“Where Is He?”: CM Punk’s Absence on WWE SmackDown Despite Announcement Leaves IWC Utterly Dejected

Since a high-flying return to the business during Survivor Series 2023, CM Punk has been the focal point of WWE Universe. Despite starting at a promising pace, The Devil had to be sidelined quickly after receiving a future shock DDT from Drew Mclntyre. It culminated in a grave tricep injury, leaving the Seventh City Saint’s WWE schedule in massive jeopardy.

Punk missed Royal Rumble and the main WrestleMania 40 spot, fixing his lousy tricep. Now, amidst the growing concern about his injury and return status, an announcement emerged noting that the 40-year-old will be on the blue brand episode tonight. However, he has been seen nowhere during the live telecast, leaving fans agitated over the fake promise.

WWE fans seem frustrated over CM Punk’s absence on SmackDown tonight despite being advertised

Being a huge draw, anything about CM Punk is a natural crowd-puller inside the promotion. This applies even more right now as fans are sincerely looking up to the former World Champion’s full-fledged return to the lore. And hence, a shattered hope was the last thing they deserved. But that’s what materialized on SmackDown tonight. Spotting no Punk on screen, fans vowed to withdraw their trust from any Punk-related announcement from the company side in the future.

They echoed the same emotion, questioning the validity of the false announcement they had heard.

They desperately tried to look for Punk on the stage tonight.

Some of them blamed WWE for being a strategic liar.

Some of them even felt grateful not to watch the show, as Punk didn’t show up.

However, despite not being televised, Punk wasn’t totally absent from the Friday Night SmackDown.

CM Punk appeared backstage to provide a ‘little update’ on his return

After SmackDown went off the air with no CM Punk and people moved from their screens heavy-hearted, The Devil popped up backstage to give a crucial update on his injury. He disclosed that his return date is looming large, although he’s not fully recovered yet.

“I wanted to give a little update. My tricep is not a 100% yet but I promise, soon, I will be back and I’ll be competing with all the tough bada**es backstage.” Punk noted.

As per the latest development, the most feasible time for Punk’s much-anticipated return seems to be around July or August this summer.

What’s your take on fans turning on WWE for giving false hope regarding CM Punk’s return on SmackDown tonight? Sound off in the comments.