CM Punk Advertised For Multiple WWE Events Despite Ongoing Absence From Television

CM Punk continues to be advertised for upcoming WWE live events even as his absence from television stretches on — a sign the company hasn’t written him off its near-future plans.

Punk has been off WWE programming since a segment alongside Cody Rhodes on the post-WrestleMania 42 edition of RAW this past April. That appearance marked his last time in front of a WWE audience, and no timetable for his return has been publicly announced. Despite the extended time away, WWE has placed his name on promotional materials for multiple upcoming shows, suggesting the promotion is at minimum keeping a spot warm for him.

Adding another layer of intrigue, recent reports have indicated that when Punk does make his way back, it may be on a different show than the one where he left. A move to SmackDown has been floated as the plan for his return, which would represent a brand shift for the former World Heavyweight Champion.

Advertising a talent for live events while they’re sidelined isn’t unusual for WWE — it can sometimes be a way to drive ticket sales or signal intent — but the fact that Punk is being actively promoted speaks to the value the company still places on his presence. Whether those advertised dates will actually see him appear remains to be seen.

Punk’s situation is worth watching closely. Any return would be a significant moment for whichever brand lands him, and a SmackDown debut in a fresh role could reframe his character heading into the second half of 2025.