CM Punk#WWE Champion .282011.E2.80.932013.29

Phillip Jack Brooks was born on October 26, 1978, in Chicago, Illinois. He had blue baby syndrome, as his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck.{{Cite web |last=Rueter |first=Sean |date=August 31, 2022 |title=Moxley gets Chicago Made Punk at All Out |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2022/8/31/23331918/cm-punk-jon-moxley-all-out-world-title-rematch-set-up-aew-dynamite-video-ace-steele-chicago |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614080840/https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2022/8/31/23331918/cm-punk-jon-moxley-all-out-world-title-rematch-set-up-aew-dynamite-video-ace-steele-chicago |archive-date=June 14, 2024 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |website=Cageside Seats |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Quiles Jr. |first=Fernando |date=April 4, 2025 |title='WWE SmackDown' Live Results: CM Punk Returns to Chicago, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins Join |url=https://athlonsports.com/wrestling/wwe-smackdown-live-results-cm-punk-returns-to-chicago-roman-reigns-and-seth-rollins-join |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409171225/https://athlonsports.com/wrestling/wwe-smackdown-live-results-cm-punk-returns-to-chicago-roman-reigns-and-seth-rollins-join |archive-date=April 9, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |website=Athlon Sports |language=en}} Brooks grew up with two sisters and an older brother, Michal, in nearby Lockport.{{Cite web |last=Gomez |first=Luis |date=March 26, 2012 |title=Pipe bomb! More from my interview with WWE Champ CM Punk |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/03/26/pipe-bomb-more-from-my-interview-with-wwe-champ-cm-punk/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203072410/https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/03/26/pipe-bomb-more-from-my-interview-with-wwe-champ-cm-punk/ |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en-US}} His father, an electrician, struggled with alcoholism, which inspired Brooks to adopt a straight edge lifestyle from an early age. Brooks is estranged from his mother, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.{{Cite web |last=Das |first=Abhishek Kumar |date=January 7, 2024 |title=Why Does CM Punk Share a Strained Relationship With His Blood Family? |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/wrestling/wwe/wwe-news-why-does-cm-punk-share-a-strained-relationship-with-his-blood-family/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/JmphU |archive-date=April 14, 2025 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |website=EssentiallySports |language=en}} He reportedly obtained a restraining order against her in June 2013, due to "repeated financial demands and years of abusive, harassing and threatening behavior."{{Cite web |last=Middleton |first=Marc |date=June 26, 2013 |title=CM Punk Reportedly Obtains A Restraining Order Against His Mother |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2013/06/cm-punk-reportedly-obtains-a-restraining-order-against-his-563701/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211032041/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2013/06/cm-punk-reportedly-obtains-a-restraining-order-against-his-563701/ |archive-date=December 11, 2024 |access-date=April 15, 2025 |website=Wrestling Inc. |language=en-US}}

Due to his turbulent childhood, Brooks left home and moved in with his best friend Chez and her family, who "welcomed him like one of their own."{{Cite web |last=Sinker |first=Dan |date=February 28, 2022 |title=The Fall and Rise of CM Punk |url=https://www.esquire.com/sports/a39008053/cm-punk-aew-profile/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609194521/https://www.esquire.com/sports/a39008053/cm-punk-aew-profile/ |archive-date=June 9, 2022 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |website=Esquire |language=en-US}} His first job was at a comic book shop named All American Comics in Evergreen Park, which closed in January 2022.{{cite news |last1=Bong |first1=Bob |date=December 22, 2021 |title=Comings & Goings: Tinley Park getting a Smoothie King, comic shop closing in Evergreen Park, and more |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2021/12/22/comings-goings-tinley-park-getting-a-smoothie-king-comic-shop-closing-in-evergreen-park-and-more/ |access-date=February 2, 2025 |work=Chicago Tribune}} "Rowdy" Roddy Piper was an early influence for Brooks; he cites him as the reason he became a wrestler.{{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 }}{{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 }}{{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 }} He was arrested multiple times while he was attending Lockport Township High School.

