WWE has reportedly discussed a potential dream match pitting CM Punk vs. Steve Austin. 

Several higher-ups in the company are said to be pushing for the match to take place, Fightful is reporting. Many in WWE "are hopeful and even optimistic" that the match will happen at some point. 

The idea is believed to have already been discussed with Punk, with sources noting that the "ideal scenario" would be for the two to meet in person and discuss ideas as a next step. However, it was also noted that "there’s a lot to get through first" before the match can be made. 

Austin and Punk appear to have a mutual admiration for each other. Austin praised Punk during an interview with Forbes earlier this year and also addressed the idea that he was an influence on Punk's career.

Austin said of Punk:

Great promo guy, great worker, he's got his own thing going and we're just friends. So I think I remember there's a picture of myself and him from Chicago, my favorite town to work in, my favorite building. And I guess he had come down to where we were all hanging out. Maybe he looked up to me back in the day, but I don't know if I so much mentored him because I think he paid his own dues. He learned it the way he did and he got over on his own merits. The fact that maybe I could have been somewhat of an influence would be flattering if that were the case. But he's made his own career.

Punk also wore a Steve Austin t-shirt while delivering his famous pipe-bomb promo in 2011. 

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