CM Punk Drops SmackDown Hint During CFFC 156 Commentary Appearance in Chicago

CM Punk may have tipped his hand about when wrestling fans can expect to see him back on WWE television. During his appearance as a commentator at Cage Fight Fury Championships 156 in Chicago, Punk made a pointed tease about a return to SmackDown.

When co-commentators asked whether Punk could make it to an upcoming CFFC event that wasn’t scheduled in Chicago, he deflected with a loaded response: “Was that a Friday? It’s a Friday? I don’t know if I can make it…” The implication was hard to miss — Friday nights are when SmackDown airs, and the comment drew immediate attention given Punk’s ongoing absence from WWE television.

Punk has been off WWE screens since confronting Cody Rhodes on the Raw after WrestleMania 42, where the two appeared to set the stage for a future Undisputed WWE Championship match. That segment followed Punk’s loss of the World Heavyweight Championship to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42. Plans have reportedly been in place for Punk to return specifically to the SmackDown brand, which would put him in position to eventually square off with Rhodes.

The timing of his CFFC tease adds another layer of intrigue, as tomorrow night’s Night of Champions event — falling on the 15th anniversary of Punk’s legendary Pipebomb promo — will be headlined by Cody Rhodes defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Gunther and Sami Zayn. Whether Punk surfaces at the end of the show remains to be seen, but the breadcrumbs are there.

Night of Champions will also feature the King of the Ring Tournament final, with Oba Femi meeting Jey Uso for the crown and an accompanying SummerSlam title shot. The outcome of that match figures to shape the landscape of both world championship pictures heading into the summer — and potentially clarify exactly where CM Punk fits into the equation upon his return.