Rumor killer on CM Punk's WWE exit & ongoing absence since April
(Courtesy : Getty)
Rumors have been rampant amid CM Punk’s WWE absence.
‘The Second City Saint’ CM Punk has been absent from WWE programming since the WrestleMania 42 fallout show of Monday Night Raw. Amid the absence, multiple rumours started circulating online, fueling speculations about his exit and a supposed pay cut.
Regarding the exit and pay cut rumors, Fightful Select reported that 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.
Quoting a source, the outlet also noted that Punk is set for an upcoming storyline, with new merchandise in production and summer dates already planned. Following the report, WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select has now provided more updates on Punk’s highly-awaited return.
CM Punk is expected to return next month in Chicago
According to the report, multiple WWE sources believe CM Punk is expected to return to television next month and be involved in a significant storyline leading into SummerSlam 2026, with plans for him to play a major role at the PLE.
The report also added that he 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.
In a separate report, the outlet also revealed that there are people within AEW who feel the door is not completely closed on CM Punk, believing that his relationships with certain key figures in the company could potentially be mended over time.
Punk suffered defeat in the main event of Night 2 of Mania against Roman Reigns, losing the World Heavyweight title. Punk then made an appearance on the fallout show of Raw, addressing fans. Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes also arrived during the segment, with the two even teasing a potential title showdown.
This marked his last appearance as the former World Heavyweight Champion, who has been absent from WWE programming. Regarding his absence, reports have noted that he is on a well-deserved break after a lengthy reign since November 2025 and regular appearances on Raw and PLEs.
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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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.