Photo Credit: CM Punk (Instagram)
CM Punk is among the polarizing figures in professional wrestling, making his unforeseen comeback to WWE at Survivor Series 2023 after remaining away from the company for almost a decade. Even though he came back, he dealt with injuries for the majority of the time.
After his recent feud with Drew McIntyre, which concluded at Bad Blood, the Best In the World has disappeared once again from in-ring actions, the question arises if CM Punk is injured, knowing how brutal his match was at Bad Blood 2024, where he faced the Scottish Warrior in a Hell in a Cell match.
Following the premium live event, PW Insider reported that CM Punk didn’t suffer any injury. However, Punk was seen collapsing after securing the victory, and he even took medical help. He seemingly couldn’t breathe, forcing him to take an Oxygen mask at the end of the bout.
Considering Punk’s dedication to the art of professional wrestling, the collapsing and use of an Oxygen mask were all part of the work to convince fans how brutal the match was, making it a kayfabe incident. The Second City Reign wasn’t short of breath, and he was doing fine in real life.
Moreover, his body collapsed as part of the script. In conclusion, CM Punk is not injured in real life at the moment after the conclusion of his feud with Drew McIntyre. He is taking some time off to recharge and regroup to embark on a new rivalry with a different WWE star.
Why Is CM Punk Taking Time Off If He Is Not Injured?
CM Punk is currently 46 years old, making him one of the oldest active stars on the WWE roster. Despite taking a break from professional wrestling and switching to MMA, his body has gone through numerous physical hardships throughout the years. Additionally, he has been an injured pro wrestler, especially since making a comeback to professional wrestling through All Elite Wrestling.
CM Punk got injured in AEW, cutting short his anticipated World Championship reign. As soon as he stepped back into the WWE ring, he got hurt in his first match at Royal Rumble 2024. In a spot with Drew McIntyre in the Battle Royal match, the former WWE Champion injured his triceps, forcing him to miss his first WrestleMania 40.
Given his age and injury history, both WWE and CM Punk are perhaps taking a mindful approach to prevent him from getting hurt again, especially after the brutal and intense rivalry with Drew McIntyre. Hence, his current hiatus is probably an approach to keep him injury-free.
Taking Punk’s age into consideration, he might not have many years left in his wrestling career. If he wants to remain in the main event picture and is even willing to claim a world title somewhere down the line, staying injury-free is a pre-requisite for him and WWE.
In addition, as the feud between Drew McIntyre and CM Punk is done and dusted, WWE is probably holding out for the perfect moment to bring him back and put him in another brilliant feud.
When Could CM Punk Return?
As of the first week of November, there is no confirmed report on CM Punk’s possible return date. The Best In The World is skipping Crown Jewel 2024, as he doesn’t have a match for Saudi Arabia’s premium live event.
The 38th edition of Survivor Series is set to take place on November 30, 2024. Considering it is one of WWE’s big four pay-per-views, seeing him return before the event isn’t far-fetched. Furthermore, Punk made his return to WWE at last year’s Survivor Series, and it will signify the first anniversary of his return.
Avik Das is an English Literature graduate with an experience of over six years as a professional writer. He has written for renowned publications such as The Sportster, Sportskeeda, Pinkvilla, and The Things
