WWE Payback 2013: CM Punk/Chris Jericho Could Be the Match of the Year

In its simplest terms, Chris Jericho facing CM Punk is like a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. Two great WWE wrestlers who make things happen in the ring.

With the impending showdown of the two superstars forthcoming at WWE Payback in two weeks, it is hard to think of a better matchup that would prove once and for all who is currently the best wrestler in the company.

Aside from Daniel Bryan, who may have something to say about that outcome, I cannot think of a current WWE wrestler who can match either of the WWE superstars move for move.

Yes, I said that, John Cena.

Looking back on great feuds of the past to determine who was the "best there ever was" in this business, you need to look no further than matches in the WWE's own backyard to see why the ingredients of a great match are already in place. 

A great rivalry has passion, an antagonist (which both Punk and Jericho play well on television), a definitive desire to be great and each can put on a performance the likes of which we will talk about for years to come.

Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart. The Rock and Steve Austin. Bruno Sammartino and Pedro Morales. Ric Flair and everyone.

The WWE needs another signature feud. It has one anytime it so desires with Punk and John Cena or Punk and Daniel Bryan. But the WrestleMania 28 match between Punk and Jericho was good, and the subsequent matches as part of their series have been as impressive—at best. I think it can be better and should be better.

The fact we have not seen Punk for almost seven weeks now should tell you a few things. The buildup for the next two weeks will be dramatic. Punk will come out and defend his being off camera (while he has been home resting and watching hockey). Chris Jericho may be the only man on the WWE to match him word for word. In this type of scenario, that is better than the in-ring performance.

The only thing better would be if Punk somehow loses the match through the fault of his associate, Paul Heyman, the man who accepted the challenge on his behalf in the first place. That would open a whole new can of Whoop Ass. And we know what that kind of situation would lead to in the WWE.