CM Punk has already defended his WWE World Heavyweight Championship leading up to the Royal Rumble 2026, meaning a fresh contender might be on the horizon. Although he recently faced AJ Styles on WWE Raw on January 26th, Punk appears likely to skip putting his title on the line at the Royal Rumble event itself.
Here are six possible wrestlers who could challenge CM Punk for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
6. Bron Breaker
Bron Breaker stands out as a WWE competitor who could soon earn a shot at the championship. Although he fell short in his attempt to claim the World Heavyweight Championship during the first WWE Raw episode of 2026, Breaker looks primed for another opportunity. It would be a natural storyline for him to pursue the title again and eventually clash with Punk. Breaker is also a top contender to win this year’s men’s Royal Rumble event, and the return of Seth Rollins later this year could further shake up the scene.
Fan Take: This development is exciting for WWE fans because it highlights the rising stars ready to challenge established champions like CM Punk. The potential matchups promise fresh rivalries and dynamic storytelling that could elevate the sport’s drama and appeal in 2026.
