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{{Short description|American professional wrestler (born 1978)}} | |||
{{Infobox Wrestler | |||
{{pp-blp|small=yes}} | |||
|name=CM Punk | |||
{{pp-move}} | |||
|names='''CM Punk''' | |||
{{Featured article}} | |||
|image=CM Punk MITB 2.jpg<!-- Please do not change the image to a fair use image. Free use images are always used over fair use. --> | |||
{{Use American English|date=May 2024}} | |||
|img_capt=CM Punk during an ]/] ] on June 14, 2008 in ], ]. | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}} | |||
<!-- Please do not change the height or weight. These are the measures as officially stated and they should not be changed. --> | |||
{{Infobox person | |||
|height=6 ft. 1 in. (185 cm)<ref name="wwebio">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/cmpunk/bio/|title=Bio| accessdate=2007-09-22|publisher=WWE}}</ref> | |||
| name = CM Punk | |||
|weight=222 lb. (101 kg)<ref name="wwebio"/> | |||
| birthname = Phillip Jack Brooks | |||
|birth_date={{birth date and age|1978|10|26}}<ref name="nndb">{{cite web|url=http://www.nndb.com/people/145/000161659/|title=CM Punk profile|accessdate=2007-09-22|publisher=NNDB.com}}</ref> | |||
| image = CM Punk 2022-03-23 (AEW Wrestling, Dynamite, HEB Center, Cedar Park) 02.jpg | |||
|birth_place=]<ref name="nndb"/> | |||
| caption = Punk in 2022 | |||
|resides= | |||
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1978|10|26|mf=y}} | |||
|billed=Chicago, Illinois<ref name="wwebio"/> | |||
| birth_place = ], U.S. | |||
|death_date= | |||
| spouse = {{marriage|]|June 13, 2014}} | |||
|death_place= | |||
| occupation = {{hlist|Professional wrestler|actor|commentator|mixed martial artist}} | |||
|trainer=]<ref name="acesteel">{{cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/superstars/cmpunk/punkblogarchives/cmpunkblog012307|title=Congratulations to Ace|accessdate=2007-01-23|author=CM Punk|date=2007-01-23}}</ref><br />Danny Dominion<ref name="punkshoot" /><br />Kevin Quinn<ref name="punkshoot" /><br />]<ref name="wojick" /><br />]<ref name="wojick" /><br />]<ref name="wojick" /> | |||
| yearsactive = {{ubl|1997–2014; 2021–present (wrestling)|2015–present (acting)|2016–2018 (MMA)}} | |||
|debut=1999 | |||
| signature = Phil Brooks signature.svg | |||
|retired= | |||
| signature_size = 70px | |||
|website= | |||
| module = {{Infobox professional wrestler|child=yes | |||
|}} | |||
| names = '''CM Punk''' | |||
| height = 6 ft 2 in<ref name="wwebio"/> | |||
| weight = 218 lb<ref name="wwebio"/> | |||
| billed = Chicago, Illinois<ref name="wwebio"/> | |||
| trainer = {{Ubl | |||
| ]<ref name="acesteel"/> | |||
| Danny Dominion | |||
| ]<ref name="wojick"/> | |||
| ]<ref name="wojick"/> | |||
| ] | |||
| Kevin Quinn | |||
| ]<ref name="wojick"/> | |||
}} | |||
| debut = October 25, 1997 | |||
}} | |||
| module2 = {{Infobox martial artist|child=yes | |||
| height = {{height|ft=6|in=2}} | |||
| weight = {{convert|170|lb|kg|abbr=on}} | |||
| weight_class = ]<ref name="UFC"/> | |||
| reach = 73 in<ref name="UFC"/> | |||
| style = | |||
| stance = | |||
| team = ] | |||
| rank = Blue belt in ] under Daniel Wanderley<ref name="Holland2017"/> | |||
| teacher = Head coach: ]<br />Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Daniel Wanderley<ref name="Cruz2016"/> | |||
| trainer = | |||
| mma_draw = | |||
| mma_nc = 1 | |||
| mma_kowin = | |||
| mma_subwin = | |||
| mma_decwin = | |||
| mma_koloss = | |||
| mma_subloss = 1 | |||
| mma_decloss = | |||
| mma_dqloss = | |||
| sherdog = 184933 | |||
| updated = | |||
}} | |||
}} | |||
'''Phillip Jack Brooks''' (born October 26, 1978), better known by his ] '''CM Punk''', is an American ], actor, and former ]. As a wrestler, he has been signed to ] {{As of|since=y|lc=y|November 2023}}, where he performs on the ] brand. Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential professional wrestlers of all time, his 434-day ] reign stands recognized as the seventh longest in history.{{efn|] lost the WWF Heavyweight Championship to ] after 648 days, but WWE does not officially acknowledge the title change and recognizes Backlund's reign as uninterrupted at 2,135 days.}}<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Beaston |first=Erik |date=2024-04-03 |title=B/R Wrestling's Top 50 Greatest WWE Superstars of All Time Rankings |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10112558-br-wrestlings-top-50-greatest-wwe-superstars-of-all-time-rankings |access-date=2024-10-23 |magazine=Bleacher Report |language=en-us |archive-date=September 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901155915/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10112558-br-wrestlings-top-50-greatest-wwe-superstars-of-all-time-rankings |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Pullar |first=Sid III |date=2024-04-03 |title=20 Greatest WWE Wrestlers Of All Time |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/features/10-greatest-wwe-wrestlers-of-all-time |access-date=2024-10-23 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us |archive-date=October 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003211138/https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/features/10-greatest-wwe-wrestlers-of-all-time |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Fowler |first=Matt |date=2024-04-05 |title=The Top 25 Wrestlers of All Time |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/best-top-25-wrestlers-of-all-time |access-date=2024-10-23 |magazine=IGN |language=en-us |archive-date=July 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240708011202/https://www.ign.com/articles/best-top-25-wrestlers-of-all-time |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Brooks began his professional wrestling career on the ] in 1997 and he signed with ] (ROH) in 2002, where he won the ] once and was inducted into the ] in 2022. Brooks signed with WWE in 2005 and won the WWE Championship twice, the ] three times, the ] once, the ] once, and the ] once. He also won both the 2008 and 2009 ]es, making him its only back-to-back winner. He was named ] at the ] and was voted ] in 2011 and 2012. After becoming disillusioned with WWE, he acrimoniously departed the promotion in 2014 and largely retired from wrestling. From 2019 to 2020, he appeared as a pundit on '']''. He returned to in-ring performing in August 2021 when he signed with ] (AEW), where he won the ] twice, but was fired in September 2023 after multiple backstage controversies. He returned to WWE two months later. | |||
'''Phillip Jack Brooks'''<ref name"philbrooks">{{cite web|url=http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=77142597|title=Latest Status Info|accessdate=2008-08-17|publisher=]|date= 2008-08-07}}</ref> (born October 26, 1978),<ref name="nndb"/> better known by his ] '''CM Punk''', is an ] ] currently signed to ] (WWE) on its ] ], where he is the reigning ].<ref name = "cmpunkwinsworldtitle"/> | |||
Brooks has used the CM Punk moniker for his entire career. His ] has been consistently portrayed as outspoken, confrontational, sharp-tongued, ], ], and ], most of which are inspired by his real-life self.<ref name="punkshoot"/> Depending on his alignment as a ] or ], he has emphasized different aspects to garner ] and discourse.<ref name="punkshoot"/> | |||
Punk initially came to prominence through his career on the professional wrestling ], primarily as a member of the ] (ROH) roster where he was an ], ], and the first head trainer of the ]. In 2005 Punk was offered—and accepted—a contract with WWE and was sent to their developmental federation ] (OVW) where he won every championship available in the federation. | |||
Outside of wrestling, Brooks pursued a career in mixed martial arts and joined the ] division of the ], losing via submission to ] in his professional debut at '']'' in 2016. He lost his second fight to ] via unanimous decision at '']'' in 2018, which was later overturned to a no-contest, before he was released. He appears as a part-time color commentator for ] and has starred in the horror films '']'' (2019), '']'' (2019), and '']'' (2021), as well as having a recurring role in the wrestling drama series '']'' (2021–2023).{{Professional wrestling sidebar}} | |||
When the ] brand was revived Punk was moved up to the main roster where he established himself by being ] in singles competition for six months followed by winning the ] a few months later. At ] Punk won the annual ] (MITB) to earn a title shot at any world championship of his choosing. In the ] Punk was moved from ECW to Raw and in his first week on Raw cashed in his MITB briefcase to face, and subsequently defeat, ] for the World Heavyweight Championship. | |||
==Early life== | |||
Throughout his career, Punk has consistently used the ] of being ], a lifestyle he follows in real life.<ref name="punkshoot">{{cite video|people=CM Punk|url=http://www.rfvideo.com/browseproducts/Shoot-with-CM-Punk.html|title=Shoot with CM Punk|medium=DVD|publisher=RF Video|month2=November|year2=2003|accessdate=2007-04-14}}</ref> Depending on alignment as a ] or ], ] of the culture are emphasized to encourage the desired audience ].<ref name="punkshoot" /> | |||
Phillip Jack Brooks<ref name="Lindner2012"/> was born in ] on October 26, 1978, the son of a housewife and an engineer.<ref name="CT 2009"/> He grew up in nearby ],<ref name="Pratt2013"/> where he attended ].<ref name="CT 2009"/><ref name="Eck2007"/> He has five siblings. His father struggled with alcoholism, which inspired Brooks to follow a ] lifestyle from an early age; his mother had ], causing him to become estranged from her.<ref name="TMZ2013"/> He cites ] as an early influence and the reason he became a wrestler.<ref>{{Citation |title=CM Punk Accepts CAC Iron Mike Mazurki Award Aug 30 2023 | date=August 31, 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hZbpmJXp1k |access-date=November 21, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121135952/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hZbpmJXp1k |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=CM Punk |url=https://www.wwe.com/superstars/cmpunk |access-date=November 21, 2023 |website=WWE |language=en |archive-date=May 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200503104120/https://www.wwe.com/superstars/cmpunk |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 26, 2020 |title=CM Punk Has A Surprise Pick For His Favorite Wrestler Growing Up |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-cm-punk-has-a-surprise-pick-for-his-favorite-wrestler-growing-up/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |website=EssentiallySports |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121141456/https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-cm-punk-has-a-surprise-pick-for-his-favorite-wrestler-growing-up/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
==Professional wrestling career== | |||
==Career== | |||
===Early career=== | ===Early career; IWA Mid-South (1997–2005)=== | ||
Brooks' first venture into wrestling was a stint in a ] federation called the Lunatic Wrestling Federation with his brother Mike and their friends in the mid-late 1990s. He had his debut match by October 25, 1997, on the eve of his 19th birthday defeating Brawn the Lumberjack.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=80&page=20|title=CM Punk : Matches per Promotion and Year|website=Cagematch.net|access-date=February 27, 2022|archive-date=February 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206132954/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=80&page=20|url-status=live}}</ref> He first started using the ] CM Punk when he was put into a ] named the "Chick Magnets" with CM Venom after another performer skipped out on the ]; the CM stood for "Chick Magnet".<ref name="punkshoot"/><ref name="chickmagnets">{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagowrestling.com/AL/al-cmvenom-12-17-01.htm |title=CM Venom Interview|access-date=September 26, 2006|last=Lagattolla|first=Al|date=December 17, 2001|publisher=Chicago Wrestling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040222144349/http://www.chicagowrestling.com/AL/al-cmvenom-12-17-01.htm|archive-date=February 22, 2004}}</ref><ref name="jon">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/01/cm-punk-interview|title=CM Punk Interview|access-date=June 21, 2014|last=Robinson|first=Jon|date=December 1, 2006|website=]|archive-date=February 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219161441/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/01/cm-punk-interview|url-status=live}}</ref> Unlike his friends, Punk genuinely wanted to be a wrestler and saw it as more than simple fun.<ref name="punkshoot"/> When the promotion started taking off while doing shows out of a warehouse in ], Punk found out that his brother had embezzled thousands of dollars from the small company, causing them to become estranged. They have not spoken since.<ref name="GomezPB2">{{cite news|last=Gomez|first=Luis|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/03/26/pipe-bomb-more-from-my-interview-with-wwe-champ-cm-punk/|title=Pipe bomb! More from my interview with WWE Champ CM Punk|date=March 26, 2012|access-date=April 5, 2012|work=]|archive-date=April 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402080744/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-03-26/entertainment/chi-cm-punk-interview-rock-cena-wwe-20120326_1_pipe-bomb-beth-phoenix-wrestlemania|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
] event on November 23, 2002 in ].]] | |||
Punk's first venture into wrestling was a stint in a ] federation called the Lunatic Wrestling Federation with his friends in the mid-late 1990s. He first started using the ] CM Punk when he was put into a ] named the Chick Magnets with CM Venom after another performer skipped out on the card.<ref name="punkshoot" /><ref name="chickmagnets">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20040222144349/http://www.chicagowrestling.com/AL/al-cmvenom-12-17-01.htm|title=CM Venom Interview|accessdate=2006-09-26|author=Lagattolla, Al|date=2001-12-17|publisher=Chicago Wrestling}}</ref><ref name="jon">{{cite web|url=http://sports.ign.com/articles/748/748635p1.html|title=CM Punk Interview|accessdate=2007-03-19|author=Robinson, Jon|date=2006-12-01|publisher=IGN}}</ref> Unlike his friends, Punk genuinely wanted to be a wrestler and saw it as more than simple fun.<ref name="punkshoot" /> After leaving the federation, he enrolled as a student at the "Steel Domain" ] in Chicago, where he was trained by ],<ref name="acesteel" /> Danny Dominion and Kevin Quinn to become a professional wrestler. As part of the training, he wrestled at ] Steel Domain Wrestling.<ref name="punkshoot" /><ref name="wojick">{{cite web|url=http://wrestlingclothesline.com/Wojcik-Punk.htm|title=Wojick Interview|accessdate=2006-09-26|author=Wojick, Alan|date=2003-06-21|publisher=The Wrestling Clothesline}}</ref> It was in the Steel Domain that he met Scott Colton,<ref name="punkcabana" /><ref name="joepunk">{{cite video|people=CM Punk; ]|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/shoponline.asp?point=moreinfo&catid=200&id=1220|title=Straight Shootin' with Samoa Joe & CM Punk|medium=DVD|publisher=Ring of Honor|date2=2005-03-10|accessdate=2007-04-14}}</ref> who soon adopted the stage name ]. Punk and Cabana became best friends and spent most of their early career together working in the same ], as opponents or allies.<ref name="punkcabana">{{cite video|people=CM Punk; Colt Cabana|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/shoponline.asp?point=moreinfo&catid=200&id=1397|title=Straight Shootin' with CM Punk & Colt Cabana|medium=DVD|publisher=Ring of Honor|date2=2005-07-01|accessdate=2007-04-14}}</ref> In the independents Punk, along with fellow Steel Domain graduates Colt Cabana, Chuckie Smoothe, ] and manager ], formed a ] named the Gold Bond Mafia.<ref name="punkshoot" /> | |||
] Midwest event in November 2002]] | |||
Punk's home promotion for his early career is usually considered to be ] (IWA:Mid-South).<ref name="punkshoot" /> During Punk's time in IWA:Mid-South he had high profile feuds with Colt Cabana and ] while also rising to the top of the roster winning the ] twice and the ] on five separate occasions. Notably his feud with Hero included a 55-minute ],<ref name="punkshoot" /> a 93-minute ]<ref | |||
name="wojick" /> and several 60-minute draws.<ref name="joepunk" /> Punk's matches with Cabana led him to being hired by the ] promotion.<ref name="wojick" /> During his time in IWA:Mid-South he would also meet, wrestle against and become a friend of ].<ref name="punkshoot" /><ref name="wojick" /> From February 2003 until May 2004 Punk refused to wrestle for IWA:Mid-South. Punk claims that this was in protest to ]'s treatment of Chris Hero;<ref name="punkshoot" /> however Hero himself has stated he believes there were other reasons and Rotten's treatment of him was just an excuse by Punk to stop working for the company.<ref name="heroshoot">{{cite video|people=]|url=http://www.rfvideo.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2708|title=Shoot with Chris Hero|medium=DVD|publisher=RF Video|year =2005|accessdate=2007-04-14}}</ref> Eventually Punk returned to IWA:Mid-South and continued to perform as a wrestler and commentator for them until 2005 when he was signed to World Wrestling Entertainment. His last appearance in IWA:Mid-South was on July 2, 2005 in which he competed in a sixty-minute time limit draw against ]. | |||
After leaving the Lunatic Wrestling Federation, Punk enrolled as a student at the Steel Dominion wrestling school in Chicago, where he was trained by ],<ref name="acesteel">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/cmpunk/punkblogarchives/cmpunkblog012307|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704173758/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/cmpunk/punkblogarchives/cmpunkblog012307|archive-date=July 4, 2008|title=Congratulations to Ace|access-date=April 6, 2016|first=CM|last=Punk|date= January 23, 2007|publisher=]}}</ref> Danny Dominion and Kevin Quinn to become a professional wrestler. As part of the training, he began wrestling at Steel Domain Wrestling in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1999.<ref name="wojick">{{cite web|url=http://wrestlingclothesline.com/Wojcik-Punk.htm|title=Wojick Interview|access-date=September 26, 2006|last=Wojick|first=Alan|date=June 21, 2003|publisher=The Wrestling Clothesline|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718121916/http://wrestlingclothesline.com/Wojcik-Punk.htm|archive-date=July 18, 2011}}</ref><ref name="punkshoot"/><ref name="Slam bio"/> It was in the Steel Domain that he met Scott Colton,<ref name="punkcabana"/><ref name="joepunk">{{cite video|people=CM Punk; ]|url=http://www.wrestledvd.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=466&Itemid=40|title=Straight Shootin' with Samoa Joe & CM Punk|medium=DVD|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718120751/http://www.wrestledvd.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=466&Itemid=40|archive-date=July 18, 2011|publisher=]|date=March 10, 2005|access-date=June 21, 2014}}</ref> who soon adopted the ring name ]. Punk and Cabana became best friends and spent most of their early career together working in the same ] promotions, as both opponents and tag team partners.<ref name="punkcabana">{{cite video|people=CM Punk; Colt Cabana|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/shoponline.asp?point=moreinfo&catid=200&id=1397|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927174133/http://www.rohwrestling.com/shoponline.asp?point=moreinfo&catid=200&id=1397|archive-date=September 27, 2007|title=Straight Shootin' with CM Punk & Colt Cabana|medium=DVD|publisher=]|date=July 1, 2005|access-date=April 14, 2007}}</ref> In the independents, along with fellow Steel Domain graduates Colt Cabana, Chucke E. Smooth, ], and ] Dave Prazak, Punk formed an ] named the Gold Bond Mafia.<ref name="punkshoot"/> | |||
===Ring of Honor and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling=== | |||
:<span class="boilerplate seealso">''See also: {{#if:Second City Saints |<!--then:-->] |<!--else:-->'''Error: ]''' | |||
}}{{#if:Raven's Nest#The Gathering|{{#if:|, | and }} ] | |||
}}{{#if:| — '''<br/>Error: ]''' | |||
}}''</span> | |||
Punk joined ] (ROH) initially as a crowd favorite, but quickly became a villain in a feud with ] that featured numerous variants of ]. At the same time Punk joined the wrestling promotion ] (TNA), where he was paired with ] as, ironically, members of Raven's TNA ] ]. | |||
In 2002, Punk became the International Wrestling Cartel (IWC) Heavyweight Champion, in Monroeville, PA.<ref>{{Cite web|title=IWC World Heavyweight Title History – IWCwrestling.com|url=https://iwcwrestling.com/iwc-world-heavyweight-title-history/|access-date=September 21, 2020|archive-date=June 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625002908/https://iwcwrestling.com/iwc-world-heavyweight-title-history/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=IWC – International Wrestling Cartel|url=https://wwfoldschool.com/iwc-international-wrestling-cartel/|access-date=September 21, 2020|website=WWF Old School|archive-date=October 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024063823/https://wwfoldschool.com/iwc-international-wrestling-cartel/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=September 2, 2020|title=The Lapsed Indy Cartel: Best of IWC March 2002|url=https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2020/09/02/the-lapsed-indy-cartel-best-of-iwc-march-2002/|access-date=September 21, 2020|website=Voices of Wrestling|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821080054/https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2020/09/02/the-lapsed-indy-cartel-best-of-iwc-march-2002/|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk would compete in the company's Super Indy tournament,<ref>{{Cite web|last=LaMotta|first=Jim|date=June 8, 2018|title=Super Indy Tournament Set For Pittsburgh This Weekend|url=https://www.pwmania.com/super-indy-tournament-set-for-pittsburgh-this-weekend|access-date=September 21, 2020|website=PWMania|archive-date=February 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218190144/https://www.pwmania.com/super-indy-tournament-set-for-pittsburgh-this-weekend|url-status=live}}</ref> but never won the championship. | |||
Punk started climbing the ranks of ROH with notable achievements including coming second at the ''Second Anniversary'' show during the tournament to crown the first ], losing to ] in the finals, and winning the ] twice with Colt Cabana as the ], both times defeating the ] to win the championship.<ref name=ROH>{{citeweb|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/titlehistory/|accessdate=2008-06-14|title=Ring of Honor official title histories|publisher=ROH}}</ref> Circa October 2003 Punk was hired as the first head trainer of the ],<ref name="punkshoot" /><ref name="slamcanoe">{{cite web| url = http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/06/06/1073740.html| title = CM Punk mulls over his future|accessdate =2007-04-17| author = Hillhouse, Dave| date = 2005-06-06| publisher = SLAM! Sports}}</ref> having previously been a trainer for the Steel Domain<ref name="punkshoot" /> and Primetime Wrestling.<ref name="primetime">{{cite web| url = http://web.archive.org/web/20030422073249/http://www.chicagowrestling.com/AL/alpunktraining4-5-03.htm|title = CM Punk, the trainer| accessdate =2007-04-17| author = Lagattolla, Al| date = 2003-04-05| publisher = Chicago Wrestling}}</ref> | |||
Punk's home ] for his early career was considered to be the ] (IWA Mid-South).<ref name="punkshoot"/> During Punk's time in IWA Mid-South, he had high-profile feuds with Colt Cabana and ] while also rising to the top of the roster, winning the ] twice and the ] on five separate occasions, beating wrestlers like ], Cabana, and ] in matches for the heavyweight championship. Punk's feud with Hero included a 55-minute ],<ref name="punkshoot"/> a 93-minute ]<ref name="wojick"/> and several 60-minute time limit draws.<ref name="joepunk"/> From July 2003 until May 2004, Punk refused to wrestle for IWA Mid-South, explaining this as a protest to ]'s mistreatment of Chris Hero in the company.<ref name="punkshoot"/> However, Hero has stated he believes there were other reasons and Rotten's treatment of him was just an excuse by Punk to stop working for the company.<ref>{{cite video|people=]|url=http://www.rfvideo.com/shootwithchrishero.aspx|title=Shoot with Chris Hero|medium=DVD|publisher=RF Video|year=2005|access-date=April 14, 2007|archive-date=March 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311045215/http://www.rfvideo.com/shootwithchrishero.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> Punk eventually returned to IWA Mid-South and continued to perform as a wrestler and commentator for them until July 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=80&page=4&promotion=10|title=Matches – CM Punk (IWA Mid-South)|website=Cagematch.net|access-date=February 22, 2018|archive-date=February 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218190137/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=80&page=4&promotion=10|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Meanwhile in TNA on February 25, 2004 Punk had a physical scuffle with ] that was broken up by ] outside of a restaurant shortly before a TNA show stemming from an ROH show in which Hart performed ] putting several other wrestlers in danger of injury.<ref name="teddyhartlj">{{cite web|url=http://cmpunk.livejournal.com/2003/11/12/|title=My turn...|accessdate=13 July|accessyear=2007|author=CM Punk|date=2003-11-12|publisher=LiveJournal}}</ref><ref name="shootteddyhart">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=15350|title=Derek Burgan reviews Best of Teddy Hart & Jack Evans|accessdate=2007-06-13|author=Burgan, Derek|date=2006-01-28|format=asp|publisher=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|quote=The interviewer immediately asked Teddy about the situation with CM Punk. "CM Punk, or Phil, whatever he wants to be known as in a shoot interview, took it upon himself to be spokesman for a group of people in ROH that though I took a show into my own hands." Teddy is referring to the Main Event Spectacles show I wrote about above. The scuttlebutt concerns the after-match shenanigans, when Teddy Hart lost his mind and started doing moonsaults from atop a steel cage platform onto wrestlers below who had no idea what he was doing}}</ref> Around the same time as the scuffle Punk and Dinero stopped appearing on TNA shows leading to speculation he was fired for the incident.<ref name="tna">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20040608011954/http://www.chicagowrestling.com/AL/punk52904.htm|title=CM Punk Talks|accessdate=2006-09-26|author=Lagattolla, Al|date=2004-05-29|publisher=Chicago Wrestling}}</ref> Punk, however, has stated that the scuffle had no bearing on his TNA career and that the reason he and Dinero stopped appearing on TNA ]s was that TNA officials believed that he and Dinero had not gotten ] as villains, having recently become a villain with Dinero by attacking Raven forming a tag team managed by ]. This led the officials to decide to put the storyline on hold indefinitely, and thus had no use for Punk or Dinero.<ref name="tna" /> Punk officially quit TNA in March 2004 during the ] after having a dispute with the TNA offices over his ability to compete in ROH following a TNA order that their contracted wrestlers were to no longer wrestle in ROH.<ref name="slamcanoebio">{{cite web| url = http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/cmpunk.html| title = CM Punk| accessdate=2007-04-17| author = Milner, John| publisher = SLAM! Sports}}</ref> | |||
===NWA: Total Nonstop Action (2002–2004)=== | |||
In ROH Punk faced off against ] ] for the championship in a three match series. The first match, on June 12, 2004 at ''World Title Classic'' in ], resulted in a 60 minute time-limit draw when neither Punk nor Joe could pin or cause the other to submit in the sixty minutes. The second match between Samoa Joe and CM Punk was planned to have occurred on December 4, 2004. Because ] was pulled from a match with Samoa Joe by ], however, the second match was hastily rescheduled on October 11, 2004 for October 16 in Punk's hometown of ].<ref name="joepunk" /> At ''Joe vs. Punk II'' on October 16 they wrestled to a second 60 minute draw. In addition to becoming Ring of Honor's best selling DVD at that point, the match received the first 5-star rating by ]'s ''Wrestling Observer Newsletter'' for a match in North America since 1997.<ref name="joepunk" /> Joe ended the series by defeating Punk in the third and final match on December 4, 2004 at ''All-Star Extravaganza 2'' in which there was a no time limit stipulation. | |||
{{see also|Raven's Nest#The Gathering|l1=The Gathering}} | |||
Punk made his debut for ] alongside his trainer Ace Steel on September 18, 2002, where Punk and Steel defeated Derek Wylde and ] and The Hot Shots (] and ]) in a three-way match to qualify for the tag team ] later in the night, with the winning team facing ] (] and ]) in a match for the vacant ]. Punk then returned to TNA in mid-2003, while simultaneously wrestling for ]. Upon his full-time signing with TNA, Punk was paired with ] as members of ]'s ] ].<ref name="punkshoot"/> | |||
Shortly before a NWA: TNA show on February 25, 2004, Punk had a physical scuffle with ] outside of a restaurant that was broken up by ]. The altercation reportedly stemmed from an ROH show in which Hart performed ], putting several other wrestlers in danger of injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cmpunk.livejournal.com/2003/11/12/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707213300/http://cmpunk.livejournal.com/2003/11/12/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 7, 2012|title=My turn..|access-date=July 13, 2007|first=CM|last=Punk|date=November 12, 2003|publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=15350|title=Derek Burgan reviews Best of Teddy Hart & Jack Evans|access-date=June 13, 2007|last=Burgan|first=Derek| date=January 28, 2006|format=asp|work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071230083734/http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=15350|archive-date=December 30, 2007}}</ref> Around the time of the scuffle, Punk and Dinero stopped appearing on TNA shows, leading to speculation that he was fired for the incident.<ref name="tna">{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagowrestling.com/AL/punk52904.htm|title=CM Punk Talks|access-date=September 26, 2006|last=Lagattolla|first=Al|date=May 29, 2004|publisher=Chicago Wrestling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040608011954/http://www.chicagowrestling.com/AL/punk52904.htm|archive-date=June 8, 2004}}</ref> However, Punk said the scuffle had no bearing on his TNA career.<ref name="tna"/> Brooks said the reason he and Dinero stopped appearing on ] was that TNA officials believed he and Dinero had not connected with the fans as villains, having turned against the popular Raven and instead formed a villainous tag team managed by ].<ref name="tna"/> The officials decided that since the team was not working as villains, the storyline would be put on hold indefinitely, and thus had no work for Punk or Dinero.<ref name="tna"/> Punk officially quit TNA in March 2004 during the ] after having a dispute with the TNA offices over his ability to compete in ROH following a TNA order that their contracted wrestlers were to no longer wrestle in ROH.<ref name="Slam bio">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/cmpunk.html|title=CM Punk|date=April 3, 2016|access-date=February 22, 2018|last1=Milner|first1=John M.|last2=Kamchen|first2=Richard|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|archive-date=September 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930083222/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/cmpunk.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
In June 2005, Punk accepted a deal with ], after a try-out match against ] on its '']'' show. Even though he had accepted the deal, Punk went on to defeat ] to win the ] on June 18, 2005 at ''Death Before Dishonor III'' with the ].<ref name=ROH/> | |||
===Ring of Honor (2002–2006)=== | |||
Immediately after the match, Punk proceeded to become a villain and started a storyline where he threatened to bring the ROH World Championship to WWE with him. For weeks, Punk teased the ROH locker room and the ROH fans as well as mocking the championship he possessed, going so far as to sign his WWE contract on it. During the storyline, ] made several ROH appearances, attempting to convince Punk to do the right thing and defend the title on his way out. | |||
==== Second City Saints (2002–2004) ==== | |||
{{main|Second City Saints}} | |||
] against ] at ]'s "The Conclusion" event in November 2003]] | |||
Punk's matches with Colt Cabana led him to being hired by ROH.<ref name="wojick"/> CM Punk made his in-ring debut on ROH at All Star Extravaganza on November 9, 2002, in a gauntlet match involving five participants, that was won by ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/cards/roh/all-star-extravaganza-647.html|title=ROH All Star Extravaganza at Murphy Recreation Center wrestling results|publisher=Internet Wrestling Database|access-date=September 12, 2021|archive-date=February 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218201759/http://www.profightdb.com/cards/roh/all-star-extravaganza-647.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Initially, Punk joined ROH as a ], trading wins with Cabana at ''Night of the Butcher'' and ].<ref name="punkshoot" /> but quickly turned ] in a ] with Raven that featured multiple variants of a ].<ref name=ROHresults>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/pastresults/|access-date=April 22, 2009|title=Ring of Honor event results|publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822123049/http://www.rohwrestling.com/pastresults/|archive-date=August 22, 2008}}</ref> Their rivalry was rooted in Punk's straight-edge lifestyle, with him likening Raven to his alcoholic father;<ref>{{cite web|last=Dunn|first=JD|title=Dark Pegasus Video Review: Ring of Honor – One Year Anniversary Show|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/40274/Dark-Pegasus-Video-Review:-Ring-of-Honor-%C3%B3-One-Year-Anniversary-Show.htm|publisher=411mania|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=May 30, 2006|archive-date=February 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222214738/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/40274/Dark-Pegasus-Video-Review:-Ring-of-Honor-%C3%B3-One-Year-Anniversary-Show.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Dunn|first=JD|title=Dark Pegasus Video Review: Ring of Honor – Death Before Dishonor|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/40724/Dark-Pegasus-Video-Review:-Ring-of-Honor---Death-Before-Dishonor.htm|publisher=411mania.com|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=June 16, 2006|archive-date=December 14, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091214121452/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/40724/Dark-Pegasus-Video-Review:-Ring-of-Honor---Death-Before-Dishonor.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> At ''Night of Champions'', Punk and his trainer Ace Steel faced Raven and Cabana in a tag team match, during which Cabana turned on Raven, allowing Punk and Steel to win the match. Consequently, Punk, Steel and Cabana formed a trio called the ]. Punk and Raven's rivalry lasted most of 2003 and was considered one of ROH's top feuds of the year. It was settled at The Conclusion in November 2003, where Punk defeated Raven in a ].<ref name=ROHresults/> In late-2003, Punk was hired as the first head trainer of the ],<ref name="punkshoot" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/06/06/1073740.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120530090508/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/06/06/1073740.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=May 30, 2012|title=CM Punk mulls over his future|access-date=April 17, 2007|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|date=June 6, 2005|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]}}</ref> having previously been a trainer for the Steel Domain<ref name="punkshoot"/> and Primetime Wrestling.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagowrestling.com/AL/alpunktraining4-5-03.htm|title=CM Punk, the trainer|access-date=April 17, 2007|last=Lagattolla|first=Al|date=April 5, 2003|publisher=Chicago Wrestling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030422073249/http://www.chicagowrestling.com/AL/alpunktraining4-5-03.htm|archive-date=April 22, 2003}}</ref> | |||
On August 12, 2005 in Dayton, Ohio, Punk lost the ROH World Championship to ] in a ] consisting of himself, Gibson, ] and ], who re-debuted after a year and half long absence. Gibson countered Punk's Pepsi Plunge with a ] ]. His final scheduled match in Ring of Honor took place at ''Punk: The Final Chapter'' on August 13, 2005 against long-time friend Colt Cabana in a ], which he lost.<ref name=ROH/> In his last match, he was visibly crying, and was showered with streamers when he posed in the middle of the ring. | |||
After concluding the rivalry with Raven, the Second City Saints turned face by feuding with The Prophecy (], ] and ]), suspecting them of attacking Punk's ] girlfriend ]. Whitmer was revealed to be the assailant, which led to Saints facing Prophecy in a six-man tag team match at ''The Battle Lines Are Drawn'', which ended in a no contest. The match concluded when Punk drove Daniels with a ''Pepsi Plunge'' off the top rope through a table, thus explaining Daniels' departure from ROH. Around this time, Punk began climbing the ranks of ROH, including coming in second at the ] during the tournament to crown the first ], losing to AJ Styles in the finals.<ref name=ROHresults/> At ''Reborn: Stage Two'', Punk and Cabana defeated the ] to win their first ]. At ''Round Robin Challenge III'', the Second City Saints lost the Tag Team Championship to B.J. Whitmer and Dan Maff in a round robin challenge, but defeated the Briscoe Brothers later that night to win their second Tag Team Championship.<ref name=ROH>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/titlehistory/|access-date=June 14, 2008|title=Ring of Honor official title histories|publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080610081305/http://www.rohwrestling.com/titlehistory/|archive-date=June 10, 2008}}</ref> The Second City Saints avenged their loss to the Prophecy by defeating them to retain the titles at ''Generation Next''. They held the titles throughout the summer before eventually losing them to ] at ''Testing The Limit''. | |||
Punk made a special appearance at the ROH show ''Unscripted II'' on February 11, 2006, when the original card had to be scrapped due to ] leaving ROH the week prior along with most of the ROH roster contracted to TNA being pulled from the show due to a snowstorm that TNA officials thought might prevent performers from reaching ] scheduled the next day.<ref name"unscripted1">{{cite web | |||
|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/39778/ROH---Unscripted-II-DVD-Review.htm|title=ROH - Unscripted II DVD Review |accessdate=2007-06-13|author=Ziegler, Jacob|date=2006-05-06|publisher=411mania}}</ref><ref name="unscripted2">{{cite web | |||
] | |||
|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070629175121/http://pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/25/16510/printer | |||
|title=DVD Review: ROH, "Unscripted II," Feb. 11, 2006, with Punk & Dragon vs. Rave & Pearce, Aries-Nigel|accessdate=2007-06-13|author=Vetter, Chris|date=2006-04-12|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> In the main event, Punk teamed with ] to wrestle and ultimately defeat ] and Adam Pearce in a tag team match. | |||
In mid-2004, Punk faced off against ] ] for the championship in a three-match series. On June 12 at ''World Title Classic'', the first match resulted in a 60-minute time limit draw, when neither Punk nor Joe could ] or cause the other to submit within the allotted 60 minutes. On October 16 at ''Joe vs. Punk II'', they wrestled to a second 60-minute draw.<ref name=ROHresults/> In addition to ''Joe vs. Punk II'' becoming Ring of Honor's bestselling DVD at the time, the match received a ] by famed wrestling journalist ] of the '']''. It was the first match in North America to receive a five-star rating in seven years, the last one being the first-ever ] match between ] and ] at ] in 1997.<ref name="joepunk" /> Joe ended the series by defeating Punk in the third and final match on December 4 at ''All-Star Extravaganza 2'', in which there was a no-time-limit stipulation.<ref name=ROHresults/> | |||
====ROH World Champion (2005)==== | |||
After a try-out match on May 9, 2005, which aired May 15,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=2859|title=WWE Sunday Night Heat #349|website=Cagematch.net|access-date=February 22, 2018|archive-date=February 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218212345/https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=2859|url-status=live}}</ref> where he lost to ] on the '']'' show, Punk accepted a deal offered by ] (WWE) in June. Though he had accepted the deal, Punk defeated ] to win the ROH World Championship on June 18 at Death Before Dishonor III.<ref name=ROH/> Despite entering the match as a face, immediately after winning the match and the title, Punk proceeded to turn heel and started a storyline where he threatened to take the ROH World Championship to WWE with him. For weeks, Punk teased the ROH locker room and the ROH fans, mocking the championship he possessed, going so far as to sign his WWE contract on top of it. During the storyline, referred to by ROH as the "Summer of Punk",<ref name="Alvarez">{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/3-news/21082-tues-update-hbk-returns-raw-voting-screw-ups-last-night-cm-punks-future-scott-hall-arrest-strikeforce-ratings-impact-replay-dgusa-surgery-tons-more|title=Tues Update: HBK returns, Raw voting screw-ups last night, CM Punk's future, Scott Hall arrest, Strikeforce ratings, Impact replay, DGUSA surgery, tons more|author=Alvarez, Bryan|work=]|date=June 2011|access-date=February 1, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227053231/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/3-news/21082-tues-update-hbk-returns-raw-voting-screw-ups-last-night-cm-punks-future-scott-hall-arrest-strikeforce-ratings-impact-replay-dgusa-surgery-tons-more|archive-date=February 27, 2014}}</ref> ] made several ROH appearances, attempting to convince Punk to do the right thing and defend the title on his way out. On August 12, Punk lost the ROH World Championship to ] in a ], which also involved Samoa Joe and ].<ref name=ROH/> Punk's final scheduled match in ROH took place at ''Punk: The Final Chapter'' on August 13, 2005, against long-time friend Colt Cabana in a two out of three falls match, which he lost.<ref name=ROHresults/> | |||
==== Special appearance (2006) ==== | |||
Punk made a special appearance at the ROH show ''Unscripted II'' on February 11, 2006, when the original card had to be scrapped due to ] leaving ROH the week prior.<ref name=ROHresults/> In addition, most of the ROH roster contracted to TNA were pulled from the show because of a snowstorm that TNA officials thought might prevent performers from reaching the TNA's ] event scheduled the next day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/39778/ROH---Unscripted-II-DVD-Review.htm|title=ROH – Unscripted II DVD Review|access-date=June 13, 2007|last=Ziegler|first=Jacob|date=May 6, 2006|publisher=411mania|archive-date=February 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222214642/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/39778/ROH---Unscripted-II-DVD-Review.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="unscripted2">{{cite web|url= http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/25/16510|title=DVD Review: ROH, "Unscripted II," Feb. 11, 2006, with Punk & Dragon vs. Rave & Pearce, Aries-Nigel|access-date=June 13, 2007|last=Vetter|first=Chris|date=April 12, 2006|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070617092715/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/25/16510|archive-date=June 17, 2007}}</ref> In the main event, Punk teamed with ] to defeat Adam Pearce and ] in a ].<ref name="unscripted2"/> | |||
Punk was inducted into the ] as part of the 2022 inaugural class.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rohwrestling.com/news/cm-punk-inducted-inaugural-roh-hall-fame-class|title=CM Punk Inducted Into Inaugural ROH Hall Of Fame Class|date=February 21, 2022|website=Rohwrestling.com|access-date=February 27, 2022|archive-date=August 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803141904/https://www.rohwrestling.com/news/cm-punk-inducted-inaugural-roh-hall-fame-class|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
=== World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE (2005–2014) === | |||
===World Wrestling Entertainment=== | |||
====Ohio Valley Wrestling (2005–2006)==== | ====Ohio Valley Wrestling (2005–2006)==== | ||
Upon being signed by ] (WWE), CM Punk was assigned to its ], ] (OVW), where he was mentored by ].<ref name="Parker2023"/> He debuted in September 2005 in a ].<ref name="Bauer2005"/> In his first appearance on '']'' later that month, Punk suffered a ] and ] in a match with Danny Inferno.<ref name="ovwresults05"/><ref name="Martin2005"/> In November 2005, Punk defeated ] to win the ].<ref name="ovwresults05"/> Immediately thereafter, Punk began to feud with ], culminating in a ] between Punk, Doane, and Albright in January 2006; after Doane was injured during the match, he was replaced by ], who won the match and became the new OVW Television Champion.<ref name="ovwtitles"/> In February 2006, Punk entered into a tournament to crown a new ], losing to Albright in the finals.<ref name="Slam bio"/> In May 2006, Punk defeated Albright in a ] to win the OVW Heavyweight Championship.<ref name="Hoops2006"/> In July 2006, Punk and Seth Skyfire defeated ] to win the ], making Punk a double champion.<ref name="OVWTagWin"/> They lost the titles to ] in August 2006.<ref name="ovwtitles"/> Later that same month, Punk lost the OVW Heavyweight Championship to Chet the Jett.<ref name="ovwtitles"/> Following his defeat, Punk ceased appearing regularly with OVW, but continued to make sporadic appearances until WWE and OVW ended their developmental partnership on February 7, 2008.<ref name="KreikenbohmOVW"/><ref name="WWEOVW"/> | |||
Punk was assigned to ], a WWE developmental territory. On September 26, 2005 in his OVW television debut, Punk suffered a ruptured eardrum and broken nose at the hands of Danny Inferno, after he was hit by an ] ] ]. Despite the injury, Punk finished the match and quickly recovered.<ref name="ovwresults05">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2005/|title=Ohio Valley Wrestling - 2005 Results|accessdate=2006-07-30|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref name="lordsofpaininjury">{{cite web|url=http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2005_/articles/1126805425.php|title=Latest on released WWE wrestler, Ken Kennedy, CM Punk injury|accessdate=2006-09-26|author=Cantor, Brian|date=2005-09-15|format=php|publisher=Lords of Pain}}</ref> | |||
====ECW Champion (2006–2008)==== | |||
On November 9, 2005, Punk became the ] after defeating ].<ref name="ovwresults05"/> This led immediately to a feud between Punk and ], who had previously been feuding with Doane for the television championship and had lost his chance to wrestle Doane after Punk had hit him with a chair so he himself could wrestle Doane. This led to a series of matches, including one which ended in overtime with Albright having Punk submit to Albright's finisher, the ], but Punk was able to keep the championship as he had not agreed to the extra time.<ref name="ovwresults05"/> | |||
] in 2008]] | |||
