WWE is reportedly planning to bring back former World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk in time for the upcoming SummerSlam season, following his extended absence from the ring. According to reports, Punk has not appeared on WWE programming since the post-WrestleMania 42 edition of RAW. He lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania Night 2 and then teased a future title match with WWE Champion Cody Rhodes on RAW before going on hiatus.
Return Plans and Timeline
According to WrestleVotes, WWE is targeting Punk for a return during the summer, with internal discussions pointing toward a comeback ahead of or during the build to SummerSlam. Speculation suggests that Punk may appear at Saturday Night's Main Event XLV on July 18, though plans remain subject to change. The report indicates that WWE views Punk as a key part of its future plans and has significant creative ideas for him upon his return.
Potential Move to SmackDown
Sources suggest that WWE is planning to move Punk from RAW to SmackDown, where he could be positioned for a major feud with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. This move would shake up the roster and provide a fresh direction for Punk's character. The company is reportedly eager to capitalize on Punk's star power and draw for the SummerSlam event.
SummerSlam 2026 Details
SummerSlam 2026 is scheduled to take place at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on the weekend of August 1-2. The event will feature top stars, and it would be surprising if CM Punk were absent from the card. While WWE has not confirmed the speculation, signs increasingly point toward a comeback in the coming weeks. WrestleVotes noted, "It felt like it was going to be a bit of an extended stay. He’ll be back for SummerSlam. He’ll be on the marquee in some form or fashion — on every poster for downtown Minneapolis in 6–8 weeks. Maybe July 18th, Saturday Night’s Main Event at Madison Square Garden."
The reason behind Punk's long hiatus remains unclear, but WWE continues to view him as a cornerstone of its programming. Fans eagerly await official confirmation of his return, which could come as early as July.
