6 Feuds We'd Love to See for WWE Champion CM Punk

WWE Champion CM Punk is looking to regain some of the momentum that was lost between his sizzling hot Summer feud with WWE golden boy John Cena and the curious feud that arose between him, Kevin Nash and Triple H.  

With his first successful title defense of this reign in the books, and WWE TLC 2011 coming up fast, it's time that Punk moved past his dull feuds and pick up where he left off earlier this year.  

As champion, CM Punk needs to take on all comers to solidify his role as the "Best in the World", and there's no shortage of possibilities in regards to who he may find himself across the ring from.  

Bleacher Report has browsed the WWE roster (and then some) to determine the top six feuds that we'd love to see CM Punk in going into 2012.  Sound off in the comment section and let us know what you think of our choices, and feel free to add your own "honorable mentions", or a superstar you feel should have been in the top five.  

CM Punk vs. the Miz

The Miz has gotten in touch with his darker side since Awesome Truth imploded and he viciously beat down R-Truth.  He's "taking out the trash" in his own mind, as he told the WWE Universe after his dismantling of John Morrison, in what was likely Morrison's last appearance on WWE television.

One of the biggest positives of a feud between Miz and CM Punk is the quality of mic work we'd be treated to.  Although you could make the case that both men are brash and arrogant, they're at opposite ends of the spectrum.  Two sides of the same coin, so to speak.

Whoever feuds with CM Punk needs to be able to verbally spar with him and not be outclassed.  The feud between Punk and Kevin Nash fell flat for a few reasons, but one of the biggest reasons was that Nash came across as uncomfortable when he traded jabs with Punk on the mic.  The Miz would have absolutely no problem in that regard.

That said, I don't think anyone is thrilled by The Miz potentially being featured in a WrestleMania WWE Championship match two years in a row, and I'm not certain that this is the kind of match that Punk needs to solidify his position as one of the top names in the company.  

CM Punk vs. the Rock

Let me make one thing clear before I get started.  This would be further up on the list if I thought it was a likely possibility, but on the off chance that WWE calls an audible and Punk finds himself injected into the Cena/Rocky feud, I couldn't resist including this.

CM Punk has been vocal in his disdain for The Rock as of late.  He has been critical of Rock's backstage attitude where he walks from his limo, to his locker room, to the ring and then leaves without visiting "the boys".  The Rock has gone Hollywood, and we all know it.  

Punk is no fool though, and is obviously planting seeds for a possible feud with The Rock one day.  Who knows, if WWE can't find a proper feud for Punk at WrestleMania, the idea John Cena vs. The Rock evolving into John Cena vs. The Rock vs. CM Punk doesn't exactly seem like a terrible idea. 

Regardless of how it would happen, the idea of CM Punk working with the Rock tickles my inner mark.  There's enough reality in the feud to keep Punk's "shooty" tone alive and well, and The Rock has a great history of giving it just as good as he can take it.  

Not to mention, Punk taking out a legend like The Rock lends plenty of credibility to Punk's declaration that he is the best in the world.  A fan can dream, right?

CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler

The Champion vs. Champion match between CM Punk and Dolph Ziggler on Raw weeks ago was one of the best matches we've seen on Raw in recent memory.  It's also no coincidence that some of the other more memorable wrestling matches these past few months have involved Dolph Ziggler. 

Ziggler is a driven superstar who has spend a lot of time under the management of Vickie Guerrero due to his poor work on the mic.  Recently in his appearances on Zack Ryder's "Z! True Long Island Story", Ziggler found his voice.  The promos he cut on the popular Youtube series made their way to Raw, and his evolution was evident.  

A feud between Ziggler and Punk creates a new story that we've yet to see play out, and injects Ziggler into the main event picture.  From the microphone to the mat, these two can bring it.  I believe that this new pairing could thrive in the main event, as the fans are ready for something fresh.  

Should this feud happen, I'd like to see Ziggler leave Vickie Guerrero behind, and truly rely on himself to get heat.  I doubt it would be too difficult, when you can tell a story in the ring like Punk and Ziggler can together, heat will come. 

Judging from WWE's positioning of Zack Ryder as a threat to Ziggler's United States title, it seems to me that this feud is definitely going to happen.  It's only a question of when.

CM Punk vs. John Cena

The atmosphere at Money in the Bank 2011 in Chicago was electric.  It had been many years since WWE fans had seen anything like it. 

CM Punk was the perfect foil for John Cena, the anti-hero vs. the company man.  The internet's favorite superstar, and Mr. 5 Moves of Doom.  Their feud was a thing of beauty.

So, it should be no surprise that John Cena is this high on the list of feuds that we'd love to see CM Punk in.  Their feud could have continued for months after unifying their WWE Championships, but Kevin Nash was injected into the feud, and Del Rio finally struck gold.

These men have unfinished business.  

Outside of Punk taking on a legend, I believe that John Cena is the most obvious option in regards to finding a feud that can bring Punk close to "face of the company" status. 

It won't happen anytime soon, and that's fine with me, but sooner or later, their paths will cross again.  I eagerly await that day.

CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho has been targeting CM Punk through Twitter since the begin of Punk's recent rise in popularity.  With plenty of speculation regarding WWE's "It Begins" viral videos, many people point towards Jericho as the one behind the videos.

Jericho's been claiming that multiple superstars, including Punk, have been "stealing" his style and moves.  Could it be that he's coming back to reclaim what's his?

Maybe.  The rumors are leaning towards talks between Jericho and WWE breaking down, but then again, leaking disinformation is a great way to swerve the fans.

This is a feud that has unlimited potential.  A recreated, reinvigorated Jericho would push Punk to the limit, and their styles would mesh great.

With Jericho aiming for a part time role, this also means good news for fans of Punk.  This feud would be used solely to put Punk over with the fans, and would give Punk a great victory over a classic name.

We'll find out if the man behind the "it begins" promos is Jericho soon enough, specifically, 1/2/2012.

CM Punk vs. Steve Austin

"I hear the stories and if the stars aligned and all things worked out to benefit us all — the WWE, myself and Punk—I'd say that he is the guy I'd pick to face." - Steve Austin

Mutual respect, passing the torch, a legend returning for one more match.  This is the dream feud that would without a doubt turn CM Punk into a real super star.  

CM Punk and Steve Austin are cut from the same cloth, when given the ball to run with, they chose similar paths.  Anti-establishment, brash, in your face.  The similarities end there though.  

Austin is a beer drinking, deer hunting, ass kicking redneck.  Punk is a straightedge, tattooed, punk rock fan from Chicago.  

Behind the scenes, their respect for one another is well documented.  Both men would love to have a match together, but it's a question of when, and will WWE make it happen.  

I wouldn't expect to see this feud in 2012 unless WWE went with a slow build like we've had with John Cena and The Rock, but I think WWE would definitely look to make it happen at some point.  It's no fun being patient though.