On June 24, 2006, Punk made his ] debut during a house show at the former ] as a ], defeating ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/publish/article_17161.shtml|title=6/24 WWE at ECW Arena|access-date=September 26, 2006|last=Magee|first=Bob|date=June 25, 2006|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060703083536/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/publish/article_17161.shtml|archive-date=July 3, 2006}}</ref> He officially made his television debut on the July 4 episode of '']'', cutting a brief pre-taped ] about his ] lifestyle, emphasizing the disciplinary aspects of being drug and alcohol free.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/070420061/mainarticle/|title=South Philly Screwjob|access-date=September 26, 2006|date=July 4, 2006|publisher=]|archive-date=April 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426150734/https://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/070420061/mainarticle|url-status=live}}</ref> Although he had retained the straight edge ], he now had a ] training background. Punk made his television wrestling debut on August 1 at the ], defeating ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/08012006/mainarticle/|title=Sabu strikes again|access-date=September 26, 2006|last=Hunt|first=Jen|date=August 1, 2006|publisher=]|archive-date=June 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603004447/https://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/08012006/mainarticle/|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk quickly established himself in ECW by going undefeated, defeating opponents such as ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/08222006/mainarticle/|title=Sabu snaps|access-date=September 26, 2006|last=Hunt|first=Jen|date=August 22, 2006|publisher=]|archive-date=November 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104031146/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/08222006/mainarticle|url-status=live}}</ref> Stevie Richards<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/08292006/mainarticle/|title=Dr. Frankenstein prevails|access-date=September 26, 2006|last=Hunt|first=Jen|date=August 29, 2006|publisher=]|archive-date=July 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726194320/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/08292006/mainarticle/|url-status=live}}</ref> and ].<ref name="moore1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/09122006/mainarticle/|title=Garden Showstopper|access-date=October 2, 2006|last=Hoffman|first=Brett|date=September 12, 2006|publisher=]|archive-date=April 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427212025/https://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/09122006/mainarticle|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Soon after, Punk began feuding with ] after Knox's on-screen girlfriend ] was seen to have romantic feelings for Punk.<ref name="moore1" /> Punk defeated Knox in their first singles match on the November 7 episode of ''ECW''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/11072006/mainarticle/|title=Messiah's revelations|access-date=April 10, 2007|last=Tello|first=Craig|date=November 7, 2006|publisher=]|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103015509/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/11072006/mainarticle/|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as a rematch the following week, after which Kelly Kelly celebrated Punk's victory over Knox.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/11142006/mainarticle/|title=Lashley unleashed on ECW|access-date=April 10, 2007|last=Tello|first=Craig|date=November 14, 2006|publisher=]|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103015553/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/11142006/mainarticle/|url-status=live}}</ref> At ] on November 26, Punk had his first pay-per-view match when he teamed with ] (] and ]) (DX) and the ] (] and ]) in their ] against ] (] and ]), Knox, ] and ], a match in which all the participants on DX's side survived elimination.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2006/matches/3332480/|title=D-Xtreme dominance|access-date=April 10, 2007|last=Dee|first=Louis|date=November 26, 2006|publisher=]|archive-date=March 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318233426/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2006/matches/3332480|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 3 at ], Punk participated in the Extreme ] match for the ], but he was the first person eliminated by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/decembertodismember/currentepisode/32934421/|title=Mission accomplished|access-date=April 10, 2007|last=Tello|first=Craig|date=December 3, 2006|publisher=]|archive-date=October 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010114128/http://www.wwe.com/shows/decembertodismember/currentepisode/32934421|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On January 4, 2006, Punk lost the OVW Television Championship during a ] between himself, Albright and Doane. Doane was injured halfway through the match and could not continue and was replaced by ]. Punk submitted to Albright's Crowbar and was eliminated, but after interference by Punk, Stevens was able to get the ] on Albright to become the new OVW Television Champion.<ref name="ovwresults06">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2006/|title=Ohio Valley Wrestling - 2006 Results|accessdate=2006-07-30|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> The feud continued after a short period in which Albright and Punk were a tag team, but they became opponents again after Albright wanted the respect of Punk, who would never give it to him, and instead proceeded to "punk out" (get the better of) Albright repeatedly. This continued for weeks with Punk always getting the better of Albright until a double turn occurred on February 1, 2006 when Albright became a villain during a tag match allowing ] to beat Punk and, in doing so, making Punk a crowd favorite.<ref name="ovwresults06"/> During this time CM Punk had a minor appearance at ] on April 2, 2006 as one of the ]s who rode a 1930s era car to the ring before ]'s entrance.<ref name="wmgangster">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/pictures/c/cmpunk/19.jpg|title = 19.jpg|accessdate=2006-09-26|date=2006-04-02|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|quote=CM Punk as a gangster during ]'s entrance}}</ref> | |||
On the January 9, 2007, episode of ''ECW'', Punk suffered his first loss in ECW against ], ending his six-month unbeaten streak in singles competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/01092007/mainarticle/|title=No con-Test|access-date=April 10, 2007|last=Tello|first=Craig|date=January 9, 2007|publisher=]|archive-date=November 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114174125/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/01092007/mainarticle|url-status=live}}</ref> He participated in the ] at ] on April 1, where he lost.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_19905.shtml|title=Caldwell's WrestleMania 23 Report|date=April 1, 2007|access-date=May 28, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=February 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224113417/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_19905.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On the April 10 episode of ''ECW'', Punk was involved in the feud between the ], a group of young wrestlers and the ], a group of veteran wrestlers from the ]. Punk joined the New Breed<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/04102007/mainarticle/|title=New Breed gets the straight edge|access-date=April 11, 2007|last=Robinson|first=Bryan|date=April 10, 2007|publisher=]|archive-date=July 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726174626/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/04102007/mainarticle/|url-status=live}}</ref> after several weeks in which both the New Breed and the ECW Originals had attempted to recruit him, seemingly turning heel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/03062007/mainarticle/|title=Rattlesnake's venomous visit|access-date=March 10, 2007|last=Tello|first=Craig|date=March 6, 2007|publisher=]|archive-date=July 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726195302/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/03062007/mainarticle/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/03202007/mainarticle/|title=Masterpiece theater, Lashley-style|access-date=April 10, 2007|last=Robinson|first=Bryan|date=March 21, 2007|publisher=]|archive-date=July 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726211425/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/03202007/mainarticle/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, two weeks later, Punk betrayed the New Breed during a four-on-four tag team match between the New Breed and ECW Originals by kicking New Breed leader ] in the back of the head and costing them the match, after which Punk proceeded to deliver his finisher, the "]", maintaining his status as a face in the process.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/04242007/mainarticle/|title=Making painful statements|access-date=May 1, 2007|last=Robinson|first=Bryan|date=April 24, 2007|publisher=]|archive-date=July 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726203312/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/04242007/mainarticle/|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 20 at ], Punk defeated Burke in his first singles match on a ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/2007/matches/41244022|title=On his own|last=Rote|first=Andrew|date=May 20, 2007|publisher=]|access-date=July 19, 2012|archive-date=October 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025140440/http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/2007/matches/41244022|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk then went on to ] on June 3, teaming up with ] and ] in a ] to defeat the New Breed and end the storyline.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/onenightstand/history/2007/matches/43625081/|title=CM Punk splinters the New Breed|access-date=September 8, 2008|last=Rote|first=Andrew|date=June 3, 2007|publisher=]|archive-date=January 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130106061618/http://www.wwe.com/shows/onenightstand/history/2007/matches/43625081|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
When ] vacated the ] due to a ], a tournament was held to crown a new champion. The finals were Brent Albright vs CM Punk with Albright defeating Punk to become the new champion.<ref name="ovwresults06"/> Punk and Albright continued their feud with Albright becoming more and more unstable and paranoid about maintaining his championship after several close call matches against Punk, resulting in acts such as threatening ]. On May 3, 2006, Punk finally defeated Brent Albright in a ] to win the OVW Heavyweight Championship.<ref name="ovwresults06"/> As champion, Punk retained the title in matches against opponents such as ],<ref name="ovwresults06"/> ],<ref name="ovwresults06"/> ],<ref name="ovwresults06"/> and ].<ref name="punkvsmiz">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070629175121/http://pwtorch.com/artman/publish/article_17333.shtml|title=7/15 OVW in Cordyon, Ind.: C.M. Punk vs. The Miz|accessdate=2006-09-26|author=Skipper, Steve|date=2006-07-16|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> | |||
When ECW World Champion ] was ] to ] and stripped of the championship, a tournament to declare a new champion was held.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06112007/|title=One wild night|last=McAvennie|first=Mike|date=June 11, 2007|publisher=WWE|access-date=December 26, 2007|archive-date=June 21, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070621160504/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06112007/|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 24, Punk was scheduled to face ] in the finals at ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/06192007/mainarticle/|title=The beginning of a new ECW dawn|access-date=June 24, 2007|last=Robinson|first=Bryan|date=June 19, 2007|publisher=]|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103102307/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/06192007/mainarticle|url-status=live}}</ref> but Benoit was replaced by ] due to Benoit ] because of the ] he committed that same weekend. Nitro subsequently defeated Punk for the vacant ECW World Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2007/matches/40811641113|title=ECW World Title goes A-list|last=Robinson|first=Bryan|date=June 24, 2007|publisher=]|access-date=July 19, 2012|archive-date=September 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902231629/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2007/matches/40811641113|url-status=live}}</ref> During the following months, Punk faced Nitro (who later changed his ringname to John Morrison) for the title at ] on July 22,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/thebash/2007/matches/42789821|title=Morrison enlightens the Straightedge Superstar|last=Rote|first=Andrew|date=July 22, 2007|publisher=]|access-date=July 19, 2012|archive-date=October 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025140428/http://www.wwe.com/shows/thebash/2007/matches/42789821|url-status=live}}</ref> and ] on August 26, where he lost to Morrison both times.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2007/matches/3900088311|title=Enlightened robbery|last=Difino|first=Lennie|date=August 26, 2007|access-date=August 26, 2007|publisher=]|archive-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720015344/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2007/matches/3900088311|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On July 28, 2006 Punk and ] defeated ] to win the ] at a ].<ref name="sixflags">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/ovw/sixflags.html#072806|title=Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom drawing 500|accessdate=27 August|accessyear=2006|author=Pro Wrestling History|date=2006-07-28|work=Ohio Valley Wrestling Six Flag Shows}}</ref> With the victory Punk became the second OVW wrestler to have held each of the promotion's three championships, following Brent Albright, and along with Skyfire the first to hold two championships simultaneously. They would lose the Tag Team Championship on August 2, 2006 to ] and ] after an injured Skyfire tagged in an already injured Punk.<ref name="ovwresults06"/> | |||
On the September 4 episode of ''ECW'', Punk defeated Morrison in a last chance match to win the ECW Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/09042007/mainarticle/|access-date=April 23, 2009|date=September 4, 2007|last=Rote|first=Andrew|title=Golden grin|publisher=]|archive-date=July 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726205548/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/09042007/mainarticle/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the following months, Punk went on to have successful title defenses against the likes of Elijah Burke at ] on September 16,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/09/17/4503170.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629105736/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/09/17/4503170.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=Undertaker's return highlight of underwhelming Unforgiven|access-date=July 31, 2009|last=Sokol|first=Chris|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]}}</ref> ] via disqualification at ] on October 7,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/2007/matches/5267288114|title=ECW Champion CM Punk def. Big Daddy V (DQ)|access-date=October 7, 2007|publisher=]|archive-date=May 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527161949/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/2007/matches/5267288114|url-status=live}}</ref> and ] at ] on October 28.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/2007/matches/52676101|title=ECW Champion CM Punk def. The Miz|access-date=October 28, 2007|publisher=]|archive-date=December 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216194943/http://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/2007/matches/52676101|url-status=live}}</ref> On the November 6 episode of ''ECW'', Punk retained the ECW Championship in a match against Morrison following The Miz's interference.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/11/07/4637612.html|title=ECW: Dreaded hat does in Morrison's title hopes|date=November 7, 2007|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=March 7, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629045653/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/11/07/4637612.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> On November 18 at ], Punk retained the title in a triple threat match against The Miz and Morrison.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2007/matches/4334964111|title=Champ trumps champs|access-date=November 19, 2007|publisher=]|archive-date=June 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623234240/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2007/matches/4334964111|url-status=live}}</ref> On the January 22, 2008, episode of ''ECW'', Punk lost the ECW Championship to ] in a no disqualification match after ] ] him, ending his reign at 143 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/01222008/articles/chavosnight|title=Chavo's Night|date=January 22, 2008|first=Craig|last=Tello|access-date=March 7, 2012|publisher=]|archive-date=November 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102233149/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/01222008/articles/chavosnight|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
This led to a feud between Punk and Skyfire after a rematch for the Tag Team Championship on August 7, 2006 in which a healthy Punk purposefully tagged in an injured Skyfire to be beaten by Shade and Compton.<ref name="ovwresults06"/> On August 30, 2006 a match was scheduled to take place between Punk and Skyfire for the OVW Heavyweight Championship. Prior to the match, however, Skyfire was attacked by Charles "The Hammer" Evans, with whom Skyfire had also been feuding, and was replaced in the match by Chet Jablonski (Chet the Jet) who pinned Punk to win the OVW Heavyweight Championship.<ref name="ovwresults06"/> As Punk no longer possessed the championship OVW no longer required him. He was removed from the roster and brought up to the WWE roster full time. He continued to make sporadic appearances for the company, such as at the 400th episode of OVW on television,<ref name="ovwresults06"/> up until WWE announced it was ending its developmental territory agreement with OVW. | |||
==== |
====World Heavyweight Champion (2008–2009)==== | ||
On March 30 at ], Punk won the Money in the Bank ladder match after defeating ], ], John Morrison, ], ] and ], earning him a shot at either the WWE, World Heavyweight, or ECW titles at any time.<ref name="MITBResult">{{cite web|first=Corey|last=Clayton|title=Perseverance makes Punk 'Mr. Money' in Orlando|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/matches/6464426/results/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405163828/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/matches/6464426/results/|archive-date=April 5, 2008|publisher=]|date=March 30, 2008|access-date=March 12, 2012}}</ref> At ] on May 18, Punk teamed with ] to unsuccessfully challenge ] for the ].<ref>{{cite web|first=Bob|last=Kapur|work=Slam! Sports|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/05/18/5609326.html|title=Judgment Day spoils streak of good shows|access-date=August 27, 2008|date=May 18, 2008|publisher=]|archive-date=June 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630141635/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/05/18/5609326.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
] ] on July 17, 2006 in ].]] | |||
On June 24, 2006 Punk made his ] debut during a house show at the former ], defeating ].<ref name="richards">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070629175121/http://pwtorch.com/artman/publish/article_17161.shtml|title=6/24 WWE at ECW Arena|accessdate=2006-09-26|author=Magee, Bob|date=2006-06-25|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> He made his TV debut on the July 4 episode of ''ECW on ]'', cutting a brief ] ] about his straight edge lifestyle emphasizing the disciplinary aspects of being drug and alcohol free.<ref name="sps">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/070420061/|title=South Philly Screwjob|accessdate=2006-09-26|date=2006-07-04|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> Although he had retained the straight edge gimmick, he now had a ] training background. Punk made his TV wrestling debut on August 1, 2006 at the ], defeating ].<ref name="ssa">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/08012006/|title=Sabu strikes again|accessdate=26 September|accessyear=2006|author=Hunt, Jen|date=2006-08-01|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> CM Punk established himself in ECW by going undefeated, defeating opponents such as ],<ref name="sabusnaps">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/08222006/|title=Sabu snaps|accessdate=26 September|accessyear=2006|author=Hunt, Jen|date=2006-08-22|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> Stevie Richards,<ref name="dfp">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/08292006/|title=Dr. Frankenstein prevails|accessdate=2006-09-26|author=Hunt, Jen|date=2006-08-29|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> and ].<ref name="moore1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/09122006/|title=Garden Showstopper|accessdate=2006-10-02|author=Hoffman, Brett|date=2006-09-12|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> | |||
] in August 2008]] | |||
Soon after, Punk began feuding with ] after Knox's girlfriend, ], was seen to have feelings for Punk.<ref name="moore1" /> Punk defeated Mike Knox in their first singles match (qualifying for the ] at ] in the process)<ref name="dtdqualify">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/11072006/|title=Messiah's revelations|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Tello, Craig|date=2006-11-07|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> as well as the rematch, after which Kelly Kelly celebrated CM Punk's victory over her boyfriend.<ref name="knoxrematch">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/11142006/|title=Lashley unleashed on ECW|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Tello, Craig|date=2006-11-14|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> Punk then went on to team with ] and the ] in their ] match against ], Knox, ] and ], a match where all the participants on DX's side survived elimination.<ref name="survivorseries">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2006/matches/3332480/results/|title=D-Xtreme dominance|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Dee, Louis|date=2006-11-26|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> At December to Dismember, Punk participated in the Extreme Elimination Chamber for the ], however he was the first person eliminated.<ref name="d2deliminationchamber">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/decembertodismember/matches/32934421/results/|title=Mission accomplished|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Tello, Craig|date=2006-12-03|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> | |||
On June 23, Punk was ] to the Raw brand during the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06232008/|title=A Draft Disaster|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|date=June 23, 2008|publisher=]|access-date=June 25, 2008|archive-date=July 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726180217/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06232008/|url-status=live}}</ref> In his first night on '']'' the following week, Punk cashed in his Money in the Bank contract after ] beat down ] Edge and won the title, making his first defense later that same night against ] (JBL), who had challenged him shortly after his win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06302008/articles/punkanswered|title=Opportunity Knocked, Punk Answered|last=Adkins|first=Greg|date=June 30, 2008|publisher=]|access-date=September 8, 2008|archive-date=August 22, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822210356/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06302008/articles/punkanswered|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk continued to hold and defend the title (against the likes of Batista on July 20 at ] and the July 21 episode of ''Raw'', and JBL at ] on August 17)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/matches/7616144/results/|title=Big Red invasion|last=Tello|first=Craig|date=July 20, 2008|publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723193830/http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/matches/7616144/results/ <!-- Bot retrieved archive -->|archive-date=July 23, 2008|access-date=July 21, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Report 7/21: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live USA Network broadcast|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_26296.shtml|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=July 21, 2008|access-date=April 14, 2018|archive-date=April 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414234354/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_26296.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/08/17/6484406.html|title=SummerSlam comes close to 'blockbuster' status|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|date=August 17, 2008|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|access-date=February 27, 2009|archive-date=January 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108101411/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/08/17/6484406.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> until ] on September 7, when he was attacked by ] and ], who ] Punk in the head before the ] match, ending his reign at 69 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/2008/punkout|title=Punk possibly unable to compete?|last=Tello|first=Craig|date=September 7, 2008|publisher=]|access-date=September 8, 2008|archive-date=April 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407200253/http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/2008/punkout|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk could not participate in the match due to the attack and so was forced to forfeit the title, being replaced by Chris Jericho, who won the match and the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/2008/7891244|title=Chris Jericho wins World Heavyweight Championship Scramble|publisher=]|access-date=December 23, 2012|archive-date=July 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719093346/http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/2008/7891244|url-status=live}}</ref> On the September 15 episode of ''Raw'', Punk received his title rematch, but failed to regain the title in a steel cage match against Jericho.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/09152008/|access-date=September 26, 2008|date=September 15, 2008|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|title=Snakes and ladders|publisher=]|archive-date=September 27, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080927044439/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/09152008/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Following this, Punk entered into a feud with ], who ended Punk's six month unbeaten streak in singles competition on January 9, 2007.<ref name="wweloss">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/01092007/|title=No con-Test|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Tello, Craig|date=2007-01-09|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Punk went on to feud with ], who gave him his second singles loss since being in ECW on January 30.<ref name="wweloss2">{{cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/01302007/|title=Dead ringer|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Tello, Craig|date=2007-01-30|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Following this Punk qualified for the ] at ] by defeating Johnny Nitro,<ref name="mitbqualifier">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/02202007/|title=Dominant gene|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Tello, Craig|date=2007-02-20|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> being the only member of the ECW roster to qualify. In the final week leading up to WrestleMania 23 Punk made appearances on both '']'' and '']'' defeating ]<ref name="dykstraraw">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/03252007/|title=The circle is complete|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Starr, Noah|date=2007-03-26|publisher=WWE}}</ref> and former ] ],<ref name="bookersmackdown">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/03292007/|title=Next stop: Detroit|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Difino, Lennie|date=2007-03-30|publisher=WWE}}</ref> respectively. At WrestleMania 23 Punk competed in, but did not win, the Money in the Bank ladder match being knocked off the ladder just seconds before the winner, ], claimed the briefcase.<ref>{{cite web|title=Undertaker the champ, McMahon bald|work=SLAM! Wrestling|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/04/15/4024168.html|accessdate=2008-01-15|last=Plummer|first=Dale|coauthors=Nick Tylwalk}}</ref> | |||
On the October 27 episode of ''Raw'', Punk and ] defeated ] and ] to win the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/10272008/mainarticle/|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|title=Just Desserts|access-date=January 4, 2009|date=October 27, 2008|publisher=]|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103012321/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/10272008/mainarticle/|url-status=live}}</ref> The duo were members of Team Batista on November 23 at ], where their team lost to Team Orton after Rhodes eliminated Punk.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2008/matches/8643102|title=Team Orton def. Team Batista (Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match)|access-date=December 23, 2012|publisher=]|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303170910/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2008/matches/8643102|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk then entered a number one contender ] tournament, defeating ] and John Morrison in the first two rounds.<ref name=ICtorn>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/special/interconttournament/|access-date=February 26, 2009|title=Intercontinental Championship Tournament|publisher=]|archive-date=December 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217012103/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/special/interconttournament/|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk and Kingston lost the World Tag Team Championship to John Morrison and The Miz on December 13 at a live event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldtagteam/20081213WorldTagChamps|access-date=January 4, 2009|title=Miz and Morrison's first reign|publisher=] |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023053651/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldtagteam/20081213WorldTagChamps|archive-date=October 23, 2012}}</ref> The next day at ] on December 14, Punk defeated ] in the tournament finals.<ref name="ICtorn"/> On the January 5, 2009, episode of ''Raw'', Punk received his title match against ], which ended in a ] when Regal grabbed the referee's jersey.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01052009/mainarticle/|access-date=February 26, 2009|date=January 5, 2009|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|title=Big Night in the Big Easy|publisher=]|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103012350/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01052009/mainarticle/|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to this, ] awarded Punk a rematch the following week on ''Raw'', but this time Punk got disqualified.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01122009/mainarticle/|access-date=October 1, 2016|date=January 12, 2009|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|title=Sioux City Showstopper|publisher=]|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103012436/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01122009/mainarticle/|url-status=live}}</ref> McMahon awarded him another rematch, a no disqualification match on the January 19 episode of ''Raw'', where Punk defeated Regal to win the Intercontinental Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01192009/mainarticle/|access-date=April 20, 2009|date=January 19, 2009|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|title=Disastrous return|publisher=]|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103013924/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01192009/mainarticle/|url-status=live}}</ref> With this win, Punk became the ] and the fastest ever to accomplish the feat, surpassing ]'s old record of 203 days.<ref name="move1">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/01/20/8082791.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722090641/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/01/20/8082791.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 22, 2012|access-date=May 1, 2009|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|title=Raw: CM Punk rises, Vince falls in Chicago|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=35967&p=1|title=CM Punk makes WWE history with title win|last=Woodward|first=Buck|date=January 19, 2009|access-date=March 7, 2012|work=PWInsider|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103202547/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=35967&p=1|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk lost the Intercontinental Championship on the March 9 episode of ''Raw'' to John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/03092009/mainarticle/|access-date=April 5, 2009|date=March 9, 2009|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|title=In your house|publisher=]|archive-date=November 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101165447/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/03092009/mainarticle|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 5 at ], Punk won the ] and became the first person to win the match twice.<ref name=MITB2>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_31196.shtml|access-date=June 14, 2017|date=April 5, 2009|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|title=Keller's WrestleMania 25 Results 4/5: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of biggest PPV of the year|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=May 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526134229/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_31196.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 13 during the ], Punk was drafted to the ] brand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/04132009/mainarticle|access-date=April 20, 2009|date=April 13, 2009|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|title=Rough Draft|publisher=]|archive-date=August 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821091911/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/04132009/mainarticle/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the period after the draft, Punk feuded with ] over Umaga's repeated surprise attacks while Punk was attempting to cash in his Money in the Bank contract, ultimately resulting in a ] at ] on June 7, which was won by Punk.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/history/2009/matches/10300540|access-date=December 23, 2012|title=CM Punk def. Umaga (Samoan Strap Match)|publisher=]|archive-date=May 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510023938/http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/history/2009/matches/10300540|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On the April 10 edition of ''ECW on Sci-Fi'', Punk officially joined the ] stable,<ref name="punknewbreed">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/04102007/|title=New Breed gets the straight edge|accessdate=2007-04-11|author=Robinson, Bryan|date=2007-04-10|publisher=WWE}}</ref> after several weeks in which both the New Breed and the ] had attempted to recruit him.<ref name="recruitment1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/03062007/|title=Rattlesnake's venomous visit|accessdate=2007-03-10|author=Tello, Craig|date=2007-03-06|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref name="recruitment2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/03202007/|title=Masterpiece theater, Lashley-style|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Robinson, Bryan|date=2007-03-21|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Two weeks later, however, Punk betrayed the New Breed during a ] between the New Breed and ECW Originals by kicking New Breed leader ] in the back of the head costing them the match. After the match Punk proceeded to deliver his finisher, the ], on Burke before leaving the ring alone. WWE.com later confirmed that Punk was no longer a member of the New Breed.<ref name="newbreedbetrayal">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/04242007/|title=Making painful statements|accessdate=2007-05-01|author=Robinson, Bryan|date=2007-04-24|publisher=WWE}}</ref> At ], Punk wrestled and defeated Elijah Burke in his first singles match on a pay-per-view.<ref name="judgmentday">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/2007/matches/41244022/results/|title=On his own|accessdate=2007-06-24|author=Rote, Andrew|date=2007-05-20|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Punk would then go on to ] and team up with ] and ] in a ] to defeat the New Breed. | |||
Later that night, Punk cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to defeat ] for the World Heavyweight Championship immediately after Hardy won the title from ] in a ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/history/2009/matches/10294714/|access-date=January 30, 2011|date=June 7, 2009|last=Passero|first=Mitch|title=Punk cashes in for gold|publisher=]|archive-date=April 9, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409200016/http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/history/2009/matches/10294714|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk made his first successful title defense in a triple threat match against both Edge and Hardy on the June 15 episode of ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06152009/mainarticle/|access-date=June 25, 2009|date=June 15, 2009|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|title=Trumping the competition|publisher=]|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103014104/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06152009/mainarticle/|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 28 at ], Punk retained the title even though he lost to Hardy by disqualification (because titles do not change hands on a disqualification) after kicking the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/06/29/9968166.html|title=Mysterio & Jericho save The Bash from wash-out|last=Elliott|first=Brian|date=June 29, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|access-date=June 30, 2009|archive-date=January 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103133802/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/06/29/9968166.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> As part of the ], Punk injured his eye and said that he could not see the referee, but Hardy called his eye injury into question, believing it to be feigned, with Punk claiming to be the moral superior of those who support Hardy, due to his drug-free lifestyle, resulting in Punk turning heel in the process.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/thebash/currentepisode/10535420/|title=Results: Punk crushes Hardy's dreams ... again|first=Mitch|last=Passero|date=June 26, 2009|access-date=March 27, 2011|archive-date=November 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111145531/http://www.wwe.com/shows/thebash/currentepisode/10535420|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 26 at ], Punk lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Hardy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2009/matches/10713226|access-date=December 23, 2012|title=Jeff Hardy def. CM Punk (New World Heavyweight Champion)|publisher=]|archive-date=June 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616221413/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2009/matches/10713226|url-status=live}}</ref> Their feud continued through ] on August 23, when Punk regained the title in a ] only to be attacked by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2009/matches/hardypunk/|access-date=January 30, 2011|date=August 23, 2009|last=Murphy|first=Ryan|title=CM Punk comes out on top|publisher=]|archive-date=July 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721042132/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2009/matches/hardypunk|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Due to the ] of ECW World Champion ] to ''Raw'' the ECW World Championship was declared vacant and a mini-tournament was announced to declare a new champion between Punk, Elijah Burke, ] and the recently drafted ]. Punk defeated Marcus Cor Von on the June 19 edition of ''ECW on Sci-Fi''. By doing so CM Punk was meant to face Chris Benoit at ] for the vacant ECW World Championship,<ref name="corvoncontender">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/06192007/|title=The beginning of a new ECW dawn|accessdate=2007-06-24|author=Robinson, Bryan|date=2007-06-19|publisher=WWE}}</ref> however Benoit was hastily replaced by Johnny Nitro when Benoit ] the event due to what was described on-air as "]". Nitro subsequently defeated Punk at Vengeance for the vacant championship.<ref name="ecworldnitro">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/matches/40811641113/results/|title=ECW World Title goes A-list|accessdate=2007-06-25|author=Robinson, Bryan|date=2007-06-24|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Punk won another shot at the title at ] against Johnny Nitro, who had changed his moniker to John Morrison by this point, however Punk was defeated again by Morrison.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/matches/42789821/results/|title=Morrison enlightens the Straightedge Superstar|author=Rote, Andrew|date=2007-07-22|accessdate=2007-07-23|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Punk the next week would challenge Elijah Burke and Tommy Dreamer in a triple threat match to determine the next competitor in John Morrison's 15 Minutes of Fame Challenge in Youngstown, Ohio, in which Punk came out victorious.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/07312007/|title=A chance for fame|author=Andrew Rote|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=WWE}}</ref> A week later Punk defeated Morrison with the G.T.S. to earn an ECW Championship title match at ]. At SummerSlam, however, Punk lost the match when Morrison used the ropes for leverage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam07/matches/3900088311/results/|title=Enlightened robbery|author=Lennie Difino|accessdate=2007-08-26|publisher=WWE}}</ref> | |||
On the August 28 episode of ''SmackDown'', Punk concluded his feud with Hardy and achieved his ] goal of excising him from WWE, defeating Hardy in a steel cage match to retain the World Heavyweight Championship wherein the ].<ref name="CareervCareer">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/08282009/mainarticle/|access-date=August 28, 2009|last=Burdick|first=Michael|date=August 28, 2009|title=Extreme exodus|publisher=]|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103014215/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/08282009/mainarticle/|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 13 at ], Punk defeated The Undertaker in a ] to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebreakingpoint/matches/11460100/results/|title=Results: Hell's Gate-crasher|last=Tello|first=Craig|date=September 13, 2009|publisher=WWE|access-date=September 13, 2009|archive-date=November 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101043437/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebreakingpoint/matches/11460100/results|url-status=live}}</ref> The Undertaker originally won the match with his "]" submission hold, but SmackDown ] ] restarted the match after stating that the ban that former SmackDown general manager ] had placed on the move a year earlier was still in effect and Punk won the match with the ] when referee ] called for the bell despite Undertaker never submitting (eerily reminiscent to the ], which took place in the same venue in ]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebreakingpoint/2009/11460100|access-date=December 23, 2012|title=World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk def. The Undertaker (Submission Match)|publisher=]|archive-date=April 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407122307/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebreakingpoint/2009/11460100|url-status=live}}</ref> The feud between the two continued and on October 4 at ], Punk lost the World Heavyweight Championship to The Undertaker in convincing fashion in a ] match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/10/05/11300786.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714103825/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/10/05/11300786.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|access-date=October 5, 2009|last=Sokol|first=Chris|author2=Sokol, Brian|title=Title changes highlight Hell in a Cell|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]}}</ref> Punk went on to lose two subsequent rematches for the World Heavyweight Championship against The Undertaker on the October 23 ''SmackDown''<ref>{{cite web|last=Waldman|first=Jon|title=Smackdown: The SD! seven switch|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/10/24/11509651.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714014051/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/10/24/11509651.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=October 24, 2009}}</ref> and on October 25 at ] in a fatal four-way match also involving Batista and ].<ref>{{cite web|author-link=Wade Keller|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=WWE Bragging Rights Flashback – 2009 PPV debut: Cena vs. Orton Iron Man match, Is anyone from Team Raw or Team Smackdown on this year's teams?, WWE repeating PPV line-up|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Torch_Flashbacks_19/article_44741.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=October 24, 2010|archive-date=November 29, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129122449/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Torch_Flashbacks_19/article_44741.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
] at a house show on June 14, 2008 in ], ].]] | |||
At the September 1, 2007 (aired September 4) ECW taping in ], in a "last chance" title match, Punk defeated John Morrison for the ECW Championship. Punk then went on to have successful title defenses against the likes of Elijah Burke (at ]),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/matches/4836650221/results/|title=Punk prevails|accessdate=2007-09-16|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Big Daddy V via disqualification (at ])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/matches/5267288114/results/|title=CM Punk gets a tough win|accessdate=2007-10-07|publisher=WWE}}</ref> and ] (at ]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/matches/52676101/results/|title=Miz-match? CM Retains|accessdate=2007-10-28|publisher=WWE}}</ref> On the November 6, 2007 edition of ''ECW'', Punk retained the ECW Championship in a match against John Morrison following The Miz's interference.<ref name="ECW 06Nov07">{{cite web|url= http://www.wwe-zone.com/ecw/results/sci-fi/2007/1106/index.htm|title=ECW on Sci-Fi 06 November, 2007 Results|publisher=Pro-Wrestling Edge|accessdate=2008-03-26}}</ref> At ], Punk retained his title in a Triple Threat match, beating The Miz and John Morrison.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/matches/4334964111/results/|title=Champ trumps champs|accessdate=2007-11-19|publisher=WWE}}</ref> On the January 22, 2008 edition of ''ECW'', ] defeated CM Punk in a ] to win the ECW Championship following interference from ].<ref name="ECW 22Jan08">{{cite web|url= http://www.wwe-zone.com/ecw/results/sci-fi/2008/0122/index.htm|title=ECW on Sci-Fi 22 January, 2008 Results|publisher=Pro-Wrestling Edge|accessdate=2008-03-26}}</ref> | |||
==== Straight Edge Society (2009–2010) ==== | |||
At ], Punk won the ], after fending-off ], ], ], John Morrison, ] and ].<ref name="WM24 Res">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe-zone.com/wwe/results/ppv/wrestlemania/XXIV/index.htm|title=WWE WrestleMania XXIV Results|publisher=Pro-Wrestling Edge|accessdate=2008-04-06}}</ref> On the three-hour April 21 edition of ], Punk participated in the 2008 ] tournament and managed to make it into the final defeating ] and Chris Jericho in the process but lost to ] in the final match. | |||
{{main|Straight Edge Society}} | |||
] – ], Punk (center), and ] – in April 2010]] | |||
In late-2009, CM Punk's character began taking on a more sinister direction. On the November 27 episode of ''SmackDown,'' Punk revealed that he had converted ], who had previously been portrayed as the mentally incompetent wrestler Festus, to the straight-edge lifestyle which had subsequently rid him of his mental troubles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/11272009/mainarticle/|first=Michael|last=Burdick|title=Hungry Animal heading to WWE TLC|access-date=January 30, 2011|date=November 27, 2009|publisher=]|archive-date=July 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726213236/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/11272009/mainarticle/|url-status=live}}</ref> Throughout January 2010, Punk began to convert ] members of the audience to a straight-edge lifestyle, making them take a pledge of allegiance to him and shaving their head as a sign of renewal and devotion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/01082010/mainarticle/|title=Stunned contenders|last=Passero|first=Mitch|publisher=]|date=January 8, 2010|access-date=January 22, 2010|archive-date=July 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726184145/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/01082010/mainarticle/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/01152010/mainarticle/|title=Locked in the cage with a wild Animal|last=Burdick|first=Michael|publisher=]|date=January 15, 2010|access-date=January 22, 2010|archive-date=April 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130417063824/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/01152010/mainarticle|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SD-01222010">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/01222010/mainarticle/|title=No fear|last=Passero|first=Mitch|publisher=]|date=January 12, 2010|access-date=January 22, 2010|archive-date=April 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130417063835/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/01222010/mainarticle|url-status=live}}</ref> After converting many people who were not seen again, convert ] began accompanying Punk and Gallows to form ].<ref name="SD-01222010"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/01292010/mainarticle/|first=Michael|last=Burdick|title=Whirlwind before the Rumble|access-date=January 30, 2011|date=January 29, 2010|publisher=]|archive-date=April 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130417063850/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/01292010/mainarticle|url-status=live}}</ref> As well as leading this alliance, Punk was also the mentor of '']'' rookie ], who flirted with the idea of becoming straight edge, before refusing just before his head was to be shaved.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_39115.shtml|title=WWE News: Complete cast of the NXT show revealed including The Miz mentoring Bryan Danielson|date=February 16, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=February 17, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=September 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927173410/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_39115.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/tv_reports/130807/411%5C%5Cs-WWE-NXT-Report-2.23.10.htm|title=411's WWE NXT Report 2.23.10|last=Bauer|first=Michael|date=February 23, 2010|access-date=March 4, 2010|publisher=411Mania|archive-date=February 27, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100227020449/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/tv_reports/130807/411%5C%5Cs-WWE-NXT-Report-2.23.10.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39503.shtml|title=Keller's WWE NXT Report 3/2: Competition explained, Cornfed Meathead debuts, Punk, Hardy, Regal, Jericho, Miz appear with Rookies|date=March 2, 2010|last=Keller|first=Wade|access-date=March 4, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 5, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100305222253/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39503.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1273674387|title=WWE NXT Results – 5/11/10|date=May 12, 2010|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|access-date=May 12, 2010|work=WrestleView|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100514105649/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1273674387|archive-date=May 14, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_41412.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE NXT TV Report 5/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of NXT on Syfy Week 13|date=May 18, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=May 19, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=May 21, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100521092809/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_41412.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk would also give sermons, including during the annual ] on January 31, as well as during an ] match for the World Heavyweight Championship on February 21 at both of the eponymous pay-per-view events.<ref>{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=WWE Royal Rumble Results: Keller's in-depth report including Rumble results, Taker vs. Rey, Orton vs. Sheamus|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_38611.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=January 31, 2010|archive-date=December 22, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222111222/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_38611.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
