3 Hints that CM Punk is returning at WWE Backlash 2026

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Since then, Punk has not appeared on television. No segments, no matches, nothing. WWE Backlash 2026 is set to take place on May 9 at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. Six matches are currently on the card.

In one of the matches, Danhausen will face off against The Miz and Kit Wilson in a tag team match. However, the former AEW star still has to find a tag team partner for his match.

With a mystery tag partner spot open, many are speculating that The Second City Saint could step in to help Danhausen.

In this article, we will look at three hints that suggest CM Punk is returning at WWE Backlash 2026.

#3. CM Punk is a real-life friend of Danhausen

On the May 1 edition of SmackDown in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Danhausen was booked to compete in a tag team match at Backlash against The Miz and Kit Wilson. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis set a condition that the match would be official only if Danhausen secured a partner first.

Since then, the 35-year-old has been calling out retired legends on social media. Steve Austin, The Undertaker, Triple H, and John Cena – he offered each “$400 human dollars” to come out of retirement. Classic character work. But there is a more realistic option right there.

Punk and Danhausen have a genuine real-life friendship since their time in AEW. Reports from February 2026 confirmed that Punk played a direct role in securing Danhausen’s WWE contract. The latter calls Punk “Pepsi Phil” on social media. The two have strong on-screen chemistry and have collaborated on content for years.

CM Punk has no match at Backlash. Danhausen needs a partner. The backstory between them is already established publicly, and The Best in the World could return on May 9 to help his friend.

#2. Michael Cole teased a ‘money-loving’ partner

During WWE programming, commentary dropped a line about Danhausen’s mystery partner, saying the partner would be someone who “loves money.”

That phrase carries real context. Throughout his 2025-26 run, Punk has made money a consistent talking point. He called out TKO executives during promos and publicly demanded lower WrestleMania ticket prices. The connection between CM Punk and financial grievances is not subtle – it is an established part of his recent character.

Commentary dropping a line about a “money-loving” partner during the go-home edition of RAW before Backlash is either a direct tease or a strange coincidence.

No other active name on the roster fits that description as cleanly as Punk does right now. CM Punk could be that ‘money-loving’ partner who could return at Backlash during the tag team match.

#1. CM Punk still featured in the WWE Backlash promotion

WWE advertised CM Punk as a featured superstar on the May 4 episode of RAW. The official promotional poster for the Omaha show listed Punk alongside Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Liv Morgan, and Logan Paul. RAW GM Adam Pearce’s official social media preview confirmed Punk as one of the featured names.

At this point, Punk has not appeared on the Monday Night Show in over two weeks. Despite missing the final RAW before the event, The Second City Saint remains on the official graphics for the premium live event.

WWE does not include an absent star in national marketing materials without intent. This suggests Punk could appear at Baklash this Saturday.