Morning Daily News Update: June 11, 2026 – CM Punk At Centre Of Fresh WWE Release Speculation

Good morning, everyone!

It’s Thursday, and it’s time for the Morning Daily News Update!

We’ve also got some new blog posts from yesterday:

Jabroniville has a new Dream Matches post
LScisco uploaded a new WTWWW for WWF Superstars from February 24, 1996
Phrederic reviewed last night’s episode of WWE Evolve

New Rumour Claims CM Punk Has Requested His Release From WWE

Rumours about CM Punk’s WWE status have been circulating online after an unverified social media report claimed he had backstage heat with WWE and TKO officials, was unhappy with WrestleMania-related decisions, and may be seeking a release from the company. The report also alleged Punk was asked to take a pay cut and considered legal action, but none of the claims have been independently confirmed. While Punk has been absent from WWE television in recent weeks, there is currently no evidence linking his absence to any contractual dispute or backstage issues.

Men’s Owen Hart Tournament Finals Set For AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door

Swerve Strickland advanced to the men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament final on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite, defeating Brody King after interference from Prince Nana, who struck King with a foreign object before Strickland secured the win with a vertebreaker. The victory sets up a highly anticipated showdown with Will Ospreay at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door on June 28, with the winner earning an AEW World Championship match at All In. The bout will mark the third chapter in their unofficial AEW rivalry, following Strickland’s title defence victory at Forbidden Door 2024 and their 30-minute draw at Summer Blockbuster in 2025.

Janel Grant Speaks Out On Anonymous WWE Emails

Janel Grant has publicly addressed the anonymous emails sent to WWE’s Board of Directors that helped trigger the investigation into Vince McMahon, saying reading them for the first time severely impacted her mental health. In a series of Instagram posts, Grant disputed claims made in the emails, denying allegations that she had been homeless, addicted to drugs, or in rehab before joining WWE, and argued that the messages distorted details of her life into a false narrative.

She also expressed concern about references in the emails that appeared to suggest the existence of explicit photos or videos, and questioned whether there might have been material or recordings she was unaware of. Grant said she does not know who sent the emails, but described them as “a storyline” rather than factual allegations.
Killer Kross Addresses Potentially Joining AEW

Killer Kross has indicated that a move to AEW remains a possibility, stating that the door has “always been open” while declining to discuss any specific conversations with AEW President Tony Khan. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Kross said he respects Khan and prefers to keep discussions private, adding that he remains open to opportunities across the wrestling industry. The current MLW World Heavyweight Champion, who has been a free agent since leaving WWE alongside Scarlett in 2025, also named AEW World Champion MJF as someone he would like to work with and emphasised that he maintains positive relationships throughout the business.