====Raw brand (2008–present)==== | |||
On the June 23, 2008 edition of '']'', CM Punk was drafted to the Raw brand during the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/results/|title=A Draft Disaster|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|date=2008-06-23|publisher=]|accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref> The following week, Punk cashed in his ] contract and won the ] from ], after Edge had been beaten down by ]. Punk successfully defended his newly won championship against ] later on in the show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/articles/6648278/punkanswered|title=Opportunity Knocked, Punk Answered|last=Adkins|first=Greg|date=2008-06-30|publisher=]|accessdate=2008-07-01}}</ref><!-- DO NOT ADD WEEK BY WEEK EVENTS, RUMORS OR SPECULATION. THIS INCLUDES ANNOUNCED MATCHES THAT HAVE NOT YET OCCURRED. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A NEWS SITE BUT AN ONLINE ENCYCLOPEDIA. Please see the articles "Misplaced Pages:What Misplaced Pages is not" and "Misplaced Pages:Guide to writing better articles" for more information. --> | |||
During the first half of 2010, Punk feuded with Rey Mysterio, being eliminated by him during the Elimination Chamber match.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE Elimination Chamber PPV Report 2/21: Complete coverage of Raw & Smackdown Elimination Chamber matches – Sheamus and Undertaker defend titles|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_39243.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=February 21, 2010|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303220811/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_39243.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> After Mysterio prevented him from winning a Money in the Bank qualifying match, Punk interrupted Mysterio's celebration of his daughter Aalyah's ninth birthday.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bishop|first=Matt|title=Smackdown: Highlight Reel return successful for Jericho|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/03/13/13221876.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120530090546/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/03/13/13221876.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=May 30, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=March 13, 2010}}</ref> Mysterio and Punk faced each other in a match at ] on March 28, where if Mysterio lost, he would join the Straight Edge Society, but Punk lost to Mysterio at WrestleMania.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-03-wrestlemania_xxvi_thoughts-story.html|title=WrestleMania XXVI thoughts|last1=Eck|first1=Kevin|date=March 29, 2010|work=]|access-date=February 16, 2019|archive-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404055935/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-03-wrestlemania_xxvi_thoughts-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They had a rematch at ] the following month on April 25 where Punk would have to shave his head like his disciples if he lost, but he won this match after interference from ], a fourth member of the Straight Edge Society.<ref>{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=WWE Extreme Rules Results: Keller's complete PPV report – Cena vs. Batista, Mysterio vs. Punk, Edge vs. Jericho|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_40888.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=April 25, 2010|archive-date=November 29, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129035905/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_40888.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 23 at ], a third and final match between Punk and Mysterio was booked with both stipulations reactivated, but Punk lost and was subsequently shaved bald.<ref name="shaved">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14384892/|title=Rey Mysterio shaves CM Punk's head|publisher=]|access-date=May 23, 2010|archive-date=May 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510031156/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14384892|url-status=live}}</ref> After the match, Punk began wearing a black mask, since he considered himself always pure unlike his followers and was embarrassed by his baldness.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|title=Smackdown: The Dead Man Cometh|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/29/14182031.html|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=May 29, 2010|archive-date=January 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110183256/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/29/14182031.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
==In wrestling== | |||
*''']''' | |||
<!--Do NOT change the order of the moves, as they comply with Misplaced Pages's Manual of Style--> | |||
**'''Finishing moves''' | |||
***''''']'''''<ref name="wwebio"/> – 2005–2007 | |||
***'''''G.T.S.''''' – '''''Go To Sleep''''' (])<ref name="wwebio"/> – 2007–present | |||
**'''Signature moves''' | |||
***] to a standing opponent in the corner<ref name="owwpunk">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/c/c-m-punk.html|Publisher=Online World of Wrestling|title=Wrestler Profiles}}</ref> followed by catching the opponent's head to perform a ] | |||
***]<ref name="owwpunk"/> | |||
***]<ref name="owwpunk"/> | |||
***] ] ] | |||
***Repeated ]s, ] and a ], followed by a ] to the side of the head, occasionally followed by a ] | |||
***Rope hung ] | |||
***] ]<ref name="owwpunk"/> | |||
***] | |||
***] | |||
***] ] | |||
***]<ref name="owwpunk"/> | |||
***]<ref name="owwpunk"/> | |||
**''']''' | |||
***] | |||
****"Miseria Cantare - The Beginning" – ] | |||
***] | |||
****'''"This Fire Burns" – ]''' | |||
On June 20, 2010, at ], Punk challenged for the World Heavyweight Championship against Mysterio, ] and the champion ], but he was unsuccessful when he was attacked by ], who was accusing various people of attacking The Undertaker.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE Fatal Four-Way PPV Results 6/20: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_42078.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=June 20, 2010|archive-date=November 29, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129034624/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_42078.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk and his stable started a feud with Big Show when on the July 16 episode of ''SmackDown'', Big Show unmasked Punk.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bishop|first=Matt|title=Smackdown: Kane strikes again, Punk unmasked|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/07/16/14742181.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714065230/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/07/16/14742181.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=July 16, 2010}}</ref> Big Show faced the Straight Edge Society in a ] on August 15 at ], winning the match after Punk abandoned his teammates.<ref name="Eck">{{cite web|url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2010/08/summerslam_thoughts_3.html|title=SummerSlam thoughts|last=Eck|first=Kevin|date=February 16, 2019|work=]|access-date=August 16, 2010|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303212137/http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2010/08/summerslam_thoughts_3.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The next month, at ] on September 19, Punk lost to Big Show in a ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|title=Few gimmicks, more title changes at Night of Champions|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/09/20/15407306.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722222234/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/09/20/15407306.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 22, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=September 20, 2010}}</ref> The Straight Edge Society angle ended after Serena was released from WWE<ref>{{cite web|title=Serena released|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/15526200|publisher=]|access-date=August 28, 2010|date=August 27, 2010|archive-date=August 31, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831010353/http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/15526200|url-status=live}}</ref> and Mercury became injured,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/16825-smackdown-star-likely-out-six-months|title=Smackdown star likely out six months|date=September 1, 2010|last=Gerweck|first=Steve|access-date=June 21, 2014|website=Wrestleview|archive-date=October 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019022011/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/16825-smackdown-star-likely-out-six-months|url-status=live}}</ref> and Punk defeated Gallows in a singles match on the September 24 ''SmackDown''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|title=Smackdown: Kickin' it old school|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/09/25/15475181.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120530090557/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/09/25/15475181.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=May 30, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=September 25, 2010}}</ref> | |||
*''']''' | |||
<!--Do NOT change the order of the moves, as they comply with Misplaced Pages's Manual of Style--> | |||
**'''Finishing moves''' | |||
***'''''Anaconda Vice''''' (] or an ])'''<ref name="owwpunk"/> | |||
***'''''] Plunge''''' (] ])<ref name="owwpunk"/> | |||
***''']''' | |||
**'''Signature moves''' | |||
***''] Special'' (] ]) | |||
***] ] | |||
***] followed by stepping a leg over the wrenched arm and performing a ] with the leg below the opponent's face<ref name="owwpunk"/> | |||
***] | |||
***''Crooked Moonsault'' (])<ref name="owwpunk"/> | |||
***'']''<ref name="owwpunk"/> (]) | |||
***''Devil Lock DDT''<ref name="owwpunk"/> (] ]) | |||
***''Inertia DDT'' (] ]) | |||
***'']''<ref name="owwpunk"/> (While sitting in a corner Punk grasps the top rope with one hand on each side of the turnbuckle and when the opponent attempts to pull Punk off the ropes by his legs, Punk performs a ], landing on his feet) | |||
***'']''<ref name="owwpunk"/> (] ] ]) | |||
***''Punk–Handle Piledriver''<ref name="owwpunk"/> (]) | |||
***] ]<ref name="owwpunk"/> | |||
***'']''<ref name="owwpunk"/> (]) | |||
**''']''' | |||
***] | |||
***] | |||
***] | |||
***] | |||
***] | |||
**'''Entrance themes''' | |||
***] | |||
****"South of Heaven" – ] | |||
***] | |||
****"Shitlist" – ] | |||
***] | |||
****"]" – ] (Shared with ]) | |||
***] | |||
****"]" – ] | |||
****"A Call for Blood" – ] | |||
****"Gainesville Rock City" – ] | |||
****"Miseria Cantare - The Beginning" – AFI | |||
****"People = Shit" – ] | |||
****"When Will They Shoot?" – ] | |||
***] | |||
****"A Call for Blood" – Hatebreed | |||
****"]" – ] | |||
****"Miseria Cantare - The Beginning" – AFI | |||
****"Night Train" – ] | |||
***St. Paul Championship Wrestling | |||
****"¡Olé!" – ]<ref name="punkshoot" /> | |||
====The New Nexus (2010–2011)==== | |||
==Championships and accomplishments== | |||
{{main|The Nexus (professional wrestling)|l1=The New Nexus}} | |||
] at a ] on September 30, 2007 in ].]] | |||
]]] | |||
*''']''' | |||
**] (])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ky/iwams/iwams-h.html|accessdate=2008-06-14|title=Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South Heavyweight Title|publisher=Wresting-titles.com}}</ref> | |||
**] (])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ky/iwams/iwams-lh.html|accessdate=2008-06-14|title=Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South Light Heavyweight Title|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref> | |||
In October 2010, Punk was traded back to the Raw brand after being swapped with Edge and took part in the interbrand tag team match on October 24 at ] after defeating ] to win a place,<ref>{{cite web|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|title=Raw: Team Raw assembles while Cena stews|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/10/12/15659226.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714131543/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/10/12/15659226.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=October 12, 2010}}</ref> but Team Raw lost as Punk was eliminated by Rey Mysterio.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_44753.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Bragging Rights PPV Results 10/24: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Orton vs. Barrett, Kane vs. Taker, Raw vs. Smackdown|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=October 24, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=October 26, 2010|archive-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404072448/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_44753.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> During the event, Punk suffered a hip injury that prevented him from wrestling for several months.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-11-whats_next_for_injured_cm_punk-story.html|title=What's next for injured CM Punk?|last=Eck|first=Kevin|work=]|date=November 2, 2010|access-date=February 16, 2019|archive-date=February 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217142302/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-11-whats_next_for_injured_cm_punk-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> To keep a presence on television, he began commentating on ''Raw'' on November 22.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/18969-raw-results-11-22-10/|title=Raw Results – 11/22/10|last=Nemer|first=Paul|date=November 22, 2010|work=WrestleView|access-date=February 16, 2019|archive-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404044210/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/18969-raw-results-11-22-10/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
*'''International Wrestling Cartel''' | |||
**IWC Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/hwtiwc2.html|accessdate=2008-06-14|last=Roelfsema|first= Eric|title=IWC - INTERNATIONAL WRESTLING CARTEL WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE HISTORY|publisher=Solie}}</ref> | |||
At the end of December 2010, Punk left the commentary team after assaulting ] on the December 20 episode of ''Raw''<ref>{{cite web|last=Bishop|first=Matt|title=Smackdown: Ziggler takes Cena to the limit again, CM Punk makes impact|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/12/21/16627431.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630145449/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/12/21/16627431.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 30, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|access-date=January 5, 2011|date=December 21, 2010}}</ref> and the December 21 episode of ''SmackDown'' with a chair.<ref>{{cite web|last=Plummer|first=Dale|title=RAW: No Nexus, no problem|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/12/21/16627431.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630145449/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/12/21/16627431.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 30, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|access-date=January 5, 2011|date=December 21, 2010}}</ref> Punk later revealed that his motives for the attacks were that he had joined and assumed control of ].<ref>{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Adkins|title=Steel resolve|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01032011/|publisher=]|access-date=January 30, 2011|date=January 3, 2011|archive-date=April 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415115020/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01032011|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk then made each member of the group prove themselves worthy of a spot, with some instead choosing to join ], which had been started by former Nexus leader ] on SmackDown.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/10/16837026.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715191847/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/10/16837026.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 15, 2012|title=RAW: CM Punk thins out the ranks|last=Plummer|first=Dale|date=January 10, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|access-date=January 12, 2011}}</ref> | |||
*'''Mid-American Wrestling''' | |||
**MAW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/hwtmaw.html|accessdate=2008-06-14|last=Westcott|first=Brian|title=MAW - MID-AMERICA WRESTLING MAW HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE HISTORY|publisher=Solie}}</ref> | |||
On January 30, 2011, Punk and The New Nexus cost Randy Orton his match with ] for the WWE Championship at the ] as a revenge for Orton prematurely ending Punk's first World Heavyweight Championship reign in 2008.<ref name="RoyalRumble2011">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_47251.shtml|title=Keller's WWE Royal Rumble results 1/30: Ongoing coverage of Biggest Royal Rumble Ever and Three Title Matches|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=January 30, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 30, 2011|archive-date=September 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907073025/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_47251.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> In turn, Orton responded by taking out all of the New Nexus members by punting them in the head, leaving Punk alone as the sole surviving member of the group.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01312011/|title=WWE: TV Shows > Raw > Archive > 01/31/2011|date=January 31, 2011|publisher=]|access-date=February 11, 2011|archive-date=November 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105132822/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01312011/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/28/17446551.html|title=Raw: Triple H talks Wrestlemania; The Miz loses an ally|last=Plummer|first=Dale|date=February 28, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|access-date=September 12, 2011|archive-date=July 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705130129/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/28/17446551.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/07/17530751.html|title=Raw: Stone Cold stuns Cole's Wrestlemania plans|last=Plummer|first=Dale|date=March 7, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|access-date=September 12, 2011|archive-date=March 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329190042/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/07/17530751.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/14/17616206.html|title=Raw: Cena wrecked on the Road to Wrestlemania|last=Plummer|first=Dale|date=March 14, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|access-date=September 12, 2011|archive-date=September 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927121359/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/14/17616206.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> This led to a match at ] on April 3 and a ] on May 1 at ], both of which Punk lost.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/27/randy-orton-cm-punk|title=Randy Orton def. CM Punk|publisher=]|access-date=December 9, 2014|archive-date=October 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025123707/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/27/randy-orton-cm-punk|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Extreme Rules PPV Results 5/1: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – three title changes and a host of gimmick matches|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_49726.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 20, 2016|date=May 1, 2011|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303181826/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_49726.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
*''']''' | |||
**NWA Cyberspace Tag Team Championship (1 time)<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ttcswf.html|accessdate=2008-06-14|last=Westcott|first=Brian|title=NWA NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE/CYBERSPACE WRESTLING FEDERATION CSWF/NWA CYBERSPACE TAG TEAM TITLE HISTORY|publisher=Solie}}</ref> – with ] | |||
====WWE Champion (2011–2013)==== | |||
*''']''' | |||
In June 2011, after pinning WWE Champion John Cena on the June 13 episode of ''Raw'',<ref>{{cite web|last=Bishop|first=Matt|title=Raw: Austin, Piper headline 'All Star' night|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/14/18279466.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120530090600/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/14/18279466.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=May 30, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|access-date=June 21, 2011|date=June 14, 2011}}</ref> ] at ] on June 19,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_50889.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Capitol Punishment PPV Results 6/19|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|access-date=December 9, 2014|archive-date=June 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622122836/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_50889.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> and finally ] in a number one contender's triple threat match (which also included Mysterio) all within one week, Punk revealed that his WWE contract was set to expire on July 17 at ] and vowed to leave the company with the ].<ref name="June20Raw">{{cite web|title=Raw Results – 6/20/11|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/24386-raw-results-62011|website=WrestleView.com|access-date=November 15, 2013|last=Stephens|first=David|date=June 20, 2011|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203005740/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/24386-raw-results-62011|url-status=live}}</ref> On the June 27, 2011, edition of ''Raw'', CM Punk made a scathing, yet highly acclaimed on-air ], often referred to as the "Pipe Bomb", concerning the way in which WWE is run and its owner ], as well as referencing other promotions, such as Ring of Honor and ]. Due to this, Punk was given a (in-storyline) suspension from televised WWE events.<ref name="World Wrestling Entertainment">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-06-27/mcmahon-suspends-punk|title=WWE chairman Vince McMahon suspends CM Punk|date=June 28, 2011|access-date=June 28, 2011|publisher=]|archive-date=November 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105132823/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-06-27/mcmahon-suspends-punk|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk was later reinstated upon Cena's insistence.<ref name="James Wortman">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-07-04/results|title=Raw results: Stars and gripes|publisher=]|date=July 4, 2011|access-date=July 5, 2011|first=James|last=Wortman|archive-date=November 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105132825/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-07-04/results|url-status=live}}</ref> Upon his return, Punk ceased to appear with the remaining members of The New Nexus and the group quietly dissolved, turning Punk face.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 8/1: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Triple H resolves WWE Title situation, battle royal, Ace speaks|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_51822.shtml|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=August 1, 2011|access-date=August 29, 2011|archive-date=August 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804034046/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_51822.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> At Money in the Bank, Punk defeated Cena to become the WWE Champion on his final night under contract with WWE.<ref name="James Wortman"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Tello|first=Craig|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2011/cena-punk|title=CM Punk def. John Cena (New WWE Champion)|publisher=]|date=July 17, 2011|access-date=September 4, 2011|archive-date=November 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106011932/http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2011/cena-punk|url-status=live}}</ref> ], marking Punk's second performance to attain a five-star rating, and the first WWE match to receive such a rating since 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/ufc-news/punkweek-pipe-bomb-set-table-punks-ufc-debut-220351|title=#PunkWeek: The 'pipe bomb' set the table for CM Punk's UFC debut|last=Johnson|first=Kyle|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|date=September 10, 2016|access-date=February 17, 2019|archive-date=February 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217142733/https://www.f4wonline.com/ufc-news/punkweek-pipe-bomb-set-table-punks-ufc-debut-220351|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
**NWA Revolution Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="owwpunk"/> | |||
On July 21, Punk made a surprise appearance at a joint WWE–] panel at ], where he mocked new chief operating officer ], and offered WWE Championship tournament finalist Rey Mysterio a match for the WWE Championship as long as it was in Punk's hometown of Chicago.<ref name="ComicCon1">{{cite web|last=Fowler|first=Matt|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/07/21/comic-con-cm-punk-crashes-wwe-panel-confronts-triple-h|title=Comic-Con: CM Punk crashes WWE panel, confronts Triple H!|date=July 21, 2011|work=]|access-date=July 12, 2017|archive-date=February 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222070737/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/07/21/comic-con-cm-punk-crashes-wwe-panel-confronts-triple-h|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ComicCon2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/punk-invaded-comic-con|title=CM Punk invaded Comic-Con, mocking Triple H and WWE|publisher=WWE|date=July 22, 2011|access-date=July 23, 2011|archive-date=June 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627115153/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/punk-invaded-comic-con|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk appeared at July 23's ] show, showing respect to ], a wrestler with ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_51637.shtml|title=Punk News: C.M. Punk makes unannounced appearance at independent show Saturday with Colt Cabana (w/Video)|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=July 23, 2011|access-date=July 12, 2017|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303183517/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_51637.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Mysterio won the WWE Championship tournament on the July 25 episode of ''Raw'' only to lose it to Cena later that night. After Cena's victory, Punk returned and upstaged Cena's celebration while also entering a title dispute.<ref>{{cite news|first=James|last=Coyle|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,14203_7063250,00.html|title=Title glory for Cena|publisher=]|date=July 26, 2011|access-date=September 4, 2011|archive-date=August 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816232739/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,14203_7063250,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Triple H later upheld both Punk and Cena's claims to the WWE Championship as legitimate and scheduled the two to a match at ] on August 14 to decide the undisputed WWE Champion, with Triple H to serve as the special guest referee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2011-07-29/results|title=SmackDown results: Truth and Consequences|publisher=]|access-date=July 30, 2011|archive-date=November 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104013830/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2011-07-29/results|url-status=live}}</ref> At SummerSlam, Punk defeated Cena, but he lost the title minutes later to Alberto Del Rio, who had cashed in his Money in the Bank contract after ] attacked Punk.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2011/cena-punk-wwe-title|title=CM Punk def. John Cena; Alberto Del Rio cashed in Raw Money in the Bank briefcase (New Undisputed WWE Champion)|publisher=WWE|access-date=September 1, 2011|archive-date=November 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106013829/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2011/cena-punk-wwe-title|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
*''']''' | |||
**] (])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ovhtnwa.html|accessdate=2008-06-14|last=Westcott|first=Brian|title=NWA - NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE NWA OHIO VALLEY WRESTLING HEAVYWEIGHT/OHIO VALLEY WRESTLING HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE HISTORY|publisher=Solie}}</ref> | |||
**] (])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ovsttnwa.html|accessdate=2008-06-14|last=Westcott|first=Brian|title=NWA - NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE NWA OHIO VALLEY WRESTLING SOUTHERN TAG TEAM TITLE HISTORY|publisher=Solie}}</ref> – with ] | |||
**] (])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ovtvnwa.html|accessdate=2008-06-14|title=NWA - NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE NWA OHIO VALLEY WRESTLING HARDCORE/OHIO VALLEY WRESTLING TELEVISION HISTORY|publisher=Solie}}</ref> | |||
The following months, Punk lost at ] on September 18 against Triple H, at ] on October 2 in a WWE Championship triple threat Hell in a Cell match,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2011/wwe-title-triple-threat-match|title=WWE Championship Triple Threat Hell in a Cell Match|access-date=September 20, 2011|publisher=]|archive-date=November 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106032357/http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2011/wwe-title-triple-threat-match|url-status=live}}</ref> and at ] on October 23 against The Miz and R-truth in a tag team match with Triple H as his partner.<ref>{{cite web|first=Craig|last=Tello|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/2011/triple-h-punk-miz-truth|title=Awesome Truth Prevail;Nash attacks|access-date=December 9, 2014|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303180109/http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/2011/triple-h-punk-miz-truth|url-status=live}}</ref> This helped transition Punk's anti-establishment voice from Triple H to ], who, around this time, became the interim Raw general manager.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=Murphy|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-10-10/results|title=WWE Raw SuperShow results: The "Laurinaitis Era" begins|access-date=December 9, 2014|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043243/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-10-10/results|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk balked at Laurinaitis' promotion and verbally attacked him as a dull ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heymanhustle.com/23-news/167221-cm-punk-promo|title=Transcript of CM Punk's Promo on WWE Monday Night Raw!|publisher=Heyman Hustle|date=June 28, 2011|access-date=January 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827192917/http://heymanhustle.com/23-news/167221-cm-punk-promo|archive-date=August 27, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=Murphy|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-10-24/results|title=WWE Raw SuperShow results: Kevin Nash brings the hammer down|date=October 24, 2011|access-date=January 12, 2012|archive-date=January 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122140444/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-10-24/results|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
*''']''' | |||
**PWI ranked him #'''24''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ] in 2008<ref name=PWI500>{{Citation| last = Editors| first = PWI| title = PWI 500| newspaper = ]| year = 2008| date = August 2008|url=http://www.pwi-online.com}}</ref> | |||
], Punk (front) feuded with ] (background) for several months in 2011–2012.]] | |||
*''']''' | |||
**] (])<ref name=ROH/> – with ] | |||
**] (])<ref name=ROH/> | |||
At ] on November 20, Punk defeated Del Rio to win his second WWE Championship.<ref>{{cite web|last=Murphy|first=Ryan|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2011/alberto-del-rio-cm-punk|title=Entertainment era begins|publisher=WWE|access-date=December 9, 2014|archive-date=November 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122084139/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2011/alberto-del-rio-cm-punk|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk went on to defend the title through the end of the year, retaining in a rematch with Del Rio on the November 28 episode of ''Raw SuperShow''<ref>{{cite web|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|title=Raw: Rematch time for Punk and Del Rio while Cena gets a reality check|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/11/29/19032546.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720024223/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/11/29/19032546.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 20, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|date=November 29, 2011|access-date=December 2, 2011}}</ref> and against both Del Rio and The Miz in a triple threat TLC match on December 18 at ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2011/triple-threat-tlc-match|title=CM Punk def. The Miz and Alberto Del Rio in a Triple Threat TLC Match|publisher=WWE|last=Murphy|first=Ryan|date=December 18, 2011|access-date=December 19, 2011|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303185111/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2011/triple-threat-tlc-match|url-status=live}}</ref> At the ] on January 29, 2012, Punk successfully defended his title against Ziggler despite Laurinaitis acting as the ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Royal Rumble report 1/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Rumble match, Punk-Ziggler, Cena-Kane, steel cage|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_57526.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=January 29, 2012|access-date=June 14, 2017|archive-date=December 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211044443/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_57526.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
*'''Steel Domain Wrestling''' | |||
**SDW Northern States Television Championship (2 times)<ref name="cagematchde" /> | |||
On the January 30 episode of ''Raw SuperShow'', the returning ] attacked Punk and ] during their ], giving Bryan the win.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 1/30: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Huge Return, Champion vs. Champion, Rumble PPV fall-out|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_57579.shtml|date=January 30, 2012|access-date=July 12, 2017|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303181711/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_57579.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw SuperShow'', Jericho explained his actions by dismissing the WWE roster as cheap imitations of himself and singling out Punk for calling himself "the best in the world", a moniker Jericho used the last time he was in WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_57815.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 2/6: Jericho-Punk follow-up|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|access-date=June 21, 2012|date=February 6, 2012|last=Caldwell|first=James|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080419/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_57815.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/chrisjericho|publisher=]|title=Chris Jericho profile|access-date=April 2, 2012|archive-date=June 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604190525/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/chrisjericho|url-status=live}}</ref> Their rivalry continued through ] on February 19, when Punk retained the WWE Championship in the namesake structure, but while four competitors were eliminated, Jericho was unable to continue the match after being kicked out of the chamber by Punk, causing temporary injury.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE Champion CM Punk won the Raw Elimination Chamber Match|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2012/raw-elimination-chamber-2012|publisher=]|last=Herrera|first=Tom|date=February 19, 2012|access-date=February 19, 2012|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303192418/http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2012/raw-elimination-chamber-2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw SuperShow'', Jericho earned a match against Punk on April 1 at ]<ref name="Raw SuperShow 2/20/12 Results">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-02-20/results|title=Raw SuperShow results: Triple H accepts Undertaker's WrestleMania challenge|publisher=]|access-date=February 26, 2012|author=Passero, Mitch|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201083315/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-02-20/results|url-status=live}}</ref> and in a bid to psychologically unsettle him, revealed that Punk's father was an alcoholic and alleged that his sister was a drug addict, asserting that Punk's straight edge philosophy was paranoia to avoid the same vices and vowing to make Punk turn to alcohol by winning the title from him.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 3/19: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Two weeks 'til Mania, Rock-Cena latest, Hunter-HBK-Taker share the ring|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_59300.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=March 19, 2012|access-date=March 25, 2012|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203356/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_59300.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> John Laurinaitis added the stipulation that the WWE Championship could change hands via disqualification, which led to Jericho inciting Punk into using a weapon, but Punk resisted and retained the title.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE WrestleMania 28 PPV report 4/1: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Rock-Cena, Taker-Hunter, Punk-Jericho|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_59831.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=April 1, 2012|access-date=April 2, 2012|archive-date=June 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617024142/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_59831.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On the April 2 and 9 episodes of ''Raw SuperShow'', Punk retained the WWE Championship against ] after losing to him via countout and disqualification, being attacked by Jericho following both matches and doused with alcohol.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/2: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – WM28 fall-out, how will Cena respond to Rock loss?, two big title matches|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_59908.shtml|date=April 2, 2012|access-date=July 12, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=October 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018055321/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_59908.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/9: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Lesnar officially returns & Cena responds, Stooges|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_60192.shtml|date=April 9, 2012|access-date=July 12, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=October 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019023438/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_60192.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On the April 16 episode of ''Raw SuperShow'', Punk pinned Henry in a no disqualification, no countout match to retain the title.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/16: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of Raw from London – WWE Title match, Extreme Rules hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_60454.shtml|date=April 16, 2012|access-date=July 12, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=March 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325005338/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_60454.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> After repeated altercations, the feud between Jericho and Punk culminated in a ] on April 29 at ], where Punk defeated Jericho to retain the WWE Championship.<ref>{{cite web|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|title=WWE Extreme Rules live coverage from Chicago|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/25397-wwe-extreme-rules-live-coverage-from-chicagoi|work=]|access-date=April 29, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502185134/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/25397-wwe-extreme-rules-live-coverage-from-chicagoi|archive-date=May 2, 2012}}</ref> | |||
*'''St. Paul Championship Wrestling''' | |||
**SPCW Northern States Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="cagematchde" /> | |||
On May 20 at ], Punk retained the title against Daniel Bryan after reversing Bryan's submission hold the "]" into a pinning combination, as the pinfall saved Punk from his own submission only moments later.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE Champion CM Punk def. Daniel Bryan|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/2012/cm-punk-daniel-bryan|publisher=WWE|access-date=May 21, 2012|date=May 20, 2012|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303191910/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/2012/cm-punk-daniel-bryan|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly before Over the Limit, Bryan interfered in a non-title match between Punk and ] to frame Punk for attacking Kane with a steel chair, starting a three-way rivalry.<ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 5/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Sheamus vs. Orton|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_61569.shtml|date=May 18, 2012|access-date=July 12, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202922/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_61569.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 5/21: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw No. 990 – Over the Limit PPV fall-out|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_61661.shtml|date=May 21, 2012|access-date=July 12, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203828/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_61661.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 5/25: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Triple-Threat No. 1 Contender Match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_61799.shtml|date=May 25, 2012|access-date=July 12, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=March 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325005331/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_61799.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 5/28: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw No. 991 – Show vs. Brodus teased main event, Punk-Bryan, no Cena|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_61856.shtml|date=May 28, 2012|access-date=July 12, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303175228/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_61856.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On the June 1 episode of ''SmackDown'', a WWE Championship match between Punk and Kane ended in a double disqualification after Bryan attacked both men.<ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 6/1: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including C.M. Punk vs. Kane for the WWE Title|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_62013.shtml|date=June 1, 2012|access-date=July 12, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=August 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827182921/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_62013.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Meanwhile, Bryan's jilted ex-girlfriend ] turned her affections to both Punk and Kane.<ref name=Three>{{cite web|last=Giannini|first=Alex|title=Monster and the Madwoman?|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/what-is-aj-thinking/|publisher=]|access-date=June 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610221918/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/what-is-aj-thinking |archive-date=June 10, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> This feud culminated in a triple threat match on June 17 at ], where Punk managed to retain the title after AJ distracted Kane.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/2012/cm-punk-daniel-bryan-kane|title=WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Kane – Triple Threat Match|publisher=]|access-date=June 1, 2012|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203725/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/2012/cm-punk-daniel-bryan-kane|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 15 at ], Punk defeated Bryan in a no disqualification match with AJ as special guest referee to retain the title and end the feud.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2012/wwe-championship-cm-punk-daniel-bryan|title=WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan|publisher=]|access-date=June 25, 2012|archive-date=December 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211081316/https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2012/wwe-championship-cm-punk-daniel-bryan|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
*''']''' | |||
**] (])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/history/ecwchampionship/20070901punk|accessdate=2008-06-14|title=ECW Championship official title history|publisher=WWE}}</ref> | |||
**] (])<ref name="cmpunkwinsworldtitle">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/200806011|title=CM Punk wins world title| accessdate=2008-06-30|publisher=WWE}}</ref> | |||
**] (])<ref name="WM24 Res"/> | |||
] on ''Raw'' in December 2012]] | |||
*''']''' | |||
