CM Punk reacts during the Men's Royal Rumble match at Tropicana Field. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

CM Punk provides update following Royal Rumble triceps injury

When receiving a DDT from Drew McIntyre, CM Punk injured his tricep during the 2024 Royal Rumble. Punk was recently interviewed when attending a UFC event and provided a timetable for his return.

"Car reverses at speed then flips during incident outside pub narrowly missing man," Punk said. "...We're thinking maybe six to eight months, but I'm not really in a rush to get back to compete. I'm in a rush to get healthy. I'm in a rush to get better. The sooner I do that, the better I'll be when I come back."

Punk's injury was clearly an accident, but it couldn't have come at a worse time. WWE had been holding his storyline back until after the Royal Rumble. Fans had seldom seen the returning star back on their television sets. 

Nevertheless, Punk should be back before the end of the year and walk back into a prominent role within RAW. His storyline with Seth Rollins is an evergreen topic and can be picked up once he's back. Of course, Rollins is also dealing with his own injury after suffering an MCL injury in a World Heavyweight title defense against Jinder Mahal. 

Fortunately for WWE, they're experiencing a major boom at present. The Bloodline feud with Cody Rhodes is the most interesting angle in wrestling. The Rock's return and implementation into that story has drawn box office-type interest.

Still, Punk is a huge draw. WWE's biggest rivals, AEW, have recently landed top free agents such as Jay White, Will Ospreay, Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes Mone. Having Punk back healthy will ensure that WWE can continue to dominate the viewership numbers and keep AEW from siphoning some of their fanbase. 

When Punk returns, he can begin working toward his storyline and potential main event at the 2025 WrestleMania, a dream he has often discussed. For now, though, he needs to focus on his recovery and keeping his body in good condition; everything else will fall into place when the time is right. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Orioles manager explains Craig Kimbrel's new role
Rays activate key bullpen arm from injured list
Former NBA big man sentenced to 40 months in prison
Nuggets coach got heated with Timberwolves fans
Nuggets make incredible NBA history with Game 3 win
Broncos release former Super Bowl champion WR
Steelers first-round pick has already 'apologized' to new locker mate
Giants place Gold Glove shortstop on IL
Suns to hire ex-NBA champion as new head coach
MVP Jokic, Nuggets blow out Timberwolves on road in Game 3
Panthers dominate Bruins again to take 2-1 series lead
ESPN has big plans for Caitlin Clark's WNBA debut
Angels superstar explains why he chose not to play through knee injury
Bears make big, but not surprising Caleb Williams announcement
Cardinals to sign WR who commanded extensive interest
Jayson Tatum refutes narrative that Celtics are a 'superteam'
Watch: Kyle Busch crashes in Truck Series race at Darlington
Oilers work overtime to tie Canucks at 1-1
Peyton Manning reveals Bill Belichick's role on 'ManningCast' for this season
NBA Hall of Famer questions Knicks longevity in face of high playoff workloads