{{Professional wrestling sidebar}}

Brooks' first venture into wrestling was a stint in a backyard wrestling federation called the Lunatic Wrestling Federation with his brother 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.{{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}} 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".{{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}}{{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=IGN|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}} 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.{{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=Chicago Tribune|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}}

File:Punkindependent.jpg Midwest event in November 2002]]

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,{{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=WWE}} 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.{{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}} It was in the Steel Domain that he met Scott Colton,{{cite video|people=CM Punk; Samoa Joe|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=Ring of Honor|date=March 10, 2005|access-date=June 21, 2014}} 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.{{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=Ring of Honor|date=July 1, 2005|access-date=April 14, 2007}} 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, Pennsylvania.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} Punk would compete in the company's Super Indy tournament,{{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}} 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.{{cite video|people=Chris Hero|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}} Punk eventually returned to IWA Mid-South and continued to perform as a wrestler and commentator for them until July 2005.{{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}}

{{see also|Raven's Nest#The Gathering|l1=The Gathering}}

Punk 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.{{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=LiveJournal}}{{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=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071230083734/http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=15350|archive-date=December 30, 2007}} Around the time of the scuffle, Punk and Dinero stopped appearing on TNA shows, leading to speculation that he was fired for the incident.{{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}} 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.{{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=Canoe.com|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}}

{{main|Second City Saints}}

Punk'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.{{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}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/pastresults/|access-date=April 22, 2009|title=Ring of Honor event results|publisher=Ring of Honor|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822123049/http://www.rohwrestling.com/pastresults/|archive-date=August 22, 2008}} Their rivalry was rooted in Punk's straight-edge lifestyle, with him likening Raven to his alcoholic father;{{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}}{{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}} 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,{{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=Canoe.com}} having previously been a trainer for the Steel Domain and Primetime Wrestling.{{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}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/titlehistory/|access-date=June 14, 2008|title=Ring of Honor official title histories|publisher=Ring of Honor|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080610081305/http://www.rohwrestling.com/titlehistory/|archive-date=June 10, 2008}} 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.

File:CM Punk ROH.jpg

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.

Though he had accepted a deal to join the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), 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",{{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=Wrestling Observer|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}} 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.

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.{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}}

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.

File:CM Punk 2008.JPG in 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.{{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}} 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.{{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=WWE|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}} 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.{{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=WWE|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}} Punk quickly established himself in ECW by going undefeated, defeating opponents such as C. W. Anderson,{{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=WWE|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}} Stevie Richards{{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=WWE|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}} and Shannon Moore.{{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=WWE|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}}

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{{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=WWE|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}} as well as a rematch the following week, after which Kelly Kelly celebrated Punk's victory over Knox.{{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=WWE|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}} 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.{{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=WWE|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}} 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.{{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=WWE|archive-date=October 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010114128/http://www.wwe.com/shows/decembertodismember/currentepisode/32934421|url-status=live}}

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.{{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=WWE|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}} He participated in the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 23 on April 1, where he lost.{{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}} 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{{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=WWE|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}} after several weeks in which both the New Breed and the ECW Originals had attempted to recruit him, seemingly turning heel.{{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=WWE|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}}{{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=WWE|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}} 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.{{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=WWE|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}} On May 20 at Judgment Day, Punk defeated Burke in his first singles match on a WWE pay-per-view event.{{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=WWE|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}} 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.{{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=WWE|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}}

When ECW World Champion Bobby Lashley was drafted to Raw and stripped of the championship, a tournament to declare a new champion was held.{{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}} On June 24, Punk was scheduled to face Chris Benoit in the finals at Vengeance: Night of Champions,{{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=WWE|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}} 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.{{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=WWE|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}} 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,{{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=WWE|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}} and SummerSlam on August 26, where he lost to Morrison both times.{{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=WWE|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}}

On the September 4 episode of ECW, Punk defeated Morrison in a last chance match to win the ECW Championship.{{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=WWE|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}} In the following months, Punk went on to have successful title defenses against the likes of Elijah Burke at Unforgiven on September 16,{{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=Canoe.com}} Big Daddy V via disqualification at No Mercy on October 7,{{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=WWE|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}} and The Miz at Cyber Sunday on October 28.{{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=WWE|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}} On the November 6 episode of ECW, Punk retained the ECW Championship in a match against Morrison following The Miz's interference.{{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=Canoe.com|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}} On November 18 at Survivor Series, Punk retained the title in a triple threat match against The Miz and Morrison.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2007/matches/4334964111|title=Champ trumps champs|access-date=November 19, 2007|publisher=WWE|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}} 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.{{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=WWE|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}}

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.{{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=WWE|date=March 30, 2008|access-date=March 12, 2012}} At Judgment Day on May 18, Punk teamed with Kane to unsuccessfully challenge John Morrison and The Miz for the WWE Tag Team Championship.{{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=Canoe.com|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}}

File:CM Punk Rosemont IL 081808.jpg in August 2008]]