**] (2004) <small>vs. ] on October 16</small> | |||
On July 23 at '']'', Punk defended the title against Money in the Bank winner John Cena and lost by disqualification after interference from ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Todd|title=Raw 1000th Episode Report|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/3-news/26687-raw-1000th-episode-report-by-todd-martin|work=]|date=July 23, 2012|access-date=July 23, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120727223650/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/3-news/26687-raw-1000th-episode-report-by-todd-martin|archive-date=July 27, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Herrera|first=Tom|title=Raw 1,000 results: John Cena failed to win the WWE Title; The Rock floored by CM Punk|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-07-23/raw-1000-results/page-10|publisher=]|date=July 23, 2012|access-date=July 23, 2012|archive-date=October 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005075417/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-07-23/raw-1000-results/page-10|url-status=live}}</ref> When the night's special guest ] – who had interrupted Punk earlier to announce he would wrestle for the WWE Championship at the ] on January 27, 2013 – intervened to save Cena from Big Show's assault, Punk attacked The Rock, turning heel in the process.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/23|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63621.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=July 23, 2012|access-date=November 30, 2015|archive-date=March 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306062051/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63621.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk justified his actions the following week on ''Raw'', explaining he was tired of people like Cena and The Rock overshadowing him when the WWE Champion should be the focus of the company, asserting himself further soon after by disrupting a number one contender's match between Cena and Big Show.<ref name="PunkCenaShow">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-07-30/wwe-raw-results-26041396/page-9|title=Raw results: Raw General Manager AJ Lee gets the last laugh on WWE Champion CM Punk|publisher=]|access-date=July 30, 2012|archive-date=October 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001084559/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-07-30/wwe-raw-results-26041396/page-9|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|title=Raw: The show starts out on fire and stays hot in Cincy|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2012/07/30/20046551.html|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|date=July 30, 2012|access-date=August 21, 2012|archive-date=December 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208230607/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2012/07/30/20046551.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> As a result, both men were entered into the title match against Punk on August 19 at ], where he successfully retained the title by pinning Big Show after both Punk and Cena submitted Big Show at the same time and Raw general manager AJ Lee restarted the match.<ref>{{cite web|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|title=It's SummerSlam day live from Staples Center, HHH vs Brock|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/27099-its-summerslam-day-live-from-staples-center-hhh-vs-brock|work=]|date=August 19, 2012|access-date=August 21, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120822184713/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/27099-its-summerslam-day-live-from-staples-center-hhh-vs-brock|archive-date=August 22, 2012}}</ref> In the following weeks on ''Raw'', Punk demanded respect from people like AJ Lee, ] and ] and eventually aligned with ] in his feud with Cena.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 9/3: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Punk returns home, Anger Management|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64825.shtml|date=September 3, 2012|access-date=July 12, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303174358/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64825.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 16 at ], Punk retained the WWE Championship after he fought Cena to a ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2012/john-cena-cm-punk-26048109|title=WWE Champion CM Punk vs. John Cena ended in a draw|publisher=]|access-date=September 16, 2012|archive-date=November 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106063025/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2012/john-cena-cm-punk-26048109|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk continued to feud with Cena despite the latter's arm injury,<ref>{{cite web|title=John Cena undergoes arm surgery?|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-09-17/cena-undergoes-arm-surgery-26053092|publisher=]|date=September 18, 2012|access-date=September 13, 2012|archive-date=July 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721082222/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-09-17/cena-undergoes-arm-surgery-26053092|url-status=live}}</ref> rejecting the requests of ] and ] to pick him as his ] opponent on October 28 and leading to a brawl with WWE chairman Vince McMahon.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 9/24: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Cena announcement, Lawler interview, latest on WWE Title picture|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65455.shtml|date=September 24, 2012|access-date=June 14, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=March 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325005314/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65455.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 10/1: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Ross Appreciation Night, Punk-Ryback feud, World Title debate|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65634.shtml|date=October 1, 2012|access-date=June 14, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=March 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325005445/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65634.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 10/8: Complete coverage of live Raw – Cena returns, but McMahon dominates show|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65800.shtml|date=October 8, 2012|access-date=June 14, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=March 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325005619/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65800.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Cena was eventually pulled from the title match and replaced by ],<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 10/15: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – what was McMahon's "decision?," ten matches|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65969.shtml|date=October 15, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|access-date=July 12, 2017|archive-date=September 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925203854/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65969.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> whom Punk would defeat at Hell in a Cell in a Hell in a Cell match with help from referee ] to retain the title and also ending Ryback's thirty-eight match undefeated streak.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Hell in a Cell PPV Report 10/28: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Punk vs. Ryback|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_66245.shtml|date=October 28, 2012|access-date=June 14, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303170230/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_66245.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==Gimmick== | |||
Punk has adopted his real-life following of the ] movement as his professional wrestling ], but the gimmick uses different elements of Punk's personality and the beliefs of the straight edge movement depending on his ]. While portraying a crowd favorite, the gimmick tends to be that of Punk's normal personality,<ref name="punkshoot" /> largely indifferent to others who drink ], smoke ], partake in ] or have ] ], but emphasizing the social discipline involved with ]. Conversely, his villainous personality tends to be that of one who is ], exemplifying the elitist attitudes and superiority complexes—defined by Punk's common mantra during villainous-themed ] that, because he is straight edge, he is "better than you".<ref name="punkshoot" /> Regardless of alignment, Punk performs the straight edge symbol of crossing his arms in an X formation while having the letter X written on the back of his hands, usually drawn on his wrist tape. | |||
] in February 2013]] | |||
A common question about Punk's gimmick, and one that comes up often with fans, is the meaning of the ] CM. Originally the CM represented the phrase "Chick Magnet", the name of the tag team he was in as a ].<ref name="punkshoot" /><ref name="jon" /> Punk, however, later changed CM into an ], declaring that it has no meaning.<ref name="wojick" /> Although Punk has stated CM now has no real meaning, he has taken to making up meanings when asked that fit the initials, going so far as to make up long stories to explain the origins that do not match the actual origin story at all.<ref name="wojick" /> Since beginning this practice, Punk has stated CM stands for "Cookie Monster", and such other things. | |||
The next night on ''Raw'', a furious Mick Foley confronted Punk for refusing to pick John Cena as his Hell in a Cell opponent, leading the two to agree to meet at ] on November 18 in a ] with Punk choosing Alberto Del Rio, ], ] and The Miz for his team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-10-29/wwe-raw-results-26064318|title=Team Mick Foley to face team Punk at Survivor Series|access-date=October 29, 2012|publisher=]|archive-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404044732/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-10-29/wwe-raw-results-26064318|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Punk was replaced as captain by Dolph Ziggler the following week on ''Raw'' and was instead booked in a triple threat WWE Championship match against John Cena and Ryback by Vince McMahon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2012/cm-punk-john-cena-ryback-26066289 |title=WWE Championship Triple Threat Match |publisher=] |access-date=November 5, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109012859/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2012/cm-punk-john-cena-ryback-26066289 |archive-date=November 9, 2012 }}</ref> At Survivor Series, Punk won the match by pinning Cena following interference from the debuting faction called ] (], ] and ]), allowing him to retain the WWE Championship and officially hold the championship for one full year.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_66714.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Survivor Series PPV Report 11/18: Punk-Cena-Ryback|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=November 19, 2012|access-date=June 21, 2014|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921215206/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_66714.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 4, Punk underwent surgery to repair a partially torn ], removing him from his scheduled title match against Ryback on December 16 at ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2012/mr-mcmahon-issues-statement-regarding-injured-punk-wwe-tlc-26073769|title=Mr. McMahon issues statement regarding injured Punk, WWE TLC|publisher=]|date=December 4, 2012|access-date=December 5, 2012|archive-date=December 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121208221454/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2012/mr-mcmahon-issues-statement-regarding-injured-punk-wwe-tlc-26073769|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite his injury, Punk became the longest-reigning WWE Champion in the past 25 years on December 5, when he hit 381 days, surpassing John Cena's 380-day reign.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-12-03/punk-380-days-and-counting|title=CM Punk surpasses John Cena's 380-day WWE Title reign|access-date=April 26, 2017|publisher=]|archive-date=April 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425005514/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-12-03/punk-380-days-and-counting|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk returned to in-ring action on the January 7, 2013, episode of ''Raw'', retaining the WWE Championship against Ryback in a TLC match following interference from The Shield.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 1/7: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – WWE Title match, The Rock returns, Cena vs. Ziggler (updated w/Box Score)|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_67712.shtml|date=January 7, 2013|access-date=June 14, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403011528/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_67712.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
] ,<ref name="The Mississauga News">{{cite web|url=http://mississauganews.com/article/8991|title=Sport Heroes takes on AIDS|publisher=The Mississauga News}}</ref><ref name="WWEuncut">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/vms/wweuncut/2007/may29-31/4775196|title=WWE UnCut: CM Punk|accessdate=2007-06-12|date=2007-05-29|publisher=WWE}}</ref> "]",<ref name="cagematchde">{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=00000080|title=Datenbank Profil - CM Punk|accessdate=2006-09-26|publisher=Cagematch.de|language=German}}</ref> "]",<ref name="cagematchde" /> "]"<ref name="jon" /> and "]"<ref name="jon" /> among others. | |||
On January 27 at the Royal Rumble, Punk defended the WWE Championship against The Rock in a match that stipulated that Punk would be stripped of the title if The Shield interfered.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2013/the-rock-cm-punk|title=The Rock def. WWE Champion CM Punk|last=Clapp|first=John|date=January 27, 2013|publisher=WWE|access-date=April 14, 2018|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305201619/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2013/the-rock-cm-punk|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk originally pinned The Rock to retain after The Shield put Rock through a table while the arena lights were out, leading Vince McMahon to come out and announce that Punk would be stripped of the title, but he instead restarted the match at The Rock's request. Punk lost, ending his reign at 434 days.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Royal Rumble PPV Results 1/27: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Punk vs. Rock, 30-man Rumble|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_68181.shtml|date=January 27, 2013|access-date=July 12, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=March 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329040535/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_68181.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> WWE recognized this reign as the longest world championship reign in WWE of the "modern era" (after 1988) until ] ] broke that record in June 2018.<ref name="WWEPunkLesnar">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/brock-lesnar-longest-championship-reign-modern-era|title=Brock Lesnar earns longest World Championship reign of the modern era|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|publisher=WWE|date=June 11, 2018|access-date=June 18, 2018|archive-date=June 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618102355/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/brock-lesnar-longest-championship-reign-modern-era|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk received a title rematch with The Rock on February 17 at ], stipulated that The Rock would lose the title if he was disqualified or counted out, but Punk was pinned by The Rock after miscommunication with Heyman.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE NEWS: Chamber PPV results & notes – WM29 main event set, World Title match set, Shield big win, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_68728.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|access-date=February 18, 2013|archive-date=June 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623100250/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_68728.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On the February 25 episode of ''Raw'', Punk faced Royal Rumble winner John Cena for his number one contendership to the WWE Championship, but he lost.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 2/25: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live & loaded Raw – Cena vs. Punk Instant Classic, Heyman-McMahon "fight," big returns, but did Taker return?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_68918.shtml|date=February 25, 2013|access-date=June 14, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=July 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707103612/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_68918.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
An integral part of Punk's gimmick is that of the numerous ]s that adorn his body, some of which have come to become symbols associated with Punk, as well as ]s and declarations that have been integrated into his gimmick. The tattoos as a whole, due to their large quantity and variety, have also become an attribute identifiable to Punk. The most important of the individual tattoos in Punk's character, whether through association, symbol, or mantra, are: | |||
====Final storylines (2013–2014)==== | |||
*A ] logo on his left shoulder which inspired the names of two of his ] which also became a symbol of Punk himself, wearing the logo on his ring gear in the independent circuit, as well as a slightly modified Pepsi logo being used as part of his ] entrance video.<ref name="tron">{{cite video|people=CM Punk|year=2006|title=Entrance video|url=http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/tvshows/ecw/entrance_videos/0724cmpunkentvid|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> He got the tattoo as a joke, as many ] members in his school were getting beer logos tattooed on their body, so Punk, a keen Pepsi drinker, chose to receive a Pepsi tattoo to emphasize his straight edge beliefs.<ref name="wojick" /> The tattoo is also a reference to former ] guitarist ], who had a ] tattoo and explained this by saying "I like Coca-Cola". When people inquire about Punk's Pepsi tattoo, he often replies "I like Pepsi" in a similar fashion.<ref name="punkshoot" /> | |||
On the March 4 episode of ''Raw'', Punk defeated Big Show, Randy Orton and ] in a fatal four-way match to earn the right to face ] at ] on April 7.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|title=Raw: Four men enter, one man leaves as Undertaker's WrestleMania opponent|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/03/05/20629096.html|work=Slam! Sports|access-date=March 8, 2013|publisher=]|date=March 5, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130410031355/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/03/05/20629096.html|archive-date=April 10, 2013|url-status=usurped}}</ref> After the real-life death of ], The Undertaker's former manager the next day, a somewhat controversial storyline involving Punk regularly ] The Undertaker through displays of flippancy and disrespect towards Bearer's death began, including Punk stealing Bearer's trademark urn.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/wwe-goes-into-overtime-raw-march-11-2013-26098254|title=WWE goes into overtime: Raw, March 11, 2013|publisher=WWE|date=March 11, 2013|access-date=March 20, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315045707/http://www.wwe.com/videos/wwe-goes-into-overtime-raw-march-11-2013-26098254|archive-date=March 15, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/cm-punk-interrupts-undertakers-tribute-to-paul-bearer-raw-march-11-2013-26097992|title=CM Punk interrupts Undertaker's tribute to Paul Bearer: Raw, March 11, 2013|publisher=WWE|date=March 11, 2012|access-date=March 20, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315045447/http://www.wwe.com/videos/cm-punk-interrupts-undertakers-tribute-to-paul-bearer-raw-march-11-2013-26097992|archive-date=March 15, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/cm-punk-taunts-the-undertaker-with-paul-bearers-urn-raw-march-18-2013-26099706|title=CM Punk taunts The Undertaker with Paul Bearer's urn: RAW, March 18, 2013|publisher=WWE|date=March 18, 2012|access-date=March 20, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130320102759/http://www.wwe.com/videos/cm-punk-taunts-the-undertaker-with-paul-bearers-urn-raw-march-18-2013-26099706|archive-date=March 20, 2013}}</ref> At WrestleMania, Punk was defeated by The Undertaker.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/29/the-undertaker-cm-punk|title=The Undertaker def. CM Punk|last=Murphy|first=Ryan|publisher=WWE|date=April 7, 2013|access-date=April 14, 2018|archive-date=April 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414233807/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/29/the-undertaker-cm-punk|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk then took a two-month hiatus away from WWE television to recover from injuries. | |||
*The words "]" are spelled out on his stomach. This tattoo is one of Punk's oldest tattoos,<ref name="wwemag">{{cite journal|author=CM Punk|year=2006|month=October|title=The Illustrated Man|journal=WWE Magazine|pages=13}}</ref> and it has been referred to by Punk as his identity.<ref name="cheesegrater">{{cite video|people=CM Punk|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/shoponline.asp?point=moreinfo&catid=&id=1125&pRange=0&iCurrentPage=1|title=Best Of American Super Juniors Tournament|medium=DVD|publisher=Ring of Honor|date =2005-04-02|accessdate=2007-04-14}}</ref> | |||
*A ] on his left arm entitled "luck is for losers", a mantra used on some of the choices for Punk's first ] ],<ref name="shirt">{{cite web|url=http://punk-wrestling.com/coppermine/thumbnails.php?album=1|title=ECW T-Shirt Designs|accessmonthday=2 October|accessyear=2006|format=php|publisher=Punk-Wrestling}}</ref>{{dead link|date=May 2008}} that features numerous symbols of ] including a ], ] and a ].<ref name="wweink">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/superstarink/articles/cmpunk|title=Punk's got a lucky arm|accessdate=2007-10-18|date=2007-10-18|publisher=WWE}}</ref> The tattoo also features four ] playing cards as a tribute to trainer ].<ref name="wweink" /> | |||
*His knuckles spell out "DRUG FREE" when placed together, "DRUG" on the right knuckles and "FREE" on the left. This tattoo is often used in wrestling as a taunting gesture to the crowd and opponents. | |||
*A tattoo on the back of his left hand reading "No gimmicks needed," a tribute to deceased wrestler ].<ref name="PS155">{{Citation|last=Martin|first=Fin|title=What's Going Down.|newspaper=]|issue=155|pages=4|year=2007|date=June 2007}}</ref> | |||
] heading into ] in 2013.]] | |||
Punk's character and gimmick have been parodied by the wrestling federation ] with the character ], the straight edge ]. The character is simply a chipmunk ] costume which includes references to Punk such as X marked wrist tape, a Pepsi logo on the costume's left shoulder, and a high-pitch version of Punk's best-known independent circuit theme song ''Miseria Cantare - The Beginning'', as performed by the band ].<ref name="cpmunk2">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070629175121/http://pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/24/15028|title=Tape review: Chikara, "Negative Balance," Aug. 13, w/Hero-Kingston, Claudio-Quack, Cannon-Reckless|accessdate=2006-10-16|author=Vetter, Chris|date=2005-10-04|format=cgi|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|quote=CP Munk is a wrestler in a chipmunk costume, like a school mascot outfit. He has a Pepsi tattoo on his arm, he wears basketball trunks, and he came out to an AFI song… good comedy, and the crowd all knew this was a fun parody of CM Punk.}}</ref> On his website Punk has said about the character CP Munk, and the people behind it: | |||
{{cquote|I'm split 50/50 on it. Some days I get real pissed about it, because it's disrespectful. I'm sure it's no secret that the dorks that run Chikara and I don't get along, so they're ]''] judgement on trying to "mock" me is a little off. Most other days I just laugh it off because nobody from Chikara will ever be over enough anywhere for anybody else to parody them.<ref name="cpmunk3">{{cite web|url=http://cmpunk.com/askpunk.php|title=Ask Punk|accessdate=2007-12-13|format=php|publisher=CMPunk.com}}</ref>}} | |||
Punk returned at ] on June 16, defeating ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Payback PPV Results 6/16 (Hour 2): Punk vs. Jericho, New World Hvt. champion & double-turn|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71317.shtml|date=June 16, 2013|access-date=July 12, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074434/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71317.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk started a storyline where he told Heyman to no longer accompany him to his matches and was later attacked by Heyman's other client ], thus turning Punk face once again.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWETVreports/article10031929.shtml|title=6/17 Powell's WWE Raw Live Coverage: Brock Lesnar and C.M. Punk, Mark Henry returns in a big way, Payback fallout with new champions Del Rio, Axel, and A.J. Lee|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=June 17, 2013|access-date=June 18, 2013|archive-date=August 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831153951/http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWETVreports/article10031929.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Heyman also cost Punk a WWE Championship Money in the Bank ladder match at ] on July 14 when Heyman attacked Punk.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71944.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE MITB PPV Results 7/14 (Hour 3): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV – Cena vs. Henry, MITB All-Stars|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=July 14, 2013|access-date=May 31, 2017|archive-date=November 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106070404/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71944.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> This led to a match between Punk and Lesnar at ] on August 18,<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 8/5 (Hour 2): Cena responds to Bryan, Shield appears, Punk vs. Axel match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72508.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=August 5, 2013|access-date=May 31, 2017|archive-date=August 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809183155/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72508.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72655.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 8/12 (Hour 3): Miz TV with Cena & Bryan final Summerslam sales pitch, No. 1 contender Battle Royal, Punk vs. Heyman show-closer|date=August 12, 2013|access-date=July 12, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=August 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130817184459/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72655.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> when Punk lost to Lesnar in a No Disqualification match after Heyman interfered.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE SSlam PPV Results 8/18 (Hour 2): Lesnar vs. Punk brutal fight|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_72778.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=August 18, 2013|access-date=May 31, 2017|archive-date=December 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225052926/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_72778.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> His feud with Heyman continued during the following months, facing his other client, the Intercontinental Champion ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Raw News: Cena gone 4–6 months, Triple H explanation, WWE Title & World Title pictures, RVD, new tag team, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_72813.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=August 19, 2013|access-date=August 20, 2013|archive-date=July 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709015640/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_72813.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> First, at ] on September 15, Punk faced Axel and Heyman in a no disqualification two-on-one handicap elimination match in which he made Axel submit, leaving only Heyman left, but Punk lost the match after ] interfered and put him through a table.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE News: New WWE champion at Night of Champions, but for how long?, plus Heyman's new associate, title match results, TNA stars spotlighted, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_73334.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=September 15, 2013|access-date=September 17, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063327/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_73334.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Then on October 6, Punk defeated Ryback at ]<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Battleground PPV Results 10/6 (Hour 3): WWE Title match, power outage situation, Punk vs. Ryback|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_73743.shtml|date=October 6, 2013|access-date=May 31, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=October 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026031129/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_73743.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> and the feud ended at ] on October 27, where Punk faced Heyman and Ryback in a two-on-one handicap ], winning the match by pinning Ryback and after the match performing a "Go to Sleep" to Heyman on top of the cell.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE HIAC PPV Results (Hour 2): Cena returns in World Title match, Punk vs. Ryback HIAC match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_74179.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=October 27, 2013|access-date=May 31, 2017|archive-date=November 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106071751/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_74179.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Punk moved on to a feud with ] (], ] and ]), forming an alliance with ], with the duo defeating Harper and Rowan in a tag team match on November 24 at ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE S. Series PPV results 11/24 (Hour 3): Orton vs. Big Show main event, Bryan & Punk, PPV-closing face-off|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_74738.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=November 24, 2013|access-date=May 30, 2017|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203003016/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_74738.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', Punk was attacked by The Shield while attempting to save Bryan from being "taken hostage" by The Wyatt Family.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 11/25 (Hour 2): Punk & Bryan vs. Wyatts, Divas S. Series match, Sandow vs. Ziggler|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_74769.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=November 25, 2013|access-date=May 31, 2017|archive-date=October 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012094805/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_74769.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk then insinuated that ], a villainous group who controlled WWE led by Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, ordered the attack, which resulted in the Director of Operations ] booking Punk in a three-on-one handicap match against The Shield at ] on December 15.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 12/2 (Hour 1): Punk-Stephanie confrontation starts Raw, Bryan vs. Wyatts, TLC, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_74893.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=December 2, 2013|access-date=May 31, 2017|archive-date=February 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052836/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_74893.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> At TLC, Punk won the match after Reigns accidentally performed a spear on Ambrose.<ref>{{cite web|last=Howell|first=Nolan|title=TLC: Randy Orton crowned new WWE World Heavyweight Champion|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2013/12/15/21339031.html|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|access-date=December 18, 2013|archive-date=July 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701012036/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2013/12/15/21339031.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> After further altercations between Punk and Kane, Kane made Punk the first entrant in the annual ] on January 26, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_75809.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 1/20: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Batista returns, Lesnar, final Rumble PPV hype, Bryan explains his plot, more|date=January 20, 2014|access-date=May 31, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=January 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140124174430/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_75809.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> At the ], near the end of the match, Kane, who was already eliminated earlier in the match by Punk, eliminated Punk from the outside and proceeded to perform a ] on him through the announce table.<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/46382-wwe-royal-rumble-ppv-results-1-26-14-30-man-royal-rumble/|title=WWE Royal Rumble PPV Results – 1/26/14 (30 Man Rumble)|date=January 27, 2014|access-date=May 31, 2017|work=Wrestleview|archive-date=August 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809091255/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/46382-wwe-royal-rumble-ppv-results-1-26-14-30-man-royal-rumble/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
====Initial retirement (2014)==== | |||
{{Blockquote|quote="I was sick and hurt and burnt out, and I walked. And I can do that because I'm an ]".|source=In a December 2014 interview, Punk explains why he left WWE earlier that year<ref name=pubstunt/>}} | |||
Punk did not appear on the January 27, 2014, episode of ''Raw'', nor did he appear at the ''SmackDown'' taping on Tuesday despite being advertised for both events. By Wednesday, WWE.com stopped advertising Punk for future events. ''The Wrestling Observer'' reported that on Monday and prior to ''Raw,'' Punk had ] walked out after telling ] and ] that he was "going home".<ref name=WalkoutTorch>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE news: Report – C.M. Punk leaves WWE|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_75991.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=January 29, 2014|access-date=January 30, 2014|archive-date=February 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202095030/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_75991.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=WalkOutIndy>{{cite news|last=Hooton|first=Christopher|title=CM Punk 'quits the WWE' only weeks before Wrestlemania 30|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/cm-punk-quits-wwe-just-weeks-before-wrestlemania-30-9092718.html|access-date=January 29, 2014|work=]|date=January 29, 2014|archive-date=February 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221204143/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/cm-punk-quits-wwe-just-weeks-before-wrestlemania-30-9092718.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 20 during a ] to investors, McMahon said Punk was "taking a ]".<ref name="Departure">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE news: McMahon addresses Punk's departure from WWE|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_76488.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=February 20, 2014|access-date=February 26, 2014|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214205921/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_76488.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On the March 3 episode of ''Raw,'' which took place in Punk's hometown of Chicago, WWE acknowledged his absence on television for the first time when the show started with Punk's entrance music playing, only for former manager ] to walk out to a loud chorus of boos.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Raw news: C.M. Punk, Hogan next week, new tag champs, Bryan-Batista, WM30 teasers, Cena injury follow-up, two factions in trouble, Taker, guest star, Big Show, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_76747.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=March 3, 2014|access-date=March 6, 2014|archive-date=February 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218203532/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_76747.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> WWE then proceeded to remove Punk from footage of their promotional videos.<ref name=Flintstones>{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=Mike|title=CM Punk – WWE update|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/84410/cm-punkwwe-update.html|work=PWInsider|date=March 21, 2014|access-date=April 16, 2014|archive-date=February 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218225911/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/84410/cm-punkwwe-update.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This lasted until the first half of July, where WWE used footage of Punk to promote the ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE News: WWE offering free Network access this week to entice subs, announces C.M. Punk program|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_79451.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=July 7, 2014|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821130725/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_79451.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/14: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live "WCW Night" Raw – Flair returns, Sting, final PPV hype, Cena & Reigns vs. The Authority, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_79583.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=July 14, 2014|access-date=July 19, 2014|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055318/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_79583.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview published in late May, Punk was asked how it felt "to be retired at 35" and replied that "it feels good".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=WWE news: Is C.M. Punk retired?, Punk addresses status|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_78695.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=May 29, 2014|access-date=June 4, 2014|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821040811/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_78695.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 15, WWE.com officially moved Punk from the active roster to the alumni section of their page without releasing a statement. On the same day, Punk thanked his fans without mentioning WWE.<ref name=WWEalum>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE News: C.M. Punk no longer on the roster; Punk speaks|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_79604.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=July 15, 2014|access-date=July 17, 2014|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821031325/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_79604.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> In late July, Punk said that he was "never ever" going to return to wrestling.<ref name=neverever>{{cite news|last=Hooton|first=Christopher|title=CM Punk 'never ever ever' making WWE return (so that means he probably will)|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/cm-punk-never-ever-ever-going-to-return-to-wwe-so-he-probably-will-9620435.html|work=]|date=July 22, 2014|access-date=July 24, 2014|archive-date=July 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726070443/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/cm-punk-never-ever-ever-going-to-return-to-wwe-so-he-probably-will-9620435.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
{{Blockquote|quote=When Punk told doctor that he wrestled with a ] for three months, Punk said doctor told him: "You should be dead. You could have died".|source=The ''Pro Wrestling Torch'' documents the Punk interview released in November 2014<ref name=TorchCabana/>}} | |||
On an episode of ]'s ''Art of Wrestling'' ] released in November 2014, Punk finally broke his silence regarding his exit from WWE.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Namako|first1=Jason|title=CM Punk breaks silence on WWE exit in new podcast|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/51870-cm-punk-breaks-silence-on-wwe-exit-in-new-cabana-podcast/|work=Wrestleview|date=November 27, 2014|access-date=November 28, 2014|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129211643/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/51870-cm-punk-breaks-silence-on-wwe-exit-in-new-cabana-podcast|url-status=live}}</ref> In a detailed interview, Punk said that he was suspended for two months after walking out on WWE in January and that after the suspension ended, nobody from WWE contacted him. Punk also said WWE executives gave him a run-around when he reached out to them for unpaid royalties until he was ultimately handed his termination papers and was fired by WWE on his wedding day on June 13, 2014.<ref name=InsiderCabana>{{cite news|last=Johnson|first=Mike|title=WWE Fired CM Punk on His Wedding Day, The Health Issue That Should Have Killed Him and More: Quick Highlights of Punk Interview on Cabana Podcast|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=89844|access-date=November 27, 2014|work=PWInsider|date=November 27, 2014|archive-date=May 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501235954/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=89844|url-status=live}}</ref> The manner of firing was the last straw for Punk, stating that he would never return to WWE and that there would be no further working relationship between him and WWE following a legal settlement. The settlement included Punk giving WWE permission to sell his remaining merchandise.<ref name=TorchCabana>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=WWE news: The C.M. Punk Interview Part 1 – Punk says he was fired on his wedding day & will never work for WWE again, plus why he left WWE, legal battle that followed, Final Meeting with McMahon & Hunter, independent contractor, more|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_81998.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=December 4, 2014|access-date=June 14, 2017|archive-date=May 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520061602/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_81998.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Punk cited his health as the main reason he left WWE, describing that during his final months in WWE, he had been working through an untreated and potentially fatal ] infection (Punk later acknowledged on the witness stand that he was not diagnosed with an MRSA staph infection, but that a physician's assistant said he exhibited certain symptoms consistent with an ordinary staph infection),<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2018/06/05/why-cm-punk-won-wwe-amann-defamation-trial|title=What were the reasons behind CM Punk winning his defamation trial?|last=Wertheim|first=Jon|magazine=]|date=June 5, 2018|access-date=July 2, 2019|archive-date=July 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702105757/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2018/06/05/why-cm-punk-won-wwe-amann-defamation-trial|url-status=live}}</ref> broken ribs, injured knees and multiple concussions, including one at the 2014 Royal Rumble, as well as having lost his appetite and ability to sleep well. Punk felt that WWE was pressuring and rushing him to wrestle before fully recovering. According to Punk, he found a lump on his back in November 2013, and it was diagnosed as a "fatty deposit" by Dr. Chris Amann, who refused to remove it despite Punk's repeated requests. The week after Punk left WWE, his wife ] convinced him to get the lump checked by her doctor. The doctor told Punk that he could have died due to ignoring it for such a long time. Punk had the doctor evacuate the infection, describing it as the worst pain in his life, but said that once it was treated and he was on stronger medication, he was able to sleep better than he had in months.<ref name=InsiderCabana/> | |||
Other sources of unhappiness Punk had with WWE were his failure to main event a WrestleMania (deeming his entire career to be a failure as a result),<ref name=InsiderCabana/> being paid less than the other wrestlers in the three most significant matches of WrestleMania 29, doing favors for Vince McMahon and not being owed back, being "creatively stifled", feeling that there were no long-term plans for wrestlers other than ], as well as receiving less pay and not getting answers as to how the advent of the WWE Network would affect wrestlers' salaries.<ref name=InsiderCabana/> Lastly, Punk described having left with "zero passion" for wrestling<ref name=TorchCabana/> and described himself at the time of the interview to be the happiest he had ever been in many years.<ref name=InsiderCabana/> | |||
Less than one week later, while being interviewed on '']'' on the WWE Network, Vince McMahon apologized to Punk for the manner of his termination, which he regarded as an unfortunate coincidence due to a lack of communication within the company. McMahon also said that he was open to working with Punk again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/buzzer/story/vince-mcmahon-apologizes-to-cm-punk-for-firing-him-on-wedding-day-120214|title=Vince McMahon apologizes to C.M. Punk, says he'd work with him again|last=Traina|first=Jimmy|date=December 2, 2014|work=]|access-date=December 2, 2014|archive-date=January 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101000648/http://www.foxsports.com/buzzer/story/vince-mcmahon-apologizes-to-cm-punk-for-firing-him-on-wedding-day-120214|url-status=live}}</ref> In a second ''Art of Wrestling'' podcast, Punk publicly rejected McMahon's apology, brushing it off as "insincere" and a "publicity stunt" as McMahon did not contact him directly to apologize and could have apologized much earlier.<ref name=pubstunt>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE News: C.M. Punk rejects Vince McMahon's apology in Cabana Podcast Part 2, calls it "publicity stunt," more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_82102.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|date=December 4, 2014|access-date=December 5, 2014|archive-date=December 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207154650/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_82102.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===Post-retirement appearances (2015–2020)=== | |||
Punk's first known appearance at a professional wrestling event following his exit from WWE was at a Freelance Wrestling show on December 4, 2015, titled "Raw Power." Draped in a cloak and referred to by announcers as ]'s "nameless mentor", Punk managed Kikutaro in a match against Darin Corbin and Dick Justice. He tossed around salt before the match but did not get involved in the match itself.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/exclusive-info-previous-cm-punk-wrestling-appearance-under-hood|title=Exclusive Info On A Previous CM Punk Wrestling Appearance Under A Hood|work=Fightful|first=Sean|last=Sapp|date=April 21, 2019|access-date=May 15, 2019|archive-date=May 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506042046/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/exclusive-info-previous-cm-punk-wrestling-appearance-under-hood|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On April 19, 2019, Punk appeared in a ] at an event held by independent promotion MKE Wrestling, where he helped ] win a match by attacking his opponent with the GTS. While it was implied to be Punk by promotion owner ], nothing was confirmed by Punk.<ref>{{cite web|last=Thompson|first=Andrew|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/silas-young-implies-cm-punk-returned-wrestling-under-mask-mke-wrestling-show|title=Silas Young Implies That CM Punk Returned To Wrestling Under A Mask At An MKE Wrestling Show|date=April 21, 2019|access-date=April 21, 2019|website=Fightful.com|archive-date=April 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421094113/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/silas-young-implies-cm-punk-returned-wrestling-under-mask-mke-wrestling-show|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On November 12, 2019, Punk made a surprise appearance on the ] series '']''. He subsequently joined the program as a special contributor and analyst.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cm-punk-makes-surprise-appearance-wwe-backstage-set-1119-episode|title=CM Punk Makes Surprise Appearance On WWE Backstage, Joins Show In Return|website=Fightful|date=November 13, 2019|access-date=November 20, 2019|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821051611/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cm-punk-makes-surprise-appearance-wwe-backstage-set-1119-episode|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk accepted the job because he would be under contract with Fox instead of WWE directly, and hoped it would help him find his way back into the wrestling business. Regarding an in-ring return, he was not interested but not opposed to the idea, noting it was "a bridge that is gonna have to be built."<ref>{{cite web|last=Satin|first=Ryan|author-link=Ryan Satin|url=https://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/cm-punk-wwe-wrestling-backstage-question/|title=CM Punk Says He Isn't Actively Pursuing Or Interested In Wrestling Again, But...|date=November 19, 2019|access-date=November 20, 2019|website=Pro Wrestling Sheet|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103205038/https://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/cm-punk-wwe-wrestling-backstage-question/|url-status=live}}</ref> Production of ''WWE Backstage'' was halted due to the ] and subsequently suspended by Fox in June 2020, later being canceled as a series entirely by 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/fs1-suspends-weekly-production-wwe-backstage-313906|title=FS1 SUSPENDS WEEKLY PRODUCTION OF WWE BACKSTAGE|date=June 22, 2020|publisher=]|access-date=June 24, 2020|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821031906/https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/fs1-suspends-weekly-production-wwe-backstage-313906|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
=== All Elite Wrestling (2021–2023) === | |||
==== Initial debut and AEW World Champion (2021–2022) ==== | |||
] (AEW).]] | |||
On August 20, 2021, Punk made his debut for ] (AEW) at ] event on '']'', challenging ] to a match at the ] pay-per-view event. This marked Punk's official return to professional wrestling after a seven-year retirement.<ref name="Raimondi2021"/> Wrestling journalist ] said, "Punk's appearance in his home city drew one of the most amazing audience reactions to a pro wrestler in U.S. history. The reaction was compared to Montreal's reaction to ] in 2002 shortly after his ] return, or the reaction to ] in ] a few months before that upon his return from a torn quad."<ref name="Meltzer2021"/> Punk won the match against Allin at All Out on September 5.<ref name="Barrasso2021"/> Following a brief feud with ], whom Punk defeated at ] on November 13, Punk experienced his first defeat in AEW in February 2022, losing to ] in a singles match on '']'' after months of feuding between the two.<ref name="Guzzo2021"/><ref name="Barrasso2021B"/><ref name="Casey2022"/><ref name="Guzzo2022"/> Punk defeated MJF on March 6 at ] in a ].<ref name="Casey2022B"/> | |||
] | |||
At ] on May 29, 2022, Punk defeated ] to win the ].<ref name="Brookhouse2022"/> Five days after winning the title, Punk announced on the June 3 episode of ''Rampage'' that he was taking a hiatus from competing to recover from a foot injury, but that he would remain champion.<ref name="Currier 2022"/> ] was crowned as ] in Punk's place at ] on June 26.<ref name="Mahjouri2022"/> At the ] special episode of ''Dynamite'' on August 10, Punk made his return and confronted Moxley, igniting a title dispute.<ref name="Dynamite08102022"/> A match to determine the undisputed AEW World Champion took place on the August 24 episode of ''Dynamite'', which Moxley ].<ref name="Dynamite08242022"/> After accepting Moxley's open challenge for anyone to face him on September 4 at ], Punk defeated Moxley at All Out to win the AEW World Championship for the second time.<ref name="Dynamite08312022"/><ref name="AllOut2022"/> | |||
==== Suspensions and departure (2022–2023) ==== | |||
