CM Punk Confirms Major WWE Name Taking Time Off After Knee Surgery

CM Punk recently confirmed that a WWE veteran is taking time off after undergoing knee surgery.

The Stamford-based company has been documenting the journeys of different wrestlers and its staff, putting it together for the WWE: Unreal series to be aired on Netflix.

The documentary will take viewers behind the scenes to showcase WWE’s creative process across various shows, including RAW and WrestleMania.

The company had announced the series in early 2025 and also confirmed that it will have 5 episodes. It will premiere on July 29.

The synopsis by Netflix reads: “From Monday Night RAW to WrestleMania, this series goes backstage with WWE superstars and staff as they bring the company’s biggest spectacles to life.”

During the media tour for WWE: Unreal, CM Punk appeared on the My Mom’s Basement With Robbie Fox podcast, where he was asked about the company’s unsung heroes backstage.

Punk claimed that person to be Michael Hayes, while also stating that the legend was recuperating after surgery.

Michael Hayes just went down, got a knee surgery. So, you know, Freebird’s gone for a while. And I really do feel the impact of him not being around. Now, you can text him, you know, but he’s at home. And him not being there, like his presence is missed.

Hayes is a WWE loyalist who has served behind the scenes since 1999 after the dissolution of his alliance with The Hardy Boyz in August that year.

CM Punk Is Headed To SummerSlam

CM Punk continues to remain in the title picture and is in pursuit of his fourth world championship on the main roster.

Punk recently challenged John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WWE Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia, which saw a chaotic finish ending in Cena’s victory.

‘The Voice of the Voiceless’ competed in a gauntlet match run by Bron Breakker on the July 14 RAW episode.

During the match, Breakker defeated Penta, LA Knight, and Jey Uso. However, CM Punk won the match after hitting him with a GTS.

He will challenge Gunter for the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam.