WWE Reportedly Planning CM Punk's Move to SmackDown, Setting Up Potential Cody Rhodes Feud
WWE is reportedly planning to move CM Punk to the SmackDown brand upon his return to television, with a future feud against Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes identified as a key creative direction. Punk has been absent from WWE programming since the Raw after WrestleMania 42 in April 2026, with reports indicating his absence is creative-related rather than the result of any dispute with the company. The move would position Punk in one of WWE's most anticipated potential matches and help balance the rosters between Raw and SmackDown.
CM Punk has been off WWE television since April 20, 2026, sparking unverified rumors of tension between him and the company, and even speculation about a return to AEW. According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter's Dave Meltzer, those rumors have been largely debunked — Punk was pulled from programming simply because WWE had no immediate creative direction for him. The plan is now for Punk to join the SmackDown roster, which WWE sees as a roster-balancing move, given that Raw already features Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, The Usos, Jacob Fatu, Oba Femi, Logan Paul, and Bron Breakker. SmackDown's top tier, featuring Cody Rhodes, Gunther, Rhea Ripley, Randy Orton, and Drew McIntyre, is seen as a better fit for Punk's return. A program between Punk and Rhodes — the current Undisputed WWE Champion — has been identified as a potential creative direction, with SummerSlam 2026 (August 1–2) or even WrestleMania 43 floated as possible stages for the match. WWE's announcement that Punk will appear at Fanatics Fest in New York City on July 19 further signals he remains firmly with the company, while a July 6 Raw in Chicago has been noted as a logical date for his on-screen return.
What's missing
No official confirmation from WWE or CM Punk himself has been provided regarding the brand move or return timeline; all details stem from Dave Meltzer's reporting in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, which is sourced secondhand by two of the three outlets.
How coverage differed
Forbes framed the story with more editorial enthusiasm, calling the potential Rhodes vs. Punk match 'one of the biggest potential matches WWE could do right now' and offering broader analysis of roster changes. F4WOnline and Cageside Seats took a more straightforward news-reporting approach, with Cageside Seats focusing specifically on the Fanatics Fest announcement as the clearest signal debunking the AEW return rumors.
What different sources said
- Cageside SeatsCenter
There’s a twist to WWE’s plans for CM Punk (Possible SPOILER)
- F4W/WONCenter
Exclusive update on WWE’s plans for CM Punk return
- ForbesCenter
WWE’s Reported Creative Plans For CM Punk’s Return
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