Jonathan Coachman and Vince Russo are not buying the idea that CM Punk should be sitting at home while WWE figures out what to do with him.
While speaking on The Coach and Bro Show, Coachman criticized WWE for not having creative ready for Punk after WrestleMania. He argued that if Punk is one of the company’s highest-paid names, there should have been a major plan ready for him right away.
“There’s several points I want to make today on WWE and their lack of looking ahead. We just praised AEW. CM Punk has not been on television since WrestleMania—well, I take that back, he was at the MVP fight at the Intuit Dome for Jake Paul. He did an interview there.”
Coachman then pointed directly to the creative issue, questioning how WWE could have no clear direction for someone at CM Punk’s level, addressing reports that the company simply didn’t have any creative for him, leading to his absence.
“But we’ve heard rumors that part of the reason is they didn’t have any creative for him after he lost the belt to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. Vince, there are probably four guys making north of $5 million a year, and he’s one of them. How do you not have CM Punk creative ready to go the next day—especially when you’ve got four shows in six weeks across different networks?”
Vince Russo agreed with Coachman and said WWE should have moved immediately to rebuild Punk after such a major loss. In Russo’s view, taking a top babyface off television after a defeat only leaves that loss sitting in the audience’s mind. Russo then explained why he believes Punk should have been back on television right away.
“And not only that—when he’s a top babyface like Punk is, you’ve got to rebuild him immediately. The last thing you want to do is have him lose and then put him on the shelf.”
That loss is fresh in everyone’s mind. That babyface should come back the very next show with impact. We talk about this all the time—protecting your talent. You don’t give the guy a loss and then send him home for four weeks.”
Their comments come after False Finish reported that Punk’s WWE absence is due to a “schedule change,” with sources saying Punk is currently waiting on creative before returning to television. The report stated that Punk’s schedule and creative plans were shifted after WWE moved Gunther to SmackDown and brought Jacob Fatu to RAW for a feud with Roman Reigns.
“CM Punk being absent from TV is due to a ‘schedule change’. Sources tell False Finish that CM Punk is currently awaiting creative to return to WWE TV. Punk’s schedule and creative were shifted after WWE made the decision to move Gunther to SmackDown along with bringing Jacob Fatu to RAW to feud with Roman Reigns.”
That also lines up with earlier reporting from Dave Meltzer, who noted that Punk had been removed from several June RAW dates and the European tour, but WWE sources said it was simply a schedule change.
“Punk has been removed from the advertising from the European tour and several other Raw dates in June. We were told there is nothing more to this than a schedule change.”
WrestleVotes had also suggested that the Second City Saint’s absence from television could last a bit longer, though WWE still expects him back in time for SummerSlam season, adding that the July 18th Madison Square Garden is when he’s expected to return.
“It felt like it was going to be a bit of an extended stay. He’ll be back for SummerSlam. He’ll be on the marquee in some form or fashion—on every poster for downtown Minneapolis in 6–8 weeks. Maybe July 18th, Saturday Night’s Main Event at Madison Square Garden.”
Punk last appeared on WWE television after the April 20 episode of RAW, and his removal from advertising for the European Summer Tour quickly sparked speculation. He was also absent from Backlash despite rumors tying him to Danhausen and the mystery partner angle.
For now, the latest criticism from Coachman and Russo puts more attention on WWE’s handling of Punk after WrestleMania. WWE may be waiting for the right storyline, but Coachman believes a star of Punk’s level should never be left without a plan.
Do you agree with Jonathan Coachman and Vince Russo that WWE should have had CM Punk creative ready right after WrestleMania? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comments.
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