CM Punk WWE RAW absence has drawn significant attention following Wrestlepalooza 2025, where both CM Punk and AJ Lee achieved notable victories but were absent from the subsequent Monday Night RAW episode. The event took place in Indianapolis, yet the two prominent figures from the wrestling world did not appear on RAW after their win, leaving fans to speculate about the reasons behind their absence.
Prioritizing the Build-Up to Crown Jewel 2025
WWE Crown Jewel 2025 is the company’s next major event, with a highly anticipated championship match scheduled between The Visionary and Cody Rhodes. Given that CM Punk and AJ Lee secured a victory over Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch at Wrestlepalooza, speculation suggests that they could soon receive a title opportunity. With WWE’s Stamford headquarters focusing its creative energies on the build-up to Crown Jewel, the promotion may have deliberately chosen to hold Punk and Lee out of the current RAW programming to spotlight the Rollins vs. Rhodes storyline instead. This strategic focus likely contributed to their absence from the red brand during this week’s show.
Ongoing Creative Decisions by Triple H
Another factor possibly explaining why AJ Lee and CM Punk did not appear on RAW is that WWE’s creative leadership, under Triple H, may still be determining their future direction. Reports indicate the company is concentrating on enhancing excitement for Crown Jewel, leaving the booking team undecided about Punk and Lee’s immediate storylines. This uncertainty might have influenced the choice not to feature them on the program, postponing their reintegration until a clearer creative plan is locked in.
Planned Break After Wrestlepalooza
WWE promotional materials already list CM Punk for the upcoming RAW episode at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, indicating that his current absence could be a brief, scheduled hiatus following Wrestlepalooza. This planned week off would simply give the “Voice of the Voiceless” a brief refresh before resuming his role on RAW. Meanwhile, AJ Lee is not currently advertised for next week’s show; however, WWE’s cards are subject to change, and her return could bring new momentum to the red brand’s narrative.
For both talent, this pause offers time to recalibrate their characters and storylines, aligning their returns with the larger arcs WWE is developing. The ongoing absence sustains suspense among fans eager to see how the “Second City Saint” and the former Divas Champion fit into the evolving landscape of WWE programming.
Implications for WWE’s Future Storylines
The absence of CM Punk and AJ Lee immediately after a significant Wrestlepalooza victory highlights WWE’s delicate balancing act between long-term storytelling and event-driven momentum. By holding them out temporarily, WWE appears to be emphasizing other ongoing rivalries while possibly positioning Punk and Lee for impactful returns. This approach could heighten anticipation and create fresh narrative opportunities, especially if their reappearances coincide with rising tensions as Crown Jewel approaches.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this tactical break influences the unfolding drama on RAW, and whether Punk and Lee’s storylines will gain intensity in the coming weeks. Considering the intense creative focus on upcoming pay-per-view events, their eventual return could prove pivotal for WWE’s overall programming and fan engagement.
“CM Punk is already advertised to make his appearance in the upcoming episode of WWE RAW at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, NC.” – Love Verma, WWE features writer
The official poster for ‘CROWN JEWEL’ 2025. pic.twitter.com/bkzfO7gDdw
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) September 22, 2025
