A hotly-anticipated feud for Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk, ever since his 2023 return, has been with Kevin Owens. He said it's because Owens knew Punk back when he was Phil Brooks, starting out on the independent scene. "Kevin hit it from a different perspective without shining a light on it. Bully Ray also liked the way Owens told Punk he was happy he didn't turn out like him. Punk gets this certain look in his eyes, where there's a little bit of hatred and concern, and it was definitely there with Kevin."