Backstage Update: More Details on CM Punk's Lengthy WWE Absence

More details have emerged behind CM Punk's WWE absence, which has lasted nearly two full months now.

CM Punk lost his World Heavyweight Championship belt to Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania 42. The 47-year-old briefly returned on Raw the following night, teasing a potential match with WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.

As Punk made his way backstage, Rhodes told him, "Just say when" in regards to a potential match down the line.

There's been speculation that CM Punk has been away simply because the WWE creative team doesn't have anything for him. However, that reportedly isn't the case.

But during a Q&A session on Fightful Select (h/t Ringside News), WrestleVotes reported that Punk's sabbatical isn't a case of WWE creative having nothing planned for him. WrestleVotes said it's simply WWE giving Punk a much-needed rest.

WWE's next pay-per-view, Night of Champions, runs on June 27. We'll see if CM Punk returns by then, or if WWE is waiting until the SummerSlam buildup.

CM Punk Will Reportedly Be Back for SummerSlam

Last month, WrestleVotes also reported (h/t Ryan Clark of eWrestlingNews) that CM Punk would return for SummerSlam. The marquee pay-per-view takes place on the Aug. 1-2 weekend at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

CM Punk competed in major matches at the SummerSlam 2024 and 2025 pay-per-view, so it would be a surprise if he weren't involved in the event this year.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 10:10 PM.