Five directions for CM Punk upon his highly awaited WWE return ahead of SummerSlam 2026
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CM Punk is rumored to return to WWE soon.
CM Punk has not been seen on WWE television since the RAW after WrestleMania 42. The Best in the World had dropped the World Heavyweight Championship the night before at The Show of Shows in Las Vegas, Nevada.
However, recent reports stated that Punk has been booked for several dates this summer, and new merchandise for his return is being made. Reports have also hinted at his return next month, while debunking the exit and pay cut rumours.
On the other hand, fresh new report from the Observer states that Punk is expected to move to SmackDown upon his return and a potential feud with Cody Rhodes is discussed. With Punk’s return on the horizon, here are five directions for the former WWE Champion after he is back on TV:
5. Work with rising stars
CM Punk is a WWE veteran who could leverage his knowledge and experience to elevate WWE’s rising talent. This could see Punk engage in a feud with names like Oba Femi, Bron Breakker, Penta, and more to give back to the next generation of wrestlers.
Also Read: Rumor killer on CM Punk’s WWE exit & ongoing absence since April
4. Join stars against The Bloodline
Amid CM Punk’s absence from WWE, Roman Reigns has once again reformed The Bloodline with The Usos and now Jacob Fatu. The faction has already begun to establish dominance and made enemies in the process. This could see Punk return to join those superstars in the battle against Reigns and his family.
3. Feud with Cody Rhodes
During CM Punk’s last televised appearance on RAW, he and Cody Rhodes had an intense exchange and hinted at a possible future showdown. The Best in the World could come back and target the American Nightmare right after to set up a match between them at a major event like SummerSlam.
2. Shockingly join The Vision
WWE could pull the ultimate shocker with CM Punk’s return by turning him heel. This could see him reunite with Paul Heyman, who would introduce Punk as the new leader of The Vision to help his rising stars get to the next level, much like they did under Seth Rollins‘ tutelage.
1. Rematch with Roman Reigns
One of the most expected bookings for CM Punk‘s return to WWE could be reigniting his feud with Roman Reigns. The OTC defeated him to capture the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 42. So, Punk could come back to pick up business where he left off and challenge Reigns to a rematch for the title.
Has CM Punk left WWE due to the pay cut & creative issues?
No, per Fightful, no one they spoke with in WWE had heard that Punk wanted out of his contract, and no talent they contacted believed he had been asked to take a pay cut.
When will CM Punk return to WWE?
Per WrestleVotes on Fightful, Punk is expected to return on or before July 6. The July 6 Raw is scheduled to take place at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, near Punk’s hometown of Chicago.
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Nik O Conner is a long-time fan of professional wrestling. After dropping his Engineering regular studies in 2020, he decided to pursue his passion and became a writer. Over the last few years, he has written for multiple webs bringing a lot of skills and creativity to the table.