Surprising reason behind CM Punk's recent WWE absence; potential return date revealed - Reports

CM Punk hasn't been seen since the episode of WWE RAW after Bad Blood. There have been rumors that the former world champion was taking time off to recover from injuries relating to the brutal Hell in a Cell Match against Drew McIntyre at the PLE.

It seems that there could be more to his absence since Fightful Select noted in their Select Answers feature that CM Punk had already planned to be away from WWE at this point in the year. They were asked about him traveling to Saudi Arabia because he has made it clear in the past that he doesn't want to work the show and it seems that is still the case.

The report noted that Punk wasn't planned for either of the trips to the Middle East this year and isn't expected to be part of WWE programming until after November 11.

Punk's feud with Drew McIntyre has now come to an end and there was speculation that he could be given a shot against Gunther at Survivor Series but it seems that Damian Priest has been handed that role.

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Who will CM Punk feud with upon his WWE return?

CM Punk has a number of enemies in WWE and it seems that there could be a whole list of men for him to feud with when he makes his return.

Punk and Seth Rollins are expected to circle back on their rivalry at some point, but it may be too early to pull the trigger on that if WWE wants the storyline to run until WrestleMania 41 next April.

Rollins also has Bronson Reed to deal with, a feud that could take him past Survivor Series and then open the door to a feud with Punk at the Royal Rumble next year, which is scheduled for a little later than usual, on February 1.