On June 23, Punk was drafted to the Raw brand during the 2008 WWE draft.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06232008/|title=A Draft Disaster|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|date=June 23, 2008|publisher=WWE|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}} 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.{{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=WWE|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}} 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){{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=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723193830/http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/matches/7616144/results/ |archive-date=July 23, 2008|access-date=July 21, 2008}}{{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}}{{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=Canoe.com|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}} 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.{{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=WWE|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}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/2008/7891244|title=Chris Jericho wins World Heavyweight Championship Scramble|publisher=WWE|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}} 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.{{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=WWE|archive-date=September 27, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080927044439/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/09152008/|url-status=live}}

On the October 27 episode of Raw, Punk and Kofi Kingston defeated Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase to win the World Tag Team Championship.{{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=WWE|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}} The duo were members of Team Batista on November 23 at Survivor Series, where their team lost to Team Orton after Rhodes eliminated Punk.{{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=WWE|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}} Punk then entered a number one contender Intercontinental Championship tournament, defeating Snitsky and John Morrison in the first two rounds.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/special/interconttournament/|access-date=February 26, 2009|title=Intercontinental Championship Tournament|publisher=WWE|archive-date=December 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217012103/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/special/interconttournament/|url-status=live}} Punk and Kingston lost the World Tag Team Championship to John Morrison and The Miz on December 13 at a live event.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldtagteam/20081213WorldTagChamps|access-date=January 4, 2009|title=Miz and Morrison's first reign|publisher=WWE |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023053651/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldtagteam/20081213WorldTagChamps|archive-date=October 23, 2012}} 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.{{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=WWE|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}} Due to this, Stephanie McMahon awarded Punk a rematch the following week on Raw, but this time Punk got disqualified.{{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=WWE|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}} 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.{{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=WWE|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}} 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.{{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=Canoe.com}}{{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}} Punk lost the Intercontinental Championship on the March 9 episode of Raw to John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL).{{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=WWE|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}} 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.{{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}} On April 13 during the 2009 WWE draft, Punk was drafted to the SmackDown brand.{{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=WWE|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}} 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.{{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=WWE|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}}

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.{{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=WWE|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}} Punk made his first successful title defense in a triple threat match against both Edge and Hardy on the June 15 episode of Raw.{{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=WWE|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}} 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.{{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=Canoe.com|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}} 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.{{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}} On July 26 at Night of Champions, Punk lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Hardy.{{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=WWE|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}} Their feud continued through SummerSlam on August 23, when Punk regained the title in a TLC match only to be attacked by The Undertaker.{{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=WWE|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}}

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.{{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=WWE|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}} On September 13 at Breaking Point, Punk defeated The Undertaker in a submission match to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.{{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}} 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).{{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=WWE|archive-date=April 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407122307/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebreakingpoint/2009/11460100|url-status=live}} 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.{{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=Canoe.com}} Punk went on to lose two subsequent rematches for the World Heavyweight Championship against The Undertaker on the October 23 SmackDown{{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=Canoe.com|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=October 24, 2009}} and on October 25 at Bragging Rights in a fatal four-way match also involving Batista and Rey Mysterio.{{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}}

{{main|Straight Edge Society}}

File:WWE SES Stable.jpg – Serena, Punk (center), and Luke Gallows – 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 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.{{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=WWE|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}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/01082010/mainarticle/|title=Stunned contenders|last=Passero|first=Mitch|publisher=WWE|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}}{{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=WWE|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}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/01222010/mainarticle/|title=No fear|last=Passero|first=Mitch|publisher=WWE|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}} After converting many people who were not seen again, convert Serena began accompanying Punk and Gallows to form The Straight Edge Society.{{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=WWE|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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}}

During the first half of 2010, Punk feuded with Rey Mysterio, being eliminated by him during the Elimination Chamber match.{{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}} 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.{{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=Canoe.com|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=March 13, 2010}} 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.{{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=The Baltimore Sun|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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14384892/|title=Rey Mysterio shaves CM Punk's head|publisher=WWE|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}} After the match, Punk began wearing a black mask, since he considered himself always pure unlike his followers and was embarrassed by his baldness.{{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=Canoe.com|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}}

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.{{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}} Punk and his stable started a feud with Big Show when on the July 16 episode of SmackDown, Big Show unmasked Punk.{{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=Canoe.com|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=July 16, 2010}} 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.{{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=The Baltimore Sun|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}} The next month, at Night of Champions on September 19, Punk lost to Big Show in a singles match.{{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=Canoe.com|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=September 20, 2010}} The Straight Edge Society angle ended after Serena was released from WWE{{cite web|title=Serena released|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/15526200|publisher=WWE|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}} and Mercury became injured,{{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}} and Punk defeated Gallows in a singles match on the September 24 SmackDown.{{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=Canoe.com|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=September 25, 2010}}

