WWE and AEW's Next Breakout Stars, How to Book Returning CM Punk, More Quick Takes

As the long-awaited summer season gets underway, WWE and All Elite Wrestling's hungriest stars will be looking to make the biggest impression possible.

Money in the Bank in particular has served as a launching pad for promising careers in the past and where new stars have been created. Whoever WWE chooses to walk away with this year's briefcases will indicate who it has significant plans for and who will continue to tread water.

AEW also finds itself at a critical juncture coming off Double or Nothing and heading into Forbidden Door on June 25. Now would be the time for the promotion to feature fresh faces, including Konosuke Takeshita following his betrayal of Kenny Omega.

CM Punk's pending return is bound to stir some controversy if the crowd reaction to the mention of his name on Wednesday's Dynamite is any indication. The smartest course of action would be for AEW to embrace the organic nature of it and turn him heel if need be.

This installment of Quick Takes will discuss how AEW should handle Punk, Zoey Stark being in a prime position to succeed, MJF's next AEW World Championship program, and more.

WWE Failing to Capitalize on LA Knight's Surging Stardom Would Be Missed Opportunity

For as much talent depth as WWE has at the moment between Raw and SmackDown, many of the newer names are not currently over with the audience. A number of factors are to blame for that, which makes LA Knight's level of popularity all the more impressive.

Despite WWE's unsuccessful attempts to cut his hot momentum short, Knight has become quite the fan favorite over the last several months. He's a natural heel and excels in the role, but a face turn just might be inevitable.

Either way, it would be a major missed opportunity for him not to be pushed meaningfully post-Money in the Bank.

Ideally, Knight would win the men's Ladder match and use the briefcase as his ticket to the top of the card where he belongs, but even a strong showing in defeat can go a long way in cementing his status as a star on the rise.

SmackDown has a plethora of people for him to work with on both the babyface and heel sides to further boost his stock. He's exactly the type of well-rounded performer WWE could use at the momenta and Money in the Bank should be when he officially arrives.

Zoey Stark In Prime Position to Succeed Alongside Trish Stratus

Zoey Stark aiding Trish Stratus to victory over Becky Lynch was one of Night of Champions' best surprises, not only for its execution but also because of what it can do for the NXT call-up going forward.

It was already apparent from how she was being featured on Raw early in her main roster run that officials had high hopes for her. The pairing with the veteran puts her at the forefront of the Raw women's division as part of a program with Lynch, and now it's up to her to deliver.

As seen during her NXT stint, the 29-year-old is exceptionally skilled in the ring and much more comfortable in the heel role than she was as a babyface. But she won't be established unless she's feuding or aligned with women the caliber of Lynch and Stratus.

The key for WWE will be to ensure Stark doesn't become a stepping stone for Lynch to overcome within a matter of weeks. A consistent string of wins will go a long way in getting her to that next level.

In due time, there's no reason why Stark can't be competing for the top title on Raw. Moreover, there's no excuse why WWE can't be applying this same effort and attention to the rest of the women's roster.

MJF vs. Adam Cole Should Be Next Major AEW World Championship Program

MJF again escaped with his AEW World Championship reign intact at Double or Nothing when he bested the other three of the company's "four pillars," leaving fans to wonder who will step up next to challenge him.

A myriad of babyfaces wait in the wings, but Adam Cole makes more sense than anyone to get the next shot at the prestigious prize.

The inaugural men's Owen Hart Cup winner defeated Chris Jericho in an Unsanctioned match at Double or Nothing before beating him a second straight time in an intergender tag team match on the subsequent Dynamite.

If Cole finds himself free of Jericho going forward, it would only be logical for him to transition into the AEW world title picture from there.

Although he likely wouldn't be the one to unseat MJF as champ, it's undoubtedly a PPV-worthy attraction. The build has the potential to be must-see based on the promos alone.

MJF vs. Cole is another fresh feud and a perfect use of both guys for the summer.

Baron Corbin, Mustafa Ali Among Welcome Additions to NXT Roster

NXT has routinely brought in stars from SmackDown and Raw to work a short program with one of the newcomers and prepare them for what lies ahead on the main roster.

Apollo Crews benefited more than most upon returning to his old stomping ground. He arrived with a clear goal in mind of wanting to one day win gold, and Baron Corbin and Mustafa Ali should be following in those footsteps.

Both resurfaced on NXT last Tuesday, starting with Ali teasing joining the NXT North American Championship followed by Corbin laying out NXT champion to close the show.

Ali never spent significant time in NXT due to quickly reporting to 205 Live many years ago. He's fresh off an impressive performance against intercontinental champion Gunther and can lend a lot of experience to the rest of the roster simply by sharing the ring with them.

Corbin, on the other hand, did some of his best work under the NXT banner at the beginning of his career. He's a fantastic foil for Carmelo Hayes and can show the world all over again why he's underrated in the ring.

The days of Ali and Corbin being taken seriously on the main roster are likely long gone, but popping up on all three bands whenever will only increase their exposure and make for interesting new matchups.

AEW Shouldn't Resist Urge to Turn CM Punk Heel If Fans Dictate It

CM Punk returning to AEW for the premiere of Collision in Chicago has been the worst-kept secret among fans for months. but how it will go down exactly remains to be seen.

The Second City Saint was officially announced for Collision last week on Dynamite to a mixed reaction from the fans in attendance. He's largely been loved since joining AEW two years ago, but everything that has transpired since All Out in September has caused some fans to side with The Elite instead.

To ignore the negativity toward Punk from fans would be shortsighted. He'll obviously be cheered in his native Chicago, but it's anyone's guess how he'll be received beyond that.

If he does soon get more booed then cheered, then AEW should be willing to accept that a heel turn is the way to go. It would also open up countless more opportunities for the 44-year-old because he's been a face for practically his full run so far.

AEW has built up a strong reputation over the years for booking things organically, so no long-terms plans should be made concrete for Punk until it's clear what his standing with the fans is. Either way, he'll be a big get to have back in the fold and an outstanding heel when the time comes.

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Graham Mirmina, aka Graham "GSM" Matthews, has specialized in sports and entertainment writing since 2010. Visit his website, WrestleRant, and subscribe to his YouTube channel for more wrestling-related content.