Recent reports are shedding light on CM Punk's WWE status following his absence from programming after WrestleMania 42. Speculation has been rampant regarding the former World Heavyweight Champion, but new information indicates a potential return to television as early as July.

CM Punk was last seen on the Raw following WrestleMania 42. After losing the World Heavyweight Championship to Roman Reigns at the Showcase of the Immortals, a match was seemingly teased between Punk and WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Instead, Punk would vanish from WWE programming without a trace.

In recent weeks, numerous rumors have surfaced regarding CM Punk's WWE status, with some even going so far as to claim he requested his release from the company. While this information does not appear accurate, a pretty firm timeline for his eventual return to the company is now available.

Several WWE sources reportedly anticipate Punk to be back on WWE programming as soon as July. One specific date mentioned points towards Punk potentially returning to WWE on or by the July 6 episode of Monday Night Raw. This event is scheduled to take place at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, a city famously associated with CM Punk.

While the July 6 date for his return was not outright confirmed, the expectation was that Punk's return to television wasn't too far off.

Regarding rumors of potential issues between Punk and TKO, these claims reportedly have not reached the WWE locker room. If there are real issues between the two sides, things are being kept very quiet.

While CM Punk's return appears to still be a few weeks away, it makes sense for him to return following Night of Champions. This aligns with his past history concerning events held in Saudi Arabia, despite finally competing there last year against John Cena for the WWE Championship.

Looking ahead, a potential storyline could involve CM Punk challenging Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship at SummerSlam. This scenario would rely on Cody Rhodes still being WWE Champion after he finishes up with Gunther, and if the winner of the King of the Ring tournament decides to challenge Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship.

This would allow WWE to circle back to what took place between Rhodes and Punk following WrestleMania 42. While a match of this caliber would typically be saved for WrestleMania, with SummerSlam now being a two-night event, it makes it the second-biggest event on WWE's calendar.

A WWE Championship match between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes would surely boost ticket sales heading into August.