CM Punk poised for lengthy WWE Title reign on SmackDown – Report
(Courtesy : WWE.com)
The Second City Saint won the Undisputed title on Monday.
CM Punk returned to WWE on Monday in Chicago, partaking in Monday Night Raw’s main event and replacing Cody Rhodes in the Undisputed title match against reigning Champion Sami Zayn. Punk defeated Zayn in the main event to capture the Undisputed title for the first time in 13 years.
Now, a report from WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select has revealed WWE’s plans for Punk as the Undisputed Champion.
The report states that Punk is expected to have a lengthy title reign as the Undisputed Champion, most of which will take place on SmackDown.
The report adds that NBCU was pushing for Punk‘s presence on the show for more than a year, considering him one of its top stars. He will also appear on Raw whenever his presence is required.
“CM Punk is expected to have a lengthy reign, most of which will be taking place on SmackDown. NBCU has been pushing for his presence on the show for well over a year, as they view him as a premier star. He will make Raw appearances when needed.”
CM Punk returns on SmackDown tonight in Oklahoma
Following his win on Monday, CM Punk is now confirmed to appear on tonight’s edition of Friday Night SmackDown. The highly anticipated show is set to air live from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The appearance comes in the backdrop of reports of his showdown against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam, which is now a few weeks away.
On the other hand, Sami Zayn, after losing the title against Punk, had a lot of things to say to the newly crowned Champion. Additionally, Gunther is still in the mix; after all, his attack on Cody is what opened the door for Punk to return, compete for the title, and eventually win.
When and where will WWE SmackDown take place this week?
The upcoming July 10, 2026, edition of SmackDown will air live from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
When and where will SummerSlam 2026 take place?
The 39th edition will air as a two-night spectacle on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.