CM Punk WWE Abscense & Return Plans Update – Punk Reportedly Expected To Return As Part of SmackDown Brand

CM Punk has been absent from WWE since this past April’s WWE RAW After Mania show. Punk’s current abscense and being pulled from WWE’s recent European tour was believed to be due to a recent “schedule change” for him and WWE changing their post-WrestleMania 42 plans for him after moving Gunther to SmackDown and Jacob Fatu to RAW. Several recent online rumors including claims of Punk wanted out of his contract with WWE and was asked to take a pay cut were recently debunked.

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources confirmed that the reason for Punk’s current abscense is due to WWE officials having no creative plans for him and he would return when plans for him was to start.

Meltzer reported that WWE officials current plans are for Punk to be moved over to the SmackDown brand for his return. Meltzer also reported that the current belief within WWE is with the RAW brand having Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, The Usos, Jacob Fatu, Oba Feami, Logan Paul, and Bron Breakker as key stars, it made more sense to move him to SmackDown.

WWE officials current creative direction for Punk reportedly is for a Punk vs. Cody Rhodes feud for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

In regards to a return date for Punk, Meltzer also reported that while a return date of July 6th makes sense due to RAW taking place in Chicago, his sources have yet to confirm that being the actual planned date for Punk. Meltzer also reported that while that is a RAW date and not a SmackDown one, it does make sense for Punk to appear on the show.