Is CM Punk retiring from WWE? Analyzing his future after cryptic RAW promo this week

CM Punk made it out of his Hell in a Cell match against Drew McIntyre in one piece and addressed fans about his future at the start of WWE RAW. The Second City Saint beat Drew McIntyre in arguably one of the greatest Hell in a Cell matches in history at Bad Blood on Saturday (October 5).

The 45-year-old cut a promo thanking his fans, peers, and those who hate him. He also suggested he would be taking a leave of absence and was unsure when or if he'd be back.

CM Punk was left battered and bruised after Bad Blood, appearing with his arm bandaged and several plasters. Since returning at Survivor Series in November 2023, he's been a huge success for the WWE.

However, fans will now ponder what the future holds for the Best in the World as his promo hinted at a possible retirement. The story heading into Bad Blood was about whether he'd be able to survive the brutality of the cell, which he did, but not without consequences.

CM Punk may take time to heal and get back to full fitness while also seeing his wife, AJ Lee, whom he claims he hadn't seen in five months. Hopefully, the RAW star will return later down the line, perhaps before the end of the year.

He'll likely sit out Crown Jewel, the next PLE, on November 2. However, a potential return at Survivor Series on November 30 could be possible. He returned to WWE after almost a decade at the same PLE last year.

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Is CM Punk legitimately injured amid his WWE RAW promo?

CM Punk is reportedly banged up from his match against Drew McIntyre at Bad Blood but isn't legitimately injured. He collapsed in the entranceway in the aftermath of the Hell in the Cell chaos, but he was selling the brutality of the match.

This is good news for fans hoping to see Punk return soon after his WWE RAW announcement. He suffered a torn triceps in his in-ring return at the 2024 Royal Rumble in February, which left him sidelined for months.

Many are excited to see the five-time world champion potentially get back into the title picture. He hasn't challenged for a world title since returning last year, and a potential feud with Gunther has been touted.

Reports from early September claimed WWE was considering booking Punk vs. Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship at Survivor Series. The Ring General won't be defending his title at Crown Jewel as he'll face Cody Rhodes for the inaugural Crown Jewel Championship if he beats Sami Zayn on RAW tonight.

However, Seth Rollins interrupted Punk after his promo and warned him that he intends to retire him if he does return. That could be the next feud for the former AEW star.