Retired performer to return to the ring, former WWE star to return? - 4 stars who could get involved in CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre III

WWE has had numerous great rivalries in 2024. Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns led to one of the most satisfying conclusions to a premium live event in history. Bayley vs. IYO SKY heading into WrestleMania was fantastic. Rhea Ripley vs. Liv Morgan is still turning heads every week.

Arguably the best feud of the year, however, has been that of CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre. It technically has roots dating back to 2023, but it really took off in 2024 thanks to Punk's injury and their ongoing verbal and physical spats since then.

Due to Punk suffering an injury, however, it delayed the two having a match. It took awhile, but they eventually clashed at SummerSlam and then again at Bash in Berlin. Drew won the first bout, but it was CM Punk who stood tall in the second contest.

With one win each and a brutal assault on RAW showing that their rivalry isn't over yet, it seems inevitable that Punk vs. McIntyre III is on the horizon. The big question is if another performer could get involved. This article will look at a handful of stars who could potentially get involved in this major WWE bout if it does indeed happen.

Below are four stars who could get involved in CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre III.

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#4. AJ Lee could return to WWE

AJ Lee is a legendary female performer. While in WWE, she managed to become the Divas Champion on three separate occasions. She was also a General Manager and even won a few Slammy Awards.

Sadly, Lee has been retired from the ring for quite some time. She left WWE back in 2015 and hasn't yet returned. Her husband, on the other hand, has made a comeback. With CM Punk back in the company, many hope AJ could eventually follow.

There is a storyline reason for Lee to get involved in this angle. It was the bracelet with her name on it that Drew destroyed. AJ returning to distract or hit McIntyre, thus allowing Punk to nail him with the GTS, would be a phenomenal pay off to a great feud.

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#3. Seth Rollins wants to hurt CM Punk

Seth Rollins is another accomplished wrestler. He is a multi-time World Champion in WWE who has even headlined WrestleMania. Seth has also held mid-card and tag team gold.

The Visionary was seemingly set to officially kick off his feud with CM Punk following chaos at Money in the Bank 2024 and WWE SummerSlam. Instead, he was taken out by Bronson Reed on Monday Night RAW and hasn't been seen since.

Surely, Rollins isn't done with CM Punk. Instead of returning to fight Bronson, he could shift his focus back to The Voice of the Voiceless and interfere in a CM Punk-Drew McIntyre rematch. Rollins could lay Punk out, allow Drew to win, and go on to fight The Straight Edge Superstar at a major show.

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#2. Wade Barrett could return to the ring

Wade Barrett had an interesting run in WWE. He is perhaps best known as the leader of The Nexus, but he also led The Corre and was a member of The League of Nations. Barrett is also a five-time Intercontinental Champion.

The master of the Bullhammer Elbow hasn't competed in a WWE ring in many years. His last bout was a tag team match back in 2016. Now, he serves as a commentator and he is publicly known as one of Drew's best friends.

In what could be a stunning moment, Wade could help Drew defeat CM Punk in their third match. From there, Wade Barrett could return to the ring and renew a rivalry with The Voice of the Voiceless from around 12 years ago. Could Wade have one last run in the squared circle?

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#1. Bronson Reed could get himself involved

Bronson Reed is a dangerous man. He is one of the biggest and most physical performers on the WWE roster. While he hasn't held much gold in the company, he is a former NXT North American Champion.

As noted, Reed brutally destroyed Seth Rollins on WWE Monday Night RAW. With that being said, The Visionary wasn't the only performer taken out my Reed. He has also injured R-Truth and even hurt Braun Strowman, although the big man returned to the ring quickly.

Given that Reed will attack people and do it without any clear reasoning, it is possible he gets himself involved in the McIntyre-Punk feud. If Bronson already took out other beloved babyfaces, there is a very real chance that Punk could be his next victim.