Add as a preferred source on Google CM Punk still has no timetable for his return to WWE programming, even with Backlash now in the rearview mirror.
The former World Heavyweight Champion hasn’t been on TV since the Monday Night RAW after WrestleMania 42, on April 20, when he had a brief face-to-face with Cody Rhodes and teased a possible rivalry for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, Punk was not backstage at Backlash, which took place last Saturday in Tampa, and he’s also not expected at tonight’s RAW in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The absence is noteworthy because WWE’s own official website still had Punk listed among the names for the show at the Food City Center, although that kind of promotional material is always subject to change.
In recent days, many fans speculated that Punk could be Danhausen’s mystery partner at Backlash. However, the mystery was solved with the appearance of Minihausen, who helped Danhausen defeat The Miz and Kit Wilson.
With that, there’s a growing sense that WWE really plans to keep Punk off TV for a while longer. After tonight’s RAW, there will be only two episodes left before Clash in Italy, scheduled for May 31 in Turin.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that the company’s calendar will stay packed over the coming weeks, as Night of Champions is set for June 27 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.