CM Punk cleared, in-ring return official for WWE SummerSlam

CM Punk is cleared, and will wrestle at SummerSlam.

On Raw, Punk announced that he was cleared and wanted to fight Drew McIntyre right then and there. McIntyre came out but wasn’t interested in fighting Punk. As Punk attempted to attack McIntyre, Adam Pearce interrupted and said that the match would take place at SummerSlam. Seth Rollins then came out and announced he would be the special guest referee for their match on August 3 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Punk had been out of action since undergoing surgery for a triceps injury that took place during this year’s Royal Rumble. Despite being sidelined, Punk continued his storyline with Drew McIntyre. After McIntyre defeated Seth Rollins to win the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 40, Punk attacked McIntyre after he spent most of the post-match berating Punk, allowing Damian Priest to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase to win the title.

After McIntyre lost his rematch against Damian Priest at Clash at the Castle thanks to Punk’s interference, McIntyre brutally assaulted Punk on an episode of SmackDown, leaving him a bloody mess. Punk returned at Money in the Bank, costing McIntyre another chance at the World Heavyweight title after winning the Money in the Bank briefcase and cashing in, making the Rollins/Priest title match a three-way.

Also announced for SummerSlam is Sami Zayn defending the Intercontinental title against Bron Breakker. It was also confirmed that music star Jelly Roll would be performing.

Here’s the current SummerSlam card with both official and expected matches based on recent TV:

  • WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes defends against Solo Sikoa
  • WWE World Heavyweight Champion Damien Priest defends against Gunther
  • WWE Women’s Champion Bayley defends against Nia Jax
  • WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan defends against Rhea Ripley
  • WWE U.S. Champion Logan Paul defends against LA Knight
  • WWE Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn defends against Bron Breakker
  • CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre with special guest referee Seth Rollins
  • Jelly Roll to perform