Add as a preferred source on Google CM Punk could be very close to returning to WWE programming after nearly three months away from television.
According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, there is still an expectation that Punk will return on the next episode of Monday Night RAW, which takes place July 6 at Allstate Arena in Chicago.
“There remains an expectation that CM Punk will return to WWE at RAW in Chicago on July 6, @WrestleVotes Radio on @FightfulSelect has learned.”
Punk has not appeared for WWE since the post-WrestleMania 42 episode of RAW, when he had a segment with Cody Rhodes. At the time, the two left open the possibility of a future match for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
CM Punk is reportedly expected to return to WWE TV very soon!💀
— Viper 🐍 (@_RK_Oh_No) July 3, 2026
Strong rumors indicate to an appearance on the upcoming episode of RAW in his hometown of Chicago
Reports also indicate his recent absence was due to creative plans rather than backstage problems and later than he… pic.twitter.com/LZC355TvLD
Despite rumors about possible backstage issues, Punk’s absence is believed to be tied only to creative plans. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, he was pulled from television because WWE did not yet have a defined direction for the start of his next story.
Another important point is that Punk remains locally advertised for the Chicago show. Allstate Arena itself lists the “Second City Saint” among the names promoted for RAW, alongside The Usos, Penta, Liv Morgan, Oba Femi, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, and Je’Von Evans.
The idea, however, is not expected to stop with RAW. Dave Meltzer had previously noted that WWE plans to move Punk to SmackDown, a change tied to roster balance and a possible rivalry with Rhodes.
The timing also stands out. Sami Zayn captured the Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions by defeating Rhodes, but he is already scheduled to defend the title against Cody on RAW in Chicago.