{{main|The Nexus (professional wrestling)|l1=The New Nexus}}

File:CM Punk new nexus.jpg]]

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 Bragging Rights after defeating Evan Bourne to win a place,{{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=Canoe.com|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=October 12, 2010}} but Team Raw lost as Punk was eliminated by Rey Mysterio.{{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}} During the event, Punk suffered a hip injury that prevented him from wrestling for several months.{{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=The Baltimore Sun|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}} To keep a presence on television, he began commentating on Raw on November 22.{{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}}

At the end of December 2010, Punk left the commentary team after assaulting John Cena on the December 20 episode of Raw{{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=Canoe.com|access-date=January 5, 2011|date=December 21, 2010}} and the December 21 episode of SmackDown with a chair.{{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=Canoe.com|access-date=January 5, 2011|date=December 21, 2010}} Punk later revealed that his motives for the attacks were that he had joined and assumed control of The Nexus.{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Adkins|title=Steel resolve|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01032011/|publisher=WWE|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}} 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.{{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=Canoe.com|access-date=January 12, 2011}}

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.{{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}} 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.{{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=WWE|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}}{{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=Canoe.com|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}}{{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=Canoe.com|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}}{{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=Canoe.com|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}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/27/randy-orton-cm-punk|title=Randy Orton def. CM Punk|publisher=WWE|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}}{{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}}

In June 2011, after pinning WWE Champion John Cena on the June 13 episode of Raw,{{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=Canoe.com|access-date=June 21, 2011|date=June 14, 2011}} Rey Mysterio at Capitol Punishment on June 19,{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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=WWE|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}} Punk was later reinstated upon Cena's insistence.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-07-04/results|title=Raw results: Stars and gripes|publisher=WWE|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}} Upon his return, Punk ceased to appear with the remaining members of The New Nexus and the group quietly dissolved, turning Punk face.{{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}} At Money in the Bank, Punk defeated Cena to become the WWE Champion on his final night under contract with WWE.{{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=WWE|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}} 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.{{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}}

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.{{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=IGN|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}}{{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}} Punk appeared at July 23's All American Wrestling show, showing respect to Gregory Iron, a wrestler with cerebral palsy.{{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}} 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.{{cite news|first=James|last=Coyle|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,14203_7063250,00.html|title=Title glory for Cena|publisher=Sky Sports|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}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2011-07-29/results|title=SmackDown results: Truth and Consequences|publisher=WWE|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}} 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.{{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}}

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,{{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=WWE|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}} and at Vengeance on October 23 against The Miz and R-truth in a tag team match with Triple H as his partner.{{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}} This helped transition Punk's anti-establishment voice from Triple H to John Laurinaitis, who, around this time, became the interim Raw general manager.{{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}} Punk balked at Laurinaitis' promotion and verbally attacked him as a dull yes man.{{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}}{{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}}

File:Punk & Laurinaitis.jpg, Punk (front) feuded with John Laurinaitis (background) for several months in 2011–2012.]]

At Survivor Series on November 20, Punk defeated Del Rio to win his second WWE Championship.{{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}} 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{{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=Canoe.com|date=November 29, 2011|access-date=December 2, 2011}} and against both Del Rio and The Miz in a triple threat TLC match on December 18 at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs.{{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}} At the Royal Rumble on January 29, 2012, Punk successfully defended his title against Ziggler despite Laurinaitis acting as the outside enforcer.{{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}}

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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/chrisjericho|publisher=WWE|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}} 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.{{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=WWE|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}} The next night on Raw SuperShow, Jericho earned a match against Punk on April 1 at WrestleMania XXVIII{{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=WWE|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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}} On the April 16 episode of Raw SuperShow, Punk pinned Henry in a no disqualification, no countout match to retain the title.{{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}} 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.{{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=Wrestling Observer|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}}

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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}} Meanwhile, Bryan's jilted ex-girlfriend AJ Lee turned her affections to both Punk and Kane.{{cite web|last=Giannini|first=Alex|title=Monster and the Madwoman?|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/what-is-aj-thinking/|publisher=WWE|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}} 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.{{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=WWE|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}} On July 15 at Money in the Bank, Punk defeated Bryan in a no disqualification match with AJ as the special guest referee to retain the title and end the feud.{{citation|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2012/wwe-championship-cm-punk-daniel-bryan|title=WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan|publisher=WWE|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}}

