During Survivor Series WarGames 2023, a milestone occurred that we would never have thought we would see in our lives after the person in question spent almost 10 years away from WWE. CM Punk made his return to the company. Since then, we’ve seen how Punk has been obsessed with one thing only: being at the main event at WrestleMania.
Everything seems to indicate that this year he was going to cross out that wish. However, during Royal Rumble 2024, CM Punk injured his triceps and had to undergo surgery to fix it. This ruled him out of WrestleMania and other WWE shows, but when will he return and who will he face? Here’s everything we know so far.
When will the Cult of Personality return?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
CM Punk made an appearance at UFC 298 in Anaheim, California where he spoke with a UFC interviewer backstage about how the injury affected his and WWE’s next plans, stating that he was likely going to be one of the headliners of WrestleMania in April. However, he did provide an update on his injury. He said, “I’m like an old car. I’m like a 72 Nova, you know what I mean? We have to change some parts every now and again. So once we fix up all the parts, the engine’s still strong, we’ll still be good to go. We’re thinking maybe six to eight months, but I’m not really in a rush to get back to compete. I’m in a rush to get healthy. I’m in a rush to get better. The sooner I do that, the better I’ll be when I come back.”
Should Punk be able to make a comeback six months following his injury, it would be shortly before the July 6th Money in the Bank premium live event at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada. The other option for the former AEW star would be SummerSlam, which will be held on August 3, 2024, from Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. But before that, he has confirmed that he will be a part of WrestleMania 40.
CM Punk to make his presence known at WrestleMania XL despite injury
In the latest edition of Monday Night RAW, CM Punk confirmed that he would be a part of the Showcase of the Immortals. He said, “WrestleMania is in Philadelphia. What are the first four letters in Philadelphia? Phil…whether or not I’m invited. It never matters to CM Punk. He’ll be there.” And while we all know that he won’t be able to fight in this condition, there were rumors of Punk joining the commentary team in the WWE. Sean Ross Sapp, a journalist for Fightful, reported last month that CM Punk could acquire the role of WWE commentator during his time off. Through an interview on the Wrestling Perspective podcast, Ace Seel, a close friend of CM Punk, assured that the wrestler could perform that role.
And while Punk is yet to make an appearance as a full-time commentator, maybe the WWE is saving him for WrestleMania. After all, partaking in the commentary booth would not emerge as a new experience for CM Punk. The wrestler has already worked in that position on previous occasions for different companies. He began in that role at IWA: Mid-South in 2005. In WWE he also worked as a commentator in 2010, a role with which he received very good reviews. Punk also got his chance at the AEW table.
But there is another rumor surrounding his WrestleMania appearance. What is it? Well, considering his intense rivalry with Drew McIntyre and the Scottish Warrior’s constant mocking of the injured superstar. The WWE might make CM Punk the guest referee for the match between McIntyre and Seth Rollins. This can also develop a feud for SummerSlam when the 45-year-old makes his return.
Who could Punk face at SummerSlam?
If the Cult of Personality is made the special referee at WrestleMania, we can clearly see McIntyre losing the title opportunity. This can surely turn into a feud for Punk’s return if he returns at SummerSlam. In fact, even the Scottish Warrior is interested. In a recent interview on Gorilla Position, Drew McIntyre was asked about the possibility of facing CM Punk at SummerSlam 2024. McIntyre expressed interest in that possibility but warned that CM Punk is physically weakened and could be harmed by a match of such intensity.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He said, “Yeah, I just hope he’s careful. Just worried he’s going to injure something else during rehab. Man’s made of glass. I want that match. I really want that match. I’m just concerned for him, especially wrestling someone like me. I’m a freaking monster in there…I got my hands on him. You saw what I did to him at ‘Rumble. I tore him to pieces. I chopped him to bits… Punk was black and blue. I ended up hurting him in there,”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
But it is also possible that Punk would look for a title shot instead. He already missed that opportunity by losing the Royal Rumble and missing the Elimination Chamber as well. So he could fight the winner of the match between Rollins and McIntyre. Unless there’s another new candidate who wins the championship belt. What do you think? Will Punk return on time for Summerslam? If yes, who should he be facing? Let us know in the comments.