During the post-event ], Punk addressed rumors that he had attempted to get ] fired from AEW, accused the company's ] and wrestlers ] and ] (Matt and Nick Jackson) of spreading those rumors and leaking them to wrestling media, and referenced a segment in which he says Page went "]" prior to their match in May.<ref name="DeFelice2022"/><ref name="Radican2022"/><ref name="Clark2023"/> Omega and The Young Bucks, along with head of AEW legal, Megha Parekh, approached Punk about his comments backstage, which led to a ] altercation. Punk, Omega, and The Young Bucks all received consequent suspensions pending investigation.<ref name="Johnson2022"/> Later that week, the AEW World Championship was announced as having been vacated.<ref name="Russell2022"/><ref name="VanBoom2022"/> Around the same time, Punk underwent surgery to repair his left ] after tearing it during his match at All Out.<ref name="Renner2022"/> On his conduct at the media scrum, Punk later said he "didn't approach it in the right manner" and that he was "disappointed" and "hurt", as he had sensed that he had just suffered another injury.<ref name="Clark2023"/> | |||
] before facing ] at ] in August 2023, in what would be his final AEW match.]] | |||
After a nine-month absence, Punk made his return to AEW on the ] of '']'' on June 17, 2023, teaming with ] (] and ]) to defeat ], ], and ] in a ].<ref name="Collision06172023"/> That same month, he entered the men's ] tournament, defeating ] in the first round at ].<ref name="Dynamite06212023"/><ref name="FD2023"/> Punk won over Joe in the semifinals and lost to ] in the final round on July 15 after Starks grabbed the ropes for leverage to get the pin.<ref name="Barrasso2023"/><ref name="Mueller2023"/> On the July 29 edition of ''Collision'', Punk unveiled the AEW World Championship belt that he had won in September 2022, declaring himself the real world champion and stated that he still rightfully held the title since he was never defeated for it. He then spray-painted his signature "X" symbol over the belt.<ref name="Barrasso2023B"/><ref name="DeFelice2023" /> At ] on August 27, he successfully defended the ] against Joe in what would be his final AEW match.<ref name="Lambert2023"/><ref name="AllInLondon"/><ref name="FightFallen2023"/> | |||
After the event, it was widely reported that Punk had been involved in a legitimate backstage altercation with ] regarding comments Perry made during his match earlier in the show, itself a reference to Punk denying Perry's request to use real glass in his segments on ''Collision''. After an investigation into the altercation was conducted by AEW, Punk was terminated from his AEW contract for ] on September 2 under the unanimous recommendation of both the AEW discipline committee and outside legal counsel. Punk's termination was announced on ] by AEW's official account, and was also announced during the opening of that night's episode of ''Collision'', where AEW president and CEO ] stated that "the incident was regrettable and it endangered people backstage". He later stated, "Never in all time have I ever felt until last Sunday that my security, my safety, my life was in danger at a wrestling show. I don't think anybody should feel that way at work, I don't think the people I work with should feel that way, and I had to make a very difficult choice today."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/news/breaking-cm-punk-finished-in-aew|title=Breaking: CM Punk Finished In AEW|date=September 2, 2023|last=Barrasso|first=Justin|magazine=]|access-date=September 2, 2023|archive-date=September 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906125101/https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/news/breaking-cm-punk-finished-in-aew|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=September 2, 2023 |title=Tony Khan addresses CM Punk firing on AEW Collision |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/tony-khan-addresses-cm-punk-firing-on-aew-collision |access-date=September 3, 2023 |website=WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, AEW News, AEW results |language=en |archive-date=September 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903034550/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/tony-khan-addresses-cm-punk-firing-on-aew-collision |url-status=live }}</ref> Punk later contradicted Khan's claim of firing him for just cause, stating in an April 2024 interview on ''The MMA Hour'' with ] that he initially wanted to leave AEW entirely rather than have ''Collision'' be a show revolving around him and not the Elite, and that after the altercation with Perry, he told Khan to his face, "You're a fucking clown, I quit." Punk also further criticized AEW stating that it is "not a real business" and "not about making money". Punk also went on to claim that no one from the company had spoken to him in six months after the altercation at All Out in September 2022, and was forced to pay for his own surgery and do recovery on his own.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staynings |first=James |date=2024-04-02 |title=Breakdown of CM Punk's The MMA Hour With Ariel Helwani Interview |url=https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2024/04/02/breakdown-of-cm-punks-the-mma-hour-with-ariel-helwani-interview/ |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=Last Word on Pro Wrestling |language=en-US}}</ref> Footage of the backstage altercation wih Perry was shown on the April 10, 2024, episode of ''Dynamite'' as way to further the feud between The Young Bucks and FTR, with the latters being real-life friends with Punk.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=April 10, 2024 |title=AEW airs footage of CM Punk/Jack Perry altercation from All In |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/aew-airs-footage-of-cm-punk-jack-perry-altercation-from-all-in |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, AEW News, AEW results |language=en}}</ref> | |||
=== Return to WWE (2023–present) === | |||
] at ] on November 25, 2023.]] | |||
At the conclusion of ] in the ] on November 25, 2023, Punk made a surprise return to ] in his first appearance in WWE since 2014 (discounting his appearances on Fox's '']'' in 2019).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cm-punk-returns-wwe-wwe-survivor-series-2023|title=CM Punk Returns To WWE At WWE Survivor Series 2023|date=November 25, 2023|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|work=Fightful|access-date=November 25, 2023|archive-date=November 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126040933/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cm-punk-returns-wwe-wwe-survivor-series-2023|url-status=live}}</ref> According to reporters present at the event, his return was greeted by "one of the loudest ] of all time".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportbible.com/wrestling/wwe/cm-punk-wwe-return-survivor-series-triple-h-596507-20231126|title=CM Punk makes stunning return to WWE at Survivor Series, he got one of the loudest pops of all time|date=November 25, 2023|last=Smart|first=Ryan|work=Sport Bible|access-date=November 25, 2023|archive-date=November 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126105628/https://www.sportbible.com/wrestling/wwe/cm-punk-wwe-return-survivor-series-triple-h-596507-20231126|url-status=live}}</ref> He signed with the ] ] on the December 11 episode of '']'', where he announced his entry into the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/cm-punk-chooses-wwe-raw-gets-confronted-by-seth-rollins/|title=CM Punk Chooses WWE Raw, Gets Confronted by Seth Rollins|date=December 11, 2023|last=Miller|first=Haley|work=]|access-date=December 11, 2023}}</ref> Punk's first matches back with WWE were against ], during the WWE Live Holiday Tour, first at ] in ] on December 26, then at the ] in ] on December 30, which were both won by Punk.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwmania.com/cm-punk-to-work-wwe-holiday-live-tour-match-at-madison-square-garden|title=CM Punk To Work WWE Holiday Live Tour Match At Madison Square Garden|date=December 12, 2023|last=Boone|first=Matt|work=]|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cm-punk-s-first-match-wwe-return-announced-1230-live-event|title=CM Punk's First Match Since WWE Return Announced For 12/30 WWE Live Event|date=December 12, 2023|last=Tessier|first=Colin|work=Fightful|access-date=December 12, 2023}}</ref> | |||
On January 27, 2024, at the ], Punk wrestled his first televised WWE match since 2014, entering at number 27 during the Royal Rumble match, in which he was the runner-up after being eliminated by ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Cody Rhodes and Bayley win the Royal Rumble Matches to earn the right to headline WrestleMania|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2024|date=January 27, 2024|work=]|access-date=January 28, 2024|archive-date=January 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127220520/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2024|url-status=live}}</ref> During the match, Punk tore his right triceps, rendering him unable to compete at ], thus scrapping a planned match between Punk and ] ] at the event.<ref name="RR24Injury">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/news/cm-punk-injured-at-royal-rumble-announces-he-will-miss-wrestlemania|title=CM Punk Injured at Royal Rumble, Announces He Will Miss WrestleMania|magazine=]|first=Justin|last=Barrasso|date=January 29, 2024|accessdate=January 30, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=CM Punk Reveals His Original WrestleMania 40 Plans |url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/cm-punk-reveals-his-original-wrestlemania-40-plans-seth-rollins/ |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=WWE |date=April 2024 |language=en}}</ref> The injury was later turned into a storyline between Punk and ], with McIntyre continuously mocking Punk for causing his injury.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Brennan |first1=Corey |last2=Lambert |first2=Jeremy |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/drew-mcintyre-cm-punk-made-glass-real-glass-and-i-ll-break-him |title=Drew McIntyre: CM Punk Is Made Of Glass, Real Glass, And I'll Break Him |date=March 23, 2024 |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=Fightful}}</ref> Punk retaliated by attacking McIntyre after the latter won the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XL in April, allowing ] to cash in his Money in the Bank contract,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/39896314/wrestlemania-40-night-2-live-results-analysis-roman-reigns-cody-rhodes-rock |title=WrestleMania 40 Night 2: Results and analysis |date=April 7, 2024 |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=]}}</ref> at ] in McIntyre's home country in June,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mendoza |first=Jordan |title=WWE Clash at the Castle 2024 live results: Winners, highlights of matches in Scotland |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2024/06/15/wwe-clash-at-the-castle-2024-live-results/74091299007/ |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref> and at ] in July, when McIntyre attempted to cash in after winning the eponymous ladder match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roling |first=Chris |title=Quality Storytelling for CM Punk, Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre Sets WWE Apart |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10127411-quality-storytelling-for-cm-punk-seth-rollins-and-drew-mcintyre-sets-wwe-apart |access-date=2024-07-07 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mueller |first=Doc-Chris |title=WWE Money in the Bank 2024 Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10127346-wwe-money-in-the-bank-2024-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-and-highlights |access-date=2024-07-07 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref> Punk and McIntyre then had a trilogy of matches, the first at ] with Rollins as the special guest referee where Punk lost to McIntyre,<ref name="SSlam2024">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's review of Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa in a Bloodline Rules match for the WWE Championship, Damian Priest vs. Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/08/03/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-solo-sikoa-in-a-bloodline-rules-match-for-the-wwe-championship-damian-priest-vs-gunther-for-the-world-heavyweight-championship/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 3, 2024|access-date=August 3, 2024}}</ref> the second at ] where Punk won in a ],<ref name=BashBerlin>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/08/31/wwe-bash-in-berlin-results-mcguires-review-of-gunther-vs-randy-orton-for-the-world-heavyweight-title-cody-rhodes-vs-kevin-owens-for-the-wwe-championship-cm-punk-vs-drew-mcintyre-in-a-strap-mat/|title=WWE Bash in Berlin results: McGuire's review of Gunther vs. Randy Orton for the World Heavyweight Title, Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens for the WWE Championship, CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre in a strap match|first=Colin|last=McGuire|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 31, 2024|access-date=August 31, 2024}}</ref> and the third and final match at ], where Punk defeated McIntyre in a ], ending their nearly ten-month trilogy feud.<ref name="BadBlood2024">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Bad Blood results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu, CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre in a Hell in a Cell match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/10/05/wwe-bad-blood-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-and-cody-rhodes-vs-solo-sikoa-and-jacob-fatu-cm-punk-vs-drew-mcintyre-in-a-hell-in-a-cell-match/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 5, 2024|access-date=October 5, 2024}}</ref> | |||
After a short hiatus, Punk made his return at the conclusion of the November 22 episode of ''SmackDown,'' as the fifth member of ]' team at ] alongside the returning ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kasabian |first=Paul |title=CM Punk Joins Reigns' Team vs. The Bloodline at WWE Survivor Series as Heyman Returns |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10144485-cm-punk-joins-reigns-team-vs-the-bloodline-at-wwe-survivor-series-as-heyman-returns |access-date=2024-11-23 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref> At the event on November 30, Punk, Reigns, ] and ] defeated ] (], ], ] and ]) and ] in a ].<ref name="SSeries2024">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Survivor Series WarGames results: Powell's review of OG Bloodline and CM Punk vs. The Bloodline and Bronson Reed in a WarGames match, women's WarGames match, three title matches|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/11/30/wwe-survivor-series-wargames-results-powells-review-of-og-bloodline-and-cm-punk-vs-the-bloodline-and-bronson-reed-in-a-wargames-match-womens-wargames-match-three-title-matches/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 30, 2024|access-date=November 30, 2024}}</ref> | |||
On the ] on January 6, 2025, Punk wrestled his first match on ''Raw'' in almost eleven-years, where he defeated Rollins.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beaston |first=Erik |title=WWE Raw on Netflix Debut Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10149884-wwe-raw-on-netflix-debut-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-and-highlights |access-date=2025-01-07 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref> | |||
==Professional wrestling persona== | |||
Punk adopted his real-life following of the ] movement as a major attribute of his professional wrestling character. The character utilizes different elements of Punk's personality and beliefs of the straight edge movement dependent on his alignment. While portraying a crowd favorite, Punk's character tends to be that of Punk's normal personality,<ref name="punkshoot"/> largely indifferent to others who drink ], ] tobacco, partake in ] or have ] ], but emphasizing the social discipline involved with personally ] from these behaviors. Conversely, his villainous personality tends to be that of one who is ] or ], exemplifying the elitist attitudes and superiority complexes – defined by Punk's common mantra during villainous-themed ] that because he is straight edge, he is "better than you."<ref name="punkshoot"/> Punk performs the straight edge symbol of crossing his arms in an X formation while having the letter X written on the back of his hands, usually drawn on his wrist tape. During his WWE career, Punk also incorporated a belligerently ] and ] attitude into his persona.<ref>{{cite web|last=Eck|first=Kevin|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2011-07-wwe_raw_cm_punk_returns_and_a_new_wwe_champion_is_crowned_tw-story.html|title=WWE Raw: CM Punk returns, and a new WWE champion is crowned twice|date=July 26, 2011|access-date=May 28, 2017|work=]|archive-date=April 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414234430/http://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2011-07-wwe_raw_cm_punk_returns_and_a_new_wwe_champion_is_crowned_tw-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Originally, the initials CM in his ring name represented the phrase "Chick Magnet", the name of the tag team he was in as a ].<ref name="punkshoot"/><ref name="chickmagnets"/><ref name="jon"/> However, Punk later changed CM into a ], declaring that it has no meaning,<ref name="wojick"/> though when asked since he has taken to making up meanings that fit the initials, going so far as to make up long stories to explain the origins that do not match the actual origin story at all.<ref name="wojick"/> Since beginning this practice, Punk has stated CM stands among others for "]",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/vms/wweuncut/2007/may29-31/4775196|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070602154043/http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/vms/wweuncut/2007/may29-31/4775196|archive-date=June 2, 2007|title=WWE UnCut: CM Punk|access-date=June 12, 2007|date=May 29, 2007|publisher=WWE}}</ref> "Crooked Moonsault",<ref name="jon"/> "]",<ref name="jon"/> "]",<ref name="jon"/> "]",<ref name="jon"/> "]",<ref>''Misplaced Pages Fact or Fiction'' from Loudwire on YouTube</ref> and "Chicago Made".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/thelife/videogames/news/story?id=3681125|access-date=January 30, 2011|date=November 4, 2008|last=Robinson|first=Jon|title=WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009: CM Punk|publisher=]|archive-date=July 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726164413/http://espn.go.com/espn/thelife/videogames/news/story?id=3681125|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
During his entrance, Punk yells "It's clobberin' time!",<ref name="USAToday"/> a reference to New York City ] band ] who wrote a song with the same name and ] fictional character ].<ref name="PunkMarvelInterview">{{cite web|url=http://marvel.com/news/comics/11800/fightin_fanboys_wwes_cm_punk|title=Fightin' Fanboys: WWE's CM Punk|last=Singh|first=Arune|date=March 26, 2010|publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203052329/http://marvel.com/news/comics/11800/fightin_fanboys_wwes_cm_punk|archive-date=February 3, 2015|access-date=July 12, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> As his entrance theme, Punk uses the song "]" by ], with which he is often associated.<ref name="Raimondi2021"/><ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Barrasso|first1=Justin|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2021/08/21/cm-punk-debuts-with-aew|title=CM Punk makes his AEW debut seven years after leaving WWE|magazine=]|date=August 20, 2021|access-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821031025/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2021/08/21/cm-punk-debuts-with-aew|archive-date=August 21, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
] tattoo on his left shoulder, the "luck is for losers" ] on his left arm, and the "]" tattoo across his stomach]] | |||
An integral part of Punk is the numerous tattoos that adorn his body, some of which have become symbols associated with Punk and ]s and declarations that have been integrated into his gimmick. The tattoos as a whole, due to their large quantity and variety, have also become an attribute identifiable to Punk.<ref name="wwemag"/> The most important of the individual tattoos in Punk's character – whether through association, symbol, or mantra – are the following: | |||
*A ] logo on his left shoulder that inspired the names of two of his signature moves. It also became a symbol of Punk himself, who wore the logo on his ring gear in the independent circuit as well as a slightly modified Pepsi logo being used as part of his ] entrance video.<ref>{{cite video|people=CM Punk|year=2006|title=Entrance video|url=http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/tvshows/ecw/entrance_videos/0724cmpunkentvid|publisher=WWE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929090227/http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/tvshows/ecw/entrance_videos/0724cmpunkentvid|archive-date=September 29, 2008}}</ref> Punk, a keen ] drinker, chose to receive a Pepsi tattoo to emphasize his straight edge beliefs.<ref name="wojick"/> The tattoo is also a reference to former ] guitarist ], who had a ] tattoo and explained this by saying "I like Coca-Cola". When people inquire about Punk's Pepsi tattoo, he often replies "I like Pepsi" in a similar fashion.<ref name="punkshoot"/> | |||
*The words "Straight Edge" are spelled out on Punk's stomach.<ref name="ChrisBrown"/> This is one of his oldest tattoos<ref name="wwemag">{{cite journal|first=CM|last=Punk|date=October 2006|title=The Illustrated Man|journal=]|page=13}}</ref> and he has referred to it as his identity.<ref name="cheesegrater">{{cite video|people=CM Punk|title=Best of American Super Juniors Tournament|medium=DVD|publisher=]|date =April 2, 2005}}</ref> | |||
*A ] on his left arm that reads "luck is for losers" and features numerous ] symbols, including a ], ] and a ].<ref name="wweink">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/superstarink/articles/cmpunk|title=Punk's got a lucky arm|access-date=October 18, 2007|date=October 18, 2007|publisher=]|archive-date=October 20, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020031612/http://www.wwe.com/inside/superstarink/articles/cmpunk|url-status=live}}</ref> The tattoo also features four ] playing cards as a tribute to trainer ].<ref name="wweink"/> | |||
*The phrase "No gimmicks needed" on the back of his left hand, a tribute to deceased wrestler ].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Martin|first=Fin|title=What's Going Down|newspaper=]|issue=155|page=4|date=June 2007}}</ref> | |||
*The words "Drug Free" across his knuckles ("Drug" on his right knuckles and "Free" on his left).<ref name="ChrisBrown">{{cite news|last=Gomez|first=Luis|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-xpm-2012-02-22-chi-cm-punk-twitter-war-chris-brown-video-20120221-story.html|title=Chicago's CM Punk takes Twitter war with Chris Brown to video|date=February 22, 2012|access-date=August 26, 2023|work=]|archive-date=August 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826040513/https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-xpm-2012-02-22-chi-cm-punk-twitter-war-chris-brown-video-20120221-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
* His younger sister's jersey number (31) behind his left ear, surrounded by stars, each of which represents his siblings as a way to bond away from home.<ref name="Inked">{{cite web|last=Connell|first=Charlie|url=http://www.inkedmag.com/articles/qa-cm-punk/|title=Q+A: CM Punk|date=March 23, 2012|access-date=June 21, 2014|work=]|archive-date=December 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220025650/http://www.inkedmag.com/articles/qa-cm-punk/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tattoofactorytv.com/Video57.html|title=Interview with professional wrestler CM Punk and his family|first=Gina|last=Ferraro|work=Tattoo Factory TV|access-date=April 2, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726105722/http://www.tattoofactorytv.com/Video57.html|archive-date=July 26, 2013}}</ref> | |||
* The ] logo (]'s enemy) on his right shoulder. Punk is known for his love of comic books, considering them along with ] and professional wrestling as three of the original arts that America has given to the world.<ref name="Inked"/> | |||
===Legacy=== | |||
Several wrestlers have publicly cited Punk as an inspiration or influence on their careers. ] said in December 2018 that Punk's influence on the Chicago wrestling scene was responsible for him becoming a wrestler in the first place,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://superluchas.com/seth-rollins-llama-a-cm-punk-una-inspiracion-para-el/ | title=Seth Rollins llama a CM Punk una inspiración para él | trans-title=Seth Rollins calls CM Punk an inspiration to him | date=December 30, 2018 | access-date=May 11, 2020 | work=] | language=es | first=Azxa | last=Krex | archive-date=August 21, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821031730/https://superluchas.com/seth-rollins-llama-a-cm-punk-una-inspiracion-para-el/ | url-status=live }}</ref> while ] said in September 2019 that Punk's verbal skills were something she aspired to because "when he spoke, everyone listened",<ref>{{cite web | url=https://superluchas.com/cm-punk-and-the-miz-have-a-new-rhea-ripley-fan/ |title=CM Punk y The Miz tienen una nueva fan: Rhea Ripley | trans-title=CM Punk and The Miz have a new fan: Rhea Ripley | date=September 9, 2019 | access-date=May 11, 2020 | work=] |language=es | first=Jonie | last=Lucha}}</ref> and ] told '']'' in November 2019 that Punk's work on the ] was a "huge influence" on him.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://superluchas.com/cm-punk-in-the-undisputed-era/ | title=¿CM Punk en The Undisputed Era? Portazo de Adam Cole | trans-title=CM Punk in The Undisputed Era? Adam Cole slams the door | work=] |language=es | date=November 29, 2019 | access-date=May 11, 2020 | first=Jonie | last=Lucha}}</ref> | |||
Reporters, wrestlers, and fans alike have praised Punk's speaking skills, especially his in-ring promos.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/25138-reader-feature-cm-punk-king-of-the-indies/ | title=Reader feature: "CM Punk: King of the Indies" | date=July 17, 2011 | access-date=May 11, 2020 | work=WrestleView | first=Adam | last=Martin | archive-date=August 21, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821044554/https://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/25138-reader-feature-cm-punk-king-of-the-indies/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://superluchas.com/en/analizando-cm-punk-vs-the-rock-el-camino-a-royal-rumble/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213142347/https://superluchas.com/en/analizando-cm-punk-vs-the-rock-el-camino-a-royal-rumble/ |archive-date=February 13, 2023 | title=Analyzing WWE: CM Punk vs. The Rock – The Road to Royal Rumble | date=January 21, 2013 | access-date=May 11, 2020 | work=] | first=Sebastian | last=Salgado }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/article10030750.shtml | title=WWE star C.M. Punk on The Rock returning, why he's not happy with the matches they had, dream matches, the Pipe Bomb promo, working with Paul Heyman | date=April 7, 2013 | access-date=May 11, 2020 | work=Pro Wrestling dot net | first1=Dave | last1=Lagreca | first2=Doug | last2=Mortman | first3=Mike | last3=Riker | archive-date=August 21, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821033341/https://prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/article10030750.shtml | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Pipebomb>{{cite web | url=https://superluchas.com/cody-rhodes-comenta-la-importancia-la-pipe-bomb-cm-punk/ | title=Cody Rhodes comments on the importance of CM Punk's "Pipe Bomb" | date=August 7, 2017 | access-date=May 11, 2020 | work=] | archive-date=August 21, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821031651/https://superluchas.com/cody-rhodes-comenta-la-importancia-la-pipe-bomb-cm-punk/ | url-status=live }}</ref> His June 2011 "Pipebomb" promo has been called "historic" and is regarded as one of the most important promos in professional wrestling history.<ref name=Pipebomb/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/dear-wwe-stop-telling-us-your-stars-are-not-important-205196 | title=Dear WWE: Stop telling us your stars are not important | date=January 6, 2016 | access-date=May 11, 2020 | work=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online | first=Kyle | last=Johnson | archive-date=November 8, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108190818/https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/dear-wwe-stop-telling-us-your-stars-are-not-important-205196 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Punk is credited with being one of the first independent wrestlers to have success in WWE, which in turn opened the door for other independent wrestlers to both join and succeed in WWE.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cook |first1=Steve |title=Ricochet: Flipping or Getting Flipped? |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/ricochet-flipping-or-getting-flipped/ |website=411Mania |access-date=March 9, 2020 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821033737/https://411mania.com/wrestling/ricochet-flipping-or-getting-flipped/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Keller |first1=Wade |title=Interview Highlights: C.M. Punk talks live at Starrcast III about WWE departure, any wrestlers today he'd like to wrestle, says it'll be taken out of context but he is open to taking offer from WWE |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/08/31/interview-highlights-c-m-punk-talks-live-at-starrcast-iii-about-wwe-departure-any-wrestlers-today-hed-like-to-wrestle-future-plans-more/ |work=PW Torch |date=August 31, 2019 |access-date=March 9, 2020 |archive-date=December 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204224942/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/08/31/interview-highlights-c-m-punk-talks-live-at-starrcast-iii-about-wwe-departure-any-wrestlers-today-hed-like-to-wrestle-future-plans-more/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Clingma |first1=Ryan |title=Hall of Fame: The role of historical influence with the Sharpe Brothers and C.M. Punk |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/hall-fame-role-historical-influence-sharpe-brothers-and-cm-punk-160901 |website=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online |date=September 20, 2015 |access-date=March 9, 2020 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821052434/https://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/hall-fame-role-historical-influence-sharpe-brothers-and-cm-punk-160901 |url-status=live }}</ref> Although much of his time as a top star in WWE was during its heavily watered-down ], Erik Beaston of ] wrote that "Punk turned the company on its head for a few short years and gave fans a taste of what an alternative to the advertiser-obsessed promotion could look like."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2901090-the-legacy-of-wwes-pg-era-and-what-comes-next-12-years-later|title=The Legacy of WWE's 'PG Era' and What Comes Next 12 Years Later|first=Erik|last=Beaston|website=]|access-date=January 11, 2021|archive-date=January 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110210202/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2901090-the-legacy-of-wwes-pg-era-and-what-comes-next-12-years-later|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==Mixed martial arts career== | |||
===Ultimate Fighting Championship (2014–2021)=== | |||
At ], on December 6, 2014, Punk announced that he had signed a multi-fight contract with ] (UFC).<ref name=ESPNsign>{{cite web|last1=Okamoto|first1=Brett|title=CM Punk joins UFC, will fight in 2015|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/11991124/cm-punk-joins-ufc-fight-2015|publisher=]|date=December 8, 2014|access-date=December 8, 2014|archive-date=June 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604130932/http://espn.go.com/mma/story/_/id/11991124/cm-punk-joins-ufc-fight-2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Beacham|first=Greg|title=UFC signs pro wrestler CM Punk for 2015 MMA debut|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/3e49c26188f14dbf87b90720a39d5c6d/ufc-signs-pro-wrestler-cm-punk-2015-mma-debut|agency=Associated Press|date=December 7, 2014|access-date=December 7, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209183609/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/3e49c26188f14dbf87b90720a39d5c6d/ufc-signs-pro-wrestler-cm-punk-2015-mma-debut|archive-date=December 9, 2014}}</ref> When asked if he would compete under his ring name or birth name, he told the '']'': "I've come this far with CM Punk. That's what people know. I'm trying to stick with that. I'm not shying away from it. I'm not ashamed of it."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2014/dec/22/cm-punk-set-real-fight-game-ufc-debut/|title=CM Punk set for real fight game with UFC debut|work=]|date=December 22, 2014|access-date=April 24, 2015|archive-date=May 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528171356/http://lasvegassun.com/news/2014/dec/22/cm-punk-set-real-fight-game-ufc-debut/|url-status=live}}</ref> His UFC profile listed him as CM Punk.<ref name="UFC">{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/athlete/cm-punk|title=CM Punk – official UFC fighter profile|publisher=]|access-date=April 24, 2015|archive-date=March 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326034517/http://www.ufc.com/fighter/cm-punk|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In January 2015, Punk began training under ] at ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Raimondi|first=Marc|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2014/12/31/7472635/dana-white-cm-punk-will-train-at-roufusport-with-anthony-pettis|title=Dana White: CM Punk will train at Roufusport with Anthony Pettis|date=December 31, 2014|access-date=June 4, 2016|publisher=MMAFighting.com|archive-date=August 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816181348/http://www.mmafighting.com/2014/12/31/7472635/dana-white-cm-punk-will-train-at-roufusport-with-anthony-pettis|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Cepeda|first=Elias|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/ben-askren-cm-punk-will-be-a-part-of-the-team-010515|title=Ben Askren: CM Punk will be a part of the team|date=January 5, 2015|access-date=June 4, 2016|work=]|archive-date=October 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005120320/http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/ben-askren-cm-punk-will-be-a-part-of-the-team-010515|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2015, Punk moved to Milwaukee to be closer to the Roufusport gym while still retaining his home in Chicago.<ref name="Milwaukee">{{cite web|last=Raimondi|first=Marc|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/6/24/8841595/cm-punk-moves-to-milwaukee-to-be-closer-to-roufusport-gym|title=CM Punk moves to Milwaukee to be closer to Roufusport gym|date=June 24, 2015|access-date=June 28, 2015|publisher=MMAFighting.com|archive-date=June 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627162820/http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/6/24/8841595/cm-punk-moves-to-milwaukee-to-be-closer-to-roufusport-gym?|url-status=live}}</ref> Later, it was announced that Punk would compete in the welterweight division.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mmanews.com/cm-punk-expected-to-fight-at-welterweight-meeting-with-ufc-officials-in-july/|title=CM Punk Expected To Fight at Welterweight, Meeting With UFC Officials in July • MMA News|first=Matt|last=Boone|newspaper=Mma News | Ufc News, Results & Interviews|date=March 9, 2015|access-date=February 16, 2019|archive-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404044117/https://www.mmanews.com/cm-punk-expected-to-fight-at-welterweight-meeting-with-ufc-officials-in-july/|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2015, Roufus announced that Punk had suffered a shoulder injury, delaying his UFC debut until the next calendar year.<ref>{{cite web|last=Okamoto|first=Brett|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/13818152/cm-punk-ufc-debut-postponed-shoulder-injury|title=CM Punk's UFC debut postponed by shoulder injury|date=October 8, 2015|access-date=June 4, 2016|publisher=]|archive-date=January 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126021358/http://espn.go.com/mma/story/_/id/13818152/cm-punk-ufc-debut-postponed-shoulder-injury|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 6, 2016, it was announced that Punk would face ] in his first professional mixed martial arts (MMA) contest, but he was diagnosed with a ] and underwent surgery days later.<ref>{{cite news|last=Helwani|first=Ariel|author-link=Ariel Helwani|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/2/10/10959172/cm-punk-to-undergo-back-surgery-on-wednesday-ufc-debut-delayed|title=CM Punk to undergo back surgery on Wednesday; UFC debut delayed|newspaper=Mma Fighting|date=February 10, 2016|access-date=May 28, 2017|publisher=MMAFighting.com|archive-date=January 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109204106/http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/2/10/10959172/cm-punk-to-undergo-back-surgery-on-wednesday-ufc-debut-delayed|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Punk's UFC and MMA debut against Mickey Gall took place on September 10, 2016, at ].<ref>{{cite AV media|title=UFC Unfiltered: The Rock and CM Punk|url=http://www.ufc.com/news/UFC-Unfiltered-The-Rock-and-CM-Punk|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 23, 2016|time=10:33|publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623215857/http://www.ufc.com/news/UFC-Unfiltered-The-Rock-and-CM-Punk|archive-date=June 23, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> The event was held at the ], the same venue where Punk left WWE and retired from professional wrestling.<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Damon|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/cm-punk-on-poetic-debut-in-the-same-building-where-he-quit-wwe-for-good-090716|title=CM Punk on 'poetic' debut in the same building where he quit WWE for good|date=November 15, 2016|access-date=May 29, 2017|work=]|archive-date=November 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113182753/http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/cm-punk-on-poetic-debut-in-the-same-building-where-he-quit-wwe-for-good-090716|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk was taken down immediately and lost via rear naked choke submission early in the first round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ufcstats.com/fight-details/26e6a2705a1e9e72|title=Stats – UFC|website=ufcstats.com|access-date=February 16, 2019|archive-date=February 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218182022/http://ufcstats.com/fight-details/26e6a2705a1e9e72|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/After-Rough-UFC-Debut-CM-Punk-Says-I-Will-Be-Back-Believe-It-Or-Not-111029|title=After Rough UFC Debut, CM Punk Says 'I Will Be Back, Believe It Or Not'|last=Sherdog.com|website=Sherdog|access-date=February 16, 2019}}</ref> He was paid a disclosed $500,000 ({{Inflation|US|500000|2016|fmt=eq}}).<ref>{{cite web|last=Al-Shatti|first=Shaun|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/9/12/12889882/ufc-203-salaries-cm-punk-banks-500000-in-mma-debut|title=UFC 203 salaries: CM Punk banks $500,000 in MMA debut|date=September 12, 2016|access-date=June 14, 2017|publisher=MMAFighting.com}}</ref> | |||
Punk's second professional bout took place at ] on June 9, 2018, against ], in his hometown of Chicago. Punk lost the one-sided fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|last=Doyle|first=Dave|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/6/9/17445564/ufc-225-results-mike-jackson-cruises-to-one-sided-win-over-cm-punk|title=UFC 225 results: Mike Jackson cruises to one-sided win over CM Punk|date=June 9, 2018|access-date=June 9, 2018|website=MMAFighting.com}}</ref> After the bout, UFC president ] said that both Punk and Jackson would probably not fight for the UFC again, and urged Punk to "call it a wrap".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/dana-white-cm-punk-should-call-it-a-wrap-after-lopsided-ufc-225-loss-to-mike-jackson/|title=Dana White: CM Punk should 'call it a wrap' after lopsided UFC 225 loss to Mike Jackson|work=CBSSports.com|access-date=June 18, 2018}}</ref> Three years after the bout, it was made public that the result was overturned to a no contest after Jackson tested positive for ].<ref>{{cite news|url= https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/07/ufc-news-cm-punk-vs-mike-jackson-decision-overturned-no-contest-marijuana|title=CM Punk's UFC 225 loss overturned due to Mike Jackson's positive marijuana test|website=mmajunkie.com|access-date=July 7, 2021}}</ref> In August 2021, Punk notified the UFC he would be retiring from MMA after he returned to professional wrestling earlier that month.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/8/31/22651075/cm-punk-retired-from-ufc-competition-as-he-returns-to-professional-wrestling|title=CM Punk retired from UFC competition as he returns to professional wrestling|work=]|first1=Damon|last1=Martin|first2=Guilherme|last2=Cruz|date=August 31, 2021|access-date=September 1, 2021}}</ref> Punk's MMA career has been widely panned by MMA fans and personalities.<ref>{{Citation |title=Joe Rogan on CM Punk Losing Again "He's Untalented!" | date=June 12, 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxleZpWSKQE |access-date=November 21, 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ray |date=November 3, 2023 |title=CM Punk's Huge Payday For His Disastrous UFC Debut Revealed |url=https://www.sescoops.com/news/how-much-cm-punk-was-reportedly-paid-for-his-ufc-fights- |access-date=November 21, 2023 |website=SE Scoops {{!}} Wrestling News, Results & Interviews |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ojha |first=Adarsh |date=April 22, 2023 |title=UFC Worst Fighters: Ben Askren, Kimbo Slice, CM Punk and other MMA Fighters With Below Average MMA Records in Ultimate Fighting Championship |url=https://www.insidesport.in/ufc-worst-fighters-ben-askren-kimbo-slice-cm-punk-and-other-mma-fighters-with-below-average-mma-records-in-ultimate-fighting-championship/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |website=Inside Sport India |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 10, 2018 |title=Dana White: CM Punk's UFC career over after loss to 'complete f-cking idiot' Mike Jackson |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2018/06/dana-white-cm-punk-ufc-career-over-loss-idiot-mike-jackson |access-date=November 21, 2023 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
===Cage Fury Fighting Championships (2018–present)=== | |||
On November 8, 2018, Punk signed with the ] (CFFC) promotion (a UFC affiliate) as a commentator. His first event was CFFC 71 on December 14 and it was streamed live on ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Morgan|first=John|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/11/cm-punk-to-broadcast-cage-fury-fighting-championships-ufc-fight-pass|title=CM Punk joins Cage Fury Fighting Championships broadcast team ahead of UFC Fight Pass debut|date=November 8, 2018|access-date=February 16, 2019|website=MMAjunkie.com}}</ref> | |||
==Personal life== | ==Personal life== | ||
Brooks married fellow wrestler April Mendez, known at the time as ], on June 13, 2014.<ref name="Markazi2016"/><!-- PLEASE REFRAIN FROM ADDING ANY DATING/COUPLE RUMORS. --> They reside in his native ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.celebritydetective.com/Celebrity_Homes_CM-Punks-House-Chicago-Illinois.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805171858/https://www.celebritydetective.com/Celebrity_Homes_CM-Punks-House-Chicago-Illinois.html |archive-date=August 5, 2024 |title=CM Punk's house Chicago, Illinois pictures and rare facts |work=Celebrity Detective |access-date=August 20, 2024}}</ref> He also supports the rights for ] and ]. | |||
Phil Brooks was born in ] on October 26, 1978 and was raised by his mother and father with two younger sisters and a brother named Mike<ref name="joepunk" /> who was also a professional wrestler under the ] Mike Broox;<ref name="chickmagnets" /><ref name="cagematchde" /> however, Phil and Mike had a falling out after Mike embezzled several thousand dollars from the Lunatic Wrestling Federation.<ref name="mikebrooks">{{cite web|url=http://members5.boardhost.com/wrestlingnews/msg/62.html|title=CM PUNK INTERVIEW - Part 2|accessdate=2006-09-26|author=Lagattolla, Al|date=2001-05-28}}</ref> Phil first wished to pursue a career in professional wrestling after watching ] crack a coconut over ]'s head during an edition of the '']''.<ref name="punkshoot" /><ref name="punkcabana" /> | |||
<ref name="Punk2020"/> <ref name="ProWrestling2012"/><ref name="Williamson2023"/> Like his wrestling persona, he follows a ] lifestyle.<ref name="Punk2015"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Atkins|first=Jack|title=CM Punk Discusses The Pressure Of Being 'Straight-Edge' In WWE|date=September 22, 2021|website=Cultaholic|url=https://cultaholic.com/posts/cm-punk-discusses-the-pressure-of-being-straight-edge-in-wwe#google_vignette|access-date=April 24, 2024}}</ref> Brooks once worked for a shop named All American Comics in ],<ref name="PunkMarvelInterview" /> which closed in January 2022.{{cn|date=September 2024}} | |||
===Legal issues=== | |||
While watching his father, who was for a long time an ] but eventually quit,<ref name="punkshoot" /><ref name="wwemag" /><ref name="jon" /> and reading that alcoholism may be hereditary Brooks made a commitment to abstain from alcohol consumption to prevent the possibility from it ever occurring in his life.<ref name="punkshoot" /> During high school, Brooks discovered the ] music genre, most importantly the band ] who were the cause of the ] movement. After learning of the culture and its ideals and realizing it matched his own, he declared himself to be straight edge and started endorsing the philosophies of the movement.<ref name="punkshoot" /> | |||
In February 2015, WWE doctor Christopher Amann filed a ] lawsuit against Brooks and ] over Brooks's allegations of ] on an episode of Colton's podcast.<ref name="Payne2015"/><ref name="Fox2015"/> Amann sought roughly $4,000,000 ({{Inflation|US|4000000|2015|fmt=eq|r=-3}}) in compensation and an undisclosed amount in ].<ref name="Meltzer2018"/> WWE issued a statement and video in support of Amann.<ref name="Vangerburg2015"/><ref name="WWE2015"/> The case went to trial in 2018, where a jury ruled in favor of Brooks and Colton.<ref name="Kolur2018"/> In August 2018, Colton filed a lawsuit against Brooks, alleging breach of contract and fraud due to Brooks's alleged agreement and later refusal to pay Colton's legal fees for the Amann suit. Colton sought $200,000 ({{Inflation|US|200000|2018|fmt=eq}}) in damages and an additional $1 million ({{Inflation|US|1000000|2018|fmt=eq|r=-3}}) in punitive damages.<ref name="Moore2018"/> Brooks filed a ] against Colton in June 2019, for $600,000 ({{Inflation|US|600000|2019|fmt=eq}}) and additional fees.<ref name="Nason2019"/> Both lawsuits were settled and dismissed in September 2019. According to ''PWInsider'', the settlement involved no financial compensation.<ref name="Johnson2019"/> | |||
== Other media == | |||
After high school and beginning his wrestling career, Brooks moved out of the family house and lived for a time with fellow professional wrestler ].<ref name="punkshoot" /> He later moved into an apartment with his trainer ],<ref name="joepunk" /> but since then, Brooks has made reference to living alone in Chicago. Brooks worked other jobs to support himself in his early career, the last of which was as a laboratory technician for ] until he was fired due to poor conduct and work ethic in October 2002.<ref name="punkshoot" /> | |||
===Acting and appearances=== | |||
] | |||
In 2008, Brooks appeared as the ] of the nationally televised ] in downtown Chicago.<ref>{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=Mike|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=34912&p=1 |title=Cm Punk's Thanksgiving Homecoming in Chicago, Ric Flair in Philly Friday, Dh Smith Discusses WWE Developmental And More|publisher=PW Insider |date=November 26, 2008 |access-date=June 14, 2017}}</ref> He reprised this role in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/cm-punk-chicago-thanksgiving-day-parade-26068688|title=CM Punk to serve as McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade Grand Marshal in Chicago|publisher=WWE|date=November 18, 2012|access-date=November 24, 2012|archive-date=November 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120232423/http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/cm-punk-chicago-thanksgiving-day-parade-26068688|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
Brooks has appeared alongside his friend and ] coach ] in several episodes of the YouTube series ''Gracie Breakdown''.<ref>{{cite web|title= Royce Gracie vs. Dan Severn (Gracie Breakdown w/ CM Punk)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNV4t_be-EE| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211114/wNV4t_be-EE| archive-date=November 14, 2021 | url-status=live|via=YouTube|access-date=March 9, 2013|date=February 13, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He has also worked with ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/12/20/chris-hardwick-and-the-nerdist-team-takes-on-wwes-cm-punk-aj-lee-fandango-and-kofi-kingston-in-bowling|title=Chris Hardwick and the Nerdist team takes on WWE's CM Punk, AJ Lee, Fandango and Kofi Kingston... in bowling|last=Goldman|first=Eric|date=December 20, 2013|access-date=August 12, 2015|website=]}}</ref> including hosting an ongoing series titled ''Grammar Slam'', explaining grammatical mistakes in messages from professional wrestling fans and berating them.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rossignol|first=Derrick|url=https://archive.nerdist.com/grammar-slam-season-2-premiere-here-vs-hear/|title=Grammar Slam season 2 premiere: 'Here vs. Hear'|date=November 2, 2015|access-date=June 14, 2017|publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