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.{{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=Wrestling Observer|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}}{{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=WWE|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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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=WWE|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}}{{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=Canoe.com|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}} 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.{{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=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|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}} 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.{{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}} On September 16 at Night of Champions, Punk retained the WWE Championship after he fought Cena to a draw.{{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=WWE|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}} Punk continued to feud with Cena despite the latter's arm injury,{{cite web|title=John Cena undergoes arm surgery?|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-09-17/cena-undergoes-arm-surgery-26053092|publisher=WWE|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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} Cena was eventually pulled from the title match and replaced by Ryback,{{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}} 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.{{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}}

File:Punk at a RAW House Show in February 2013.jpg in February 2013]]

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.{{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=WWE|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}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2012/cm-punk-john-cena-ryback-26066289 |title=WWE Championship Triple Threat Match |publisher=WWE |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 }} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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=WWE|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}} 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.{{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=WWE|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}} 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.{{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}}

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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

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.{{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=Canoe.com|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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} At WrestleMania, Punk was defeated by The Undertaker.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} This led to a match between Punk and Lesnar at SummerSlam on August 18,{{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}}{{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}} when Punk lost to Lesnar in a No Disqualification match after Heyman interfered.{{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}} His feud with Heyman continued during the following months, facing his other client, the Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel.{{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}} 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.{{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}} Then on October 6, Punk defeated Ryback at Battleground{{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}} 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.{{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}}

File:Punk and Bryan.jpg heading into Survivor Series in 2013.]]

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.{{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}} The next night on Raw, Punk was attacked by The Shield while attempting to save Bryan from being "taken hostage" by The Wyatt Family.{{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}} 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.{{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}} At TLC, Punk won the match after Reigns accidentally performed a spear on Ambrose.{{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=Canoe.com|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}} After further altercations between Punk and Kane, Kane made Punk the first entrant in the annual Royal Rumble match on January 26, 2014.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

{{Blockquote|quote=I was sick and hurt and burnt out, and I walked. And I can do that because I'm an independent contractor.|source=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".{{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}}{{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=The Independent|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}} On February 20 during a conference call to investors, McMahon said Punk was "taking a sabbatical".{{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}} 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.{{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}} WWE then proceeded to remove Punk from footage of their promotional videos.{{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}} This lasted until the first half of July, where WWE used footage of Punk to promote the WWE Network.{{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}}{{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}} In an interview published in late May, Punk was asked how it felt "to be retired at 35" and replied that "it feels good".{{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}} 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.{{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}} In late July, Punk said that he was "never ever" going to return to wrestling.{{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=The Independent|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}}

{{Blockquote|quote=When Punk told [another] doctor that he wrestled with a staph infection for three months, Punk said [that] doctor told him: "You should be dead. You could have died".|source=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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

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),{{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=Sports Illustrated|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}} 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 WWE. McMahon also said that he was open to working with Punk again.{{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=Fox Sports|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}} 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.{{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}}

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.{{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}}

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.{{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}}

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.{{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}} 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."{{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}} 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.{{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=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|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}}

File:CM Punk 2022-03-23 (AEW Wrestling, Dynamite, HEB Center, Cedar Park) 01.jpg

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 loss in AEW to MJF in a singles match on the February 2, 2022 episode of 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, 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.

During the post-event media scrum, Punk addressed rumors that he had attempted to get Colt Cabana fired from AEW, accused AEW'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.

File:CM Punk All In 2023.png at All In in August 2023, in what would be his final AEW appearance.]]

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 All In, 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 [this] 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."{{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=Sports Illustrated|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}}{{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 }} 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 AEW 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.{{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}} Footage of the backstage altercation with 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.{{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}}

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).{{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}} According to reporters present at the event, his return was greeted by "one of the loudest pops of all time".{{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}} He signed with the Raw brand on the December 11 episode of WWE Raw, where he announced his entry into the Royal Rumble match.{{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=ComicBook.com|access-date=December 11, 2023}} 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.{{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=PWMania|access-date=December 12, 2023}}{{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}}

File:CM Punk, WrestleMania XL.jpg in April 2024.]]

