WWE SmackDown airs live tonight on at 8pm ET the USA Network in the United States and Netflix intentionally from the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island.
After spending the last two months away from WWE television, CM Punk has been at the center of plenty of speculation regarding his status with the company. Rumors ranging from alleged creative frustrations to reports of backstage issues and even release requests have circulated online in recent weeks.
However, several reports this week pushed back on those claims, indicating that there is no significant tension between Punk and WWE. Instead, the expectation remains that “The Best in the World” will make his return to television sometime in July.
Now, a new report suggests that WWE may have specific plans for Punk once he returns.
According to the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE is expected to move Punk to SmackDown as part of an effort to better balance the company’s top-tier talent across both brands.
With Raw already featuring major stars such as Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Liv Morgan, and Oba Femi, the belief is that Punk could have a larger impact on Friday nights. A move to SmackDown would place him alongside names like Cody Rhodes, GUNTHER, and Randy Orton, creating several fresh matchups and storyline possibilities.
That said, the report notes that Punk could still make an appearance on Raw before any official brand switch takes place. The July 6 episode of Raw is scheduled for Chicago, Punk’s hometown, making it an obvious location for a high-profile return.
A move to SmackDown would also align with a storyline tease WWE planted before Punk’s absence. Prior to stepping away from television, Punk hinted at a future confrontation with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Given Rhodes’ position at the top of the blue brand, Punk’s arrival on SmackDown could quickly place him in the championship picture.
With SummerSlam approaching and rumors suggesting Punk is expected to be involved in one of the event’s major programs, fans are already speculating about a potential showdown between Punk and Rhodes. WWE has not confirmed any plans, but the possibility would undoubtedly rank among the biggest matches the company could present.
Before taking time away from television, Punk suffered a major setback at WrestleMania 42 when he lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Roman Reigns. His eventual return could mark the beginning of a new chapter, potentially on a new brand and with a new championship target in sight.
For now, all eyes remain on July as WWE fans await the return of one of the company’s most talked-about stars.
TNA Thursday Night iMPACT! tonight at 9/8c on AMC.
A new report has provided insight into WWE’s strategy for AAA, including why the company is bringing part of TripleMania to Las Vegas instead of keeping the event exclusively in Mexico.
During a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained that WWE’s decision is reportedly less about ticket sales and more about exposing AAA to potential business partners in the United States.
According to Meltzer, the goal is to put AAA’s product in front of influential industry figures who could help expand the promotion’s presence outside of Mexico. That includes potential television partners, sponsors, and other investors who may be interested in working with the brand.
Meltzer noted that WWE’s long-term vision for AAA extends beyond simply maintaining its popularity in Mexico. Instead, the company is reportedly focused on growing AAA as a global business asset and creating new revenue opportunities through media rights and sponsorship agreements.
One of the key objectives appears to be securing a television deal in the United States. While AAA content is currently available internationally through platforms such as YouTube, the promotion does not have a dedicated U.S. television home. Bringing a major event like TripleMania to Las Vegas reportedly makes it easier to attract executives and decision-makers who might not travel to Mexico for a live show.
Las Vegas was viewed as a logical destination due to its accessibility and its reputation as a major entertainment hub. According to Meltzer, WWE is also believed to prefer a smaller venue for the event, creating a more intimate atmosphere while ensuring invited guests can experience the product firsthand.
AAA already maintains television distribution through FOX in parts of Central and South America, and the report noted that any future U.S. television agreement would not necessarily affect those existing arrangements.
Since WWE’s acquisition of AAA, there has been significant interest in how the company plans to develop the promotion moving forward. Between crossover storylines, increased visibility, and efforts to expand the brand internationally, securing a U.S. television deal could represent one of the most important steps in WWE’s plans for AAA’s future growth.
The AEW Dynamite Summer Blockbuster special airs live tonight at 8pm ET on TBS and HBO Max from from the Andrew J Brady Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Steve Maclin and TNA Wrestling officially parted ways on June 7, 2026, after the former world champion requested and was granted his release from his contract.