Brooks has made reference to two girlfriends in his early life,<ref name="punkshoot" /><ref name="punkcabana" /> and during his time with ROH was romantically linked to professional wrestlers ]<ref name="daffneyrajahrecap">{{cite web|url=http://rajah.com/base/node/3899|title=Mick Foley Discusses WWE Return & Flair, Daffney Discusses TNA & Diva Search|accessdate=2006-09-27|author=Cash, Chris|coauthors=Walk, Henry|date=2005-11-12|publisher=Rajah|quote=On the topic of CM Punk and their relationship, she said that the break-up was partially contributed to the two never being able to see each other (her in Louisville and him in Philly).}}</ref> and ].<ref name="joepunk" /> After joining OVW, Brooks began dating ], who was working at OVW as an interviewer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/cmpunk/punkblogarchives/cmblog010907|author=CM Punk|title=Who's Jennifer?|accessdate=2007-01-09|date=2007-01-09}}</ref><ref name="thesun">{{cite web|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/article53541.ece|title=Maria: I'm just one big fan|accessdate=2006-08-01|author=The Lilsboys|date=2006-06-03|publisher=The Sun}}</ref> Some time after Brooks was moved to the ECW roster, however, they broke up.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/article346976.ece|author=Rob McNichol|publisher=The Sun|title=Maria: I’ve split from CM Punk|accessdate=2007-10-16|date=2007-10-16}}</ref> | |||
Brooks was the cover athlete for the video game '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-13-cover-star-cm-punk-thinks-best-thing-about-wwe-cover/|title=WWE 13 cover star CM Punk thinks the best thing about WWE 13 is the cover|date=November 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511234432/http://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-13-cover-star-cm-punk-thinks-best-thing-about-wwe-cover/|archive-date=May 11, 2013|publisher=]|access-date=June 14, 2017}}</ref> In 2015, he was featured in ]'s "The Next Storm" music video.<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/54847-cm-punk-featured-in-the-ring-in-a-new-music-video/|title=CM Punk featured in the ring in a new music video|date=June 15, 2015|access-date=June 14, 2017|website=Wrestleview}}</ref> | |||
==Non-wrestling television appearances== | |||
Brooks made an appearance on the February 16, 2004 episode of '']'', "Box Truck Wrestling Car", performing a short match with ] (Samoa Joe).<ref name="ihsjt">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070629175121/http://pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/24/14286|title=Interview Highlights: Samoa Joe talks about his decision to sign with TNA, his future|accessdate=2006-11-08|date=2005-08-01|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On October 31, 2006, Brooks joined ] (TAPS) to shoot the ] special '']'', which was a six-hour show broadcast live ] night from the ] in ], ]. Initially skeptical about what he might find, Brooks claimed to have heard children giggling and footsteps when there were not any children booked into the hotel.<ref name="cpggh">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/3557278|title=CM Punk goes ghost hunting|accessdate=2006-11-04|author=Medalis, Kara A.|date=2006-10-30|publisher=WWE}}</ref> During his time there he made reference to ] (Colt Cabana), claiming a friend of his "lost a toe once" in reference to a story about Colton having lost a toe in a car crash when he only bruised it,<ref name="cabanatoe1">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070629175121/http://pwtorch.com/artman/publish/article_18222.shtml|title=Colt Cabana involved in car accident, toe amputated|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Radican, Sean|date=2006-10-30|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref name="cabanatoe2">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070629175121/http://pwtorch.com/artman/publish/article_18239.shtml|title=Cabana's toe not amputated|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Radican, Sean|date=2006-10-31|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> and Samoa Joe. | |||
As an actor, Brooks starred in the 2019 horror film '']''.<ref name="deadline sxsw">{{cite web|last=Wiseman|first=Andreas|url=https://deadline.com/2019/02/cmpunk-sxsw-girl-on-the-third-floor-teaser-horror-1202550732/|title='The Girl on the Third Floor': First Teaser For SXSW Midnighters Horror Starring Phil 'CM Punk' Brooks|date=February 6, 2019|access-date=February 6, 2019|work=]}}</ref> Dennis Harvey of '']'' and ] of the '']'' respectively described his performance as "a fun star turn that easily carries most of the film" and "solid if a little unvarying".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Harvey|first1=Dennis|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/girl-on-the-third-floor-review-1203162973/|title='Girl on the Third Floor' Review: SXSW|work=]|date=March 14, 2019|access-date=August 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523212638/https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/girl-on-the-third-floor-review-1203162973/|archive-date=May 23, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Phillips|first1=Michael|author-link1=Michael Phillips (critic)|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/michael-phillips/ct-mov-girl-third-floor-rev-1203-20191203-3vno3esjira4bcsdzylcccun3q-story.html|title='Girl on the Third Floor' review: Longtime horror producer Travis Stevens makes his directing debut that stars CM Punk and was filmed in Frankfort|work=]|date=December 4, 2019|access-date=August 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814130052/https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/michael-phillips/ct-mov-girl-third-floor-rev-1203-20191203-3vno3esjira4bcsdzylcccun3q-story.html|archive-date=August 14, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Brooks portrayed wrestler Ricky Rabies in the professional wrestling drama series '']'' (2021–2023).<ref name="heels">{{cite web|last1=Otterson|first1=Joe|url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/cm-punk-heels-ricky-rabies-1235048146/|title=CM Punk Says He Has 'Shared a Locker Room' With People Just Like His 'Heels' Character|work=]|date=August 25, 2021|access-date=August 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120134446/https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/cm-punk-heels-ricky-rabies-1235048146/|archive-date=November 20, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===Writing=== | |||
Brooks wrote the introduction for the hardcover edition of ]' 2012 ] '']''<ref name=PunkMarvelIntro>{{cite web|last=Giannini|first=Alex|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/cm-punk-writes-introduction-to-marvel-comics-avengers-vs-x-men-26059962|title=CM Punk writes introduction to Marvel Comics' 'Avengers vs. X-Men'|publisher=WWE|date=October 15, 2012|access-date=June 5, 2013|archive-date=May 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508053855/http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/cm-punk-writes-introduction-to-marvel-comics-avengers-vs-x-men-26059962|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=USAToday>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2012/10/15/wwe-cm-punk-avengers-x-men-collection/1634211/|title=CM Punk pens intro for 'Avengers vs. X-Men' collection|access-date=June 5, 2013|work=]|date=October 15, 2012}}</ref> and described the opportunity as a "geek dream come true".<ref name=MarveldotcomPunk>{{cite web|last=Viscardi|first=James|url=http://marvel.com/news/comics/2012/10/16/19562/cm_punk_introduces_avengers_vs_x-men|title=CM Punk Introduces Avengers Vs. X-Men|publisher=]|date=October 16, 2012|access-date=June 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111113106/http://marvel.com/news/comics/2012/10/16/19562/cm_punk_introduces_avengers_vs_x-men|archive-date=January 11, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
In 2013, Brooks wrote a ] for his friend and ex-girlfriend Natalie Slater's ] ''Bake and Destroy: Good Food for Bad Vegans''.<ref name=BakeandDestroyBook>{{cite web|url=http://bakeanddestroy.net/the-book/|title=Bake and Destroy: The Cookbook|access-date=June 5, 2013}}</ref> | |||
In February 2015, Marvel Comics' ''Thor Annual'' No. 1, partly written by Brooks, was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/cm-punk-makes-his-marvel-writing-debut-on-thor-annual-1/|title=CM Punk Makes his Marvel Writing Debut on 'Thor Annual' #1|date=November 10, 2014|website=CBR|access-date=February 16, 2019}}</ref> He cowrote "The Most Cursed", which appeared in ]' ''Strange Sports Stories'' No. 3 in May 2015.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hanstock|first=Bill|url=https://www.sbnation.com/wrestling/2015/5/13/8595525/cm-punk-interview-strange-sports-stories-cubs-blackhawks-ufc-mma|title=Talking to CM Punk about the Cubs and comic books|publisher=]|date=May 13, 2015|access-date=May 13, 2015}}</ref> Brooks also cowrote Marvel Comics' '']'' ongoing series.<ref name=ComicBookResources>{{cite web|last=Kaye|first=Ben|url=http://www.cbr.com/c2e2-marvel-gives-cm-punk-his-first-ongoing-series-with-drax/|title=C2E2: Marvel gives CM Punk his first ongoing series with "Drax"|website=]|date=April 26, 2015|access-date=May 28, 2017}}</ref> Brooks wrote a ] of Marvel's '']'', which was published in November 2017.<ref>{{cite web|last=Avila|first=Mike|title=Exclusive: Meet the creative team behind the new Master of Kung Fu Marvel Legacy title|url=http://www.syfy.com/syfywire/exclusive-meet-the-creative-team-behind-the-new-master-of-kung-fu-marvel-legacy-title|date=August 16, 2017|publisher=]|access-date=October 5, 2017|archive-date=October 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005154750/http://www.syfy.com/syfywire/exclusive-meet-the-creative-team-behind-the-new-master-of-kung-fu-marvel-legacy-title|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
===Filmography=== | |||
{|class="wikitable sortable" | |||
|+ Film appearances | |||
|- | |||
!Year | |||
!Title | |||
!Role | |||
!class="unsortable"|Notes | |||
!class="unsortable"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} | |||
|- | |||
|2013 | |||
|'']'' | |||
|Himself | |||
| | |||
|align=center|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/wwestudios/wwe-studios-joins-queens-of-the-ring |title=WWE Studios joins 'Queens of the Ring'|date=April 30, 2012 |publisher=]|access-date=June 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505212100/http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/wwestudios/wwe-studios-joins-queens-of-the-ring |archive-date=May 5, 2012}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|2015 | |||
|'']'' | |||
|CM Punkrock | |||
|] film; voice only | |||
|align=center|<ref>{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/yabba-dabba-wwe-1200488834/|title=Yabba Dabba WWE! Cena, McMahon Set For Flintstones Movie|access-date=June 6, 2013 | work=]}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|rowspan="2"|2019 | |||
|'']'' | |||
|Don Koch | |||
| | |||
|align=center|<ref name="deadline sxsw"/> | |||
|- | |||
|'']'' | |||
|Billy | |||
| | |||
|align=center|<ref name="Starburst">{{cite web|last=Pollard|first=Andrew|url=https://www.starburstmagazine.com/shooting-now-way-soska-sisters-rabid-remake|title=Shooting Now Under Way on the Soska Sisters' Rabid Remake|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718230557/https://www.starburstmagazine.com/shooting-now-way-soska-sisters-rabid-remake|archive-date=July 18, 2018|url-status=live|date=July 18, 2018|access-date=July 18, 2018|work=]}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|2021 | |||
|'']'' | |||
|Deputy Colton | |||
| | |||
|align=center|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Milner |first=Kyle |date=April 13, 2021 |title=Interview : Jakob's Wife director Travis Stevens on the cultural rebirth of the vampire |url=https://moviehole.net/interview-jakobs-wife-director-travis-stevens-on-the-cultural-rebirth-of-the-vampire/ |access-date=April 14, 2021 |website=Moviehole}}</ref> | |||
|} | |||
{|class="wikitable sortable" | |||
|+ Television appearances | |||
|- | |||
!Year | |||
!Title | |||
!Role | |||
!class="unsortable"|Notes | |||
!class="unsortable"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} | |||
|- | |||
|2004 | |||
|'']'' | |||
|Himself | |||
|Episode: "Box Truck Wrestling Car" | |||
|align=center|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/24/14286 |title=Interview Highlights: Samoa Joe talks about his decision to sign with TNA, his future|access-date=November 8, 2006|date= August 1, 2005|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc. |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070703193500/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/24/14286|archive-date=July 3, 2007 }}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|2006 | |||
|'']'' | |||
|Himself | |||
|Episode: "Live Halloween Special: Stanley Hotel" | |||
|align=center|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/3557278|title=CM Punk goes ghost hunting|access-date=November 4, 2006|last= Medalis|first=Kara A.|date=October 30, 2006|publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|2011 | |||
|'']'' | |||
|Himself | |||
|1 episode | |||
|align=center|<ref name=JimmyKimmel>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_51692.shtml|title=WWE News: C.M. Punk appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live Monday night – 6-year-old kid books entire Raw episode|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=July 26, 2011|access-date=August 12, 2015|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|2012 | |||
|'']'' | |||
|Himself | |||
|1 episode | |||
|align=center|<ref name=JimmyFallon>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/cm-punk-discusses-raws-1000th-episode-on-late-night-with-jimmy-fallon-26031577|title=CM Punk discusses Raw's 1000th episode on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon"|date=June 19, 2012|access-date=June 6, 2013|publisher=WWE|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709143649/http://www.wwe.com/videos/cm-punk-discusses-raws-1000th-episode-on-late-night-with-jimmy-fallon-26031577|archive-date=July 9, 2013}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|2012–2014 | |||
|'']'' | |||
|Himself | |||
|3 episodes | |||
|align=center|<ref>First appearance: {{cite web|title=CM Punk guest stars on AMC's "Talking Dead"|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/cm-punk-talking-dead-26070530|publisher=]|access-date=November 26, 2012|date=November 21, 2012|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303195642/http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/cm-punk-talking-dead-26070530|url-status=dead}}<br />Second appearance: {{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_76894.shtml|title=Punk News: C.M. Punk returning to TV, but not for WWE|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=March 10, 2014}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|2014–2015 | |||
|'']'' | |||
|Himself | |||
|2 episodes | |||
|align=center|<ref>{{cite web|last1=Al-Ghamdi|first1=Abdullah|url=https://screenrant.com/cm-punk-movies-tv-shows-ranked-worst-best/|title=Every CM Punk Movie & TV Show Ranked|work=]|date=August 30, 2021|access-date=August 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504002310/https://screenrant.com/cm-punk-movies-tv-shows-ranked-worst-best/|archive-date=May 4, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|2016 | |||
|''The Evolution of Punk'' | |||
|Himself | |||
|Documentary mini-series; 4 episodes | |||
|align=center|<ref name="EvolutionOfPunk">{{cite web|last=Currier|first=Joseph|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/ufc-news/video-evolution-punk-trailer-218321|title=Video: 'The Evolution of Punk' Trailer|date=August 9, 2016|access-date=August 10, 2016|work=]}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|2017 | |||
|'']'' | |||
|Himself | |||
|] | |||
|align=center|<ref>{{cite web|last=Ossad|first=Jordana|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/3004474/challenge-champs-vs-pros/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425030102/http://www.mtv.com/news/3004474/challenge-champs-vs-pros/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 25, 2017|title=Champs vs. Pros: Beloved Challenge Victors Set To Battle Top Athletes|date=April 24, 2017|access-date=April 24, 2017|publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|2018 | |||
|'']'' | |||
|Himself | |||
|United States co-host; season 3 | |||
|align=center|<ref>{{cite web|last=Sandberg|first=Bryn Elise|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/ultimate-beastmaster-renewed-season-3-by-netflix-1088773|title='Ultimate Beastmaster' Renewed for Season 3 by Netflix|date=February 27, 2018|access-date=February 27, 2018|work=]}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|2019–2020 | |||
|'']'' | |||
|Himself | |||
|5 episodes | |||
|align=center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/cm-punk-returns-wwe-television/|title= CM Punk Returns to WWE Television After Nearly Six Years Away|work=]|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|date=November 13, 2019|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|2021–2023 | |||
|'']'' | |||
|Ricky Rabies | |||
|Recurring; 6 episodes | |||
|align=center|<ref name="heels"/> | |||
|- | |||
| 2022–2023 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| Paul | |||
| Recurring (seasons 4–5); 4 episodes | |||
|align=center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/cm-punk-cameos-on-this-weeks-mayans-m-c/|title=CM Punk Cameos On This Week's Mayans M.C.|work=411Mania|first=Jeremy|last=Thomas|date=May 4, 2022|access-date=May 4, 2022}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|} | |||
=== Video games === | |||
{|class="wikitable sortable" | |||
|+ Video game appearances | |||
|- | |||
!Year | |||
!Title | |||
!Notes | |||
|- | |||
| 2007 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| Video game debut | |||
|- | |||
| 2008 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| 2009 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| 2010 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| rowspan="2"| 2011 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| '']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| rowspan="2"| 2012 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| Downloadable content | |||
|- | |||
| '']'' | |||
| Cover athlete | |||
|- | |||
| 2013 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| 2014 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| 2016 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| 2018 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| 2020 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| 2023 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| 2024 | |||
| '']'' | |||
|Downloadable content | |||
|} | |||
== ''Luchas de Apuestas'' record == | |||
{{See also|Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|l1=Luchas de Apuestas}} | |||
{|class="wikitable sortable" width=100% style="text-align: center" | |||
!width=20% scope="col"|Winner (wager) | |||
!width=20% scope="col"|Loser (wager) | |||
!width=20% scope="col"|Location | |||
!width=20% scope="col"|Event | |||
!width=15% scope="col"|Date | |||
!class="unsortable" width=5% scope="col"|Notes | |||
|- | |||
|] (]) | |||
| CM Punk (hair) | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| {{dts|2010|5|23}} | |||
| <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14384892|title=Rey Mysterio def. CM Punk (S.E.S. Pledge vs. Hair Match)|date=May 23, 2010|access-date=June 22, 2012|publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
|} | |||
==Mixed martial arts record== | |||
{{MMArecordbox | |||
| draws= | |||
| nc= 1 | |||
| ko-wins= | |||
| ko-losses= | |||
| sub-wins= | |||
| sub-losses= 1 | |||
| dec-wins= | |||
| dec-losses= | |||
| dq-wins= | |||
| dq-losses= | |||
| other-wins= | |||
| other-losses= | |||
}} | |||
{{MMA record start}} | |||
|- | |||
|{{Nocontest}}NC | |||
|align=center|{{nowrap|0–1 (1)}} | |||
|] | |||
|NC (overturned) | |||
|] | |||
|{{dts|2018|June|9|format=mdy}} | |||
|align=center|3 | |||
|align=center|5:00 | |||
|], United States | |||
|Originally a unanimous decision win for Jackson; overturned after he tested positive for marijuana. | |||
|- | |||
|{{No2}}Loss | |||
|align=center|0–1 | |||
|] | |||
|Submission (rear-naked choke) | |||
|] | |||
|{{dts|2016|September|10|format=mdy}} | |||
|align=center|1 | |||
|align=center|2:14 | |||
|], United States | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
{{end}} | |||
==Championships and accomplishments== | |||
{{multiple image | |||
|direction=vertical | |||
|width=170 | |||
|image1=CM Punk ECW Champion.jpg | |||
|caption1= In WWE, Punk's first title was the ]. | |||
|image2=CM Punk WHC SummerSlam 2008.jpg | |||
|caption2= In WWE, Punk is a six-time world champion. With three reigns as ], and one reign with the ECW World Heavyweight Championship. | |||
|image3=WWE Champion CM Punk.jpg | |||
|caption3= Two reigns as ]. | |||
|image4=CM Punk wins IC in Chicago.jpg | |||
|caption4= One reign as ]. | |||
|image5=Punk Tag Champ.jpg | |||
|caption5= One reign as ] with ]. | |||
|image6=CM Punk All In 2023.png | |||
|caption6= In AEW, two reigns as ]. | |||
}} | |||
* ''']''' | |||
**] (])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/aew-world-championship-history|title=Official AEW World Championship Title History|publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
**] (1 time, unrecognized)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knight |first=Cain A. |date=August 5, 2023 |title=CM Punk's real world championship doesn't change hands opposite SummerSlam |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2023/8/5/23821639/aew-collision-result-aug-5-2023-cm-punk-real-world-championship-starks-ricky-steamboat-vs-summerslam |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806053822/https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2023/8/5/23821639/aew-collision-result-aug-5-2023-cm-punk-real-world-championship-starks-ricky-steamboat-vs-summerslam |archive-date=August 6, 2023 |access-date=August 6, 2023 |website=Cageside Seats |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Defelice |first=Robert |date=August 19, 2023 |title=CM Punk To Defend 'Real' World Title Against Samoa Joe At AEW All In |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cm-punk-defend-real-world-title-against-samoa-joe-aew-all |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820013103/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cm-punk-defend-real-world-title-against-samoa-joe-aew-all |archive-date=August 20, 2023 |access-date=August 19, 2023 |work=Fightful}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Woodward |first=Hamish |date=August 22, 2023 |title=CM Punk's Real World Championship Defenses, Ranked - Atletifo |url=https://atletifo.com/news/cm-punks-real-world-championship-defenses-ranked/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104055512/https://atletifo.com/news/cm-punks-real-world-championship-defenses-ranked/ |archive-date=November 4, 2023 |access-date=December 1, 2023 |website=Atletifo |language=en-GB}}</ref> | |||
**] (2 times) | |||
***Best Moment on the Mic (]) – {{small|CM Punk returns}} | |||
***Best Mic Duel (]) – {{small|] and CM Punk on Thanksgiving Eve}} | |||
*''''']''''' | |||
**Feud of the Year (2009) – {{small|vs. ]}}<ref name="Baltimore2009">{{cite web|last=Eck|first=Kevin|title=2009 Awards|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-01-2009_awards-story.html|work=]|date=January 27, 2010|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=October 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026135227/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-01-2009_awards-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
*''']''' | |||
** Iron Mike Mazurki Award (2023)<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 28, 2023 |title=CM Punk Honored with Coveted 2023 Iron Mike Mazurki Award by Cauliflower Alley Club |url=https://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/cm-punk-honored-with-coveted-2023-iron-mike-mazurki-award-by-cauliflower-alley-club |access-date=September 1, 2023 |publisher=] |language=en}}</ref> | |||
*''']''' | |||
** Best Feud/Storyline of the Year (2024) – {{small|vs. ]}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pro Wrestling 2024 awards: The best men's and women's wrestler, feud and more |url=https://www.espn.in/wwe/story/_/id/43101880/pro-wrestling-2024-awards-best-men-women-wrestler-feud-more |date=December 26, 2024 |access-date=December 26, 2024 |work=]}}</ref> | |||
** Debut of the Year (2023)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/39180531/pro-wrestling-2023-awards-which-stars-had-best-year|title=Pro Wrestling 2023 awards: The best male and female wrestler, feud, faction, promo and more|work=]|author=ESPN.com|date=December 26, 2023|access-date=December 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228102326/https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/39180531/pro-wrestling-2023-awards-which-stars-had-best-year|archive-date=December 28, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
*''']''' | |||
**] (5 times)<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ky/iwams/iwams-h.html|access-date=June 14, 2008|title=Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South Heavyweight Title|publisher=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=34|title=IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=December 5, 2001|access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref> | |||
**] (2 times)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ky/iwams/iwams-lh.html|access-date=June 14, 2008|title=Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South Light Heavyweight Title|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=35|title=IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 9, 2001|access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref> | |||
*''']''' | |||
**] (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/hwtiwc2.html|access-date=June 14, 2008|last=Roelfsema|first=Eric|title=IWC – International Wrestling Cartel World Heavyweight Title history|publisher=Solie}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=277|title=IWC World Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 13, 2002|access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref> | |||
*'''Lunatic Wrestling Federation''' | |||
**LWF Intercontinental Championship (2 times)<ref>cite web|url= https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=6174</ref> | |||
*'''Mid-American Wrestling''' | |||
**Mid-American Wrestling Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/hwtmaw.html|access-date=June 14, 2008|last=Westcott|first=Brian|title=MAW – Mid-American Wrestling MAW Heavyweight Title history|publisher=Solie}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=44|title=MAW Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=December 15, 2001|access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref> | |||
**Mid-American Heavyweight Championship Tournament (2001)<ref>cite web|url= https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=13571</ref> | |||
* ''''']''''' | |||
** Best Return/Debut of the Year (2023)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2023/12/26/sports/the-posts-2024-pro-wrestling-awards/|title=The Post's 2023 pro wrestling awards|work=]|first=Joseph|last=Staszewski|date=December 26, 2023|access-date=December 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227120049/https://nypost.com/2023/12/26/sports/the-posts-2024-pro-wrestling-awards/|archive-date=December 27, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
*''']''' | |||
**] (1 time) – with ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ttcswf.html|access-date=June 14, 2008|last=Westcott|first=Brian|title=NWA National Wrestling Alliance/Cyberspace Wrestling Federation CSWF/NWA Cyberspace Tag Team Title history|publisher=Solie}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=379|title=NWA Cyberspace Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 21, 2005|access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref> | |||
*''']''' | |||
**] (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ovhtnwa.html| access-date=June 14, 2008|last=Westcott|first=Brian|title=NWA – National Wrestling Alliance NWA Ohio Valley Wrestling Heavyweight/Ohio Valley Wrestling Heavyweight Title history|publisher=Solie}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=128|title=OVW Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 3, 2006|access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref> | |||
**] (1 time) – with Seth Skyfire<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ovsttnwa.html|access-date=June 14, 2008|last=Westcott|first=Brian|title=NWA – National Wrestling Alliance NWA Ohio Valley Wrestling Southern Tag Team Title history|publisher=Solie}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=129|title=OVW Southern Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=July 28, 2007|access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref> | |||
**] (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ovtvnwa.html|access-date= June 14, 2008|title=NWA – National Wrestling Alliance NWA Ohio Valley Wrestling Hardcore/Ohio Valley Wrestling Television history|publisher=Solie}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=247|title=OVW Television Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=November 9, 2005|access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref> | |||
*''''']''''' | |||
**] (2021)<ref name="PWI2021"/> | |||
**] (2011) – {{small|vs. ]}}<ref name="PWI Awards">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html|title=PWI Awards|work=]|publisher=]|access-date=November 28, 2016|archive-date=January 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121172943/http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
** Feud of the Year (2022) – {{small|vs. ]}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/mjf-tapes-over-cm-punk-s-name-pwi-award-punk-replies-maybe-find-tape-ratings|title=MJF Tapes Over CM Punk's Name On PWI Award, Punk Replies, 'Maybe Find Tape For The Ratings'|date=January 12, 2023|access-date=January 29, 2023|website=Fightful}}</ref> | |||
** ] (2011) – {{small|vs. John Cena at ]}}<ref name="PWI Awards"/><ref>{{cite journal|title=2011 Match of the Year|year=2012|journal=]|volume=33|issue=3|pages=80–81}}</ref> | |||
**] (2012)<ref name="PWI Awards"/> | |||
**] (2011, 2021)<ref name="PWI Awards"/><ref name="PWI2021">{{cite web |last1=Grifol |first1=Ignacio |title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated anuncia los ganadores de sus PWI Awards 2021 |url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/105053-pwi-awards-2021 |website=Solowrestling.com |date=January 14, 2022 |access-date=January 15, 2022}}</ref> | |||
**] (2011, 2012)<ref name="PWI Awards"/> | |||
**Ranked No. 1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the '']'' in 2012<ref name="PWI112">{{cite journal|title=2012 PWI 500|year=2012|journal=]|volume=33|issue=7|issn= 1043-7576|pages=12–18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2012.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2012|access-date=December 28, 2014|work=]|publisher=Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref> | |||
*'''Revolution Championship Wrestling''' | |||
**RCW Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=4511|title=NWA Revolution Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=March 1, 2003|access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref> | |||
*''''']''''' | |||
**Golden Gods Award for Most Metal Athlete (2012)<ref>{{cite web|last=Passero|first=Mitch|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/jericho-ruins-punks-moment|title=Chris Jericho ruins CM Punk's "metal" moment|date=April 12, 2012|access-date=April 12, 2012|publisher=WWE}}</ref> | |||
*''']''' | |||
**] (])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=121|title=ROH World Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 18, 2005|access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref> | |||
**] (]) – with ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=122|title=ROH Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 24, 2004|access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref> | |||
**] (class of 2022)<ref name="auto"/> | |||
*''''']''''' | |||
**Rivalry of the Year (2024) {{small|– vs. Drew McIntyre}}<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Ucchino |first1=Rick |last2=Barnard |first2=Adam |last3=Figueroa |first3=Dariel |last4=Pullar III |first4=Sid |last5=Heydorn |first5=Zack |title=The Takedown On SI's 2024 Pro Wrestling Awards: Best Wrestler, Storyline, Match, Rivalry & More |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/the-takedown-on-si-2024-pro-wrestling-awards |date=December 20, 2024 |access-date=December 26, 2024 |magazine=]}}</ref> | |||
**Ranked No. 17 of the 20 Greatest WWE Wrestlers of All Time<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Pullar III |first1=Sid |title=20 Greatest WWE Wrestlers Of All Time |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/features/10-greatest-wwe-wrestlers-of-all-time |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=26 November 2024}}</ref> | |||
*'''St. Paul Championship Wrestling/Steel Domain Wrestling''' | |||
**SPCW Northern States Light Heavyweight Championship (2 times)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=706|title=SPCW Northern States Light Heavyweight Championship/SDW Television Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 28, 2000|access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref> | |||
** SPCE Northern States Light Heavyweight Championship Tournament (2000)<ref>cite web|url= https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=265466</ref> | |||
*''']''' | |||
**] (])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwechampionship/25026075|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509024541/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwechampionship/25026075|archive-date=May 9, 2012|title=CM Punk's first WWE Championship reign|access-date=April 6, 2016|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwechampionship/25045682|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319053558/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwechampionship/25045682|archive-date=March 19, 2012|title=CM Punk's second WWE Championship reign|access-date=April 6, 2016|publisher=WWE}}</ref>{{efn|Punk held the title concurrently with ] and ] during his first reign. After defeating Cena, Punk became the undisputed champion, but he was not recognized by WWE as having won the title a second time.<ref name="wwetitle">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwechampionship|title=WWE Championship title history|access-date= February 5, 2012|publisher=]}}</ref>}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=20|title=WWE Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=July 17, 2011|access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref> | |||
**] (])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/200806011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603215108/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/200806011|archive-date=June 3, 2012|title=CM Punk's first World Heavyweight Championship reign|access-date=April 6, 2016|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/2009042611|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120602024759/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/2009042611|archive-date=June 2, 2012|access-date=April 6, 2016|title=CM Punk's second World Heavyweight Championship reign|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/20090823|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603230144/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/20090823|archive-date=June 3, 2012|access-date=April 6, 2016|title=CM Punk's third World Heavyweight Championship reign|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=17|title=World Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 30, 2008|access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref> | |||
**] (])<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/ecwchampionship/20070901punk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601211831/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/ecwchampionship/20070901punk|archive-date=June 1, 2012|access-date=April 6, 2016|title=CM Punk's first ECW Championship reign|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1|title=ECW Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=September 1, 2007|access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref> | |||
**] (])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/9155998|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401232024/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/9155998|archive-date=April 1, 2012|access-date=April 6, 2016|title=CM Punk's first Intercontinental Championship reign|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=16|title=WWE Intercontinental Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 19, 2009|access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref> | |||
**] (])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldtagteam/20081027WorldTagChamps|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831203913/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldtagteam/20081027WorldTagChamps|archive-date=August 31, 2012|access-date=April 6, 2016|title=Punk and Kingston's first World Tag Team Championship reign|publisher=WWE}}</ref> – with ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=60|title=World Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 27, 2008|access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref> | |||
**] (], ])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=35269|title=WWE WrestleMania 25 – "The 25th Anniversary Of WrestleMania"|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 5, 2009|access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=19853|title=WWE WrestleMania 24 – "The Biggest WrestleMania Under The Sun"|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=March 30, 2008|access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref> | |||
**]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1122&page=2|title=WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender's Tournament (2008)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=December 14, 2008|access-date=May 29, 2021}}</ref> | |||
**] (2011)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-house-show-results-07-05-11-brisbane-australia/|title=411MANIA|website=WWE House Show Results 07.05.11 – Brisbane, Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/237065-wwe-house-show-results-75-brisbane-australia|title=WWE House Show Results (7/5): Brisbane, Australia|first=Nick|last=Paglino|date=July 5, 2011}}</ref> | |||
**]<ref name=move1/> | |||
**] (9 times) | |||
***Despicable Me (]) – {{small|Harassing ] and his family}}<ref>{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Adkins|title=Saluting the Slammys|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/12132010/mainarticle/|publisher=WWE|access-date=January 30, 2011|date=December 13, 2010}}</ref> | |||
***Extreme Moment of the Year (]) – {{small|For exacting revenge on ] at ]}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-12-09/full-slammy-award-winners-2013|title=2013 Slammy Award winners|date=December 8, 2013|access-date=April 6, 2016|publisher=WWE}}</ref> | |||
*** OMG Moment of the Year (]) – {{small|Cashing in Money in the Bank to win the World Heavyweight Championship}}<ref name=Slammy>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/slammyawards08/|access-date=January 28, 2009|date=December 8, 2008|title=2008 Slammy Awards|publisher=WWE}}</ref> | |||
*** OMG Moment of the Year (]) – {{small|Returning to WWE at ]}}<ref name="2024Slammys">{{Cite web |last=Carey |first=Ian |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/full-list-of-2024-wwe-slammy-award-winners |title=Full list of 2024 WWE Slammy Award winners |date=April 7, 2024 |access-date=April 11, 2024 |work=]}}</ref> | |||
***"Pipe Bomb" of the Year (])<ref name="Slammy11"/> | |||
*** Return of the Year (2024) – {{small|At Survivor Series: WarGames}}<ref name="2024Slammys" /> | |||
***Shocker of the Year (]) – {{small|Forcing Jeff Hardy out of the WWE after steel cage match victory}}<ref name=Slammy2>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/slammyawards09/|access-date=January 2, 2010|date=December 14, 2009|title=2009 Slammy Awards|publisher=WWE}}</ref> | |||
***Superstar of the Year (2011)<ref name="Slammy11">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-12-12/2011-slammy-award-winners|title=2011 Slammy Award Winners|publisher=WWE|access-date=July 19, 2012|date=December 12, 2011}}</ref> | |||
***T-shirt of the Year (2011) – {{small|"Best in the World"}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-12-12/exclusive-slammy-awards-2011|title=WWE.com Exclusive Slammy Awards 2011|access-date=December 12, 2012|publisher=WWE}}</ref> | |||
*''']''' | |||
**Gooker Award (2023) – {{small|CM Punk on AEW (tied with ] ])}}<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wrestlecrap.com/inductions/and-the-winner-of-the-2023-gooker-award-is/ | title=And the Winner of the 2023 Gooker Award Is... | the Worst of Misc }}</ref> | |||
*''''']''''' | |||
**] (2021)<ref name="WON2021">{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/newsletters/wrestling-observer-newsletter/february-21-observer-newsletter-2021-awards-issue-cod-and-brandi-rhodes-leave-aew|title=February 21, 2022 Observer Newsletter: 2021 Awards issue, Cody and Brandi Rhodes leave AEW|work=]|first=Dave|last=Meltzer|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=February 18, 2022|access-date=February 18, 2022|url-access=subscription}}</ref> | |||
**] (2009, 2011)<ref name="WON09">{{cite journal|title=2009 Awards Issue, Possible biggest wrestling news story of 2010 |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer|journal=]|date=January 27, 2010|location=Campbell, California|issn=1083-9593}}</ref><ref name="WON11">{{cite journal|title=Gigantic year-end awards issue, best and worst in all categories plus UFC on FX 1, death of Savannah Jack, ratings, tons and tons of news|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 30, 2012|journal=]|location=Campbell, California|issn=1083-9593}}</ref> | |||
**] (2011, 2012)<ref name="WON11"/><ref name="WON12">{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 23, 2013|title=The 2012 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Annual Awards Issue|journal=]|location=Campbell, California|issn=1083-9593}}</ref> | |||
**] (2009) – {{small|vs. Jeff Hardy}}<ref name="WON09"/> | |||
**Feud of the Year (2011) – {{small|vs. John Cena}}<ref name="WON11"/> | |||
**] (2021)<ref name="WON2021"/> | |||
**] (2012) – {{small|Exploiting ]'s legitimate heart attack}}<ref name="WONtactics">{{cite web|title=Wrestling Observer Newsletter's Last 10 "Most Disgusting Promotional Tactics", Explained |url=https://www.thesportster.com/wrestling-observer-newsletter-most-disgusting-promotional-tactics-explained/ |last=Morris |first=Dan |website=TheSportster.com|date=October 12, 2022}}</ref> | |||
**Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic (2013) {{small|– Exploiting the death of ]}}<ref name="WONtactics"/> | |||
**] (2011) – {{small|vs. John Cena at Money in the Bank}}<ref name="WON11"/> | |||
{{clear}} | |||
==Notes== | |||
{{notelist}} | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist| |
{{Reflist|refs= | ||
<ref name="AllInLondon">{{cite web|url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-all-in-london-results|title=AEW All In: London Results|author=AEW staff|publisher=]|work=]|date=August 27, 2023|access-date=September 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829140737/https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-all-in-london-results|archive-date=August 29, 2023|url-status=live|quote="Real World Championship" Match! CM Punk (c.) vs. Samoa Joe!}}</ref> | |||
== External links == | |||
{{Portal|Professional wrestling|break=yes}} | |||
{{wikiquote}} | |||
{{Commons}} | |||
* | |||
* | |||
*{{imdb name|id=1516006|name=CM Punk}} | |||
<!-- Metadata: see ] --> | |||
<ref name="AllOut2022">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW All Out results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley vs. CM Punk for the AEW World Championship, Toni Storm vs. Britt Baker vs. Jamie Hayter vs. Hikaru Shida for the Interim AEW Women's Title, Chris Jericho vs. Bryan Danielson, Ricky Starks vs. Powerhouse Hobbs, "Jungle Boy" Jack Perry vs. Christian Cage, Casino Ladder Match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/09/04/aew-all-out-results-powells-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-cm-punk-for-the-aew-world-championship-toni-storm-vs-britt-baker-vs-jamie-hayter-vs-hikaru-shida-for-the-interim-aew-womens-title-ch/|website=ProWrestling.net|date=September 4, 2022|access-date=September 4, 2022}}</ref> | |||
{{Current World Wrestling Entertainment employees}} | |||
<ref name="Barrasso2021">{{cite magazine|last1=Barrasso|first1=Justin|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2021/09/06/daniel-bryan-danielson-aew-debut-all-out-all-elite|title=Daniel Bryan becomes All Elite at 'All Out'|magazine=]|date=September 5, 2021|access-date=September 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906061413/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2021/09/06/daniel-bryan-danielson-aew-debut-all-out-all-elite|archive-date=September 6, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
{{featured article}} | |||
<ref name="Barrasso2021B">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2021/11/14/aew-full-gear-hangman-page-era-begins|title=Hangman Page Era Begins at 'Full Gear'|magazine=]|first=Justin|last=Barrasso|date=November 14, 2021|accessdate=November 16, 2021}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Barrasso2023">{{cite magazine|last1=Barrasso|first1=Justin|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2023/07/12/cm-punk-samoa-joe-aew-collision-match|title=CM Punk's AEW Collision match vs. Samoa Joe a brilliant throwback|magazine=]|date=July 12, 2023|access-date=August 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713031854/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2023/07/12/cm-punk-samoa-joe-aew-collision-match|archive-date=July 13, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Barrasso2023B">{{cite magazine|last1=Barrasso|first1=Justin|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/news/cm-punk-on-aew-collision-its-a-team-effort|title=CM Punk on AEW Collision: 'It's a Team Effort'|magazine=]|date=August 5, 2023|access-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807002324/https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/news/cm-punk-on-aew-collision-its-a-team-effort|archive-date=August 7, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Bauer2005">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1126204847.shtml|title=CM Punk debuts in OVW + Shane Helms meets Hurricane Victims & More|access-date=August 23, 2010|last=Bauer|first=Ben|date=September 8, 2005|work=Wrestleview.com|archive-date=February 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218204735/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1126204847.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Brookhouse2022">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2022-aew-double-or-nothing-results-live-updates-recap-grades-matches-card-start-time-highlights/live/amp/|title=2022 AEW Double or Nothing results, recap, grades: CM Punk wins first world title in more than nine years|website=]|last=Brookhouse|first=Brent|date=May 29, 2022}}</ref> | |||
<!-- <ref name="Bryant2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2015/7/10/8928729/ufc-cm-punk-talks-debut-criticism-religion-writing-career-marvel-comics-mma|title=CM Punk talks UFC debut, criticism, religion in MMA and new writing career with Marvel Comics|last2=Guillen|first2=Adam Jr.|last1=Bryant|first1=Karyn|author-link1=Karyn Bryant|format=video|time=10:07|date=July 9, 2015|publication-date=July 10, 2015|website=MMAMania.com|access-date=August 15, 2015}}</ref> --> | |||
