The ‘Road To WrestleMania’ may look bleak for WWE superstar CM Punk. He competed at WWE Royal Rumble on January 27 for the first time in over a decade and looked in good shape. However, fans noticed he favored his arm in the Men’s Royal Rumble Match.
According to PWInsider, Punk suffered a torn triceps during Saturday’s Royal Rumble match. Sources indicate that he will need surgery, which would keep him out for 4-6 months.
‘The belief among sources we have spoken with is that post-surgery, CM Punk would likely need in the area of 4-6 months of recovery and physical therapy.’
Punk is expected to address the WWE Universe on the January 29 episode of Monday Night Raw from Tampa, FL.
How did CM Punk’s Injury Occur?
Fans have pointed out that Punk looked hurt after he took a Future Shock DDT from Drew McIntyre in the Men’s Royal Rumble match. The report noted that Punk allegedly told a referee during the match that it was his tricep.
CM Punk might've injured his arm last night #RoyalRumble
he was clutching his right arm after the DDT and spent several minutes in the corner having a lengthy chat with the referee. hopefully it's nothing serious. pic.twitter.com/yPf7ZS3hqz
— AIR (@AIRGold_) January 28, 2024
It’s unclear if this is the same tricep he injured in a match against Jon Moxley at AEW All Out on September 4, 2022.
CM Punk’s WrestleMania Plans In Doubt
This injury would likely remove him from a potential match against WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins at WWE WrestleMania 40 in April. If he injured the same tricep against Moxley, he could be out of action for several months and possibly return in late 2024.
PWInsider has confirmed CM Punk did suffer a torn triceps during the Royal Rumble, likely on a Future Shock DDT from Drew McIntyre, and will need surgery. His Wrestlemania hopes have been dashed. Thankfully for WWE, they have a deep bench, but that’s a huge blow to that card.
— Jason Solomon ?? (@solomonster) January 29, 2024
While it seemed WWE was leaning towards a Punk and Rollins showdown at WWE WrestleMania 40, they have also teased WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther as the title challenger. On the January 22 episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, ‘The Ringe General’ had an in-ring segment with Rollins and showed interest in becoming the WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
Although Punk vs. Rollins may have been in the works, a potential title vs. title match between Gunther and Rollins could make for a big program for WWE WrestleMania 40. If Punk is injured, hopefully, he can fully recover and reignite his feud with Rollins later this year.