Add as a preferred source on Google CM Punk, who has been off WWE programming since the post-WrestleMania 42 episode of RAW, remains in the company’s plans despite recent speculation suggesting otherwise.
According to WrestleVotes, during a recent Q&A session, it is not true that WWE has no plans for Punk or that a lack of creative direction is the reason for his absence from TV. The source noted that his time away was always treated internally as temporary.
The rumors picked up after the Best in the World was removed from promotional material for WWE’s European tour and several RAW dates in June. However, according to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, this was simply a schedule change, with no backstage issue involved.
According to additional reports from False Finish, Punk’s creative plans were altered after WWE decided to move Gunther to SmackDown and bring Jacob Fatu to RAW for a rivalry with Roman Reigns. As a result, Punk is now waiting for the creative team to determine the direction of his return.
Punk is expected to have a major role at SummerSlam, which will take place on August 1 and 2 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. There has also been speculation that his return could happen as early as the July 18 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event at Madison Square Garden.
It is worth remembering that in his last appearance, on the night after his loss to Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship, Punk had a confrontation with Cody Rhodes, teasing a possible match for the Undisputed WWE Championship.