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CM Punk Seemingly Confirms His Future WWE Move

By Gaurav Singh • Published Jun 27, 2026 05:34 EDT
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CM Punk - Source: WWE.com

The former World Heavyweight Champion, CM Punk, apparently confirmed his new move in the WWE amid his absence.

Ever since his blockbuster WWE return back in 2023, CM Punk has been one of the top stars in the company. He also had an amazing World Heavyweight title run for months until losing to Roman Reigns in the Night 2 main event of WrestleMania 42. Punk also showed up on the RAW after Mania to confront the WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes.

However, the Second City Saint has been on a hiatus from TV for more than two months now. Amid his absence from TV, there have been different rumors and speculations regarding CM Punk. Dave Meltzer on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter also reported that WWE is planning for Punk to return on SmackDown instead of RAW.

Dave Meltzer had noted that RAW has top stars like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and more, so Punk could join SmackDown to balance the star power. It was also reported that Cody Rhodes vs Punk has been a direction:

The plan right now is for him to return on Smackdown, which is basically a balancing act. The belief is with Raw having Reigns, Rollins, The Usos, Fatu, Femi, Logan Paul and Breakker that Punk made more sense on Smackdown with a top tier of Rhodes, Gunther, Ripley and soon to be Punk, Orton and McIntyre. Plus Rhodes vs. Punk has been a direction.”

Meltzer also reported CM Punk could make his WWE return on the 6th of July episode of RAW in Chicago:

The return date of 7/6 Raw in Chicago makes sense, although that is a Raw date, not Smackdown, but that’s really not material in the sense Chicago does make sense for him to appear.”

CM Punk seemingly confirmed his upcoming WWE move

During his time away from WWE TV, CM Punk has been on the commentary team for the MMA promotion, CFFC. During the commentary, Punk was asked whether he could be there for an upcoming event on Friday. Punk replied that he doesn’t know if he could make it on Friday, seemingly confirming his move to SmackDown, as the show airs every Friday:

Is that a Friday? I don’t know, It’s a Friday? I don’t know if I can make it,” said Punk

During his CFFC commentary, CM Punk also revealed that he has gained more weight amid his WWE absence:

I gained 20 pounds recently,” Punk replied. “It’s not good weight. This suit’s a little tight, ladies and gentlemen.” [H/T f4wonline.com]

It remains to be seen when CM Punk will be back on WWE TV.

Also read: Huge Revelation On Nixed CM Punk Plans