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.{{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=WWE|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}} During the match, Punk tore his right triceps, rendering him unable to compete at WrestleMania XL, thus forcing the cancellation of a planned match between Punk and World Heavyweight Champion Seth "Freakin" Rollins at the event.{{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=Sports Illustrated|first=Justin|last=Barrasso|date=January 29, 2024|accessdate=January 30, 2024}}{{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}} The injury was later turned into a storyline between Punk and Drew McIntyre, with McIntyre continuously mocking Punk for causing his injury.{{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}} 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,{{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=ESPN}} at Clash at the Castle: Scotland in McIntyre's home country in June,{{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}} and at Money in the Bank in July, when McIntyre attempted to cash in after winning the eponymous ladder match.{{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}}{{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}} 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,{{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}} the second at Bash in Berlin where Punk won in a strap match,{{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}} 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.{{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}}

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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

File:CM Punk RR25.jpg

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.{{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}} At the Royal Rumble on February 1, Punk came in at No. 24 and made it to the final four before being eliminated by Logan Paul and getting into an altercation with Reigns and Rollins, both of whom he had eliminated.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-02 |title=WWE Royal Rumble 2025 live results: Updates, winners and losers, highlights, grades and analysis |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/live/wwe-royal-rumble-2025-live-results-full-card-start-time-winners-and-losers-updates-and-highlights-060003806.html |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=en-US}} On the February 3 episode of Raw, Punk beat Zayn to qualify for the Elimination Chamber match at the namesake event.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Raw results (2/3): Powell's live review of Royal Rumble winners Jey Uso and Charlotte Flair appear, CM Punk vs. Sami Zayn, and Iyo Sky vs. Liv Morgan in Elimination Chamber qualifying matches|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/02/03/wwe-raw-results-2-3-powells-live-review-of-royal-rumble-winners-jey-uso-and-charlotte-flair-appear-cm-punk-vs-sami-zayn-and-iyo-sky-vs-liv-morgan-in-elimination-chamber-qualifying-matches/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=February 3, 2025|access-date=February 4, 2025}} At Elimination Chamber: Toronto, he lost the match to John Cena after being attacked by an already eliminated Rollins.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes responding to The Rock's offer, two Elimination Chamber matches, Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn in an unsanctioned match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/03/01/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-responding-to-the-rocks-offer-two-elimination-chamber-matches-kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-in-an-unsanctioned-match/|date=March 1, 2025|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=March 1, 2025}} On the March 10 episode of Raw, Punk lost to Rollins in a Steel Cage match after a returning Reigns pulled the latter out of the cage and attacked Rollins in an act of revenge from the Royal Rumble before assaulting Punk.{{cite web|last=Brookhouse|first=Brent|title=WWE Raw results, recap, grades: CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins cage match ends with Roman Reigns attacking both men|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-cm-punk-vs-seth-rollins-cage-match-ends-with-roman-reigns-attacking-both-men/live/|date=March 10, 2025|work=CBSSports|access-date=March 11, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250314153519/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-cm-punk-vs-seth-rollins-cage-match-ends-with-roman-reigns-attacking-both-men/live/|archive-date=March 14, 2025|url-status=live}} On the March 21 episode of SmackDown, a brawl ensued between all three men, with Punk, Rollins, and Reigns pointing at the WrestleMania sign, leading to a triple threat match between the three being made official as the Night 1 main event of WrestleMania 41.{{cite web|last=Thomas|first=Jeremy|title=Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Seth Rollins Set Up WrestleMania Match In Main Event Of WWE Smackdown|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/roman-reigns-cm-punk-seth-rollins-wwe-smackdown-3-21-25/|date=March 21, 2025|work=411Mania|access-date=March 22, 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/roman-reigns-vs-cm-punk-vs-seth-rollins-confirmed-wwe-wrestlemania-41-saturday-main-event|title=Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins Confirmed As WWE WrestleMania 41 Saturday Main Event|date=March 31, 2025|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|work=Fightful|access-date=March 31, 2025}} On the April 4 episode of SmackDown, Punk revealed that Paul Heyman (who was managing Reigns) would not be in Reigns' corner at WrestleMania 41, but instead in his own, as part of a favor Punk called in for teaming with Reigns at Survivor Series.{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Lovell |date=2025-04-04 |title=WWE SmackDown Results: Review, Grades, Card For April 4 |url=https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1553071-wwe-smackdown-results-tonight-review-grades-card-april-4 |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=Wrestlezone |language=en-US}} On Night 1 of WrestleMania 41, Rollins defeated Punk and Reigns following a double betrayal by Paul Heyman, who aligned himself with Rollins in the process and turned heel.{{Cite web |last=Beaston |first=Erik |title=WWE WrestleMania 41 Night 1 Results, Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25188274-wwe-wrestlemania-41-night-1-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-and-highlights |access-date=2025-04-20 |website=bleacherreport.com |language=en}}

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.{{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=The Baltimore Sun|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}}

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",{{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}} "Crooked Moonsault", "Chuck Mosley", "Charles Montgomery", "Charles Manson", "Charlie Murphy",Wikipedia Fact or Fiction from Loudwire on YouTube and "Chicago Made".{{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=ESPN|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}}

