WWE News & Rumor Roundup: Major star might not return until 2025, Deserving name ready to be 'launched'? CM Punk update
We're back with yet another edition of the WWE News and Rumor Roundup. Unlike most days, today's top story might not please fans too much.
A very popular name confirmed their unavailability for the remainder of the year due to injury struggles. Hulk Hogan claimed a SmackDown star is ready to be launched to the next level, and it's something many have been waiting for.
The news and rumor roundup will also cover a backstage note on CM Punk's in-ring status.
#1. Update on Asuka's WWE return
The Empress of Tomorrow has not been seen in the ring since Backlash France, where she and Kairi Sane dropped the Women's Tag Team Championship.
Asuka had been dealing with known issues in her knee for a while, but following Backlash, it was announced she'd be on a hiatus to recover from a long-standing injury. Asuka even went under the knife, and despite many hoping she might return this year, Fightful's latest update suggests otherwise.
Sean Ross Sapp noted that Asuka was not expected back in the ring by the end of the year by people within the company. However, it was stated that "anything can happen" and that the nature of her surgery was still not known.
As of this writing, however, a 2025 comeback for Asuka looks the most likely option.
#2. The latest on CM Punk's status
CM Punk's appearance at WWE Clash at the Castle to screw over Drew McIntyre will go down as one of the top moments of the year.
The Second City Saint, however, paid the price for his actions on a recent SmackDown episode. CM Punk was subjected to an unforgiving beatdown at the hands of Drew McIntyre, which apparently was a way to write him off TV again.
Sean Ross Sapp noted on Fightful Select's Q&A show that, as of Friday, CM Punk was not cleared to wrestle. The delay in getting a medical clearance has forced WWE to get creative with the ongoing program between Punk and McIntyre, explaining the recent booking.
#3. Hulk Hogan feels LA Knight is ready to go to the next level in WWE
LA Knight is one of WWE's top babyfaces, but he's yet to get a win to solidify his main-event status.
During a recent interview with Sportskeeda's Bill Apter, Hulk Hogan admitted to being a massive fan of LA Knight. Hogan also stressed that Knight needed the right opponent to propel him to a whole new level and added the time was right to "launch" him into true megastar status.
Just like many fans, The Hulkster is also a believer of LA Knight's potential:
"Ya I am just getting on his role. I see there is no holes in his boat. He has got things pretty well covered. It's just, getting a program with the right guy. Get him over to that next level. He is ready to be watched right now. They need to launch him big time. They just need to just find the right opponent for him." [1:58 onwards]
Knight is engaged in a feud with Logan Paul, and the creative direction suggests that the SmackDown star could soon win his first major singles title in WWE.