CM Punk Addresses Go-Home SmackDown Appearance Ahead of WWE Wrestlepalooza
With WWE Wrestlepalooza set to explode this Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, all eyes are on the high-stakes matches building the hype. One of the event’s marquee bouts pits CM Punk and his wife AJ Lee against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch in a mixed tag team showdown, marking Lee’s emotional in-ring return after over a decade away. As the go-home episode of Friday Night SmackDown airs live from the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio, fans are buzzing about whether Punk will make a final on-screen push before the pay-per-view. In a recent interview, the “Best in the World” himself cleared the air, confirming his involvement but with a twist.
During an appearance on the “Pardon My Take” podcast on September 17, CM Punk addressed his status for the September 19 SmackDown directly. “Wrestlepalooza is Saturday. Yeah. Um, I will be in Indianapolis on Friday. You know, I’ll be around at SmackDown. I won’t be on screen, but I do things backstage,” he revealed, emphasizing his behind-the-scenes role in helping shape the show. This comes as Punk, who recently underwent surgery on his dog Larry and shared emotional updates about the pet’s recovery, balances personal life with his WWE commitments. While he won’t grace the blue brand’s broadcast, his presence ensures he’s dialed in for the weekend’s chaos.
Building Momentum: Punk’s Feud Heats Up Without a TV Spot
Punk’s decision to stay off-camera aligns with WWE’s storytelling, keeping the focus on the explosive tension between the two power couples. The rivalry ignited after Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank contract on Punk at SummerSlam to reclaim the World Heavyweight Championship, with Lynch’s interference adding personal stakes. AJ Lee’s surprise return on the September 5 SmackDown in Chicago—Punk’s hometown—further escalated things, as she reclaimed her title from Lynch, setting up this dream match. Punk has been vocal about the event’s name, jokingly calling “Wrestlepalooza” ridiculous on the podcast, but he couldn’t hide his excitement for teaming with Lee: “It’s a dream come true” to share the ring with her again.
Backstage duties for Punk could involve creative input or producer-like tasks, a nod to his real-life influence in WWE since his 2023 return. This isn’t his first low-key involvement; he’s been spotted at recent tapings without appearing, building anticipation organically. With Wrestlepalooza featuring cross-brand stars like Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre and The Usos vs. Bron Breakker & Kit Reed, Punk’s absence from the screen might amplify the surprise factor for Saturday.
Fan Reactions and What’s Next for Punk Post-Wrestlepalooza
Social media lit up after Punk’s comments, with fans speculating on potential run-ins or post-match angles. Posts on X highlighted his confirmation, with one user noting, “CM Punk backstage at SmackDown? That’s code for something big brewing at Wrestlepalooza!” Others debated finishes to the mixed tag, from a “four-way kiss” spot (which Punk shut down humorously) to a heel turn tease amid rumors of Punk shifting character alignments.
As SmackDown unfolds, expect heavy promotion for Wrestlepalooza, including promos from Rollins and Lynch. Punk’s backstage role keeps him in the mix without stealing thunder, ensuring the event feels unpredictable. Whether this leads to a title chase or family-focused storyline, one thing’s clear: CM Punk’s WWE run remains must-see, blending grit, heart, and headline drama. Tune in Friday to feel the buildup—Wrestlepalooza awaits.