Release Details
Next Steps
Following his TNA departure, it was reported that Maclin secured interest from outside companies. He quickly signed a multi-fight deal with PRODUCE Wrestling and is scheduled to debut for the promotion at their PRODUCE: Volume 2 – TAIGASTYLE show at White Eagle Hall in Jersey City, New Jersey, on July 16, 2026.
WWE NXT tonight at 8/7c on the CW and Netflix internationally.
WWE may be taking a closer look at one of wrestling’s fastest-rising prospects.
According to PWInsider, Zilla Fatu was seen at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando on Monday, sparking fresh speculation about a potential future with the company.
Fatu, whose real name is Isayah Fatu, is already well-known to wrestling fans thanks to his family ties. The 26-year-old is the son of former WWE star Umaga and belongs to the legendary Anoa’i wrestling family. That lineage connects him to some of the biggest names in the industry, including The Wild Samoans, Afa and Sika.
Since making his professional wrestling debut in July 2023, Fatu has rapidly established himself as a standout performer on the independent scene. After training under WWE Hall of Famer Booker T, he has worked for several prominent promotions, including House of Glory, Game Changer Wrestling, and Reality of Wrestling.
His success has come quickly. Fatu has captured multiple championships during his young career, including two reigns as the HOG Crown Jewel Championship and a stint as Reality of Wrestling Heavyweight Champion.
A possible WWE interest in Fatu is nothing new. Earlier, Paul Heyman publicly praised the young star and suggested WWE should sign him as soon as the opportunity presented itself. His appearance at the Performance Center is likely to intensify rumors that the company could be evaluating him for a future role.
The timing is especially noteworthy given the continued prominence of The Bloodline storyline on WWE programming. With Jacob Fatu already making an impact on the main roster and the Anoa’i family remaining central to several major storylines, fans have naturally begun wondering whether Zilla Fatu could eventually follow a similar path.
At this stage, there is no confirmation that Fatu has signed with WWE or that a deal is imminent. However, a visit to the Performance Center is certain to generate discussion, particularly when it involves a member of one of wrestling’s most influential families.
Whether this was simply a visit or the beginning of something bigger remains to be seen, but Zilla Fatu’s name is likely to remain on WWE fans’ radar in the weeks ahead.
A new backstage report has shed some light on AEW’s internal discussions regarding the status of Keith Lee, who has been absent from television for well over a year.
According to Fightful Select, AEW officials reportedly discussed bringing Lee back into the fold several months ago. However, the report indicates that it is unclear how far those conversations progressed or whether the plans ever reached Lee directly.
Sources cited in the report suggested that whatever ideas may have been discussed internally are likely no longer active, or have at least undergone significant changes. One person close to the situation reportedly noted that if AEW had moved forward with the original plans, Lee likely would have already returned by now.
Questions also remain about Lee’s medical status. There is currently no confirmation that the former AEW World Tag Team Champion has been cleared for in-ring competition. The report noted that Lee has not been a regular presence backstage at AEW events, which is notable because any clearance process would reportedly require evaluations from company doctors over a period of several weeks.
Lee has not wrestled for AEW since late 2023. He was originally scheduled to face former tag team partner Swerve Strickland at the AEW Worlds End pay-per-view, a match that had been building for months following the breakup of Swerve In Our Glory. However, Lee was removed from the event on the day of the show due to injury concerns, and Dustin Rhodes ultimately took his place against Strickland.
Since then, Lee has kept a relatively low profile regarding his condition and future plans. While he has occasionally addressed fan questions about his absence, he has largely remained private about the specifics of his situation. One notable exception came last year when he stated on social media that he intends to wrestle again, offering reassurance to fans wondering whether his in-ring career had come to an end.
For now, Lee’s status remains uncertain. While it appears AEW has at least explored the possibility of bringing him back, there is no indication of when—or if—the former NXT Champion will return to television. Given his popularity and the unfinished business surrounding his rivalry with Strickland, a comeback would likely be welcomed by many AEW fans whenever the time is right.
AEW Collision live tonight coast-to-coast at 8pm ET/5pm PT on TNT and HBO max from the Von Braun Center in Youngstown, Ohio.
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