CM Punk’s reported move to WWE SmackDown has some upsides to it.
CM Punk has been absent from WWE television since the RAW after WrestleMania 42. However, a recent report indicated that his return might come with a significant change. It noted that the promotion plans to move him to SmackDown as a balancing measure since the red brand has more star power.
Punk also teased the move while providing commentary at a Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC 156) event at the Hard Rock Casino in Rockford, Illinois. While promoting an upcoming show, his fellow announcers asked him if he would be there, noting that it wouldn’t be in Chicago. However, after confirming that it would take place on a Friday, the day SmackDown takes place, the WWE star replied that he won’t be available.
CM Punk has been part of WWE RAW since his return to the promotion in 2023. While some might argue that the promotion should keep the Straight Edge Superstar in its flagship show, a move to SmackDown can revitalize his current run.
A move to SmackDown can do a lot of good for CM Punk
As the report noted, the WWE RAW roster has top names such as Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, Jacob Fatu, The Usos, and more. Moving CM Punk to SmackDown reduces the “crowded top guy” problem and also gets him away from his former rivals, Reigns and Rollins.
The move could create fresh programs with less baggage for CM Punk, including one with Cody Rhodes, as noted in the report. The two superstars teased a future rivalry during their interaction on RAW after WrestleMania 42. Now that Rhodes is no longer the Undisputed WWE Champion, he could start a feud with Punk and book a high-profile match at SummerSlam.
He could also have feuds with the likes of Trick Williams, former AEW colleague Ricky Saints, and restart his rivalry with Gunther and Drew McIntyre. Fans also wouldn’t be opposed to a program between him and a returning Randy Orton.
While most fans hail him for the “Summer of Punk” in 2011 and his infamous “Pipe Bomb” promo, one has to remember that some of CM Punk’s best moments came while he was on SmackDown. The Straight Edge Society storyline and the Rey Mysterio feud were some of the highlights of his career.
Related: CM Punk Advertised For Multiple WWE Shows Despite Current Absence
