Add as a preferred source on Google CM Punk remains on track for his return to WWE programming, but the situation is reportedly not completely free of backstage issues.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Punk is expected to move to Friday Night SmackDown, where he is eventually set to begin a feud with Cody Rhodes over the Undisputed WWE Championship. However, Punk has reportedly been pushing hard for his return to happen on the July 6 episode of Monday Night RAW, as the show will be held in the Chicago area.
The event will take place at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, a venue closely tied to several major moments in Punk’s career. WWE’s official event page is also advertising the “Best in the World” among the names scheduled for the show.
Even though CM Punk is earmarked for Smackdown, he was pushing very hard for his return to be on the 7/6 RAW show because it’s in Chicago.
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) June 26, 2026
His departure was basically to get him ready for moving to Smackdown and eventually a program with Cody Rhodes, but to say there are no… pic.twitter.com/nmVY8PGQVH
Punk has been away from TV since the post-WrestleMania 42 episode of RAW, where he confronted Rhodes and teased the possibility of a future match for WWE’s top title. The night before, he lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Roman Reigns in the main event of night two of the Showcase of Immortals.
His absence from programming was reportedly planned to set him up for the move to a new brand. At the same time, Meltzer indicated that it would not be accurate to say there are no issues between Punk and WWE. He also noted, however, that the situation is not as bad as some recent versions have made it sound.
The timing is notable, as WWE will officially begin its road to SummerSlam after Night of Champions, which takes place this Saturday in Saudi Arabia. Rhodes will defend the title against Gunther and Sami Zayn, while the winner of the King of the Ring final between Oba Femi and Jey Uso will receive a world title shot at SummerSlam.