Major update of CM Punk's return; move to SmackDown & rumoured issues with WWE
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CM Punk’s absence continues as WWE gears up for Night of Champions.
After losing the World Heavyweight title at WrestleMania 42, CM Punk made an appearance on the fallout show of Raw and had a tense showdown with Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes, teasing a showdown in the future.
However, since then, Punk has been absent from WWE programming, and during his absence, rumors of his WWE exit, issues withgg͟h the promotion, and even a move to SmackDown were rampant. Although the move to SmackDown rumors were verified by reports, the rumors of the rift were debunked.
Now, a new report from WON has provided more clarity on Punk’s return, the reported SmackDown move, and issues with the WWE.
Also Read: WWE star CM Punk picks Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo as FIFA World Cup 2026 matchup possible
CM Punk could move to Smackdown
In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer confirmed that CM Punk will move to the SmackDown brand upon his return and will start a feud with Cody Rhodes.
However, Meltzer noted that Punk strongly pushed to make his return on the July 6 episode of Raw, as the show was taking place in Rosemont, which is just outside his hometown of Chicago.
Regarding rumors of Punk being unhappy and frustrated with WWE, Meltzer said that there were in fact “issues,” although he did not go into detail about what they were. He added that the situation isn’t as difficult as some have suggested, but that there are still issues present between the two parties.
“Even though Punk is earmarked for Smackdown, he was pushing very hard for his return to be on the 7/6 Raw show because it’s in Chicago,
His departure was basically to get him ready for moving to Smackdown and eventually a program with Rhodes, but to say there are no issues at all, that wouldn’t be correct. It’s not as bad as some have made it out to be, but it’s not like there aren’t any issues at all.” Metlzer wrote.
[H/T: Men’s Journal]
Fans are eagerly waiting for the Second City Saint to return to WWE programming, and if he is expected to feud with Cody leading into SummerSlam, this likely means Rhodes retaining the title at Night of Champions in Riyadh tonight.
Additionally, it could also mean that the winner of the 2026 King of the Ring tournament between Oba Femi and Jey Uso will potentially feud with World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns, heading into SummerSlam.
Will CM Punk move to SmackDown upon his return?
Yes, per Dave Meltzer, Punk will move to the SmackDown brand upon his return and will start a feud with Cody Rhodes.
Are the rumours of issues between CM Punk & WWE true?
Yes, Metlzer also reported that there were in fact “issues,” although he did not go into detail about what they were. He added that the situation isn’t as difficult as some have suggested, but that there are still issues present between the two parties.
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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.