<ref name="Casey2022">{{cite web|last1=Casey|first1=Connor|url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/aew-mjf-cm-punk-first-loss-aew-dynamite-chicago-wardlow/|title=MJF Gives CM Punk His First Loss in AEW|website=]|date=February 2, 2022|access-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203034717/https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/aew-mjf-cm-punk-first-loss-aew-dynamite-chicago-wardlow/|archive-date=February 3, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Casey2022B">{{cite web|url=https://www.comicbook.com/wwe/amp/news/aew-revolution-cm-punk-wins-dog-collar-match-mjf-bloody/|title=CM Punk Beats MJF in a Wildly Bloody Dog Collar Match at AEW Revolution|website=]|first=Connor|last=Casey|date=March 6, 2022|access-date=May 30, 2022}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Clark2023">{{cite web|last1=Clark|first1=Anne Victoria|url=https://www.vulture.com/2023/06/cm-punk-aew-collision-debut-explained.html|title=CM Punk's Return Could Be the Best or Worst Thing on TV This Weekend|website=]|date=June 16, 2023|access-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623224959/https://www.vulture.com/2023/06/cm-punk-aew-collision-debut-explained.html|archive-date=June 23, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Collision06172023">{{cite web|title=AEW Collision results (6/17): Powell's live review of CM Punk and FTR vs. Samoa Joe, Jay White, and Juice Robinson, Wardlow vs. Luchasaurus for the TNT Title, Toni Storm and Ruby Soho vs. Willow Nightingale and Skye Blue, Andrade El Idolo vs. Buddy Matthews, Miro in action|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/06/17/aew-collision-results-6-17-powells-live-review-of-cm-punk-and-ftr-vs-samoa-joe-jay-white-and-juice-robinson-wardlow-vs-luchasaurus-for-the-tnt-title-toni-storm-and-ruby-soho-vs-w/|work=ProWrestling.net|first=Powell|last=Jason|date=June 17, 2023|access-date=June 17, 2023}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Cruz2016">{{cite web|last=Cruz|first=Guilherme|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/9/10/12729950/coach-impressed-with-cm-punk-s-evolution-predicts-tko-win-at-ufc-203|title=Coach: CM Punk's MMA improvements have been 'impressive,' he'll beat Mickey Gall|date=September 10, 2016|access-date=May 28, 2017|website=MMAFighting.com}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="CT 2009">{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2009/04/05/stepping-up-success-ladder/|title=Local guy makes it big on World Wrestling Entertainment|last=Arroyave|first=Luis|date=April 5, 2009|access-date=August 12, 2015|work=]}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Currier 2022">{{cite magazine |last1=Currier |first1=Joseph |title=AEW World Champion CM Punk to Undergo Surgery After Injury |url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2022/06/04/cm-punk-aew-world-champion-injured-surgery |magazine=] |access-date=June 4, 2022}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="DeFelice2022">{{cite news |last1=DeFelice |first1=Robert |last2=Lambert |first2=Jeremy |title=CM Punk Details Issues With Colt Cabana, EVPs, And Hangman Page |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cm-punk-details-issues-colt-cabana-evps-and-hangman-page |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=Fightful.com |date=September 5, 2022}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="DeFelice2023">{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cm-punk-takes-his-real-aew-world-championship-out-bag-spray-paints-it-x|title=CM Punk Takes His 'Real' AEW World Championship Out Of The Bag, Spray Paints It With An 'X'|website=Fightful.com|last1=DeFelice|first1=Robert|date=July 29, 2023|access-date=July 30, 2023}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Dynamite06212023">{{cite web|title=AEW Dynamite results (6/21): Powell's live review of Chris Jericho, Minoru Suzuki, and Sammy Guevara vs. Darius Martin, Action Andretti, and AR Fox, Jeff Jarrett vs. Mark Briscoe in a Concession Stand Brawl, Kris Statlander vs. Taya Valkyrie for the TBS Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/06/21/aew-dynamite-results-6-21-powells-live-review-of-chris-jericho-minoru-suzuki-and-sammy-guevara-vs-darius-martin-action-andretti-and-ar-fox-jeff-jarrett-vs-mark-briscoe-in-a-concession-stan/|work=ProWrestling.net|first=Jason|last=Powell|date=June 21, 2023|access-date=June 21, 2023}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Dynamite08102022">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/10/8-10-aew-dynamite-results-powells-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-chris-jericho-for-the-interim-aew-world-championship-darby-allin-vs-brody-king-in-a-coffin-match-penta-oscuro-and-rey-fe/|title=8/10 AEW Dynamite results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley vs. Chris Jericho for the Interim AEW World Championship, Darby Allin vs. Brody King in a Coffin Match, Penta Oscuro and Rey Fenix vs. Andrade El Idolo and Rush in a tornado tag match, Jade Cargill vs. Madison Rayne for the TBS Title, Ricky Starks vs. Aaron Solo|website=ProWrestling.net|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=August 10, 2022|access-date=August 11, 2022}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Dynamite08242022">{{cite web|last=Barnett|first=Jake|title=8/24 AEW Dynamite results: Barnett's live review of CM Punk vs. Jon Moxley for the unified AEW World Championship, Death Triangle vs. Will Ospreay and Aussie Open in an AEW Trios Title tournament match, Dax Harwood vs. Jay Lethal, Billy Gunn vs. Colten Gunn, Britt Baker vs. KiLynn King, Chris Jericho and Daniel Garcia meeting|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/24/8-24-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-cm-punk-vs-jon-moxley-for-the-unified-aew-world-championship-death-triangle-vs-will-ospreay-and-aussie-open-in-an-aew-trios-title-tournament-mat/|website=ProWrestling.net|date=August 24, 2022|access-date=August 25, 2022}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Dynamite08312022">{{cite web|last=Barnett|first=Jake|title=8/31 AEW Dynamite results: Barnett's live review of Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks vs. Will Ospreay and Aussie Open in an AEW Trios Titles tournament semifinal match, Bryan Danielson vs. Jake Hager, Britt Baker and Jamie Hayter vs. Hikaru Shida and Toni Storm, AEW World Champion Jon Moxley promo|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/31/8-31-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-kenny-omega-and-the-young-bucks-vs-will-ospreay-and-aussie-open-in-an-aew-trios-titles-tournament-semifinal-match-bryan-danielson-vs-jake-h/|website=ProWrestling.net|date=August 31, 2022|access-date=August 31, 2022}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Eck2007">{{cite web|last=Eck|first=Kevin|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2007-07-qa_with_cm_punk-story.html|title=Q&A with CM Punk|date=July 19, 2007|access-date=May 28, 2017|work=]|archive-date=February 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218192332/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2007-07-qa_with_cm_punk-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="FD2023">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW-NJPW Forbidden Door results: Powell's live review of Bryan Danielson vs. Kazuchika Okada, Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay for the IWGP U.S. Championship, MJF vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the AEW World Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/06/25/aew-njpw-forbidden-door-results-powells-live-review-of-bryan-danielson-vs-kazuchika-okada-kenny-omega-vs-will-ospreay-for-the-iwgp-u-s-championship-mjf-vs-hiroshi-tanahashi-for-the-aew-world/|work=ProWrestling.net|date=June 25, 2023|access-date=June 25, 2023}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="FightFallen2023">{{cite web|url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-collision-fight-for-the-fallen-2023-results|title=AEW Collision: Fight for the Fallen 2023 Results|author=AEW staff|publisher=]|work=]|date=August 19, 2023|access-date=September 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901163231/https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-collision-fight-for-the-fallen-2023-results|archive-date=September 1, 2023|url-status=live|quote="And Tony Khan has just made it official. Next Sunday at All In: London, for the "Real World Championship", CM Punk against Samoa Joe," added Kevin Kelly.}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Fox2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/buzzer/story/cm-punk-wwe-doctor-suing-1-million-for-defamation-022115|title=Report: WWE doctor suing CM Punk for $1 million for defamation|date=February 21, 2015|access-date=July 12, 2017|work=]}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Guzzo2021">{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cm-punk-face-eddie-kingston-aew-full-gear-2021|title=CM Punk To Face Eddie Kingston At AEW Full Gear 2021|website=Fightful.com|first=Gisberto|last=Guzzo|date=November 5, 2021|accessdate=November 7, 2021}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Guzzo2022">{{cite web|last1=Guzzo|first1=Gisberto|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cm-punk-loses-first-wrestling-match-january-2014-22-aew-dynamite|title=CM Punk Loses First Wrestling Match Since January 2014 On 2/2 AEW Dynamite|website=Fightful.com|date=February 2, 2022|access-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203034719/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cm-punk-loses-first-wrestling-match-january-2014-22-aew-dynamite|archive-date=February 3, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Holland2017">{{cite news|last=Holland|first=Jesse|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2017/12/6/16742334/pic-cm-punk-earns-bjj-blue-belt-ahead-ufc-return-mma|title=Pic: CM Punk earns BJJ blue belt ahead of UFC return|website=MMAmania.com|date=December 6, 2017|access-date=June 9, 2018}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Hoops2006">{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/day-pro-wrestling-history-low-ki-vs-devitt-punk-wins-ovw-title-muto-wins-iwgp-belt | title=On this day in pro wrestling history: Low Ki vs. Dewitt, Punk wins OVW title, Mutoh wins IWGP belt, Bret wins NA title, Dibiase & Dr. Death, Sheik, Watts, Fargos | date=May 3, 2015 | access-date=February 14, 2020 | last=Hoops |first=Brian | publisher=] | archive-date=April 10, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410152450/https://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/day-pro-wrestling-history-low-ki-vs-devitt-punk-wins-ovw-title-muto-wins-iwgp-belt | url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Johnson2019">{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=Mike|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/129990/the-colt-cabana-vs-cm-punk-lawsuit-is-over-full-details.html|title=The Colt Cabana vs. CM Punk lawsuit is over, full details|date=September 29, 2019|access-date=September 30, 2019|website=PWInsider.com}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Johnson2022">{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Mike |title=Lots of stories of backstage fight at AEW PPV, here is what we know |url=https://pwinsider.com/article/162804/lots-of-stories-of-backstage-fight-at-aew-ppv-here-is-what-we-know.html?p=1 |access-date=September 6, 2022 |work=PWInsider.com |date=September 5, 2022}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Kolur2018">{{cite magazine|last=Kolur|first=Nihal|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2018/06/05/cm-punk-wins-civil-lawsuit-against-wwe-dr-chris-amann|title=CM Punk Wins Civil Lawsuit Against WWE Dr. Chris Amann|magazine=]|publisher=]|date=June 5, 2018|access-date=June 5, 2018}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="KreikenbohmOVW">{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=80&page=4&promotion=11|title=CM Punk - matches - Ohio Valley Wrestling|access-date=December 15, 2023|website=Cagematch.net|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Lambert2023">{{cite web|last1=Lambert|first1=Jeremy|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cm-punk-defeats-samoa-joe-retains-real-aew-world-title-aew-all|title=CM Punk Defeats Samoa Joe, Retains 'Real' AEW World Title At AEW All In|website=Fightful.com|date=August 27, 2023|access-date=August 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828163113/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cm-punk-defeats-samoa-joe-retains-real-aew-world-title-aew-all|archive-date=August 28, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Lindner2012">{{cite web|last=Lindner|first=Matt|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/music/post/_/id/988/cm-punk-lives-dream-sings-at-cubs-game|title=CM Punk lives dream, sings at Cubs game|date=May 10, 2012|access-date=May 25, 2017|publisher=]|website=]}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Mahjouri2022">{{cite web|last1=Mahjouri |first1=Shakiel|title=AEW world champion CM Punk to undergo surgery, interim titleholder to be crowned at Forbidden Door PPV|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/aew-world-champion-cm-punk-to-undergo-surgery-interim-titleholder-to-be-crowned-at-forbidden-door-ppv/|website=]|date=June 4, 2022 |access-date=June 4, 2022}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Markazi2016">{{cite web|last=Markazi|first=Arash|author-link=Arash Markazi|url=http://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/17517856/ufc-203-cm-punk-inspiration-loss-mickey-gall|title=CM Punk should be an inspiration despite loss at UFC 203|publisher=]|website=]|date=September 11, 2016|access-date=April 15, 2017}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Martin2005">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1126810379.shtml|title=OVW Notes: Puder finishes up, Kennedy heads home & CM Punk debuts|access-date=May 22, 2009|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=September 15, 2005|work=Wrestleview.com|archive-date=February 24, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224004124/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1126810379.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Meltzer2018">{{cite web|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/amann-seeking-over-4-million-damages-punk-cabana-259101|title=Amann seeking over $4 million in damages from Punk & Cabana|website=]|date=June 5, 2018|access-date=June 5, 2018}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Meltzer2021">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2021/08/22/summerslam-wwe-aew-cm-punk-competition|title=Stars Shine As WWE and AEW Ramp Up Competition|magazine=]|first=Dave|last=Meltzer|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=August 22, 2021|accessdate=August 23, 2021}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Moore2018">{{cite web|last=Moore|first=Evan F.|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/colt-cabana-cm-punk-contract-legal-fees-lawsuit/|title=Colt Cabana sues CM Punk over legal fees|date=August 9, 2018|access-date=August 11, 2018|work=]}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Mueller2023">{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10082834-aew-collision-battle-of-the-belts-vii-results-winners-grades-reaction-highlights|title=AEW Collision, Battle of the Belts VII Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction, Highlights|website=BleacherReport.com|first=Chris|last=Mueller|access-date=July 30, 2023}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Nason2019">{{cite web|last=Nason|first=Josh|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/cm-punk-files-countersuit-against-colt-cabana-legal-fees-battle-286786|title=CM Punk files countersuit against Colt Cabana in legal fees battle|date=June 26, 2019|access-date=September 30, 2019|website=]}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="ovwresults05">{{Cite web |title=Events " Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) " Promotions Database " CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |work=cagematch.net |access-date=February 18, 2019 |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=8&nr=11&page=4&name=&vDay=&vMonth=&vYear=2005&showtype=&location=&arena=®ion= |archive-date=February 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218204745/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=8&nr=11&page=4&name=&vDay=&vMonth=&vYear=2005&showtype=&location=&arena=®ion= |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
<ref name="OVWTagWin">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/ovw/sixflags.html#072806|title=Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom drawing 500|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009170422/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/ovw/sixflags.html|archive-date=October 9, 2007|access-date=June 21, 2014|date=July 28, 2006|work=Ohio Valley Wrestling Six Flag Shows}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="ovwtitles">{{Cite web |title=Title Histories |work=Ohio Valley Wrestling |access-date=March 1, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110726021842/http://ovwrestling.com/titles|url=http://ovwrestling.com/titles|archive-date=July 26, 2011}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Parker2023">{{cite web|last=Parker|first=Tony|url=https://www.thesportster.com/wwe-cm-punk-paul-heyman-history/|title=CM Punk's history with Paul Heyman in WWE, explained|date=December 2023|access-date=December 15, 2023|work=TheSportster.com}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Payne2015">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2015/02/20/wwes-ringside-doctor-is-suing-cm-punk-and-colt-cabana-for-1-million/|title=WWE's ringside doctor is suing CM Punk and Colt Cabana for $1 million|last=Payne|first=Marissa|date=February 20, 2015|newspaper=]|access-date=February 22, 2015}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Pratt2013">{{cite web|last=Pratt|first=Gregory|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2013/06/15/wwe-star-cm-punk-has-tinley-park-ties/|title=WWE star CM Punk has Tinley Park ties|date=June 15, 2013|access-date=May 28, 2017|work=]}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="ProWrestling2012">{{cite web|title=WWE News: C.M. Punk takes a stand for gay marriage, tells homophobic fan to kill himself, later apologizes|url=https://prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/article10025014.shtml|website=ProWrestling.net|date=May 7, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Punk2015">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nhl/2015/05/16/cm-punk-chicago-blackhawks-duncan-keith-chicago-stadium|title=My Town, My Team: Blackhawks fan CM Punk recalls Chicago Stadium|last=Punk|first=CM|date=May 16, 2015|access-date=August 15, 2015|magazine=]}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Punk2020">{{Citation|last=Punk|first=CM|title=CM Punk: I'm an atheist|url=https://coub.com/view/27iysv|access-date=August 24, 2021|website=]|date=2020}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="punkshoot">{{cite video|people=CM Punk|url=http://www.rfvideo.com/browseproducts/Shoot-with-CM-Punk.html|title=Shoot with CM Punk|medium=DVD|publisher=RF Video|date=November 2003|access-date=April 14, 2007|archive-date=January 30, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070130185018/http://www.rfvideo.com/browseproducts/Shoot-with-CM-Punk.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Radican2022">{{cite news |last1=Radican |first1=Sean |title=CM Punk sounds off on Young Bucks and others at All Out media scrum, talks Cabana, more |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/09/05/cm-punk-addresses-his-reported-role-in-getting-cabana-sent-to-roh-sounds-off-on-young-bucks-hangman-page-mjf-and-immature-talent-in-aew/ |access-date=September 6, 2022 |work=] |date=September 5, 2022}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Raimondi2021">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/32058245/cm-punk-makes-pro-wrestling-return-signs-all-elite-wrestling|title=CM Punk makes pro-wrestling return, signs with All Elite Wrestling|publisher=]|website=]|first=Marc|last=Raimondi|date=August 20, 2021|access-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821063530/https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/32058245/cm-punk-makes-pro-wrestling-return-signs-all-elite-wrestling|archive-date=August 21, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Renner2022">{{cite web|last1=Renner|first1=Ethan|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/cm-punk-undergoes-surgery-to-repair-torn-triceps-suffered-at-aew-all-out|title=CM Punk undergoes surgery to repair torn triceps suffered at AEW All Out|publisher=]|date=September 9, 2022|access-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521071019/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/cm-punk-undergoes-surgery-to-repair-torn-triceps-suffered-at-aew-all-out|archive-date=May 21, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Russell2022">{{cite web|last=Russell|first=Skylar|title=AEW World Championship Vacated, New Champion Set To Be Crowned At 9/21 AEW Dynamite Grand Slam|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/aew-title|website=Fightful.com|date=September 7, 2022|access-date=September 8, 2022}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="TMZ2013">{{cite web|last=TMZ|first=TMZ|url=https://www.tmz.com/2013/06/26/cm-punk-wwe-restraining-order-mother-court/|title=WWE Star CM Punk Hits Mom with Restraining Order 'Threats to Commit Suicide'|date=June 26, 2013|access-date=June 26, 2019|work=]}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="VanBoom2022">{{cite web |last1=Van Boom |first1=Daniel |title=Why CM Punk Isn't AEW Champion: Injury and Backstage Fight Explained |url=https://www.cnet.com/culture/entertainment/cm-punks-aew-championship-vacated-after-real-life-backstage-fight/ |website=] |access-date=August 26, 2023}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Vangerburg2015">{{cite news|last=Vangerburg|first=Marcus|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/wwe-physician-slaps-cm-punk-with-defamation-lawsuit-221755871.html|title=WWE physician slaps CM Punk with defamation lawsuit for podcast|work=]|date=February 20, 2015|access-date=May 27, 2017}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Williamson2023">{{Cite web|last1=Williamson|first1=Harriet|url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/06/18/aew-collision-cm-punk-lgbtq-youth/|title=AEW's CM Punk returns with show of LGBTQ solidarity|work=]|date=June 18, 2023|access-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703155252/https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/06/18/aew-collision-cm-punk-lgbtq-youth/|archive-date=July 3, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="WWE2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/wwe-addresses-cm-punk-allegations|title=WWE addresses CM Punk's allegations|date=February 20, 2015|publisher=]|website=].com|access-date=April 6, 2016}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="wwebio">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/superstars/cmpunk|title=CM Punk|access-date=June 30, 2018|publisher=]|website=].com}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="WWEOVW">{{cite web|title=WWE to cease affiliation with Ohio Valley Wrestling|publisher=]|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2008/2008_02_07.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080309213846/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2008/2008_02_07.jsp|archive-date=March 9, 2008|date=February 7, 2008|access-date=May 15, 2009}}</ref> | |||
{{Persondata | |||
|NAME=Brooks, Phil | |||
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=CM Punk (ring name) | |||
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=Professional wrestler | |||
|DATE OF BIRTH=], ] | |||
|PLACE OF BIRTH=], ] | |||
|DATE OF DEATH= | |||
|PLACE OF DEATH= | |||
}} | }} | ||
== External links == | |||
{{commons category}} | |||
* {{WWE superstar}} | |||
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}} | |||
* {{Sherdog}} | |||
* {{IMDb name|nm1516006|Phil Brooks}} | |||
{{CM Punk}} | |||
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|list1= | |||
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{{Grand Slam-Triple Crown Champions}} | |||
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{{The ECW Originals}} | |||
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}} | |||
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Punk, CM}} | |||
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Latest revision as of 10:58, 9 January 2025
American professional wrestler (born 1978)
CM Punk | |
---|---|
Punk in 2022 | |
Born | Phillip Jack Brooks (1978-10-26) October 26, 1978 (age 46) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
Occupations |
|
Years active |
|
Spouse |
AJ Lee (m. 2014) |
Professional wrestling career | |
Ring name(s) | CM Punk |
Billed height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
Billed weight | 218 lb (99 kg) |
Billed from | Chicago, Illinois |
Trained by |
|
Debut | October 25, 1997 |
Martial arts career | |
Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
Weight | 170 lb (77 kg) |
Division | Welterweight |
Reach | 73 in (185 cm) |
Team | Roufusport |
Teacher(s) | Head coach: Duke Roufus Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Daniel Wanderley |
Rank | Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Daniel Wanderley |
Mixed martial arts record | |
Total | 2 |
Wins | 0 |
Losses | 1 |
By submission | 1 |
No contests | 1 |
Other information | |
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
Signature | |
Phillip Jack Brooks (born October 26, 1978), better known by his ring name CM Punk, is an American professional wrestler, actor, and former mixed martial artist. As a wrestler, he has been signed to WWE since November 2023, where he performs on the Raw brand. Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential professional wrestlers of all time, his 434-day WWE Championship reign stands recognized as the seventh longest in history.
Brooks began his professional wrestling career on the independent circuit in 1997 and he signed with Ring of Honor (ROH) in 2002, where he won the ROH World Championship once and was inducted into the ROH Hall of Fame in 2022. Brooks signed with WWE in 2005 and won the WWE Championship twice, the World Heavyweight Championship three times, the ECW World Heavyweight Championship once, the WWE Intercontinental Championship once, and the World Tag Team Championship once. He also won both the 2008 and 2009 Money in the Bank ladder matches, making him its only back-to-back winner. He was named Superstar of the Year at the 2011 Slammy Awards and was voted PWI Wrestler of the Year in 2011 and 2012. After becoming disillusioned with WWE, he acrimoniously departed the promotion in 2014 and largely retired from wrestling. From 2019 to 2020, he appeared as a pundit on WWE Backstage. He returned to in-ring performing in August 2021 when he signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he won the AEW World Championship twice, but was fired in September 2023 after multiple backstage controversies. He returned to WWE two months later.
Brooks has used the CM Punk moniker for his entire career. His character has been consistently portrayed as outspoken, confrontational, sharp-tongued, anti-establishment, straight edge, and iconoclastic, most of which are inspired by his real-life self. Depending on his alignment as a hero or villain, he has emphasized different aspects to garner heat and discourse.
Outside of wrestling, Brooks pursued a career in mixed martial arts and joined the welterweight division of the UFC, losing via submission to Mickey Gall in his professional debut at UFC 203 in 2016. He lost his second fight to Mike Jackson via unanimous decision at UFC 225 in 2018, which was later overturned to a no-contest, before he was released. He appears as a part-time color commentator for Cage Fury Fighting Championships and has starred in the horror films Girl on the Third Floor (2019), Rabid (2019), and Jakob's Wife (2021), as well as having a recurring role in the wrestling drama series Heels (2021–2023).
Early life
Phillip Jack Brooks was born in Chicago on October 26, 1978, the son of a housewife and an engineer. He grew up in nearby Lockport, where he attended Lockport Township High School. He has five siblings. His father struggled with alcoholism, which inspired Brooks to follow a straight edge lifestyle from an early age; his mother had bipolar disorder, causing him to become estranged from her. He cites "Rowdy" Roddy Piper as an early influence and the reason he became a wrestler.
Professional wrestling career
Early career; IWA Mid-South (1997–2005)
Brooks' first venture into wrestling was a stint in a backyard wrestling federation called the Lunatic Wrestling Federation with his brother Mike and their friends in the mid-late 1990s. He had his debut match by October 25, 1997, on the eve of his 19th birthday defeating Brawn the Lumberjack. He first started using the ring name CM Punk when he was put into a tag team named the "Chick Magnets" with CM Venom after another performer skipped out on the card; the CM stood for "Chick Magnet". Unlike his friends, Punk genuinely wanted to be a wrestler and saw it as more than simple fun. When the promotion started taking off while doing shows out of a warehouse in Mokena, Illinois, Punk found out that his brother had embezzled thousands of dollars from the small company, causing them to become estranged. They have not spoken since.
After leaving the Lunatic Wrestling Federation, Punk enrolled as a student at the Steel Dominion wrestling school in Chicago, where he was trained by Ace Steel, Danny Dominion and Kevin Quinn to become a professional wrestler. As part of the training, he began wrestling at Steel Domain Wrestling in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1999. It was in the Steel Domain that he met Scott Colton, who soon adopted the ring name Colt Cabana. Punk and Cabana became best friends and spent most of their early career together working in the same independent promotions, as both opponents and tag team partners. In the independents, along with fellow Steel Domain graduates Colt Cabana, Chucke E. Smooth, Adam Pearce, and manager Dave Prazak, Punk formed an alliance named the Gold Bond Mafia.
In 2002, Punk became the International Wrestling Cartel (IWC) Heavyweight Champion, in Monroeville, PA. Punk would compete in the company's Super Indy tournament, but never won the championship.
Punk's home promotion for his early career was considered to be the Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South (IWA Mid-South). During Punk's time in IWA Mid-South, he had high-profile feuds with Colt Cabana and Chris Hero while also rising to the top of the roster, winning the IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Championship twice and the IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship on five separate occasions, beating wrestlers like AJ Styles, Cabana, and Eddie Guerrero in matches for the heavyweight championship. Punk's feud with Hero included a 55-minute Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) match, a 93-minute two out of three falls match and several 60-minute time limit draws. From July 2003 until May 2004, Punk refused to wrestle for IWA Mid-South, explaining this as a protest to Ian Rotten's mistreatment of Chris Hero in the company. However, Hero has stated he believes there were other reasons and Rotten's treatment of him was just an excuse by Punk to stop working for the company. Punk eventually returned to IWA Mid-South and continued to perform as a wrestler and commentator for them until July 2005.
NWA: Total Nonstop Action (2002–2004)
See also: The GatheringPunk made his debut for NWA: Total Nonstop Action alongside his trainer Ace Steel on September 18, 2002, where Punk and Steel defeated Derek Wylde and Jimmy Rave and The Hot Shots (Cassidy O'Reilly and Chase Stevens) in a three-way match to qualify for the tag team Gauntlet for the Gold later in the night, with the winning team facing America's Most Wanted (Chris Harris and James Storm) in a match for the vacant NWA World Tag Team Championship. Punk then returned to TNA in mid-2003, while simultaneously wrestling for Ring of Honor. Upon his full-time signing with TNA, Punk was paired with Julio Dinero as members of Raven's stable The Gathering.
Shortly before a NWA: TNA show on February 25, 2004, Punk had a physical scuffle with Teddy Hart outside of a restaurant that was broken up by Sabu. The altercation reportedly stemmed from an ROH show in which Hart performed three unplanned spots, putting several other wrestlers in danger of injury. Around the time of the scuffle, Punk and Dinero stopped appearing on TNA shows, leading to speculation that he was fired for the incident. However, Punk said the scuffle had no bearing on his TNA career. Brooks said the reason he and Dinero stopped appearing on TNA's pay-per-view events was that TNA officials believed he and Dinero had not connected with the fans as villains, having turned against the popular Raven and instead formed a villainous tag team managed by James Mitchell. The officials decided that since the team was not working as villains, the storyline would be put on hold indefinitely, and thus had no work for Punk or Dinero. Punk officially quit TNA in March 2004 during the Rob Feinstein controversy after having a dispute with the TNA offices over his ability to compete in ROH following a TNA order that their contracted wrestlers were to no longer wrestle in ROH.
Ring of Honor (2002–2006)
Second City Saints (2002–2004)
Main article: Second City SaintsPunk's matches with Colt Cabana led him to being hired by ROH. CM Punk made his in-ring debut on ROH at All Star Extravaganza on November 9, 2002, in a gauntlet match involving five participants, that was won by Bryan Danielson. Initially, Punk joined ROH as a face, trading wins with Cabana at Night of the Butcher and Final Battle. but quickly turned heel in a feud with Raven that featured multiple variants of a no disqualification match. Their rivalry was rooted in Punk's straight-edge lifestyle, with him likening Raven to his alcoholic father; At Night of Champions, Punk and his trainer Ace Steel faced Raven and Cabana in a tag team match, during which Cabana turned on Raven, allowing Punk and Steel to win the match. Consequently, Punk, Steel and Cabana formed a trio called the Second City Saints. Punk and Raven's rivalry lasted most of 2003 and was considered one of ROH's top feuds of the year. It was settled at The Conclusion in November 2003, where Punk defeated Raven in a steel cage match. In late-2003, Punk was hired as the first head trainer of the Ring of Honor wrestling school, having previously been a trainer for the Steel Domain and Primetime Wrestling.
After concluding the rivalry with Raven, the Second City Saints turned face by feuding with The Prophecy (Christopher Daniels, B.J. Whitmer and Dan Maff), suspecting them of attacking Punk's on-screen girlfriend Lucy Fer. Whitmer was revealed to be the assailant, which led to Saints facing Prophecy in a six-man tag team match at The Battle Lines Are Drawn, which ended in a no contest. The match concluded when Punk drove Daniels with a Pepsi Plunge off the top rope through a table, thus explaining Daniels' departure from ROH. Around this time, Punk began climbing the ranks of ROH, including coming in second at the Second Anniversary Show during the tournament to crown the first ROH Pure Champion, losing to AJ Styles in the finals. At Reborn: Stage Two, Punk and Cabana defeated the Briscoe Brothers to win their first ROH Tag Team Championship. At Round Robin Challenge III, the Second City Saints lost the Tag Team Championship to B.J. Whitmer and Dan Maff in a round robin challenge, but defeated the Briscoe Brothers later that night to win their second Tag Team Championship. The Second City Saints avenged their loss to the Prophecy by defeating them to retain the titles at Generation Next. They held the titles throughout the summer before eventually losing them to The Havana Pitbulls at Testing The Limit.
In mid-2004, Punk faced off against ROH World Champion Samoa Joe for the championship in a three-match series. On June 12 at World Title Classic, the first match resulted in a 60-minute time limit draw, when neither Punk nor Joe could pin or cause the other to submit within the allotted 60 minutes. On October 16 at Joe vs. Punk II, they wrestled to a second 60-minute draw. In addition to Joe vs. Punk II becoming Ring of Honor's bestselling DVD at the time, the match received a five-star rating by famed wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. It was the first match in North America to receive a five-star rating in seven years, the last one being the first-ever Hell in a Cell match between Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker at Badd Blood: In Your House in 1997. Joe ended the series by defeating Punk in the third and final match on December 4 at All-Star Extravaganza 2, in which there was a no-time-limit stipulation.
ROH World Champion (2005)
After a try-out match on May 9, 2005, which aired May 15, where he lost to Val Venis on the Sunday Night Heat show, Punk accepted a deal offered by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in June. Though he had accepted the deal, Punk defeated Austin Aries to win the ROH World Championship on June 18 at Death Before Dishonor III. Despite entering the match as a face, immediately after winning the match and the title, Punk proceeded to turn heel and started a storyline where he threatened to take the ROH World Championship to WWE with him. For weeks, Punk teased the ROH locker room and the ROH fans, mocking the championship he possessed, going so far as to sign his WWE contract on top of it. During the storyline, referred to by ROH as the "Summer of Punk", Mick Foley made several ROH appearances, attempting to convince Punk to do the right thing and defend the title on his way out. On August 12, Punk lost the ROH World Championship to James Gibson in a four corner elimination match, which also involved Samoa Joe and Christopher Daniels. Punk's final scheduled match in ROH took place at Punk: The Final Chapter on August 13, 2005, against long-time friend Colt Cabana in a two out of three falls match, which he lost.
Special appearance (2006)
Punk made a special appearance at the ROH show Unscripted II on February 11, 2006, when the original card had to be scrapped due to Low Ki leaving ROH the week prior. In addition, most of the ROH roster contracted to TNA were pulled from the show because of a snowstorm that TNA officials thought might prevent performers from reaching the TNA's Against All Odds event scheduled the next day. In the main event, Punk teamed with Bryan Danielson to defeat Adam Pearce and Jimmy Rave in a tag team match.
Punk was inducted into the ROH Hall of Fame as part of the 2022 inaugural class.
World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE (2005–2014)
Ohio Valley Wrestling (2005–2006)
Upon being signed by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), CM Punk was assigned to its developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), where he was mentored by Paul Heyman. He debuted in September 2005 in a dark match. In his first appearance on OVW TV later that month, Punk suffered a broken nose and ruptured eardrum in a match with Danny Inferno. In November 2005, Punk defeated Ken Doane to win the OVW Television Championship. Immediately thereafter, Punk began to feud with Brent Albright, culminating in a three way dance between Punk, Doane, and Albright in January 2006; after Doane was injured during the match, he was replaced by Aaron "The Idol" Stevens, who won the match and became the new OVW Television Champion. In February 2006, Punk entered into a tournament to crown a new OVW Heavyweight Champion, losing to Albright in the finals. In May 2006, Punk defeated Albright in a strap match to win the OVW Heavyweight Championship. In July 2006, Punk and Seth Skyfire defeated Shad Gaspard and the Neighborhoodie to win the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship, making Punk a double champion. They lost the titles to Deuce Shade and "Domino" Cliff Compton in August 2006. Later that same month, Punk lost the OVW Heavyweight Championship to Chet the Jett. Following his defeat, Punk ceased appearing regularly with OVW, but continued to make sporadic appearances until WWE and OVW ended their developmental partnership on February 7, 2008.
ECW Champion (2006–2008)
On June 24, 2006, Punk made his ECW debut during a house show at the former ECW Arena as a fan favorite, defeating Stevie Richards. He officially made his television debut on the July 4 episode of ECW, cutting a brief pre-taped promo about his straight edge lifestyle, emphasizing the disciplinary aspects of being drug and alcohol free. Although he had retained the straight edge gimmick, he now had a Muay Thai training background. Punk made his television wrestling debut on August 1 at the Hammerstein Ballroom, defeating Justin Credible. Punk quickly established himself in ECW by going undefeated, defeating opponents such as C. W. Anderson, Stevie Richards and Shannon Moore.
Soon after, Punk began feuding with Mike Knox after Knox's on-screen girlfriend Kelly Kelly was seen to have romantic feelings for Punk. Punk defeated Knox in their first singles match on the November 7 episode of ECW as well as a rematch the following week, after which Kelly Kelly celebrated Punk's victory over Knox. At Survivor Series on November 26, Punk had his first pay-per-view match when he teamed with D-Generation X (Shawn Michaels and Triple H) (DX) and the Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt) in their Survivor Series match against Rated-RKO (Edge and Randy Orton), Knox, Johnny Nitro and Gregory Helms, a match in which all the participants on DX's side survived elimination. On December 3 at December to Dismember, Punk participated in the Extreme Elimination Chamber match for the ECW World Championship, but he was the first person eliminated by Rob Van Dam.
On the January 9, 2007, episode of ECW, Punk suffered his first loss in ECW against Hardcore Holly, ending his six-month unbeaten streak in singles competition. He participated in the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 23 on April 1, where he lost. On the April 10 episode of ECW, Punk was involved in the feud between the New Breed, a group of young wrestlers and the ECW Originals, a group of veteran wrestlers from the original ECW. Punk joined the New Breed after several weeks in which both the New Breed and the ECW Originals had attempted to recruit him, seemingly turning heel. However, two weeks later, Punk betrayed the New Breed during a four-on-four tag team match between the New Breed and ECW Originals by kicking New Breed leader Elijah Burke in the back of the head and costing them the match, after which Punk proceeded to deliver his finisher, the "Go to Sleep", maintaining his status as a face in the process. On May 20 at Judgment Day, Punk defeated Burke in his first singles match on a WWE pay-per-view event. Punk then went on to One Night Stand on June 3, teaming up with Tommy Dreamer and The Sandman in a tables match to defeat the New Breed and end the storyline.
When ECW World Champion Bobby Lashley was drafted to Raw and stripped of the championship, a tournament to declare a new champion was held. On June 24, Punk was scheduled to face Chris Benoit in the finals at Vengeance: Night of Champions, but Benoit was replaced by Johnny Nitro due to Benoit no showing because of the double murder and suicide he committed that same weekend. Nitro subsequently defeated Punk for the vacant ECW World Championship. During the following months, Punk faced Nitro (who later changed his ringname to John Morrison) for the title at The Great American Bash on July 22, and SummerSlam on August 26, where he lost to Morrison both times.
On the September 4 episode of ECW, Punk defeated Morrison in a last chance match to win the ECW Championship. In the following months, Punk went on to have successful title defenses against the likes of Elijah Burke at Unforgiven on September 16, Big Daddy V via disqualification at No Mercy on October 7, and The Miz at Cyber Sunday on October 28. On the November 6 episode of ECW, Punk retained the ECW Championship in a match against Morrison following The Miz's interference. On November 18 at Survivor Series, Punk retained the title in a triple threat match against The Miz and Morrison. On the January 22, 2008, episode of ECW, Punk lost the ECW Championship to Chavo Guerrero in a no disqualification match after Edge speared him, ending his reign at 143 days.
World Heavyweight Champion (2008–2009)
On March 30 at WrestleMania XXIV, Punk won the Money in the Bank ladder match after defeating Carlito, Chris Jericho, John Morrison, Montel Vontavious Porter, Mr. Kennedy and Shelton Benjamin, earning him a shot at either the WWE, World Heavyweight, or ECW titles at any time. At Judgment Day on May 18, Punk teamed with Kane to unsuccessfully challenge John Morrison and The Miz for the WWE Tag Team Championship.
On June 23, Punk was drafted to the Raw brand during the 2008 WWE draft. In his first night on Raw the following week, Punk cashed in his Money in the Bank contract after Batista beat down World Heavyweight Champion Edge and won the title, making his first defense later that same night against John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL), who had challenged him shortly after his win. Punk continued to hold and defend the title (against the likes of Batista on July 20 at The Great American Bash and the July 21 episode of Raw, and JBL at SummerSlam on August 17) until Unforgiven on September 7, when he was attacked by The Legacy and Randy Orton, who punted Punk in the head before the Championship scramble match, ending his reign at 69 days. Punk could not participate in the match due to the attack and so was forced to forfeit the title, being replaced by Chris Jericho, who won the match and the title. On the September 15 episode of Raw, Punk received his title rematch, but failed to regain the title in a steel cage match against Jericho.
On the October 27 episode of Raw, Punk and Kofi Kingston defeated Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase to win the World Tag Team Championship. The duo were members of Team Batista on November 23 at Survivor Series, where their team lost to Team Orton after Rhodes eliminated Punk. Punk then entered a number one contender Intercontinental Championship tournament, defeating Snitsky and John Morrison in the first two rounds. Punk and Kingston lost the World Tag Team Championship to John Morrison and The Miz on December 13 at a live event. The next day at Armageddon on December 14, Punk defeated Rey Mysterio in the tournament finals. On the January 5, 2009, episode of Raw, Punk received his title match against William Regal, which ended in a disqualification when Regal grabbed the referee's jersey. Due to this, Stephanie McMahon awarded Punk a rematch the following week on Raw, but this time Punk got disqualified. McMahon awarded him another rematch, a no disqualification match on the January 19 episode of Raw, where Punk defeated Regal to win the Intercontinental Championship. With this win, Punk became the 19th WWE Triple Crown Champion and the fastest ever to accomplish the feat, surpassing Kevin Nash's old record of 203 days. Punk lost the Intercontinental Championship on the March 9 episode of Raw to John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL). On April 5 at WrestleMania 25, Punk won the Money in the Bank ladder match and became the first person to win the match twice. On April 13 during the 2009 WWE draft, Punk was drafted to the SmackDown brand. In the period after the draft, Punk feuded with Umaga over Umaga's repeated surprise attacks while Punk was attempting to cash in his Money in the Bank contract, ultimately resulting in a Samoan strap match at Extreme Rules on June 7, which was won by Punk.
Later that night, Punk cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to defeat Jeff Hardy for the World Heavyweight Championship immediately after Hardy won the title from Edge in a ladder match. Punk made his first successful title defense in a triple threat match against both Edge and Hardy on the June 15 episode of Raw. On June 28 at The Bash, Punk retained the title even though he lost to Hardy by disqualification (because titles do not change hands on a disqualification) after kicking the referee. As part of the storyline, Punk injured his eye and said that he could not see the referee, but Hardy called his eye injury into question, believing it to be feigned, with Punk claiming to be the moral superior of those who support Hardy, due to his drug-free lifestyle, resulting in Punk turning heel in the process. On July 26 at Night of Champions, Punk lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Hardy. Their feud continued through SummerSlam on August 23, when Punk regained the title in a TLC match only to be attacked by The Undertaker.
On the August 28 episode of SmackDown, Punk concluded his feud with Hardy and achieved his booked goal of excising him from WWE, defeating Hardy in a steel cage match to retain the World Heavyweight Championship wherein the loser agreed to leave the company. On September 13 at Breaking Point, Punk defeated The Undertaker in a submission match to retain the World Heavyweight Championship. The Undertaker originally won the match with his "Hell's Gate" submission hold, but SmackDown general manager Theodore Long restarted the match after stating that the ban that former SmackDown general manager Vickie Guerrero had placed on the move a year earlier was still in effect and Punk won the match with the anaconda vise when referee Scott Armstrong called for the bell despite Undertaker never submitting (eerily reminiscent to the Montreal Screwjob, which took place in the same venue in 1997). The feud between the two continued and on October 4 at Hell in a Cell, Punk lost the World Heavyweight Championship to The Undertaker in convincing fashion in a Hell in a Cell match. Punk went on to lose two subsequent rematches for the World Heavyweight Championship against The Undertaker on the October 23 SmackDown and on October 25 at Bragging Rights in a fatal four-way match also involving Batista and Rey Mysterio.
Straight Edge Society (2009–2010)
Main article: Straight Edge SocietyIn late-2009, CM Punk's character began taking on a more sinister direction. On the November 27 episode of SmackDown, Punk revealed that he had converted Luke Gallows, who had previously been portrayed as the mentally incompetent wrestler Festus, to the straight-edge lifestyle which had subsequently rid him of his mental troubles. Throughout January 2010, Punk began to convert planted members of the audience to a straight-edge lifestyle, making them take a pledge of allegiance to him and shaving their head as a sign of renewal and devotion. After converting many people who were not seen again, convert Serena began accompanying Punk and Gallows to form The Straight Edge Society. As well as leading this alliance, Punk was also the mentor of NXT rookie Darren Young, who flirted with the idea of becoming straight edge, before refusing just before his head was to be shaved. Punk would also give sermons, including during the annual Royal Rumble match on January 31, as well as during an Elimination Chamber match for the World Heavyweight Championship on February 21 at both of the eponymous pay-per-view events.
During the first half of 2010, Punk feuded with Rey Mysterio, being eliminated by him during the Elimination Chamber match. After Mysterio prevented him from winning a Money in the Bank qualifying match, Punk interrupted Mysterio's celebration of his daughter Aalyah's ninth birthday. Mysterio and Punk faced each other in a match at WrestleMania XXVI on March 28, where if Mysterio lost, he would join the Straight Edge Society, but Punk lost to Mysterio at WrestleMania. They had a rematch at Extreme Rules the following month on April 25 where Punk would have to shave his head like his disciples if he lost, but he won this match after interference from Joey Mercury, a fourth member of the Straight Edge Society. On May 23 at Over The Limit, a third and final match between Punk and Mysterio was booked with both stipulations reactivated, but Punk lost and was subsequently shaved bald. After the match, Punk began wearing a black mask, since he considered himself always pure unlike his followers and was embarrassed by his baldness.
On June 20, 2010, at WWE Fatal 4-Way, Punk challenged for the World Heavyweight Championship against Mysterio, Big Show and the champion Jack Swagger, but he was unsuccessful when he was attacked by Kane, who was accusing various people of attacking The Undertaker. Punk and his stable started a feud with Big Show when on the July 16 episode of SmackDown, Big Show unmasked Punk. Big Show faced the Straight Edge Society in a three-on-one handicap match on August 15 at SummerSlam, winning the match after Punk abandoned his teammates. The next month, at Night of Champions on September 19, Punk lost to Big Show in a singles match. The Straight Edge Society angle ended after Serena was released from WWE and Mercury became injured, and Punk defeated Gallows in a singles match on the September 24 SmackDown.
The New Nexus (2010–2011)
Main article: The New NexusIn October 2010, Punk was traded back to the Raw brand after being swapped with Edge and took part in the interbrand tag team match on October 24 at Bragging Rights after defeating Evan Bourne to win a place, but Team Raw lost as Punk was eliminated by Rey Mysterio. During the event, Punk suffered a hip injury that prevented him from wrestling for several months. To keep a presence on television, he began commentating on Raw on November 22.
At the end of December 2010, Punk left the commentary team after assaulting John Cena on the December 20 episode of Raw and the December 21 episode of SmackDown with a chair. Punk later revealed that his motives for the attacks were that he had joined and assumed control of The Nexus. Punk then made each member of the group prove themselves worthy of a spot, with some instead choosing to join The Corre, which had been started by former Nexus leader Wade Barrett on SmackDown.
