The WWE rumor mill is churning with rampant speculation about CM Punk and his status with the company. An unverified X user ignited rumors earlier this week that CM Punk was potentially on the outs with WWE after disappearing from Raw and SmackDown following WrestleMania 42 in April.

The conjecture among fans focused on TKO’s potential desire to renegotiate CM Punk’s contract, CM Punk’s unhappiness with WWE, and possible issues between CM Punk’s wife AJ Lee and WWE. However, multiple major pro wrestling news sites are debunking much of what is being said about CM Punk, AJ Lee, and WWE.

CM Punk's Return Plans Confirmed

WWE is already taking steps in planning for the TV return of CM Punk. Mike Johnson reports that new merchandise is being put together for CM Punk and appearances are set for this summer.

There have been lots of unverified claims on social media of CM Punk stories that all point to alleged issues between he and WWE and/or Punk asking for a WWE release. There is new merchandise being put together and Punk appearances are set for this summer…So, this is, as they would say, much ado about nothing.

Reports confirm that WWE has creative plans penciled in for the former World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk. Plans call for CM Punk to return to television, and merchandise, dates, and a storyline are in place for his comeback. Potential storylines are reportedly being considered for CM Punk’s TV return as merchandise is being prepared.

It was also confirmed that plans did call for Punk to return to television, and that merchandise, dates, and a storyline were in place.

AJ Lee's Absence and Contract Details

AJ Lee has been notably absent from WWE TV following WrestleMania 42, but this is apparently part of a long-term plan. According to reports, AJ Lee is not expected to return to WWE television in the near term.

AJ Lee is not expected to return to WWE television in the near term.

AJ Lee's contract is not a full-time one, meaning that prolonged and frequent absences will continue to be the norm for her. She reportedly signed a 'multi-year contract' in 2025 that would keep her with WWE into 2027 following her improbable return last year. The idea of CM Punk being angry over AJ Lee’s treatment was reportedly scoffed at internally.

The thought of Punk being mad over Lee’s treatment was reportedly scoffed at internally, as she did what she set out to do, and everything went according to plan.

AEW Return Speculation Debunked

Rumors of CM Punk’s WWE departure led to speculation that Punk could make an improbable return to AEW. However, there is no indication this is imminent. While there is a belief among some that the door for CM Punk to return to AEW is not permanently closed and that relationships in pro wrestling do not stay severed permanently, a full return to the company is unlikely. Any chatter of CM Punk returning to AEW has not made it through talent or other internal channels.

There is a belief among some that door is not permanently closed and that while a full return to the company is unlikely, the general sentiment is that relationships in pro wrestling do not stay severed permanently.

Has not made it through talent or other channels internally.

CM Punk's Planned Hiatus and Contract Status

CM Punk remains with WWE after signing a reported three-year deal in November 2024 that will extend through November 2026, though injury time could be tacked on to that deal as it has in previous cases. His WWE hiatus may very well have a simple explanation: it’s planned time off.

Several WWE sources have confirmed that CM Punk did not ask out of his contract, and he was not asked to take a pay cut. He is not off TV due to disciplinary actions, but simply because he has earned this break.

Several WWE sources have confirmed that CM Punk did not ask out of his contract, and he was not asked to take a pay cut.

CM Punk has played a prominent role on WWE TV since his return in 2023, missing extended time after undergoing tricep surgery in early 2024 but otherwise being a fixture in Raw’s main event picture. Following his loss to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42 and WWE’s creative reshuffling, CM Punk was simply the odd man out at a time when he was not needed on Monday nights.