CM Punk is still missing from WWE television, but he just dropped a pretty loud hint about where fans might see him next.
Punk returned to his role as a commentator for Cage Fury Fighting Championships 156 in Chicago, and he did not exactly avoid the elephant in the room. With fans still wondering when he will be back on WWE TV, Punk made a few references to his absence during the broadcast, including one moment that sounded a whole lot like a SmackDown tease.
Later in the night, Punk’s co-commentators asked if he would be able to make it to another upcoming CFFC event, even though it was not taking place in Chicago. Once he realized the event was on a Friday, Punk suddenly acted like his schedule might be a problem.
“Was that a Friday? It’s a Friday? I don’t know if I can make it…”
That line is going to get people talking, because Friday night is SmackDown night. Punk has been away from WWE television since the April 20 episode of RAW, and reports have already pointed to WWE moving him over to SmackDown as part of a bigger plan involving Cody Rhodes. Punk did not give fans a full update, though. When asked if there was any “big news,” he brushed it off and joked about his weight instead.
“Big news? No, I don’t have a lot of news. I gained 20 pounds recently. It’s not good weight. The suit’s a little tight, ladies and gentlemen.”
The timing is interesting because Punk wanted his WWE return to happen on the July 6 episode of RAW in Chicago. According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Punk pushed “very hard” for that hometown comeback, even though WWE had other plans. Those plans involve shifting him to SmackDown, where he would be positioned as a major name alongside Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre, Gunther, and Rhea Ripley.
Meltzer also reported that Punk’s time away was largely meant to help set up that blue brand move and eventually lead into a feud with Cody Rhodes. That would be a huge direction for Punk, especially after his WrestleMania 42 main event run, but Meltzer also noted things may not be completely perfect behind the scenes. He said it “wouldn’t be correct” to claim there are no issues between Punk and WWE, while also making it clear the situation is “not as bad as some have made it out to be.”
For now, Punk is still playing it coy, but that Friday line did not feel accidental. He may not have announced a return date, but he definitely gave fans another reason to watch SmackDown a little more closely.
What do you think about CM Punk teasing a possible SmackDown return? Do you think WWE should bring him back on Friday nights, or should Punk get his hometown RAW return in Chicago? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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