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.{{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=Marvel Entertainment|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}} As his entrance theme, Punk uses the song "Cult of Personality" by Living Colour, with which he is often associated.{{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=Sports Illustrated|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}}

File:CM Punk RAW 800.jpg tattoo on his left shoulder, the "luck is for losers" sleeve tattoo on his left arm, and the "straight edge" 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 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.{{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}} 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{{cite journal|first=CM|last=Punk|date=October 2006|title=The Illustrated Man|journal=WWE Magazine|page=13}} and he has referred to it as his identity.{{cite video|people=CM Punk|title=Best of American Super Juniors Tournament|medium=DVD|publisher=Ring of Honor|date =April 2, 2005}}
• 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.{{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=WWE|archive-date=October 20, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020031612/http://www.wwe.com/inside/superstarink/articles/cmpunk|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite news|last=Martin|first=Fin|title=What's Going Down|newspaper=Power Slam|issue=155|page=4|date=June 2007}}
• The words "Drug Free" across his knuckles ("Drug" on his right knuckles and "Free" on his left).{{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=Chicago Tribune|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}}
• 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.{{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=Inked|archive-date=December 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220025650/http://www.inkedmag.com/articles/qa-cm-punk/|url-status=dead}}{{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}}
• 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.

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,{{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=Súper Luchas | 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 }} while Rhea Ripley said in September 2019 that Punk's verbal skills were something she aspired to because "when he spoke, everyone listened",{{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=Súper Luchas |language=es | first=Jonie | last=Lucha}} and Adam Cole told Sports Illustrated in November 2019 that Punk's work on the independent circuit was a "huge influence" on him.{{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=Súper Luchas |language=es | date=November 29, 2019 | access-date=May 11, 2020 | first=Jonie | last=Lucha}}

Reporters, wrestlers, and fans alike have praised Punk's speaking skills, especially his in-ring promos.{{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 }}{{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=Súper Luchas | first=Sebastian | last=Salgado }}{{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 }}{{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=Súper Luchas | 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 }} His June 2011 "Pipebomb" promo has been called "historic" and is regarded as one of the most important promos in professional wrestling history.{{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 }} 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.{{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 }}{{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 }}{{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 }} 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."{{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=Bleacher Report|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}}

At UFC 181, on December 6, 2014, Punk announced that he had signed a multi-fight contract with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).{{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=ESPN|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}}{{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}} 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."{{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=Las Vegas Sun|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}} His UFC profile listed him as CM Punk.{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/athlete/cm-punk|title=CM Punk – official UFC fighter profile|publisher=Ultimate Fighting Championship|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}}

In January 2015, Punk began training under Duke Roufus at Roufusport MMA Academy.{{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}}{{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=Fox Sports|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}} In June 2015, Punk moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to be closer to the Roufusport gym while still retaining his home in Chicago.{{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}} Later, it was announced that Punk would compete in the welterweight division.{{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}} In October 2015, Roufus announced that Punk had suffered a shoulder injury, delaying his UFC debut until the next calendar year.{{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=ESPN|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}} 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.{{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}}

Punk's UFC and MMA debut against Mickey Gall took place on September 10, 2016, at UFC 203.{{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=Ultimate Fighting Championship|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}} The event was held at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, the same venue where Punk left WWE and retired from professional wrestling.{{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=Fox Sports|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}} Punk was taken down immediately and lost via rear naked choke submission early in the first round.{{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}}{{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}} He was paid a disclosed $500,000 ({{Inflation|US|500000|2016|fmt=eq}}).{{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}}

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.{{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}} 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".{{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}} Three years after the bout, it was made public that the result was overturned to a no contest after Jackson tested positive for marijuana.{{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}} In August 2021, Punk notified the UFC he would be retiring from MMA after he returned to professional wrestling earlier that month.{{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=MMA Fighting|first1=Damon|last1=Martin|first2=Guilherme|last2=Cruz|date=August 31, 2021|access-date=September 1, 2021}} Punk's MMA career has been widely panned by MMA fans and personalities.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

On November 8, 2018, Punk signed with Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC), a UFC affiliate, as a commentator. His first event was CFFC 71 on December 14 and it was streamed live on UFC Fight Pass.{{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}}

