WWE latest report reveals update on CM Punk's return after his long hiatus amid backstage issues

CM Punk's absence from WWE programming may soon come to an end, despite ongoing reports of backstage tensions between the former world champion and the company. According to the latest report from Sports Illustrated's The Takedown, Punk is expected to return to WWE television in the coming weeks, even as speculation continues to float related to his relationship with the promotion behind the scenes.

Earlier, he dropped the World Heavyweight Championship to Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania, then teased a future title match with WWE Champion Cody Rhodes on RAW before going on hiatus.

WWE is planning for CM Punk’s return after his long hiatus amid major backstage issues

WWE is reportedly planning to back former World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk in the upcoming SummerSlam season amid his ongoing absence from the ring. As per reports, CM Punk has not appeared on the WWE programming since the post-WrestleMania 42 edition of RAW. Reports suggest that Punk's hiatus is apparently on the verge of ending, and The American Nightmare should be prepared for his return as the WWE management is probably planning a face-off between him and Cody Rhodes.Meanwhile, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reported that the working plan was for Punk to switch brands and become a SmackDown Superstar upon his return. However, Punk was pushing to appear on the July 6 edition of WWE Raw before making the switch, but nothing has changed on that front.

Punk's WWE status intensified after his extended absence from television. The reason for Punk’s long hiatus remains unclear. However, rumors suggest that there are some legitimate issues between Punk and WWE. Meanwhile, Dave Meltzer has acknowledged that there are some issues, but the disagreement is believed to be more related to creative direction than any major contractual or personal dispute.Despite the issue, WWE continues to view him as a key part of its plans, and Punk is slated to make his return on the July 6 edition of Monday Night Raw in his hometown of Chicago.

WWE is also planning his comeback on SmackDown, where he is expected to begin a new storyline with Cody Rhodes heading into SummerSlam. Neither WWE nor Punk has officially commented on the reported backstage issues; the expectation remains that Punk will be featured prominently once he returns to television. According to WrestleVotes, "He’ll be on the marquee in some form or fashion — on every poster for downtown Minneapolis in 6–8 weeks.

Maybe July 18th, Saturday Night’s Main Event at Madison Square Garden."His comeback is expected to play a significant role in the company's SummerSlam build, with a high-profile program against Rhodes reportedly among the leading creative plans. It is to be noted that SummerSlam 2026 will be held in the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on the Aug. 1-2 weekend. This season, WWE SummerSlam will feature top stars, including CM Punk. While WWE has yet to officially announce when the "Best in the World" will return, signs increasingly point toward a comeback in the coming weeks.