CM Punk outlines late-summer 2026 WWE schedule, from Aug. 14 SmackDown to Sept. 26 Worlds Collide

CM Punk is scheduled to appear across WWE programming in late summer 2026, beginning with Friday Night SmackDown on August 14 in Boston and running through AAA Worlds Collide on September 26 in Chicago. WWE published the list of appearances covering multiple brands and live events.

Since capturing the Undisputed title in his return, CM Punk has defended it once against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2026. WWE released the late-summer itinerary as part of its celebration of Punk’s 20 years in wrestling, and Punk is positioned as a leading member of the SmackDown roster.

WWE promoted the schedule on social media, including the message: "Two decades of The Best in the World! 👊Save up to 20% on select tickets using code: PUNK20 as WWE honors 20 years of @CMPunk!🎟️: https://t.co/CWnwDwt2Hz pic.twitter.com/zk63bLeWZI".

The published slate lists appearances across WWE’s main shows; Punk is slated for episodes of Friday Night SmackDown and has additional stops on Monday Night Raw. The company has also included a live NXT event on his itinerary.

Punk is confirmed to appear at NXT’s live event on August 15 in Petersburg, Virginia, according to the schedule released by WWE. That appearance follows the August 14 SmackDown date in Boston.

WWE’s schedule lists AAA Worlds Collide for September 26 in Punk’s hometown of Chicago, an event that will take place on the same night as AEW All Out, which is set for the Now Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

WWE’s published itinerary does not advertise Punk for the Money in the Bank PLE; the company noted that advertising is subject to change.

Kevin Owens returned at the same PLE to win the number one contender match for the Undisputed title and is set to challenge Punk for the World title on the August 21 edition of SmackDown in Toronto. That matchup will represent Punk’s second title defense.