WWE is targeting CM Punk for a return during the summer, with internal discussions undergoing (Image via WWE)WWE is reportedly planning to back former World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk in the upcoming SummerSlam season amid his ongoing absence from the ring. As per reports, CM Punk has not appeared on the WWE programming since the post-WrestleMania 42 edition of RAW. Earlier, he dropped the World Heavyweight Championship to Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania, then teased a future title match with WWE Champion Cody Rhodes on RAW before going on hiatus.According to WrestleVotes, WWE is targeting Punk for a return during the summer, with internal discussions reportedly pointing toward a comeback ahead of or during the build to SummerSlam. Speculation suggests that Punk may appear at Saturday Night's Main Event XLV on July 18, though plans remain subject to change. CM Punk to return on WWE programming ahead of SummerSlam following his WrestleMania eventCM Punk is planning to return very soon as WWE has reportedly planned for his comeback at the upcoming SummerSlam event. Punk has been absent from WWE programming since WrestleMania 42, where he lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Roman Reigns in the Night 2 main event. Punk's WWE status intensified after his extended absence from television. The reason behind Punk’s long hiatus is still unfounded, and WWE continues to view him as a key part of all its future plans. Meanwhile, sources cited by WrestleVotes indicate WWE is reportedly planning that Punk will be back on television as soon as July. Another report suggests that WWE has significant creative plans for Punk upon his return. As per sources, the company is planning to move him from RAW to SmackDown, where he could be positioned for a major feud with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.According to WrestleVotes, "It felt like it was going to be a bit of an extended stay. He’ll be back for SummerSlam. He’ll be on the marquee in some form or fashion — on every poster for downtown Minneapolis in 6–8 weeks. Maybe July 18th, Saturday Night’s Main Event at Madison Square Garden."It is to be noted that SummerSlam 2026 will be held in the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on the Aug. 1-2 weekend. This season, WWE SummerSlam will feature top stars, so it would certainly be a surprise if CM Punk were absent from the card. While WWE has not confirmed the speculation as and when the "Best in the World" will return, but signs are increasingly point toward a comeback in the coming weeks.