Add as a preferred source on Google CM Punk is expected to hold onto the Undisputed WWE Championship for a long time, with most of this new reign taking place on Friday Night SmackDown.
According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, WWE is positioning Punk as one of the top pieces of the blue brand, also addressing a longstanding interest from NBCU, the show’s U.S. broadcast partner.
“CM Punk is expected to have a lengthy reign, most of which will be taking place on SmackDown. NBCU has been pushing for his presence on the show for well over a year, as they view him as a premier star. He will make Raw appearances when needed.”
CM Punk is expected to have a lengthy reign, most of which will be taking place on SmackDown.
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) July 9, 2026
NBCU has been pushing for his presence on the show for well over a year, as they view him as a premier star.
He will make Raw appearances when needed.
– @WrestleVotes Radio on… pic.twitter.com/thpVSzt1gL
Punk won the Undisputed WWE Championship this past Monday Night RAW in Chicago, defeating Sami Zayn in the main event. Zayn was originally scheduled to defend the title against Cody Rhodes, but the “American Nightmare” was pulled from the match after being attacked by Gunther backstage.
The way the win was set up already put SmackDown at the center of the story. Nick Aldis was the one who introduced Punk as Rhodes’ replacement, opening the door for the new champion to be immediately tied to the blue brand.
On top of that, Punk is already penciled in for a packed schedule over the coming weeks. Between July and August, the champion is advertised for several episodes of the blue brand’s show, including stops in Oklahoma City, Albany, Oakland, Green Bay, Philadelphia, Boston, Toronto and Cleveland, along with a number of live events.
As a reminder, Punk is expected to face Rhodes at SummerSlam in his first defense of the new title.