10 AEW And NJPW Dream Crossover Matches

10. CM Punk Vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

Hiroshi Tanahashi has a claim to be called the best in the world. With record-setting title reigns, multiple G1 Climax tournament victories and the honour of the title of “Wrestler of the Decade” in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it seems as though Tanahashi may have seen and done it all.

He’s never faced CM Punk, though…

Now, that’s not entirely fair as CM Punk has missed out on facing a lot of Japanese talent, not having wrestled in that part of the world (outside of WWE tours) for two whole decades. With the ‘Second City Saint’ finally returning to the ring after seven years away, he has more fresh matches to pick from than most. Still, it’s hard to imagine Punk baulking at a challenge from ‘The Ace of the Universe’, especially on his current trajectory towards championship gold.

Ever the shining example of goodness, Hiroshi Tanahashi would be perfect foil for CM Punk to bring back some heel tendencies both into a storyline and the match itself. There’s always plenty for Punk to dig into to make the feud that extra bit spicy and raw. Even if that weren’t the case however, these two storied technicians could put on a show-stealing performance in pursuit of the truth: who really is the best in the world?