CM Punk has been absent from WWE television for more than five weeks. This has led to widespread speculation about his status following WrestleMania 42. However, a new report suggests his time away has little to do with a lack of direction and much more to do with timing.
The former World Heavyweight Champion last appeared on the April 20 episode of Monday Night Raw, one night after losing the title to Roman Reigns in the Night Two main event of WrestleMania 42.
During that appearance, Punk hinted at a possible future showdown with Cody Rhodes before disappearing from WWE programming.
A new report addresses WWE creative plans for CM Punk
One rumor circulating in recent weeks claimed WWE simply had no creative plans for Punk. According to WrestleVotes, that narrative is inaccurate.
Speaking during a WrestleVotes Radio discussion on Fightful Select, WrestleVotes stated that “it is NOT TRUE that WWE has no plans for CM Punk and that’s the reason that he’s not being featured.”
Instead, the report noted that Punk is receiving what was described as a well-earned break after being featured regularly on television for nearly three years, aside from periods missed due to injury. The expectation remains that when Punk returns, he will immediately find himself back near the top of the card.
Reports have also indicated that WWE’s post-WrestleMania landscape changed significantly. The movement of Gunther to SmackDown and Jacob Fatu’s arrival on Raw reportedly altered several creative directions. Rather than forcing Punk into an already crowded main event picture featuring Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Fatu, and GUNTHER, WWE is believed to have opted for a temporary hiatus.
For now, Punk may be off television, but he’s hardly out of the spotlight. Reports suggest WWE is already preparing for his return. Rumors point toward a comeback in the weeks leading into SummerSlam. If that’s the case, “The Best in the World” may simply be waiting for the right moment to drop another pipe bomb into WWE’s main event scene.
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