CM Punk and AJ Lee did not appear on last week’s WWE RAW following Wrestlepalooza in Indianapolis, where AJ Lee returned to the ring after over a decade to team with Punk in a tag match against Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins. As neither is advertised for the upcoming RAW, speculation is rising around why CM Punk WWE absence reasons might be influencing this break from television.
Though AJ Lee may not be under a year-round contract, WWE likely plans to revisit her feud with Becky Lynch at a later time. CM Punk, on the other hand, is expected to be a full-time competitor but could currently be taking a deliberate pause. The following explores three key factors explaining why Punk may remain off WWE programming for the time being.
Title Picture at Crown Jewel Limits Punk’s Opportunities
The upcoming Crown Jewel event in Perth will feature a highly anticipated title match between World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Given this scheduled showdown, CM Punk has no immediate path towards challenging Rollins for the title beforehand. This positioning diminishes the rationale for his presence on WWE television at present.
Whether considering narrative coherence or character motivations, including Punk in unrelated storylines would not serve his stature appropriately. A wrestler of his caliber appearing without a meaningful role risks weakening his on-screen significance. Furthermore, Punk’s character does not integrate naturally into current arcs involving Jey Uso, LA Knight, or Jimmy Uso, leaving his presence difficult to justify creatively.
RAW’s Current Storylines Don’t Demand CM Punk’s Spot
Roman Reigns, known as the “OTC,” is actively featured for Crown Jewel: Perth, securing his role as a main event player and focal point on RAW. Given this strong spotlight, the show does not urgently require CM Punk’s star power over the next few weeks. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes is set to make regular appearances to build up his title defense, further filling the upper card.
Since RAW is sustaining momentum with current storylines and headliners, Punk can afford a short absence without diminishing the show’s appeal. This scenario allows him to recharge while WWE’s storylines unfold without relying on his involvement.
CM Punk’s Willingness to Avoid a Supporting Role
During the weeks leading up to Crown Jewel, the visibility of Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes on RAW suggests two primary options should Punk appear on television. He would either become directly entangled in their ongoing match promotions or participate in a non-main event program. Both scenarios imply a supporting or secondary status.
Such a role would require Punk to take a backseat, which contradicts his well-known personality and legacy as “The Second City Saint.” Accepting a diminished presence could weaken his character’s impact and reduce the distinctiveness he brings to WWE. Instead, stepping away temporarily offers him space to refresh mentally and physically before making a strong return following Crown Jewel.
This planned hiatus supports the idea that CM Punk aims to preserve both his image and influence rather than remain on television without a significant purpose or meaningful storyline.
