Rumors of a conflict between CM Punk and WWE have been described as unverified by multiple reports. Plans remain in place for the former World Heavyweight Champion to return to television soon.
CM Punk has not appeared on WWE Raw since April. Rumors of a dispute circulated on social media Tuesday evening, including claims of issues over WrestleMania 42 and the booking of his wife AJ Lee. Several reports on Wednesday indicated the rumors were unfounded. Dozens of WWE sources stated they had heard nothing about Punk seeking a release or being asked to take a pay cut. Punk is scheduled to return to television ahead of SummerSlam in August. New merchandise has been planned, and a storyline is in place. His absence since the post-WrestleMania Raw was unrelated to disciplinary reasons. WWE sources also rejected suggestions that Punk was upset with the creative direction for Lee. Even sources not favorable to Punk reported no rift with the company.