WWE Raw airs live tonight at 8/7c on Netflix from the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland.
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.
WWE Raw airs live today with a special start time of 2:00 pm ET/11:00 am PT on Netflix from the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy.
Logan Paul is facing another setback in WWE, but if you ask him, he won’t be gone for long.
Following WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, Paul revealed that he suffered a torn tricep during the show and has already undergone surgery to repair the injury. Despite doctors reportedly giving him a recovery timeline of around six months, the former United States Champion is already predicting a much faster comeback.
Paul shared the update on Instagram, where he posted photos from the hospital along with footage of the moment the injury occurred. According to Paul, he even stayed awake during the procedure.
“Tore my tricep, got surgery while wide awake,” Paul wrote. “They’re telling me 6 month recovery but I don’t believe them.”
In typical Logan Paul fashion, the WWE star mixed the injury update with some humor and promotion for his outside ventures, while also reminding fans that he remains one-half of the World Tag Team Champions alongside Austin Theory.
The injury reportedly happened during a chaotic ringside sequence involving Angelo Dawkins of The Street Profits. Dawkins landed awkwardly onto Paul on the floor outside the ring, and the spot appears to have caused the tricep tear that will now sideline him indefinitely.
WWE later confirmed the injury on Monday Night Raw, noting that Paul is expected to miss several months of in-ring action while recovering from surgery.
Even with Paul out, Austin Theory is still officially recognized as a tag team champion. On Raw, Paul Heyman reassured Theory that the titles remain with “The Vision,” signaling that WWE may keep the championship situation intact until Paul is medically cleared.
This latest injury comes at a time when Paul had continued building momentum as one of WWE’s most high-profile crossover stars. Since joining WWE, he has consistently impressed fans and critics alike with his athleticism and willingness to take risks inside the ring — sometimes at the expense of his own body.
Whether Paul can actually beat the projected recovery timeline remains to be seen, but based on his comments, he clearly has no intention of staying away from WWE any longer than necessary.
WWE Raw live tonight at 8/7c on Netflix from the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio
Brock Lesnar made a stunning return on this week’s episode of WWE Raw, and his first target was none other than Oba Femi.
“The Ruler” was set to issue an open challenge on Monday night, but the segment never officially began. Before Femi could even complete his entrance and strike his signature in-ring pose, Lesnar stormed out and blindsided the former champion in a brutal assault.
The returning “Beast Incarnate” delivered multiple F5s to Femi, leaving him laid out in the center of the ring while the crowd erupted. Lesnar then stared down his WrestleMania rival and exchanged words with him before heading back up the entrance ramp.
The attack comes just weeks after Femi scored a massive victory over Lesnar during the opening bout of WrestleMania 42 night two. Following that loss, Lesnar appeared to hint at retirement by leaving his gloves and boots in the ring — a longtime wrestling tradition often associated with stepping away from the business.
That moment fueled speculation that Lesnar’s WWE career may have come to an end. WWE even moved him to the alumni section of its official website, though reports indicated he was still internally listed as an active performer. Rumors had also circulated that Lesnar could officially retire at SummerSlam later this year, especially with the event scheduled to take place in Minnesota, Lesnar’s adopted home state.
However, Monday’s Raw strongly suggested that retirement plans may be on hold.
Later in the show, Paul Heyman added another layer to the story during a backstage confrontation with Raw General Manager Adam Pearce. Heyman insisted that Lesnar is technically “retired,” but then handed Pearce paperwork for a potential match at Clash in Italy. According to Heyman, if Pearce can convince Femi to sign the contract, WWE would have “the biggest rematch in history” on its hands.
With Lesnar officially back in the mix and tensions escalating quickly, it appears WWE is building toward another blockbuster collision between the veteran powerhouse and one of the company’s fastest-rising stars.
WWE Raw live tonight at 8/7c on Netflix from the First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Questions continue to surround Asuka’s WWE status after an emotional segment aired on this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw.
The former Women’s Champion was already the subject of heavy speculation coming out of WWE Backlash, where she shared a heartfelt moment with IYO SKY after losing to “The Genius of the Sky.” The two embraced following the match, and social media activity from several WWE talents only added to rumors that Asuka may be stepping away from the company.
Reports that surfaced afterward painted an unclear picture regarding her future. One claimed the veteran star was “semi-retired,” while another noted that even people within WWE creative and the locker room reportedly aren’t certain about her current status.
Raw added more intrigue with a pre-taped backstage segment featuring SKY and Asuka. In the emotional exchange, Asuka told SKY she had been searching for someone worthy of carrying things forward and said she was happy it ended up being her longtime ally and rival.
She also told SKY how proud she was of her accomplishments. SKY responded by saying they would always be family no matter how many times they battle each other in the ring. She then said goodbye to “Asuka-san,” prompting Asuka to reply with “see you later” before the two hugged.
The segment ended with Asuka walking away with luggage in hand while SKY watched her leave.
During SKY’s later match against Sol Ruca, Michael Cole acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the situation on commentary, stating that Asuka’s “future is up in the air” and noting that she appeared to have said goodbye.
Asuka has been one of WWE’s most decorated women’s stars since signing with the company in 2016. Over the years, she captured multiple championships across NXT and the main roster while building a reputation as one of the most influential international stars in WWE history.
Despite reports that she signed a new WWE contract in 2024, there is still no official word on whether this is a temporary hiatus, a reduced schedule, or something more permanent. Speculation has also continued regarding whether the recent departure of longtime tag team partner Kairi Sane could be connected to the situation.
For now, WWE has not released an official statement regarding Asuka’s future.
WWE Raw live today at 8/7c on Netflix from the Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.
WWE raw live tonight at 8/7c on Netflix from the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska
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