WWE’s Reported Creative Plans For CM Punk’s Return

BusinessSportsMoneyWWE’s Reported Creative Plans For CM Punk’s ReturnByBlake Oestriecher,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Blake Oestriecher is a columnist covering WWE, AEW and pro wrestling.Follow AuthorJun 12, 2026, 03:01pm EDTCM Punk has been a hot topic of conversation in pro wrestling circles this week. (Credit: Rich Wade/WWE Via Getty Images)WWE via Getty ImagesCM Punk has been the talk of the town in and outside of WWE this week, and now, his future in the company is becoming clearer.Earlier this week, the rumor mill suggested that Punk was unhappy in WWE and could be on his way out. With those rumors essentially being debunked, now comes word that WWE is actually planning a blockbuster change for the former World Heavyweight Champion.According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t WrestleTalk), Punk is expected to switch brands in preparation for a major feud upon his return to TV: “Meltzer states that Punk will join the SmackDown brand, with it being seen as a way to balance the rosters. It was also noted that Punk vs. Cody Rhodes is a potential future creative direction for WWE.”Well, that actually makes sense.ForbesWhat To Know About CM Punk And His WWE Status Amid AbsenceBy Blake OestriecherDespite WWE moving away from an official draft, there have been numerous significant changes to the top of the card over the past year. Among those big adjustments in recent months? Jacob Fatu moving to Raw while Rhea Ripley and Gunther transferred to SmackDown. With the additions of NXT stalwarts like Oba Femi (Raw) and Trick Williams (SmackDown), among others, both the WWE Raw and SmackDown rosters look drastically different now than they did at the beginning of 2026.The first colossal domino fell when WWE pivoted away from a planned post-WrestleMania feud between Gunther and Roman Reigns. Instead, Gunther moved to SmackDown and instantly targeted WWE Champion Cody Rhodes while Reigns has been embr...