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Major Update On CM Punk’s WWE Future

By Gaurav Singh • Published Jun 19, 2026 04:46 EDT
CM Punk WWE
CM Punk (Image Source-WWE.com)

The latest report provided a huge update regarding the WWE future of CM Punk and his potential return date.

Since his WWE return in 2023, CM Punk has been one of the top guys in the company. He also headlined night 2 of WrestleMania 42, where he defended his World Heavyweight title against Roman Reigns. After an incredible main event match, Punk failed to retain his title against Roman. The Second City Saint also made an appearance on the RAW after Mania before going on a hiatus, which still continues.

Amid his hiatus, there were rumors and speculations circulating that CM Punk could be on his way out of the WWE, and some fans believed that he could go back to AEW as well. Nonetheless, the new report has seemingly debunked all those rumors and speculations.

According to an exclusive report from Sportskeeda Wrestling, the rumors of CM Punk being done with WWE is all “nonsense.” The report said that Punk was off TV due to personal reasons and will be back sooner rather than later:

So that’s all nonsense. Him being done with WWE? Nowhere close. He’s fine and will be back. He was out for a few personal reasons and plans changing. But he’s back sooner than you’d expect.”

The report further stated that CM Punk could be back by the Chicago show, citing the RAW in his hometown on July 6. The report concluded that Punk will be returning with huge plans, and no one’s ready for it:

In fact, he should be back around the Chicago show. It was unfortunate that he was gone after saying he’s full-time, but this won’t affect him in the long run. He’s coming back with a huge bang, and everyone’s going to know as well. No one’s ready for just how big this run is going to be.” [H/T Sportskeeda Wrestling]

WWE reportedly planning a huge creative change for CM Punk

Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter recently reported that WWE is planning to transfer CM Punk from RAW to SmackDown upon his return. Meltzer also noted 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.”

It remains to be seen when punk will be back.