With Suspension Up, Randy Orton Should Face CM Punk Upon His WWE Return

WWE Superstar Randy Orton is now available to return to WWE after serving a 60-day suspension (received on May 30) due to violating the WWE Wellness Policy a second time.

Before being placed on the sidelines, Orton was the biggest name on Smackdown, and this seems like the perfect opportunity to return and make a big impact.

Right now, the world heavyweight title picture is set for the foreseeable future, with Sheamus locked in and Alberto Del Rio and Dolph Ziggler waiting in the wings.

In terms of the WWE title, CM Punk looks to defend in a rematch against John Cena at SummerSlam.

Then the door is open for a new fall rivalry—this would be a perfect position for a villainous Orton to engage in a months-long rivalry with Punk, culminating at Survivor Series.

Much like with Christian, the pair would put on entertaining matches. The story seems built in—CM Punk is upset that the spotlight has been placed on John Cena and The Rock while he has been champion, and after vanquishing Cena at SummerSlam, Randy Orton calls Punk out as being a whiner and complainer. He claims that he himself deserves to be champion.

Perhaps Orton's Wellness Policy violations will be woven in on camera as well, given Punk's straight-edge lifestyle.

I have been a big advocate for CM Punk to enjoy a years-long title reign—I would like to see him hold the WWE title for the longest period of time since Hulk Hogan from 1984-1988.

I feel that it would be a two-way street of benefit, with Punk being classified as one of the greatest champions of all time, and the WWE title being defended by a champion who doesn't lose the title for a very long time, thus placing even more importance and value on the title.

With The Rock waiting in the wings at the 2013 Royal Rumble, Randy Orton could be the perfect candidate to bridge CM Punk from Cena to Rock in a money WWE title rivalry.

In another situation, The Rock could beat CM Punk at the Royal Rumble, become WWE champion and meet John Cena at WrestleMania 29 in a rematch. The only reason I don't like this scenario is because The Rock would presumably not defend the title until WrestleMania.

Not that the "30 day" rule matters all that much, or is even enforced anymore.

Arda Ocal
Pro Wrestling Optimist

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