CM Punk and AJ Lee were not present on last week’s RAW after Wrestlepalooza. The event saw AJ return to in-ring action for the first time in more than ten years, where she teamed up with Punk to beat Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins in a Mixed Tag Team Match. However, they are also not advertised for this week’s RAW, sparking rumors that the couple might be off TV for some time.
AJ is not expected to wrestle on a full-time basis, and WWE seems to be saving her singles feud with Becky Lynch for the right moment. Punk, on the other hand, is under a full-time deal, but even he could be taking a short break. Here are three reasons why that may be happening:
Seth Rollins vs. Cody Rhodes is the focus for Crown Jewel
Seth Rollins will face Cody Rhodes at Crown Jewel in a Champion vs. Champion showdown. This rules out Punk challenging Rollins in the meantime. From a creative point of view, it makes little sense for him to appear on RAW without a clear direction. His character is better suited to meaningful stories, and right now, he does not fit into ongoing feuds like Jey Uso vs. LA Knight or Jimmy Uso’s arc.
RAW doesn’t need CM Punk’s star power at the moment
With Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns both expected to feature in the Crown Jewel build-up, RAW is not lacking big names. Punk’s absence allows WWE to spread out its star attractions instead of crowding the show. His presence always boosts ratings, but the brand is strong enough right now to function without him for a few weeks.
Punk is not the type to play second fiddle
Having both Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns in the spotlight means Punk would likely take a backseat. That doesn’t suit his persona or the aura he brings. Being part of a lesser storyline would weaken his image, which is something WWE will want to avoid. It makes more sense for him to step away temporarily, recharge, and then return fresh after Crown Jewel when the landscape is clearer.
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