On January 30, 2011, Punk and The New Nexus cost Randy Orton his match with The Miz for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble as a revenge for Orton prematurely ending Punk's first World Heavyweight Championship reign in 2008. In turn, Orton responded by taking out all of the New Nexus members by punting them in the head, leaving Punk alone as the sole surviving member of the group. This led to a match at WrestleMania XXVII on April 3 and a Last Man Standing match on May 1 at Extreme Rules, both of which Punk lost.
WWE Champion (2011–2013)
In June 2011, after pinning WWE Champion John Cena on the June 13 episode of Raw, Rey Mysterio at Capitol Punishment on June 19, and finally Alberto Del Rio in a number one contender's triple threat match (which also included Mysterio) all within one week, Punk revealed that his WWE contract was set to expire on July 17 at Money in the Bank and vowed to leave the company with the WWE Championship. On the June 27, 2011, edition of Raw, CM Punk made a scathing, yet highly acclaimed on-air speech, often referred to as the "Pipe Bomb", concerning the way in which WWE is run and its owner Vince McMahon, as well as referencing other promotions, such as Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Due to this, Punk was given a (in-storyline) suspension from televised WWE events. Punk was later reinstated upon Cena's insistence. Upon his return, Punk ceased to appear with the remaining members of The New Nexus and the group quietly dissolved, turning Punk face. At Money in the Bank, Punk defeated Cena to become the WWE Champion on his final night under contract with WWE. The match received a five-star rating from Dave Meltzer, marking Punk's second performance to attain a five-star rating, and the first WWE match to receive such a rating since 1997.
On July 21, Punk made a surprise appearance at a joint WWE–Mattel panel at San Diego Comic-Con, where he mocked new chief operating officer Triple H, and offered WWE Championship tournament finalist Rey Mysterio a match for the WWE Championship as long as it was in Punk's hometown of Chicago. Punk appeared at July 23's All American Wrestling show, showing respect to Gregory Iron, a wrestler with cerebral palsy. Mysterio won the WWE Championship tournament on the July 25 episode of Raw only to lose it to Cena later that night. After Cena's victory, Punk returned and upstaged Cena's celebration while also entering a title dispute. Triple H later upheld both Punk and Cena's claims to the WWE Championship as legitimate and scheduled the two to a match at SummerSlam on August 14 to decide the undisputed WWE Champion, with Triple H to serve as the special guest referee. At SummerSlam, Punk defeated Cena, but he lost the title minutes later to Alberto Del Rio, who had cashed in his Money in the Bank contract after Kevin Nash attacked Punk.
The following months, Punk lost at Night of Champions on September 18 against Triple H, at Hell in a Cell on October 2 in a WWE Championship triple threat Hell in a Cell match, and at Vengeance on October 23 against The Miz and R-truth in a tag team match with Triple H as his partner. This helped transition Punk's anti-establishment voice from Triple H to John Laurinaitis, who, around this time, became the interim Raw general manager. Punk balked at Laurinaitis' promotion and verbally attacked him as a dull yes man.
At Survivor Series on November 20, Punk defeated Del Rio to win his second WWE Championship. Punk went on to defend the title through the end of the year, retaining in a rematch with Del Rio on the November 28 episode of Raw SuperShow and against both Del Rio and The Miz in a triple threat TLC match on December 18 at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs. At the Royal Rumble on January 29, 2012, Punk successfully defended his title against Ziggler despite Laurinaitis acting as the outside enforcer.
On the January 30 episode of Raw SuperShow, the returning Chris Jericho attacked Punk and Daniel Bryan during their Champion vs. Champion match, giving Bryan the win. The following week on Raw SuperShow, Jericho explained his actions by dismissing the WWE roster as cheap imitations of himself and singling out Punk for calling himself "the best in the world", a moniker Jericho used the last time he was in WWE. Their rivalry continued through Elimination Chamber on February 19, when Punk retained the WWE Championship in the namesake structure, but while four competitors were eliminated, Jericho was unable to continue the match after being kicked out of the chamber by Punk, causing temporary injury. The next night on Raw SuperShow, Jericho earned a match against Punk on April 1 at WrestleMania XXVIII and in a bid to psychologically unsettle him, revealed that Punk's father was an alcoholic and alleged that his sister was a drug addict, asserting that Punk's straight edge philosophy was paranoia to avoid the same vices and vowing to make Punk turn to alcohol by winning the title from him. John Laurinaitis added the stipulation that the WWE Championship could change hands via disqualification, which led to Jericho inciting Punk into using a weapon, but Punk resisted and retained the title. On the April 2 and 9 episodes of Raw SuperShow, Punk retained the WWE Championship against Mark Henry after losing to him via countout and disqualification, being attacked by Jericho following both matches and doused with alcohol. On the April 16 episode of Raw SuperShow, Punk pinned Henry in a no disqualification, no countout match to retain the title. After repeated altercations, the feud between Jericho and Punk culminated in a Chicago street fight on April 29 at Extreme Rules, where Punk defeated Jericho to retain the WWE Championship.
On May 20 at Over the Limit, Punk retained the title against Daniel Bryan after reversing Bryan's submission hold the ""Yes!" Lock" into a pinning combination, as the pinfall saved Punk from his own submission only moments later. Shortly before Over the Limit, Bryan interfered in a non-title match between Punk and Kane to frame Punk for attacking Kane with a steel chair, starting a three-way rivalry. On the June 1 episode of SmackDown, a WWE Championship match between Punk and Kane ended in a double disqualification after Bryan attacked both men. Meanwhile, Bryan's jilted ex-girlfriend AJ Lee turned her affections to both Punk and Kane. This feud culminated in a triple threat match on June 17 at No Way Out, where Punk managed to retain the title after AJ distracted Kane. On July 15 at Money in the Bank, Punk defeated Bryan in a no disqualification match with AJ as special guest referee to retain the title and end the feud.
On July 23 at Raw 1000, Punk defended the title against Money in the Bank winner John Cena and lost by disqualification after interference from Big Show. When the night's special guest The Rock – who had interrupted Punk earlier to announce he would wrestle for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble on January 27, 2013 – intervened to save Cena from Big Show's assault, Punk attacked The Rock, turning heel in the process. Punk justified his actions the following week on Raw, explaining he was tired of people like Cena and The Rock overshadowing him when the WWE Champion should be the focus of the company, asserting himself further soon after by disrupting a number one contender's match between Cena and Big Show. As a result, both men were entered into the title match against Punk on August 19 at SummerSlam, where he successfully retained the title by pinning Big Show after both Punk and Cena submitted Big Show at the same time and Raw general manager AJ Lee restarted the match. In the following weeks on Raw, Punk demanded respect from people like AJ Lee, Jerry Lawler and Bret Hart and eventually aligned with Paul Heyman in his feud with Cena. On September 16 at Night of Champions, Punk retained the WWE Championship after he fought Cena to a draw. Punk continued to feud with Cena despite the latter's arm injury, rejecting the requests of Mick Foley and Jim Ross to pick him as his Hell in a Cell opponent on October 28 and leading to a brawl with WWE chairman Vince McMahon. Cena was eventually pulled from the title match and replaced by Ryback, whom Punk would defeat at Hell in a Cell in a Hell in a Cell match with help from referee Brad Maddox to retain the title and also ending Ryback's thirty-eight match undefeated streak.
The next night on Raw, a furious Mick Foley confronted Punk for refusing to pick John Cena as his Hell in a Cell opponent, leading the two to agree to meet at Survivor Series on November 18 in a Survivor Series match with Punk choosing Alberto Del Rio, Cody Rhodes, Damien Sandow and The Miz for his team. However, Punk was replaced as captain by Dolph Ziggler the following week on Raw and was instead booked in a triple threat WWE Championship match against John Cena and Ryback by Vince McMahon. At Survivor Series, Punk won the match by pinning Cena following interference from the debuting faction called The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins), allowing him to retain the WWE Championship and officially hold the championship for one full year. On December 4, Punk underwent surgery to repair a partially torn meniscus, removing him from his scheduled title match against Ryback on December 16 at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs. Despite his injury, Punk became the longest-reigning WWE Champion in the past 25 years on December 5, when he hit 381 days, surpassing John Cena's 380-day reign. Punk returned to in-ring action on the January 7, 2013, episode of Raw, retaining the WWE Championship against Ryback in a TLC match following interference from The Shield.
On January 27 at the Royal Rumble, Punk defended the WWE Championship against The Rock in a match that stipulated that Punk would be stripped of the title if The Shield interfered. Punk originally pinned The Rock to retain after The Shield put Rock through a table while the arena lights were out, leading Vince McMahon to come out and announce that Punk would be stripped of the title, but he instead restarted the match at The Rock's request. Punk lost, ending his reign at 434 days. WWE recognized this reign as the longest world championship reign in WWE of the "modern era" (after 1988) until Universal Champion Brock Lesnar broke that record in June 2018. Punk received a title rematch with The Rock on February 17 at Elimination Chamber, stipulated that The Rock would lose the title if he was disqualified or counted out, but Punk was pinned by The Rock after miscommunication with Heyman. On the February 25 episode of Raw, Punk faced Royal Rumble winner John Cena for his number one contendership to the WWE Championship, but he lost.
Final storylines (2013–2014)
On the March 4 episode of Raw, Punk defeated Big Show, Randy Orton and Sheamus in a fatal four-way match to earn the right to face The Undertaker at WrestleMania 29 on April 7. After the real-life death of Paul Bearer, The Undertaker's former manager the next day, a somewhat controversial storyline involving Punk regularly spiting The Undertaker through displays of flippancy and disrespect towards Bearer's death began, including Punk stealing Bearer's trademark urn. At WrestleMania, Punk was defeated by The Undertaker. Punk then took a two-month hiatus away from WWE television to recover from injuries.
Punk returned at Payback on June 16, defeating Chris Jericho. Punk started a storyline where he told Heyman to no longer accompany him to his matches and was later attacked by Heyman's other client Brock Lesnar, thus turning Punk face once again. Heyman also cost Punk a WWE Championship Money in the Bank ladder match at Money in the Bank on July 14 when Heyman attacked Punk. This led to a match between Punk and Lesnar at SummerSlam on August 18, when Punk lost to Lesnar in a No Disqualification match after Heyman interfered. His feud with Heyman continued during the following months, facing his other client, the Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel. First, at Night of Champions on September 15, Punk faced Axel and Heyman in a no disqualification two-on-one handicap elimination match in which he made Axel submit, leaving only Heyman left, but Punk lost the match after Ryback interfered and put him through a table. Then on October 6, Punk defeated Ryback at Battleground and the feud ended at Hell in a Cell on October 27, where Punk faced Heyman and Ryback in a two-on-one handicap Hell in a Cell match, winning the match by pinning Ryback and after the match performing a "Go to Sleep" to Heyman on top of the cell.
Punk moved on to a feud with The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Erick Rowan and Luke Harper), forming an alliance with Daniel Bryan, with the duo defeating Harper and Rowan in a tag team match on November 24 at Survivor Series. The next night on Raw, Punk was attacked by The Shield while attempting to save Bryan from being "taken hostage" by The Wyatt Family. Punk then insinuated that The Authority, a villainous group who controlled WWE led by Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, ordered the attack, which resulted in the Director of Operations Kane booking Punk in a three-on-one handicap match against The Shield at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs on December 15. At TLC, Punk won the match after Reigns accidentally performed a spear on Ambrose. After further altercations between Punk and Kane, Kane made Punk the first entrant in the annual Royal Rumble match on January 26, 2014. At the Royal Rumble, near the end of the match, Kane, who was already eliminated earlier in the match by Punk, eliminated Punk from the outside and proceeded to perform a chokeslam on him through the announce table.
Initial retirement (2014)
"I was sick and hurt and burnt out, and I walked. And I can do that because I'm an independent contractor".
— In a December 2014 interview, Punk explains why he left WWE earlier that year
Punk did not appear on the January 27, 2014, episode of Raw, nor did he appear at the SmackDown taping on Tuesday despite being advertised for both events. By Wednesday, WWE.com stopped advertising Punk for future events. The Wrestling Observer reported that on Monday and prior to Raw, Punk had legitimately walked out after telling Vince McMahon and Triple H that he was "going home". On February 20 during a conference call to investors, McMahon said Punk was "taking a sabbatical". On the March 3 episode of Raw, which took place in Punk's hometown of Chicago, WWE acknowledged his absence on television for the first time when the show started with Punk's entrance music playing, only for former manager Paul Heyman to walk out to a loud chorus of boos. WWE then proceeded to remove Punk from footage of their promotional videos. This lasted until the first half of July, where WWE used footage of Punk to promote the WWE Network. In an interview published in late May, Punk was asked how it felt "to be retired at 35" and replied that "it feels good". On July 15, WWE.com officially moved Punk from the active roster to the alumni section of their page without releasing a statement. On the same day, Punk thanked his fans without mentioning WWE. In late July, Punk said that he was "never ever" going to return to wrestling.
When Punk told doctor that he wrestled with a staph infection for three months, Punk said doctor told him: "You should be dead. You could have died".
— The Pro Wrestling Torch documents the Punk interview released in November 2014
On an episode of Colt Cabana's Art of Wrestling podcast released in November 2014, Punk finally broke his silence regarding his exit from WWE. In a detailed interview, Punk said that he was suspended for two months after walking out on WWE in January and that after the suspension ended, nobody from WWE contacted him. Punk also said WWE executives gave him a run-around when he reached out to them for unpaid royalties until he was ultimately handed his termination papers and was fired by WWE on his wedding day on June 13, 2014. The manner of firing was the last straw for Punk, stating that he would never return to WWE and that there would be no further working relationship between him and WWE following a legal settlement. The settlement included Punk giving WWE permission to sell his remaining merchandise.
Punk cited his health as the main reason he left WWE, describing that during his final months in WWE, he had been working through an untreated and potentially fatal MRSA infection (Punk later acknowledged on the witness stand that he was not diagnosed with an MRSA staph infection, but that a physician's assistant said he exhibited certain symptoms consistent with an ordinary staph infection), broken ribs, injured knees and multiple concussions, including one at the 2014 Royal Rumble, as well as having lost his appetite and ability to sleep well. Punk felt that WWE was pressuring and rushing him to wrestle before fully recovering. According to Punk, he found a lump on his back in November 2013, and it was diagnosed as a "fatty deposit" by Dr. Chris Amann, who refused to remove it despite Punk's repeated requests. The week after Punk left WWE, his wife April Mendez convinced him to get the lump checked by her doctor. The doctor told Punk that he could have died due to ignoring it for such a long time. Punk had the doctor evacuate the infection, describing it as the worst pain in his life, but said that once it was treated and he was on stronger medication, he was able to sleep better than he had in months.
Other sources of unhappiness Punk had with WWE were his failure to main event a WrestleMania (deeming his entire career to be a failure as a result), being paid less than the other wrestlers in the three most significant matches of WrestleMania 29, doing favors for Vince McMahon and not being owed back, being "creatively stifled", feeling that there were no long-term plans for wrestlers other than John Cena, as well as receiving less pay and not getting answers as to how the advent of the WWE Network would affect wrestlers' salaries. Lastly, Punk described having left with "zero passion" for wrestling and described himself at the time of the interview to be the happiest he had ever been in many years.
Less than one week later, while being interviewed on The Steve Austin Show on the WWE Network, Vince McMahon apologized to Punk for the manner of his termination, which he regarded as an unfortunate coincidence due to a lack of communication within the company. McMahon also said that he was open to working with Punk again. In a second Art of Wrestling podcast, Punk publicly rejected McMahon's apology, brushing it off as "insincere" and a "publicity stunt" as McMahon did not contact him directly to apologize and could have apologized much earlier.
Post-retirement appearances (2015–2020)
Punk's first known appearance at a professional wrestling event following his exit from WWE was at a Freelance Wrestling show on December 4, 2015, titled "Raw Power." Draped in a cloak and referred to by announcers as Kikutaro's "nameless mentor", Punk managed Kikutaro in a match against Darin Corbin and Dick Justice. He tossed around salt before the match but did not get involved in the match itself.
On April 19, 2019, Punk appeared in a masked disguise at an event held by independent promotion MKE Wrestling, where he helped Ace Steel win a match by attacking his opponent with the GTS. While it was implied to be Punk by promotion owner Silas Young, nothing was confirmed by Punk.
On November 12, 2019, Punk made a surprise appearance on the Fox Sports 1 series WWE Backstage. He subsequently joined the program as a special contributor and analyst. Punk accepted the job because he would be under contract with Fox instead of WWE directly, and hoped it would help him find his way back into the wrestling business. Regarding an in-ring return, he was not interested but not opposed to the idea, noting it was "a bridge that is gonna have to be built." Production of WWE Backstage was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently suspended by Fox in June 2020, later being canceled as a series entirely by 2021.
All Elite Wrestling (2021–2023)
Initial debut and AEW World Champion (2021–2022)
On August 20, 2021, Punk made his debut for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) at The First Dance event on Rampage, challenging Darby Allin to a match at the All Out pay-per-view event. This marked Punk's official return to professional wrestling after a seven-year retirement. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer said, "Punk's appearance in his home city drew one of the most amazing audience reactions to a pro wrestler in U.S. history. The reaction was compared to Montreal's reaction to Hulk Hogan in 2002 shortly after his WWE return, or the reaction to Triple H in Madison Square Garden a few months before that upon his return from a torn quad." Punk won the match against Allin at All Out on September 5. Following a brief feud with Eddie Kingston, whom Punk defeated at Full Gear on November 13, Punk experienced his first defeat in AEW in February 2022, losing to MJF in a singles match on Dynamite after months of feuding between the two. Punk defeated MJF on March 6 at Revolution in a Dog Collar match.
At Double or Nothing on May 29, 2022, Punk defeated Adam Page to win the AEW World Championship. Five days after winning the title, Punk announced on the June 3 episode of Rampage that he was taking a hiatus from competing to recover from a foot injury, but that he would remain champion. Jon Moxley was crowned as interim champion in Punk's place at AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door on June 26. At the Quake by the Lake special episode of Dynamite on August 10, Punk made his return and confronted Moxley, igniting a title dispute. A match to determine the undisputed AEW World Champion took place on the August 24 episode of Dynamite, which Moxley won quickly. After accepting Moxley's open challenge for anyone to face him on September 4 at All Out, Punk defeated Moxley at All Out to win the AEW World Championship for the second time.
Suspensions and departure (2022–2023)
During the post-event media scrum, Punk addressed rumors that he had attempted to get Colt Cabana fired from AEW, accused the company's executive vice presidents and wrestlers Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) of spreading those rumors and leaking them to wrestling media, and referenced a segment in which he says Page went "into business for himself" prior to their match in May. Omega and The Young Bucks, along with head of AEW legal, Megha Parekh, approached Punk about his comments backstage, which led to a legitimate altercation. Punk, Omega, and The Young Bucks all received consequent suspensions pending investigation. Later that week, the AEW World Championship was announced as having been vacated. Around the same time, Punk underwent surgery to repair his left triceps after tearing it during his match at All Out. On his conduct at the media scrum, Punk later said he "didn't approach it in the right manner" and that he was "disappointed" and "hurt", as he had sensed that he had just suffered another injury.
After a nine-month absence, Punk made his return to AEW on the premiere episode of Collision on June 17, 2023, teaming with FTR (Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood) to defeat Samoa Joe, Jay White, and Juice Robinson in a six-man tag team match. That same month, he entered the men's Owen Hart Cup tournament, defeating Satoshi Kojima in the first round at Forbidden Door. Punk won over Joe in the semifinals and lost to Ricky Starks in the final round on July 15 after Starks grabbed the ropes for leverage to get the pin. On the July 29 edition of Collision, Punk unveiled the AEW World Championship belt that he had won in September 2022, declaring himself the real world champion and stated that he still rightfully held the title since he was never defeated for it. He then spray-painted his signature "X" symbol over the belt. At All In on August 27, he successfully defended the "Real World Championship" against Joe in what would be his final AEW match.
After the event, it was widely reported that Punk had been involved in a legitimate backstage altercation with Jack Perry regarding comments Perry made during his match earlier in the show, itself a reference to Punk denying Perry's request to use real glass in his segments on Collision. After an investigation into the altercation was conducted by AEW, Punk was terminated from his AEW contract for just cause on September 2 under the unanimous recommendation of both the AEW discipline committee and outside legal counsel. Punk's termination was announced on X by AEW's official account, and was also announced during the opening of that night's episode of Collision, where AEW president and CEO Tony Khan stated that "the incident was regrettable and it endangered people backstage". He later stated, "Never in all time have I ever felt until last Sunday that my security, my safety, my life was in danger at a wrestling show. I don't think anybody should feel that way at work, I don't think the people I work with should feel that way, and I had to make a very difficult choice today." Punk later contradicted Khan's claim of firing him for just cause, stating in an April 2024 interview on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani that he initially wanted to leave AEW entirely rather than have Collision be a show revolving around him and not the Elite, and that after the altercation with Perry, he told Khan to his face, "You're a fucking clown, I quit." Punk also further criticized AEW stating that it is "not a real business" and "not about making money". Punk also went on to claim that no one from the company had spoken to him in six months after the altercation at All Out in September 2022, and was forced to pay for his own surgery and do recovery on his own. Footage of the backstage altercation wih Perry was shown on the April 10, 2024, episode of Dynamite as way to further the feud between The Young Bucks and FTR, with the latters being real-life friends with Punk.
Return to WWE (2023–present)
At the conclusion of Survivor Series: WarGames in the Chicago metropolitan area on November 25, 2023, Punk made a surprise return to WWE in his first appearance in WWE since 2014 (discounting his appearances on Fox's WWE Backstage in 2019). According to reporters present at the event, his return was greeted by "one of the loudest pops of all time". He signed with the Raw brand on the December 11 episode of Raw, where he announced his entry into the Royal Rumble match. Punk's first matches back with WWE were against "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, during the WWE Live Holiday Tour, first at Madison Square Garden in New York City on December 26, then at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California on December 30, which were both won by Punk.
On January 27, 2024, at the Royal Rumble, Punk wrestled his first televised WWE match since 2014, entering at number 27 during the Royal Rumble match, in which he was the runner-up after being eliminated by Cody Rhodes. During the match, Punk tore his right triceps, rendering him unable to compete at WrestleMania XL, thus scrapping a planned match between Punk and World Heavyweight Champion Seth "Freakin" Rollins at the event. The injury was later turned into a storyline between Punk and Drew McIntyre, with McIntyre continuously mocking Punk for causing his injury. Punk retaliated by attacking McIntyre after the latter won the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XL in April, allowing Damian Priest to cash in his Money in the Bank contract, at Clash at the Castle: Scotland in McIntyre's home country in June, and at Money in the Bank in July, when McIntyre attempted to cash in after winning the eponymous ladder match. Punk and McIntyre then had a trilogy of matches, the first at SummerSlam with Rollins as the special guest referee where Punk lost to McIntyre, the second at Bash in Berlin where Punk won in a strap match, and the third and final match at Bad Blood, where Punk defeated McIntyre in a Hell in a Cell match, ending their nearly ten-month trilogy feud.
After a short hiatus, Punk made his return at the conclusion of the November 22 episode of SmackDown, as the fifth member of Roman Reigns' team at Survivor Series: WarGames alongside the returning Paul Heyman. At the event on November 30, Punk, Reigns, The Usos and Sami Zayn defeated The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa and Jacob Fatu) and Bronson Reed in a WarGames match.
On the Raw premiere on Netflix on January 6, 2025, Punk wrestled his first match on Raw in almost eleven-years, where he defeated Rollins.
Professional wrestling persona
Punk adopted his real-life following of the straight edge movement as a major attribute of his professional wrestling character. The character utilizes different elements of Punk's personality and beliefs of the straight edge movement dependent on his alignment. While portraying a crowd favorite, Punk's character tends to be that of Punk's normal personality, largely indifferent to others who drink alcohol, smoke tobacco, partake in recreational drug use or have promiscuous sexual behavior, but emphasizing the social discipline involved with personally abstaining from these behaviors. Conversely, his villainous personality tends to be that of one who is hardline or militant straight edge, exemplifying the elitist attitudes and superiority complexes – defined by Punk's common mantra during villainous-themed promos that because he is straight edge, he is "better than you." Punk performs the straight edge symbol of crossing his arms in an X formation while having the letter X written on the back of his hands, usually drawn on his wrist tape. During his WWE career, Punk also incorporated a belligerently anti-establishment and anti-corporate attitude into his persona.
Originally, the initials CM in his ring name represented the phrase "Chick Magnet", the name of the tag team he was in as a backyard wrestler. However, Punk later changed CM into a pseudo-acronym, declaring that it has no meaning, though when asked since he has taken to making up meanings that fit the initials, going so far as to make up long stories to explain the origins that do not match the actual origin story at all. Since beginning this practice, Punk has stated CM stands among others for "Cookie Monster", "Crooked Moonsault", "Chuck Mosley", "Charles Montgomery", "Charles Manson", "Charlie Murphy", and "Chicago Made".
During his entrance, Punk yells "It's clobberin' time!", a reference to New York City hardcore punk band Sick of It All who wrote a song with the same name and Marvel's fictional character The Thing. As his entrance theme, Punk uses the song "Cult of Personality" by Living Colour, with which he is often associated.
An integral part of Punk is the numerous tattoos that adorn his body, some of which have become symbols associated with Punk and mantras and declarations that have been integrated into his gimmick. The tattoos as a whole, due to their large quantity and variety, have also become an attribute identifiable to Punk. The most important of the individual tattoos in Punk's character – whether through association, symbol, or mantra – are the following:
- A Pepsi Globe logo on his left shoulder that inspired the names of two of his signature moves. It also became a symbol of Punk himself, who wore the logo on his ring gear in the independent circuit as well as a slightly modified Pepsi logo being used as part of his TitanTron entrance video. Punk, a keen Pepsi drinker, chose to receive a Pepsi tattoo to emphasize his straight edge beliefs. The tattoo is also a reference to former Minor Threat guitarist Brian Baker, who had a Coca-Cola tattoo and explained this by saying "I like Coca-Cola". When people inquire about Punk's Pepsi tattoo, he often replies "I like Pepsi" in a similar fashion.
- The words "Straight Edge" are spelled out on Punk's stomach. This is one of his oldest tattoos and he has referred to it as his identity.
- A sleeve tattoo on his left arm that reads "luck is for losers" and features numerous good luck symbols, including a rabbit's foot, four-leaf clover and a horseshoe. The tattoo also features four ace playing cards as a tribute to trainer Ace Steel.
- The phrase "No gimmicks needed" on the back of his left hand, a tribute to deceased wrestler Chris Candido.
- The words "Drug Free" across his knuckles ("Drug" on his right knuckles and "Free" on his left).
- His younger sister's jersey number (31) behind his left ear, surrounded by stars, each of which represents his siblings as a way to bond away from home.
- The Cobra Command logo (G.I. Joe's enemy) on his right shoulder. Punk is known for his love of comic books, considering them along with jazz and professional wrestling as three of the original arts that America has given to the world.
Legacy
Several wrestlers have publicly cited Punk as an inspiration or influence on their careers. Seth Rollins said in December 2018 that Punk's influence on the Chicago wrestling scene was responsible for him becoming a wrestler in the first place, while Rhea Ripley said in September 2019 that Punk's verbal skills were something she aspired to because "when he spoke, everyone listened", and Adam Cole told Sports Illustrated in November 2019 that Punk's work on the independent circuit was a "huge influence" on him.
Reporters, wrestlers, and fans alike have praised Punk's speaking skills, especially his in-ring promos. His June 2011 "Pipebomb" promo has been called "historic" and is regarded as one of the most important promos in professional wrestling history. Punk is credited with being one of the first independent wrestlers to have success in WWE, which in turn opened the door for other independent wrestlers to both join and succeed in WWE. Although much of his time as a top star in WWE was during its heavily watered-down PG Era, Erik Beaston of Bleacher Report wrote that "Punk turned the company on its head for a few short years and gave fans a taste of what an alternative to the advertiser-obsessed promotion could look like."
Mixed martial arts career
Ultimate Fighting Championship (2014–2021)
At UFC 181, on December 6, 2014, Punk announced that he had signed a multi-fight contract with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). When asked if he would compete under his ring name or birth name, he told the Las Vegas Sun: "I've come this far with CM Punk. That's what people know. I'm trying to stick with that. I'm not shying away from it. I'm not ashamed of it." His UFC profile listed him as CM Punk.
In January 2015, Punk began training under Duke Roufus at Roufusport MMA Academy. In June 2015, Punk moved to Milwaukee to be closer to the Roufusport gym while still retaining his home in Chicago. Later, it was announced that Punk would compete in the welterweight division. In October 2015, Roufus announced that Punk had suffered a shoulder injury, delaying his UFC debut until the next calendar year. On February 6, 2016, it was announced that Punk would face Mickey Gall in his first professional mixed martial arts (MMA) contest, but he was diagnosed with a herniated disc and underwent surgery days later.
Punk's UFC and MMA debut against Mickey Gall took place on September 10, 2016, at UFC 203. The event was held at the Quicken Loans Arena, the same venue where Punk left WWE and retired from professional wrestling. Punk was taken down immediately and lost via rear naked choke submission early in the first round. He was paid a disclosed $500,000 (equivalent to $634,775 in 2023).
Punk's second professional bout took place at UFC 225 on June 9, 2018, against Mike Jackson, in his hometown of Chicago. Punk lost the one-sided fight via unanimous decision. After the bout, UFC president Dana White said that both Punk and Jackson would probably not fight for the UFC again, and urged Punk to "call it a wrap". Three years after the bout, it was made public that the result was overturned to a no contest after Jackson tested positive for marijuana. In August 2021, Punk notified the UFC he would be retiring from MMA after he returned to professional wrestling earlier that month. Punk's MMA career has been widely panned by MMA fans and personalities.
Cage Fury Fighting Championships (2018–present)
On November 8, 2018, Punk signed with the Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC) promotion (a UFC affiliate) as a commentator. His first event was CFFC 71 on December 14 and it was streamed live on UFC Fight Pass.
Personal life
Brooks married fellow wrestler April Mendez, known at the time as AJ Lee, on June 13, 2014. They reside in his native Chicago. He also supports the rights for LGBT and same-sex marriage. Like his wrestling persona, he follows a straight edge lifestyle. Brooks once worked for a shop named All American Comics in Evergreen Park, which closed in January 2022.
Legal issues
In February 2015, WWE doctor Christopher Amann filed a defamation lawsuit against Brooks and Scott Colton over Brooks's allegations of medical malpractice on an episode of Colton's podcast. Amann sought roughly $4,000,000 (equivalent to $5,142,000 in 2023) in compensation and an undisclosed amount in punitive damages. WWE issued a statement and video in support of Amann. The case went to trial in 2018, where a jury ruled in favor of Brooks and Colton. In August 2018, Colton filed a lawsuit against Brooks, alleging breach of contract and fraud due to Brooks's alleged agreement and later refusal to pay Colton's legal fees for the Amann suit. Colton sought $200,000 (equivalent to $242,672 in 2023) in damages and an additional $1 million (equivalent to $1,213,000 in 2023) in punitive damages. Brooks filed a counterclaim against Colton in June 2019, for $600,000 (equivalent to $715,033 in 2023) and additional fees. Both lawsuits were settled and dismissed in September 2019. According to PWInsider, the settlement involved no financial compensation.
Other media
Acting and appearances
In 2008, Brooks appeared as the Sports Grand Marshal of the nationally televised McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade in downtown Chicago. He reprised this role in 2012.
Brooks has appeared alongside his friend and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach Rener Gracie in several episodes of the YouTube series Gracie Breakdown. He has also worked with Nerdist Industries, including hosting an ongoing series titled Grammar Slam, explaining grammatical mistakes in messages from professional wrestling fans and berating them.
Brooks was the cover athlete for the video game WWE '13. In 2015, he was featured in Frank Turner's "The Next Storm" music video.
As an actor, Brooks starred in the 2019 horror film Girl on the Third Floor. Dennis Harvey of Variety and Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune respectively described his performance as "a fun star turn that easily carries most of the film" and "solid if a little unvarying". Brooks portrayed wrestler Ricky Rabies in the professional wrestling drama series Heels (2021–2023).
Writing
Brooks wrote the introduction for the hardcover edition of Marvel Comics' 2012 crossover event Avengers vs. X-Men and described the opportunity as a "geek dream come true".
In 2013, Brooks wrote a foreword for his friend and ex-girlfriend Natalie Slater's cookbook Bake and Destroy: Good Food for Bad Vegans.
In February 2015, Marvel Comics' Thor Annual No. 1, partly written by Brooks, was released. He cowrote "The Most Cursed", which appeared in Vertigo Comics' Strange Sports Stories No. 3 in May 2015. Brooks also cowrote Marvel Comics' Drax ongoing series. Brooks wrote a one-shot of Marvel's Master of Kung Fu, which was published in November 2017.
Filmography
Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2013 | Queens of the Ring | Himself | ||
2015 | The Flintstones & WWE: Stone Age SmackDown! | CM Punkrock | Direct-to-video film; voice only | |
2019 | Girl on the Third Floor | Don Koch | ||
Rabid | Billy | |||
2021 | Jakob's Wife | Deputy Colton |
Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2004 | Monster Garage | Himself | Episode: "Box Truck Wrestling Car" | |
2006 | Ghost Hunters | Himself | Episode: "Live Halloween Special: Stanley Hotel" | |
2011 | Jimmy Kimmel Live! | Himself | 1 episode | |
2012 | Late Night with Jimmy Fallon | Himself | 1 episode | |
2012–2014 | Talking Dead | Himself | 3 episodes | |
2014–2015 | Maron | Himself | 2 episodes | |
2016 | The Evolution of Punk | Himself | Documentary mini-series; 4 episodes | |
2017 | The Challenge: Champs vs. Pros | Himself | Reality competition | |
2018 | Ultimate Beastmaster | Himself | United States co-host; season 3 | |
2019–2020 | WWE Backstage | Himself | 5 episodes | |
2021–2023 | Heels | Ricky Rabies | Recurring; 6 episodes | |
2022–2023 | Mayans M.C. | Paul | Recurring (seasons 4–5); 4 episodes |
Video games
Year | Title | Notes |
---|---|---|
2007 | WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 | Video game debut |
2008 | WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 | |
2009 | WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 | |
2010 | WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 | |
2011 | WWE All Stars | |
WWE '12 | ||
2012 | WWE WrestleFest | Downloadable content |
WWE '13 | Cover athlete | |
2013 | WWE 2K14 | |
2014 | WWE 2K15 | |
2016 | EA Sports UFC 2 | |
2018 | EA Sports UFC 3 | |
2020 | EA Sports UFC 4 | |
2023 | AEW Fight Forever | |
2024 | WWE 2K24 | Downloadable content |
Luchas de Apuestas record
See also: Luchas de ApuestasWinner (wager) | Loser (wager) | Location | Event | Date | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rey Mysterio (stable pledge) | CM Punk (hair) | Detroit, Michigan | Over the Limit | May 23, 2010 |
Mixed martial arts record
2 matches | 0 wins | 1 loss |
By submission | 0 | 1 |
No contests | 1 |
Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NC | 0–1 (1) | Mike Jackson | NC (overturned) | UFC 225 | June 9, 2018 | 3 | 5:00 | Chicago, Illinois, United States | Originally a unanimous decision win for Jackson; overturned after he tested positive for marijuana. |
Loss | 0–1 | Mickey Gall | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC 203 | September 10, 2016 | 1 | 2:14 | Cleveland, Ohio, United States |
Championships and accomplishments
In WWE, Punk's first title was the ECW Championship.In WWE, Punk is a six-time world champion. With three reigns as World Heavyweight Champion, and one reign with the ECW World Heavyweight Championship.Two reigns as WWE Champion.One reign as WWE Intercontinental Champion.One reign as World Tag Team Champion with Kofi Kingston.In AEW, two reigns as AEW World Champion.- All Elite Wrestling
- AEW World Championship (2 times)
- "Real World Championship" (1 time, unrecognized)
- AEW Dynamite Awards (2 times)
- The Baltimore Sun
- Feud of the Year (2009) – vs. Jeff Hardy
- Cauliflower Alley Club
- Iron Mike Mazurki Award (2023)
- ESPN
- Best Feud/Storyline of the Year (2024) – vs. Drew McIntyre
- Debut of the Year (2023)
- Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South
- IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship (5 times)
- IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
- International Wrestling Cartel
- IWC World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Lunatic Wrestling Federation
- LWF Intercontinental Championship (2 times)
- Mid-American Wrestling
- Mid-American Wrestling Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Mid-American Heavyweight Championship Tournament (2001)
- New York Post
- Best Return/Debut of the Year (2023)
- NWA Cyberspace
- NWA Cyberspace Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Julio Dinero
- Ohio Valley Wrestling
- OVW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- OVW Southern Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Seth Skyfire
- OVW Television Championship (1 time)
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Comeback of the Year (2021)
- Feud of the Year (2011) – vs. John Cena
- Feud of the Year (2022) – vs. Maxwell Jacob Friedman
- Match of the Year (2011) – vs. John Cena at Money in the Bank
- Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (2012)
- Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (2011, 2021)
- Wrestler of the Year (2011, 2012)
- Ranked No. 1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2012
- Revolution Championship Wrestling
- RCW Championship (1 time)
- Revolver
- Golden Gods Award for Most Metal Athlete (2012)
- Ring of Honor
- ROH World Championship (1 time)
- ROH Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Colt Cabana
- ROH Hall of Fame (class of 2022)
- Sports Illustrated
- Rivalry of the Year (2024) – vs. Drew McIntyre
- Ranked No. 17 of the 20 Greatest WWE Wrestlers of All Time
- St. Paul Championship Wrestling/Steel Domain Wrestling
- SPCW Northern States Light Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
- SPCE Northern States Light Heavyweight Championship Tournament (2000)
- World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE
- WWE Championship (2 times)
- World Heavyweight Championship (3 times)
- ECW Championship (1 time)
- WWE Intercontinental Championship (1 time)
- World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Kofi Kingston
- Money in the Bank (2008, 2009)
- WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender's Tournament (2008)
- Brisbane Cup (2011)
- 19th Triple Crown Champion
- Slammy Award (9 times)
- Despicable Me (2010) – Harassing Rey Mysterio and his family
- Extreme Moment of the Year (2013) – For exacting revenge on Paul Heyman at Hell in a Cell
- OMG Moment of the Year (2008) – Cashing in Money in the Bank to win the World Heavyweight Championship
- OMG Moment of the Year (2024) – Returning to WWE at Survivor Series: WarGames
- "Pipe Bomb" of the Year (2011)
- Return of the Year (2024) – At Survivor Series: WarGames
- Shocker of the Year (2009) – Forcing Jeff Hardy out of the WWE after steel cage match victory
- Superstar of the Year (2011)
- T-shirt of the Year (2011) – "Best in the World"
- WrestleCrap
- Gooker Award (2023) – CM Punk on AEW (tied with Father James Mitchell doing drugs on PPV)
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- Best Box Office Draw (2021)
- Best Gimmick (2009, 2011)
- Best on Interviews (2011, 2012)
- Feud of the Year (2009) – vs. Jeff Hardy
- Feud of the Year (2011) – vs. John Cena
- Most Charismatic (2021)
- Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic (2012) – Exploiting Jerry Lawler's legitimate heart attack
- Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic (2013) – Exploiting the death of Paul Bearer
- Pro Wrestling Match of the Year (2011) – vs. John Cena at Money in the Bank
Notes
- Bob Backlund lost the WWF Heavyweight Championship to Antonio Inoki after 648 days, but WWE does not officially acknowledge the title change and recognizes Backlund's reign as uninterrupted at 2,135 days.
- Punk held the title concurrently with Rey Mysterio and John Cena during his first reign. After defeating Cena, Punk became the undisputed champion, but he was not recognized by WWE as having won the title a second time.
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External links
- CM Punk on WWE.com
- CM Punk's profile at Cagematch.net , Wrestlingdata.com , Internet Wrestling Database
- Professional MMA record for CM Punk from Sherdog
- Phil Brooks at IMDb
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- 1978 births
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