CM Punk’s extended disappearance from WWE programming appears to be nearing its end. Multiple internal sources telling WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select that he is expected back on television as soon as July. A “significant role” has been planned for the two‑day SummerSlam event in August.
According to the Fightful Select report, one source pointed directly to Monday, July 6, when WWE Raw broadcasts from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, as the most likely return date. However, the date was not confirmed outright. The expectation across the board is that his return is “not far away.”
Punk’s Last WWE Appearance
Punk has not appeared on WWE TV since the April 20, 2026, episode of Raw, according to WrestleView. It was the WWE Raw fallout show after WrestleMania 42. On that night, he confronted Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes. Then he teased a future title match before disappearing from programming entirely. It was also where he addressed his fans after losing the World Heavyweight Championship to Roman Reigns.
Why Punk Has Been Off TV
Despite heavy online speculation, sources speaking to WrestleVotes maintain that Punk’s absence is not tied to any TKO issues or any backstage conflict. Instead, the situation has been described as:
- A “schedule change”
- He’s waiting on WWE Creative to reinsert him into storylines
- Creative plans shifting after roster moves involving Gunther and Jacob Fatu
The Wrestling Observer also reported that Punk’s removal from European tour advertising was not disciplinary. It was simply a scheduling adjustment.
SummerSlam Role Already Planned
Multiple outlets corroborate that Punk is firmly in WWE’s SummerSlam plans. WWE expects him to be “on the marquee” for SummerSlam season. Many internal discussions have him featured prominently on promotional material. Some additional reporting, including Yahoo Sports, suggests WWE considered Punk to return on Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 18 at Madison Square Garden. While plans can always change, the internal belief is that his return is imminent. He is tied directly to the company’s biggest summer storylines.
No Locker Room Concerns
WrestleVotes Radio emphasized that no one they spoke to indicated any tension between Punk and TKO. Plus, there hasn’t been any concern spread within the locker room. If issues exist, sources say they are being kept “exceptionally quiet.”
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