CM Punk‘s quiet removal from several upcoming WWE event ads sparked intense speculation this week. However, a new backstage report says there is no major issue behind the scenes apart from schedule changes.
Punk has not appeared on WWE TV since the April 20 episode of RAW, the night after WrestleMania 42. In that appearance, he seemingly hinted at a feud with Cody Rhodes.
CM Punk reportedly removed from select WWE summer advertisements
CM Punk was first advertised for WWE’s European tour starting with the May 28 live event in Liverpool, England. The tour also includes the May 29 episode of SmackDown in Barcelona, Spain, and the Clash in Italy PLE in Turin on May 31. WWE continues touring Europe through June before ending the run with Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia on June 27.
After Punk’s name removal from those events, many fans expressed their concerns. The rumors got even louder after Punk did not appear at WWE Backlash and on this week’s RAW.
But according to Fightful Select, WWE officials are simply calling it a “schedule change.” The report states,
“CM Punk’s dates being adjusted this summer are just being referred to as a “schedule change” among those in WWE that spoke to @FightfulSelect.”
Punk disappeared from many promotional materials for WWE’s upcoming European Summer Tour. He had originally been advertised for several RAW episodes and overseas live events in late May and June.
However, Punk is still officially advertised for the June 15 episode of RAW in the US and the June 22 RAW at London’s O2 Arena. That London show could turn into one of the biggest episodes of the European tour because it takes place right before Night of Champions.
The June 22 appearance is especially important because it suggests WWE still plans to use Punk in a major role heading into one of the company’s biggest summer events.
Right now, Punk’s next advertised appearance after the European tour is the July 6 episode of RAW in Chicago. WWE typically starts building heavily toward SummerSlam 2026 around that time. Moreover, it looks likely that Punk could emerge as a major part of those plans.
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