WWE‘s current plans for CM Punk’s return reportedly include a change of scenery.
CM Punk has been away from WWE television since RAW after WrestleMania 42. While fans are awaiting his return, recent rumors put that into doubt. Various reports emerged regarding the situation, debunking all the claims and clarifying that the former World Heavyweight Champion will return as soon as July and that he’s taking a well-deserved time off. It’s also worth noting that Punk is still advertised for the upcoming episode of RAW in Baltimore, but cards are always subject to change.
WWE reportedly plans to move CM Punk to SmackDown
Now, Dave Meltzer mentioned on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that he heard WWE took CM Punk off television because they didn’t have any creative plans for him and looked to bring him back when they had something. He noted that the current plan is for him to return on SmackDown, which is basically a balancing act.
Meltzer says the belief is that since RAW has stars like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, The Usos, Jacob Fatu, Oba Femi, Logan Paul and Bron Breakker, it makes sense for WWE to bring CM Punk to SmackDown alongside Cody Rhodes, Gunther, and Rhea Ripley. He also noted that the future blue brand roster will also include Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre.
Pointing to CM Punk’s segment with Cody Rhodes on RAW after WrestleMania 42, in which they teased a future match, Meltzer says a program between the two superstars has been a direction for a while.
WWE has advertised CM Punk for the July 6 episode of RAW in Chicago, and Meltzer says the Straight Edge Superstar returning at that event makes sense. While it’s on the red brand, he says it doesn’t matter, as it makes more sense for Punk to return in his hometown before moving over to SmackDown.
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