Add as a preferred source on Google CM Punk appears to be moving closer to a return to WWE programming. After several weeks away from TV following WrestleMania 42, the latest word is that there is no serious issue between him and the company, despite rumors that suggested otherwise at one point. Recent reports have indicated that new merchandise is being prepared and appearances are planned for the summer.
At this point, the question does not seem to be whether Punk will return, but what his first rivalry will be. Looking at SmackDown, the blue brand offers several interesting possibilities, especially with Cody Rhodes still reigning as Undisputed WWE Champion, Gunther back in the title picture, Sami Zayn getting closer to that story, and names like Carmelo Hayes, Ricky Saints, Trick Williams, and Royce Keys gaining momentum.
Below are seven rivalries that could define CM Punk’s return to SmackDown.
7 – Royce Keys
Royce Keys may be the riskiest name on this list, but he is also the most different. WWE has been trying to present him as a dominant force on SmackDown.
The problem is that putting him against CM Punk right now could feel like too big of a leap. Punk returned to WWE to work major stories, and Keys is still in the process of convincing the audience that he belongs on that level.
Even so, there is value here. Punk is the kind of veteran who can turn a simple feud into something bigger because of his work on the microphone. Keys could be presented as someone with no patience for respecting legends, while Punk could use that arrogance as the starting point to expose the flaws of a talent who is still developing.
It would not be the top option for SummerSlam, but it would be a useful feud to test Keys against someone with real weight.
6 – Ricky Saints
Ricky Saints would be a more interesting choice than it may seem at first. He has not fully established himself on the main roster yet, but he has already been placed in higher-profile situations, especially in his rivalry with Carmelo Hayes.
On the May 29 edition of SmackDown, Saints and Hayes faced each other in a match that ended in a double count-out, in a story tied to their push for space around Trick Williams’ United States Championship. The following week, Saints defeated Hayes, keeping the rivalry alive.
The strongest part of a feud with Punk would be that clash of realities. Punk is a name who no longer needs to prove his importance. Saints, on the other hand, still needs to prove that he is not just a prospect.
The story could be simple. Saints wants to use Punk as a shortcut to earn respect faster. It would work especially well if WWE wants to accelerate his rise without putting him directly in the title picture.
5 – Carmelo Hayes
Carmelo Hayes against CM Punk has more potential on the microphone than it may seem on paper. Hayes has the ego, confidence, and attitude of someone who would not accept being treated like just another young talent in front of Punk.
WWE has already been presenting Hayes as an important part of SmackDown, and he has spent the last few months bragging about it himself. That is exactly where Punk comes in. The Best in the World could call Hayes out for talking like a star without fully delivering on the main roster.
Hayes, in turn, could accuse Punk of taking TV time away from wrestlers who are trying to build the future of the company. Punk would almost have to win, but if the feud were written well, Hayes could come out of it feeling much bigger.
4 – Trick Williams
Trick Williams is one of the more interesting names on the list. He is already United States Champion, has the crowd behind him, and has been used as one of SmackDown’s central pieces in recent months.
On May 29, Trick was interrupted by Carmelo Hayes and Ricky Saints in a segment tied to his title. A few days later, on the June 5 edition of SmackDown, he was involved in a first-round King of the Ring match against Bron Breakker, Damian Priest, and Dominik Mysterio.
Punk vs. Trick could work if the goal is to push Trick’s crowd reaction even further. Trick represents the current moment, the popular connection, and the feeling of something new. Punk represents experience, sharp words, and the demand that young talents prove they can succeed.
It would also be a good way to give the United States Championship more attention.
3 – Randy Orton
Randy Orton vs. CM Punk is not exactly a fresh rivalry from a historical standpoint, but on the current SmackDown roster, it would have a different feel. Both men are in very different stages of their careers and could work a story built around legacy, physical wear and tear, and their place near the top.
The most interesting point is that Orton is also in a period of creative uncertainty. Recent rumors have mentioned him as a name expected back for SummerSlam, while Punk is also expected to have a major role at the event.
WWE could build this rivalry as a conflict between two names who have been through injuries, returns, setbacks, and rebuilds. Orton could accuse Punk of always turning everything into drama. Punk could fire back by saying Orton always had a paved road because he came from a wrestling family.
It would not be the freshest rivalry on the list, but it would be one of the safest. And on a two-night SummerSlam, safety matters too.
2 – Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn may be the best opponent for Punk right now. He is in a phase where he can move between personal drama and controlled comedy without losing credibility.
On the June 5 edition of SmackDown, Sami entered Cody Rhodes’ rivalry with Gunther by demanding space in the Undisputed WWE Championship scene. He is also being positioned as a possible factor in the Cody-Gunther issue heading into Night of Champions.
Punk against Sami would work because they speak the same emotional language, but from different places. Sami often looks for validation, justice, and recognition. Punk tends to turn those same themes into resentment, provocation, and confrontation.
WWE could create a major feud without needing a title involved. All it would take is Punk returning and finding Sami trying to convince himself that 2026 will finally be his year. Punk, with just a few lines, could tear that idea apart and start an extremely personal story.
1 – Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes is the most plausible option because WWE has already planted the seed. On the RAW after WrestleMania 42, Punk and Cody had a verbal confrontation that left the door open for a future Undisputed WWE Championship match, with Cody saying Punk could have an opportunity whenever he wanted.
Cody also remains one of SmackDown’s top names. WWE has confirmed that Gunther will get a rematch against him for the Undisputed WWE Championship, with the Ring General choosing the stipulation.
The most obvious path would be for Punk to return after Cody survives Gunther. That would put the champion across from someone who does not just want the title, but also wants to prove he can still stand at the top of WWE after losing the World Heavyweight Championship to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42.
The rivalry would have everything WWE and its fans tend to respond to most, especially the personal element. If Punk really does return to SmackDown, Cody Rhodes is the biggest match available, without question.