All articles tagged with #cm punk
WWE confirms CM Punk will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes in a marquee dream match at SummerSlam, a high-stakes rematch between longtime friends as part of a two-night event streamed live on the ESPN App (ESPN Unlimited) in the U.S. and on Netflix internationally.
CM Punk is expected to have a lengthy Undisputed WWE Championship reign, largely on SmackDown, with NBCUniversal pushing his presence; he returned on the July 6 Raw and ended Sami Zayn’s nine-day title run, and he will make Raw appearances as needed.
CM Punk is hitting the road with a full-time schedule this summer, appearing on SmackDown and at multiple house shows through July and August as WWE leans into his status as a top champion.
CM Punk is officially moved to SmackDown as the brand's top champion, with WWE promoting him for upcoming SmackDowns starting in Oklahoma City and NM house shows; a SummerSlam title defense against Cody Rhodes is expected after Punk's Raw return where he defeated Sami Zayn.
CM Punk's surprise Raw title win over Sami Zayn has WWE reportedly planning a SummerSlam title defense, with Fightful Select saying the plan was in place; the day’s rumors also include potential signings like Hiromu Takahashi and Richard Holliday, plus AEW contract chatter about Jack Perry, and questions about Ilja Dragunov vs. Gunther, Tamina's WWE status, and WWE's Japan expansion.
Sami Zayn cut a heated backstage promo nine days after losing the Undisputed WWE Championship to CM Punk on Raw, questioning how Punk earned a shot after months away. Punk, making a hometown Chicago return and replacing Cody Rhodes in the title bout, sparked Zayn’s fury as he blasted Punk in the promo. WWE has Punk heading to SmackDown and is setting up a SummerSlam feud with Rhodes, with Punk due to appear on SmackDown in Oklahoma City as part of the build.
CM Punk returned to Raw in Chicago to win the WWE Championship from Sami Zayn, ending Zayn’s title reign after nine days. In the immediate aftermath, Zayn lashed out in a non-PG rant before breaking down in tears, leaving the WWE title picture wide open as SummerSlam looms.
CM Punk defeated Sami Zayn on Raw to win the Undisputed WWE Championship, ending Zayn’s nine‑day reign and setting up a potential Punk vs. Cody Rhodes clash at SummerSlam. The crowd in Punk’s Chicago hometown loved the moment, but online reaction was largely negative about the title change. Becky Lynch, a friend of Zayn, weighed in via Instagram, while others like KENTA (Hideo Itami) and NOAH’s portrayal echoed disapproval, underscoring ongoing backlash from some wrestlers and fans despite the live reception.
CM Punk made a surprise return on Raw in Chicago and defeated Sami Zayn to reclaim the WWE Championship, ending Zayn’s nine-day title reign after a backstage setup involving Cody Rhodes and a confrontation with GUNTHER. Punk overcame Zayn with a sequence including the Helluva Kick and GTS to win, setting up a likely Punk vs. Cody Rhodes match at SummerSlam.
Raw in Chicago features Sami Zayn defending the WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes nine days after Night of Champions, amid rumors that CM Punk could return to challenge for the belt at SummerSlam; the show also includes three title bouts (including Sol Ruca vs. Raquel Rodriguez for the women’s Intercontinental title and Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins vs. Bron Breakker & Austin Theory for the World Tag Team titles) and ongoing build toward SummerSlam with Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns teased, along with various backstage angles and potential Punk moments indicating WWE may be rushing Zayn’s reign in favor of a Punk–Rhodes setup for the stadium show.
WWE announced on SmackDown that CM Punk will attend Fanatics Fest in New York City on July 19, effectively ending rumors of a potential return to AEW and keeping Punk in WWE for now after his WrestleMania-era absence; the piece notes fan speculation about a Chicago appearance on July 6 but centers on Punk representing WWE at the NYC event.
WWE plans CM Punk’s return on SmackDown after creative gaps were addressed, with a possible July debut tied to a Punk vs. Cody Rhodes program; Punk is expected to move to SmackDown once back on TV, balancing Raw’s top stars and SmackDown’s roster ahead of events like Night of Champions and SummerSlam.
WWE reportedly plans CM Punk’s return around SummerSlam, with a likely Cody Rhodes feud and possible SmackDown alignment to balance Raw’s top stars; a July 6 return on Raw in Chicago is floated, with Rhodes vs. Punk as a continuing direction across the brands.
Fightful Select found no verifiable evidence that CM Punk wants out of WWE, was asked to take a pay cut, or is in disciplinary trouble. Punk’s WWE absence is described as scheduled time off, with new merchandise and planned summer appearances already in the works. AJ Lee’s status isn’t set for a full-time return, though nothing is confirmed either. The piece also notes possible, non-committal talk of a future AEW reunion, but nothing concrete—overall, the prevailing chatter has been unsubstantiated.
Fightful Select reports AEW sources say there’s no definite bridge burned with CM Punk, with an 'never say never' stance about future relations. Punk joined AEW in 2021, was suspended after Brawl Out in 2022 and fired after a backstage incident at All In 2023, and later returned to WWE at Survivor Series 2023, leaving the door open for possible future AEW involvement.