WWE

CM Punk Set for MMA Return Amid WWE Absence

CM Punk is set to return to MMA commentary for CFFC 156 near his hometown of Chicago.

CM Punk Set for MMA Return Amid WWE Absence
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CM Punk is returning to the world of MMA, but not to fight. The current WWE star has been announced by Cage Fury Fighting Championships as part of the broadcast team for CFFC 156, which will take place next Friday, June 26, at Hard Rock Casino Rockford in Illinois.

This will be Punk’s first appearance at the CFFC commentary desk in 2026. The promotion noted that the event will be held near Chicago, the hometown of the “Second City Saint,” and that he will once again work alongside John Morgan, CFFC General Manager and MMA journalist.

Punk has worked as a CFFC commentator since 2018, a run that spanned his temporary retirement from pro wrestling, his time in AEW, and his return to WWE in 2023. Since then, his appearances for the MMA promotion have become more rare.

The event will also mark CFFC’s debut in the state of Illinois. The main card will air on UFC Fight Pass, while the prelims are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. local time, with the main card set for 8 p.m.

The current main event will see Jackson Stanford face Bevon Lewis for the interim heavyweight title. The card also features names such as Will Starks, Roland Pruden, Matt Gawlik, Billy Ray Valdez, Guram Gochashvili, and Leivon Lewis.

Another notable detail is the presence of Michael C. Williams, the veteran combat sports announcer who will make his CFFC debut after a long run with Bellator MMA.

In WWE, Punk has not appeared on programming since the post-WrestleMania 42 episode of Monday Night RAW, where he had a segment with Cody Rhodes. The current plan is for him to be moved to SmackDown, though the July 6 episode of RAW in Chicago is also being viewed as a possible date for his return.