A new report has shed light on WWE’s plans for CM Punk‘s eventual return to television.
CM Punk has been absent from WWE programming since the Raw after WrestleMania 42, where he last appeared following his World Heavyweight Championship loss to Roman Reigns at the premium live event.
While unverified rumours recently suggested that Punk was at odds with WWE management, Dave Meltzer reported in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his absence remains a creative decision rather than the result of any backstage issues.
According to the report, WWE removed Punk from television because there were no immediate storyline plans for him. The expectation is that he will return once a new programme is ready to begin.
The report also states that WWE is planning for Punk to return to the SmackDown roster.
The move would reportedly help balance WWE’s top-tier star power across both brands. Raw currently features names such as Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, The Usos, Jacob Fatu, Bron Breakker, and Logan Paul, while SmackDown is headlined by Cody Rhodes, Gunther, and Rhea Ripley.
Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre are also expected to factor into SmackDown’s main event picture upon their returns.
Potential Feud Between CM Punk And Cody Rhodes Discussed Within WWE
One potential direction discussed internally is a feud between CM Punk and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. WWE previously teased tension between the two stars during the Raw after WrestleMania, before Punk disappeared from television.
A return on the July 6 edition of Raw in Chicago has reportedly been discussed. While Punk is expected to join SmackDown, his hometown connection makes Chicago a logical location for his comeback, regardless of brand affiliation.
With Night of Champions scheduled for June 27, Saturday Night’s Main Event set for July 18, and SummerSlam taking place on August 1 and 2, WWE has several major events approaching that could serve as the stage for Punk’s return.
