Add as a preferred source on Google CM Punk is moving closer to returning to WWE programming, but his future may not be on Monday Night RAW.
According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE’s current plan is to place Punk on SmackDown after his return, even though his first appearance is being rumored for the July 6 episode of RAW in Chicago.
The date makes plenty of sense, as the show will take place at Allstate Arena, just outside Punk’s hometown. WWE also currently lists the “Second City Saint” among the featured names for the event, alongside Liv Morgan, Stephanie Vaquer, Oba Femi, Seth Rollins, and Cody Rhodes.
However, appearing on RAW would not necessarily mean Punk is staying on the red brand. The internal idea would be to use the Chicago return because of the location of the show, then move him to SmackDown afterward.
Still according to Meltzer, the decision is tied to an attempt to balance both rosters. RAW already has names such as Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, The Usos, Jacob Fatu, Oba Femi, Logan Paul, and Bron Breakker.
SmackDown, on the other hand, has Cody Rhodes, Gunther, Rhea Ripley, Randy Orton, and Drew McIntyre as its top names, but Punk’s arrival would raise the show’s star power.
WWE has already teased a rivalry between Punk and Rhodes on the first RAW after WrestleMania 42.
Punk has not wrestled since Night Two of WrestleMania 42, when he lost the world title to Roman Reigns.