WWE News: Power Ranking CM Punk and More Potential Steve Austin Opponents

After successful returns by both The Rock and Brock Lesnar, a lot of former superstars have been asked about their willingness to make a WWE comeback. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin is one former fan favorite who hasn't shied away from the speculation.

Austin made the following comments to ZooToday.com about what it would take for him to return:

"

A lot of zeros… you know, if the right situation, the right opponent and the right circumstances came up for the WWE, then it would certainly be something worth considering. Could I have another match or two? Yeah. Physically I am in really good shape right now. People seem to think I am half-dead!

"

Vince McMahon has never let money stand in the way of an awesome storyline, so it's something to keep in mind moving forward. But for now, let's take a look at three potential opponents for Austin should he eventually make his way back to WWE.

1. CM Punk

The most likely opponent, Punk and Austin have already laid the groundwork for a feud when Austin was doing promotional work on Raw for the reality show Tough Enough. Their contrasting lifestyles and trash-talking ability would lead to a dream match for many fans.

Both guys wrestle with a chip on their shoulder like they always have something to prove, despite being among the biggest stars of their respective eras. That's most likely because neither Punk nor Austin were handed a golden ticket to the top and had to earn every push they received.

The only concern would be Punk's current feud with Chris Jericho, which has already brought Straight Edge into the spotlight. I don't think that would have a major effect on Punk and Austin, though. They would be a huge draw anyway.

2. Undertaker

Undertaker has knocked off several legends during his 20-match undefeated run at WrestleMania, but Austin isn't one of them. Their paths never crossed during Austin's prime years. Without a clear favorite to take on the “Dead Man” at next year's marquee show, Austin could fill the void.

It would awesome if Undertaker issued an open challenge and Austin's music hit. He would explain that he has some unfinished business to take care of and ending the streak is the only thing missing on his otherwise terrific wrestling résumé.

Since Austin's comments seem like any comeback wouldn't be a long-term commitment, facing Undertaker would also allow him to leave right after WrestleMania, just like The Rock did after his big victory. And, of course, it would be an epic match.

3. John Cena

When all else fails, beat up Cena. That seems to have become the WWE's new approach for returning superstars or new gimmicks. In addition to The Rock, Kane also faced off with Cena when the company decided to bring back his masked character.

Austin was right up there with Rocky, if not ahead of him, when it came to being the ultimate draw during his peak years. The same can be said for Cena right now, even though fans have rebelled against him because of his ability to overcome the odds.

I still think some type of change remains on the horizon for Cena. They wouldn't keep throwing him to the wolves unless there was a grand plan it was all leading to. Austin can help push him off the edge, leading to a much-needed character shift.