Overview
- Punk has not appeared on WWE television since the Raw after WrestleMania 42 in April, and multiple wrestling outlets now report his absence is a planned rest rather than a split with the company.
- WrestleVotes (via Fightful) described the break as a "well‑deserved rest" while PWInsider says WWE expects Punk back "in the coming months" and is preparing new merchandise for him.
- Promotional signals strengthen the return window: Punk appears on SummerSlam artwork and is advertised for the July 6 Raw in Chicago, which sources and analysts view as likely return opportunities.
- WWE has given no on‑screen explanation for Punk's absence, AJ Lee is also reported to be on hiatus, and sources say a Roman Reigns–Cody Rhodes match is not planned in the near term.
- Punk's recent main‑event status and the merchandising push mean his time off could preserve him for a high‑profile summer program, while fans and WWE’s weekly shows wait for an on‑camera reintroduction.