CM Punk has not appeared on WWE TV since the RAW after WrestleMania 43. On the show, Punk acknowledged his heartbreaking loss to arch-rival Roman Reigns and had an intriguing confrontation with Cody Rhodes. Ironically, the Chicago native told us that he wasn’t going anywhere, which makes his absence a little unusual.
Although Punk is at the tail end of his career, he is still one of WWE’s biggest stars and a priceless asset. He may have lost the World Heavyweight Championship at Mania, but he will still be an important part of storylines moving forward.
The former World Heavyweight Champion will likely be inserted into the spotlight immediately upon return. On that note, let’s look at 3 ways CM Punk can return to WWE.
#3. CM Punk is Revealed as the Mastermind Behind Jacob Fatu’s Aggression
While Punk seems to be absent, Roman Reigns is appearing regularly on RAW. However, the OTC faces a difficult and complicated challenge. Jacob Fatu, Reigns’ younger cousin, has stood up to the World Heavyweight Champion and is causing extreme chaos for the Bloodline.
The Usos have tried to control Fatu, but the Samoan Werewolf isn’t listening to anyone. Fatu has brought the fight to the Bloodline and has wreaked havoc. WWE wants us to believe that Fatu has always been an untamed animal and is slowly beginning to unravel. However, there could be a cunning mastermind working in the background.
The Straight Edge Superstar’s issues with Reigns and the Bloodline are well-documented. He may not have truly moved on from the loss to Reigns at Mania. Therefore, Punk could be taking revenge by whispering in Fatu’s ear and getting the Samoan Werewolf to destroy the family from within.
Eventually, Fatu could reveal that he was taking advice from someone who knew Reigns very well. After weeks of teases and guesses, the eventual payoff could see Punk attack Reigns with Fatu, giving rise to an unholy alliance.
#2. Punk Enters the King of the Ring Tournament
As has become the annual tradition, WWE will go to Saudi Arabia for Night of Champions in June. The finals of the King of the Ring Tournament were held at the PLE last year, and this year should be no different.
CM Punk has a complicated past with Saudi Arabia, but he faced John Cena at Night of Champions last year in a losing effort. However, he could remove that blemish by becoming King of the Ring. The achievement would earn him a World Title shot at SummerSlam.
WWE will soon begin the King of the Ring Tournament, and Punk could be a last-minute entry. The previous two winners, Gunther and Cody Rhodes, earned World Championships by winning the tournament. Punk would love to follow suit this year.
#1. CM Punk Betrays Cody Rhodes
Until now, Cody Rhodes and CM Punk have been friends. Both men have been incredibly respectful towards one another during their recent promos, but friendships are always temporary in the disloyal world of professional wrestling. Therefore, fans shouldn’t be surprised if yet another old friend betrays Rhodes.
The Second City Saint’s rivalry with Roman Reigns revealed a lot about himself. While he has the gallant heart of a warrior, Punk’s body is breaking down, and he is indeed old. Punk recently lost the World Heavyweight Championship, and he doesn’t know if and when he will ever win it back.
This dangerous amalgam of emotions could drive the Chicago native to take some desperate actions. Punk could attack Rhodes from behind and officially turn heel. John Cena, Kevin Owens, and Randy Orton turned their back on Rhodes. There’s no reason why a desperate CM Punk can’t do the same.
