In our latest WWE Rumor Roundup, we have big updates on SummerSlam, along with plans for CM Punk, Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan, and the latest on changes coming to SmackDown in 2026.
The wrestling rumor mill is once again heating up, and our latest WWE Rumor Roundup is headlined by some very exciting new reports. CM Punk’s absence from programming has raised eyebrows, but new creative plans are reportedly in motion, including a brand switch that could reshape the current landscape of WWE as we know it.
SummerSlam is already generating buzz with several high-profile returns and potential dream matchups on the table. Additional notes include internal discussions involving a WWE Hall of Famer, significant changes to SmackDown‘s television format, and updates on top stars like Roman Reigns and the Women’s World Championship picture.
Check out these latest WWE rumors below, but be warned that potential spoilers for upcoming shows follow…
- Dave Meltzer is reporting that CM Punk’s absence from WWE programming is a result of there being no creative plans for him. However, something is now in the works, and that’s going to include a move from RAW to SmackDown:
“The plan right now is for him to return on SmackDown, which is basically a balancing act. The belief is with Raw having [Roman] Reigns, [Seth] Rollins, The Usos, [Jacob] Fatu, [Oba] Femi, Logan Paul and [Bron] Breakker that Punk made more sense on SmackDown with a top tier of [Cody] Rhodes, Gunther, [Rhea] Ripley and soon to be Punk, [Randy] Orton and [Drew] McIntyre. Plus Rhodes vs. Punk has been a direction.”
- Looking ahead to SummerSlam, @WrestleVotes has heard that Charlotte Flair vs. Jade Cargill has been pitched for the two-night PLE. Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre are both expected to be back in time for the event, with Punk likely playing a significant role in the show, as well.
- The outlet has also learned that WWE Hall of Famer Diamond Dallas Page has been “internally discussed” for an appearance on WWE programming. It would likely be a one-off, but his name has come up during creative meetings.
- WWE has finally decided what it’s doing with SmackDown‘s runtime, as Wrestling Observer Radio has learned of plans for the show to be three hours long from January to June each year, and two hours between July and December. It’s unclear why this is, but the format is expected to carry over into 2027.
- Back to @WrestleVotes, and they’ve heard that there are no plans for Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes III, despite some recent hints that it might be in the works. Bizarrely, there are also no plans for Liv Morgan to defend the Women’s World Championship, and the title may not even be on the line at SummerSlam in August.