CM Punk Headed to SmackDown Upon WWE Return, Could Make Raw Appearance First

CM Punk’s return to WWE television is coming with a brand change attached. According to recent reports, Punk is slated to move to the SmackDown roster when he comes back from his post-WrestleMania 42 hiatus — though he may appear on Raw at least one more time before that transition is made official.

Punk has been away from WWE programming following WrestleMania 42, and the current plan has him landing on the blue brand when he does resurface. The possibility of a Raw appearance first suggests some flexibility in the timeline, whether for storytelling purposes or scheduling reasons, but the ultimate destination appears to be SmackDown.

A move to SmackDown would represent a significant shift for Punk, who has been associated with the Raw brand during his current WWE run. SmackDown has recently been home to several of the company’s top storylines and marquee names, and adding Punk to that roster would give the show a considerable boost heading into what figures to be a busy stretch of programming.

No official word has come from WWE regarding Punk’s return date or a specific opponent, but the framework for his comeback is clearly taking shape behind the scenes. Wrestling fans will be watching both brands closely in the weeks ahead for any signs that the Second City Saint is about to make his reappearance.