CM Punk’s return to WWE television won’t be happening anytime soon. Last week on Monday Night RAW, Punk addressed fans, disclosing a torn triceps injury sustained during the Royal Rumble match, sidelining him for WrestleMania 40. Following surgery on February 1, Punk has been seen at the WWE Performance Center, offering his expertise.
Despite a successful operation, Punk is anticipated to remain out of action for much of 2024. Speculation arose that WWE might utilize Punk in a different capacity during his absence from wrestling. These rumors stemmed from comments made by Punk’s friend, Ace Steel, who suggested WWE was considering using Punk on commentary. The buzz intensified when it was announced that NXT announcer Booker T would take a medical leave.
However, a recent report from Fightful Select’s paywall states that there have been no talks regarding Punk filling in. Bryan Saxton is slated to temporarily replace Booker on commentary, and Punk isn’t expected at the Performance Center for the foreseeable future.
Punk also recently shared a picture of himself following the surgery. Punk indicated that he has started his treatment with Wilk, writing on his Instagram story, “Day One.”
CM Punk was originally set to face Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40
CM Punk made his return to WWE in November at Survivor Series: WarGames. Upon his return, Seth Rollins was visibly upset to see Punk back in the WWE. Speculation among fans ran rampant that Punk and Rollins would go toe-to-toe at WrestleMania 40.
In December, on an episode of WWE RAW, CM Punk was confronted by Seth Rollins, who labelled Punk a fraud and told him not to call WWE his home. Punk teased that if he won the Royal Rumble, he would come after Rollins for his title at WrestleMania 40. However, those plans were cancelled as, at the Royal Rumble, Punk suffered a tricep injury when receiving a DDT from Drew McIntyre.
Following the injury, WWE ran a storyline where McIntyre attacked Punk, putting him out of action on WWE TV.
