CM Punk’s turbulent return to WWE has hit another major roadblock. Following a brutal assault at the hands of a returning Bronson Reed during a recent Saturday Night’s Main Event, Punk has been absent from WWE television, and his return to the squared circle may not be imminent. The attack, which saw Reed drive Punk through a ringside barricade, marks a shocking new chapter in Punk’s sprawling feud with his arch-nemesis, Seth Rollins.
The rivalry, which has been a central focus on Monday Night RAW since December, saw a dramatic climax at WrestleMania 41. In a blockbuster triple-threat match also involving Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins emerged victorious after a stunning betrayal by Paul Heyman. In the weeks that followed, Punk has been on a crusade against Rollins’ newly formed faction, but the surprise return of Bronson Reed, who has now aligned himself with “The Visionary,” has dramatically shifted the balance of power.
Due to the fallout from this attack, Punk was notably absent from the recent Money in the Bank premium live event. Now, with WWE gearing up for Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on June 28, it appears the “Second City Saint” will miss another major show. Punk himself recently revealed he has never been to the kingdom and hinted that he would not be present at the upcoming event, fueling speculation that his return is not on the immediate horizon.
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While Punk is sidelined, the narrative around his long-term career continues to build with complexity. The 46-year-old star has been candid about the physical toll of his profession. This introspection comes as WWE is reportedly pushing to sign him to a new five-year contract. However, Punk has publicly expressed hesitation about committing to such a long-term deal, citing his age and the mileage on his body.
This uncertainty about his future was further highlighted by his own social media post following his WrestleMania 41 main event, where he reflected that it “may very well have been the best one” if it was his last. Yet, in a display of his enduring ambition, Punk later stated his new goal is to headline the second night of WrestleMania, a benchmark he has yet to achieve. This creates a compelling dichotomy for the superstar: a man grappling with his physical limitations while still chasing the grandest prizes in the industry.
For now, the WWE Universe is left to speculate. The prevailing belief is that CM Punk will make his comeback in time to build towards a significant match at SummerSlam, likely seeking retribution against Seth Rollins, Bronson Reed, and the rest of their dominant faction. Until then, the question of when, and in what capacity, the “Best in the World” will return remains a central, unanswered question.
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