Rumors about why CM Punk and AJ Lee disappeared from WWE television get debunked

As seen during WWE WrestleMania 42 Sunday, Roman Reigns defeated CM Punk to become the new world heavyweight champion. Punk has not appeared on WWE television since the night after WrestleMania.

According to Fightful Select, internal sources dismissed the rumors that Punk was upset about anything involving his wife AJ Lee. According to those familiar with the situation, plans for AJ’s return and subsequent run had been mapped out well in advance of her comeback, and she ultimately completed that planned run. Those who worked closely with and around AJ said they had never heard of any changes to those plans or of any issues that would support the rumors.

Furthermore, Fightful noted that “nobody in WWE, among the dozens @FightfulSelect has spoken to, has heard that Punk wanted out of his WWE contract, and no talent we heard from believed he was asked to take a pay cut.”

Despite internet speculation, Punk is expected back on WWE television in time for SummerSlam 2026.

The rumors of CM Punk being mad over something about AJ were scoffed at internally, as the plans for Lee's return and run were pretty well planned from the time she came back, and she completed that run.

People who worked directly with and around AJ Lee had never heard of… https://t.co/tbzsfb2Gh9 pic.twitter.com/ATG3VpSgZT

— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) June 10, 2026