Punk for the Undisputed Championship after he beat Kevin Owens.

#5. Gunther’s relentless pursuit of the WWE Championship

Gunther feels like he’s been cheated out of the chance to win the WWE Championship. Nick Aldis did screw him out of an opportunity, but then rectified the mistake by adding him to a contender’s match at SummerSlam.

Despite that treatment, The Ring General isn’t satisfied with his lack of success. His feud with Cody Rhodes after WrestleMania 42 started the narrative. It eventually led to a SummerSlam match with the SmackDown GM.

Gunther isn’t shy about his feelings, as he talked down to Finn Balor and Owens backstage on SmackDown. Punk and Gunther faced off once before, so another showdown is possible.

#4. Damian Priest pivots after losing gold

This isn’t the most appealing feud for Punk and the WWE Title, but it’s been teased this summer. Priest confronted Punk and Rhodes while each star was the champion.

It felt more like a friendly joust as opposed to a heated feud that could electrify the fans. Priest had his sights set on another major title run even while holding tag team gold.

After losing the WWE Tag Team Titles to the MFTs, he’ll likely refocus his sights on singles glory. The tag team run with R-Truth was nice, but it was on borrowed time.

Since Punk is likely to hold onto the title for the rest of the year, Priest could be a one-and-done feud for the champion.

#3. Kevin Owens looks for redemption

The Prizefighter has grounds for a rematch since Punk didn’t cleanly defeat him in their clash. He’ll likely want revenge on Sami Zayn first, but after that, Owens could challenge for the WWE Title again.

His first match with Punk only scratched the surface of what a longer feud might look like between the two promo masters. Owens fought Rhodes several times when he held the belt, so that could be the direction around Money in the Bank.

Several big names deserve another run with a major WWE Championship, and Owens is one of them. He hasn’t held a major belt since 2017. Getting another shot could be the redemption Kevin Owens needs.

#2. Justice for Sami Zayn

Sami Zayn has been on edge all year. He fell short against Drew McIntyre in early 2026 after The Scottish Warrior defeated Cody Rhodes for the title.

After a brief detour with the United States Championship for WrestleMania, Zayn was thrust back into the Undisputed Championship picture. He was on top of the world after winning the WWE Championship at Night of Champions in June.

Pinning The American Nightmare was icing on the cake since Rhodes had disregarded Zayn’s feelings and words leading up to the PLE.

His fortunes after losing the title have seen him at odds with Nick Aldis and the top stars of SmackDown. Sami has been adamant about getting a fair rematch since outside factors have robbed him of a chance to regain the title.

Attacking both Owens and Punk during the main event won’t sit well with either man. Aldis will probably punish him even though he hasn’t done that to other stars who’ve interfered during title matches. There’s still more meat on the bone between Punk and Zayn, so he could be next in line.

#1. Randy Orton wants a 15th World Title

Many consider Randy Orton to be one of WWE’s top stars, and he is. The Viper is often in pursuit of winning his 15th World Championship, but many of his feuds are the same. He challenged John Cena after Cena won his 17th title.

Orton also faced Rhodes at WrestleMania 42 this year but fell short. Since WWE keeps mentioning his pursuit of a 15th title all the time, they have to make good on the promise at some point.

He only has a few good years left, and even those are as a part-time star. The Legend Killer recently confronted Punk backstage to warn him that he was coming for the title after he dealt with Rhodes.

The Best in the World welcomed the challenge. That showdown could be saved for WarGames, provided both men don’t compete in the specialty cage match.