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CM Punk's WWE Return Looms Amidst UFC Rivals Appearance
1 day agoUS
CM Punk, one of the most talked-about figures in professional wrestling, is set to make a television appearance on A&E's "UFC Rivals" on June 21, providing fans with a glimpse of the star during his current WWE hiatus. This news comes amidst growing speculation and reports regarding his eventual return to WWE programming, with indications pointing towards a comeback in the coming months.
Key Insights
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Television Appearance: CM Punk will join a discussion panel on A&E's two-part "UFC Rivals" series on June 21, revisiting famous feuds and their impact on the sport.
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Why this matters: This offers fans a rare opportunity to see Punk outside of WWE, keeping him in the public eye during his planned break and potentially attracting new viewers to the wrestling world from UFC fans.
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Planned WWE Hiatus: Despite online rumors, CM Punk's absence from WWE since WrestleMania 42 is a pre-planned break. Sources confirm he is merely taking time off after a period of regular appearances and will return to a top-card position.
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Why this matters: This reassures fans that Punk is not leaving WWE, but rather his break is a strategic move to build anticipation for a significant return, potentially leading to major storylines.
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Imminent Return Expected: WWE reportedly has plans for his return, with new merchandise being prepared and dates scheduled for the summer. He is currently advertised for Monday's RAW in Baltimore and the July 6th episode in his hometown of Chicago, making a comeback before SummerSlam (August 1-2) highly plausible.
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Why this matters: This provides concrete dates and events for fans to anticipate his return, fueling excitement and offering clear milestones for his comeback narrative.
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AJ Lee's Absence: CM Punk's wife, AJ Lee, is also on an indefinite hiatus from WWE programming after losing the Women's Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 42. Her return is not expected immediately.
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Why this matters: This highlights a coordinated break for the power couple, allowing both to recharge and potentially setting up a stronger return narrative for both.
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No Immediate Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes Match: Despite teased tension, reports indicate there are no immediate plans for another high-profile match between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes.
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Why this matters: This clarifies the current landscape of top-tier WWE rivalries, focusing attention on other potential challengers for both champions and managing fan expectations for a highly anticipated rematch.
In-Depth Analysis
CM Punk's upcoming appearance on A&E's "UFC Rivals" is a notable event, as it places him in a different realm of combat sports broadcasting. Hosted by Mario Lopez and featuring other prominent figures like Michael Bisping, Miesha Tate, and Ken Shamrock, the series will delve into historic UFC rivalries, with the June 21 episodes focusing on Chuck Liddell vs. Tito Ortiz and Georges St-Pierre vs. Matt Serra. This cross-promotional exposure, even during a WWE hiatus, maintains Punk's visibility and allows him to leverage his broad appeal across different fan bases.
Within WWE, Punk's absence has been a topic of much discussion. However, reports from outlets like WrestleVotes and PWInsider clarify that his time off is a calculated move. After headlining WrestleMania 42 against Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship and later sharing a promo segment with WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, a break was strategically planned. This allows WWE to build anticipation for his eventual return, often referred to as a "major push" back to the top of the card. His appearance on the SummerSlam poster and advertisements for future RAW events, particularly the July 6th show in Chicago, strongly suggest a return in late June or early July.
Similarly, AJ Lee's hiatus post-WrestleMania 42, following her Women's Intercontinental Championship loss to Becky Lynch, is also a planned break. Her heartfelt Instagram post indicated a temporary step away after her recent return to WWE in September 2025, where she largely competed on a part-time basis alongside Punk. Her popularity ensures a warm welcome upon her eventual comeback.
Meanwhile, the dynamic between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes continues to evolve, albeit without an immediate match on the horizon. Despite recent tension, including Reigns poking fun at Rhodes and their backstage stare-downs, reports indicate no plans for a direct confrontation soon. Their storied rivalry, including main events at WrestleManias 39 and 40, guarantees that any future interaction will be a significant event for the WWE Universe, but for now, their paths are diverging.
Sources:
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Wrestle Zone
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Bleacher Report
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Fightful Select / PWInsider
FAQs
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Q: When is CM Punk scheduled to return to WWE?
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A: CM Punk is expected to return to WWE programming in the coming months, potentially before SummerSlam on August 1-2, or at the July 6th RAW in his hometown of Chicago, where he is currently advertised.
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Q: Why has CM Punk been absent from WWE television?
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A: His absence since the Raw after WrestleMania 42 is a pre-planned hiatus to allow him time off after a period of active wrestling, with WWE strategizing a major return push for him.
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Q: What is CM Punk's upcoming non-WWE appearance?
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A: CM Punk will appear on A&E's two-part series "UFC Rivals" on June 21, participating in a discussion panel about historic UFC feuds.
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Q: Is AJ Lee also returning to WWE soon?
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A: AJ Lee is currently on an indefinite hiatus after WrestleMania 42, and her return to WWE TV is not expected imminently.
Key Takeaways
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Stay tuned for Punk's TV appearance: Mark your calendars for June 21 to catch CM Punk on A&E's "UFC Rivals."
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Anticipate a big WWE comeback: His return to WWE is not a matter of if, but when, with significant plans in motion for his re-entry into top storylines. Look out for updates around SummerSlam and the July 6th Chicago RAW.
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Understand the broader landscape: While certain dream matches like Reigns vs. Rhodes aren't immediate, the WWE landscape is constantly shifting, with planned breaks and strategic returns shaping future narratives.
Discussion
What are your predictions for CM Punk's WWE return? Which rivalries do you hope to see him pursue? Let us know in the comments below! Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
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