Backstage Report on WWE’s Internal View Of SmackDown’s Biggest Stars

A new report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has offered some insight into how WWE currently views the top stars on SmackDown and why CM Punk is likely to end up on the blue brand.

After an absence following the post-WrestleMania episode of RAW, Punk will reportedly return on SmackDown. According to the report, WWE felt Punk “made more sense” on SmackDown given the amount of star power already featured on RAW. Wrestling Observer Newsletter added that WWE currently sees SmackDown’s top stars as Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Gunther, and Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley.

Punk is reportedly expected to join that group moving forward. The report also noted that Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre are viewed internally as part of SmackDown’s top tier of talent.

Internally, RAW is reportedly viewed as having a top tier that includes Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, The Usos, Gregory Fatu, Oba Femi, Logan Paul, and Bron Breakker.

The plan right now is for CM Punk to return on Smackdown, which is basically a balancing act.

The belief is with RAW having Reigns, Rollins, The Usos, Fatu, Femi, Logan Paul and Breakker that Punk made more sense on Smackdown with a top tier of Rhodes, Gunther, Ripley and soon… pic.twitter.com/lZnlzFFyT5

— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) June 12, 2026