CM Punk’s return to WWE television is not happening tonight, with PWInsider Elite confirming he was not backstage at Backlash on Saturday and is not expected at Raw in Knoxville either.
PWInsider Elite reported: “CM Punk was not backstage at the PPV and is not expected at this week’s WWE Raw, either.”
Punk has made just one WWE television appearance since dropping the World Heavyweight Championship to Roman Reigns in the WrestleMania 42 night two main event on April 19. That appearance came on the Raw after WrestleMania, where Punk addressed his recent losses both professionally and personally before teasing a future challenge for Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship.
Punk had been heavily speculated as a potential mystery partner for Danhausen at Backlash given his real-life friendship with the Very Nice, Very Evil one and his open schedule following WrestleMania. The role was ultimately filled by AAA’s Mascarita Sagrada, who portrayed Minihausen alongside Danhausen in a victory over The Miz and Kit Wilson.
No timeline for Punk’s return to WWE television has been provided at this time. The full announced card for tonight’s Raw from Food City Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, is as follows:
- Acknowledgment Ceremony: Jacob Fatu acknowledges Roman Reigns
- Oba Femi Open Challenge
- The Street Profits and Joe Hendry vs. Bron Breakker, Logan Paul and Austin Theory
- Brie Bella and Paige appear live
- CM Punk to appear
- Seth Rollins to appear