Brooks is an atheist and, like his wrestling persona, continues to follow a straight edge lifestyle.{{cite web |last1=Bryant |first1=Karyn |author-link1=Karyn Bryant |last2=Guillen Jr. |first2=Adam |date=July 9, 2015 |title=CM Punk talks UFC debut, criticism, religion in MMA and new writing career with Marvel Comics |url=http://www.mmamania.com/2015/7/10/8928729/ufc-cm-punk-talks-debut-criticism-religion-writing-career-marvel-comics-mma |access-date=August 15, 2015 |website=MMAMania.com |format=video |publication-date=July 10, 2015 |time=10:07}}{{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}} He also identifies as a pro-choice feminist,{{Cite web |last=Gaydos |first=Ryan |date=May 3, 2022 |title=AEW star CM Punk powerslams critics of his apparent Roe v. Wade support: 'We respect women here' |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/aew-cm-punk-roe-v-wade-support |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/1O0Ft |archive-date=April 16, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}} and is a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement,{{Cite web |last=DeAngelo |first=Dominic |date=June 3, 2020 |title=CM Punk Speaks On Black Lives Matter: 'Listen To Your Black Brothers & Sisters' |url=https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1189159-cm-punk-black-lives-matter |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/LxRTg |archive-date=April 16, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |website=WrestleZone |language=en-US}} LGBTQ rights, and Palestine.{{Cite web |date=October 21, 2024 |title=WWE wrestler: 'I wish we would stop the genocide' |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20241021-wwe-wrestler-i-wish-we-would-stop-the-genocide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/f57PA |archive-date=April 16, 2025 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |website=Middle East Monitor}} He is a lifelong fan of all of his hometown's professional sports teams, especially the Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Cubs.

On June 13, 2014, Brooks married fellow professional wrestler April Mendez, known at the time as AJ Lee. They reside in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles, California with their rescue dog, Larry.{{Cite web |last=Lank |first=Barry |date=December 13, 2021 |title=Sunset Junction project advances {{!}} Wrestler buys $4 million Los Feliz home {{!}} From school to clothing business |url=https://www.theeastsiderla.com/real_estate/sunset-junction-project-advances-wrestler-buys-4-million-los-feliz-home-from-school-to-clothing/article_46e2133e-5b82-11ec-bfa2-1337bde923ee.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/xJpgc#selection-3707.53-3707.67 |archive-date=April 17, 2025 |access-date=April 17, 2025 |website=The Eastsider LA |language=en}}{{Cite magazine |last=Barnard |first=Adam |date=November 17, 2024 |title=Cody Rhodes on Pharaoh and CM Punk's Dog Larry: 'Larry's Not There Yet' |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/wwe/cody-rhodes-on-pharaoh-and-cm-punk-s-dog-larry-larry-s-not-there-yet |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241117145637/https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/wwe/cody-rhodes-on-pharaoh-and-cm-punk-s-dog-larry-larry-s-not-there-yet |archive-date=November 17, 2024 |access-date=April 17, 2025 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-US}} The couple also have a residence in Brooks' native Chicago.{{cite web |title=CM Punk's house Chicago, Illinois pictures and rare facts |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 |access-date=August 20, 2024 |work=Celebrity Detective}}

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 ({{Inflation|US|4000000|2015|fmt=eq|r=-3}}) 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 ({{Inflation|US|200000|2018|fmt=eq}}) in damages and an additional $1 million ({{Inflation|US|1000000|2018|fmt=eq|r=-3}}) in punitive damages. Brooks filed a counterclaim against Colton in June 2019, for $600,000 ({{Inflation|US|600000|2019|fmt=eq}}) and additional fees. Both lawsuits were settled and dismissed in September 2019. According to PWInsider, the settlement involved no financial compensation.

File:CM Punk 2.jpg

In 2008, Brooks appeared as the Sports Grand Marshal of the nationally televised McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade in downtown Chicago.{{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}} He reprised this role in 2012.{{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}}

Brooks has appeared alongside his friend and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach Rener Gracie in several episodes of the YouTube series Gracie Breakdown.{{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}} He has also worked with Nerdist Industries,{{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=IGN}} including hosting an ongoing series titled Grammar Slam, explaining grammatical mistakes in messages from professional wrestling fans and berating them.{{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=Nerdist Industries}}

Brooks was the cover athlete for the video game WWE '13.{{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=GamesRadar|access-date=June 14, 2017}} In 2015, he was featured in Frank Turner's "The Next Storm" music video.{{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}}

As an actor, Brooks starred in the 2019 horror film Girl on the Third Floor.{{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=Deadline Hollywood}} 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".{{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=Variety|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}}{{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=Chicago Tribune|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}} Brooks portrayed wrestler Ricky Rabies in the professional wrestling drama series Heels (2021–2023).{{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=Variety|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}}

Brooks wrote the introduction for the hardcover edition of Marvel Comics' 2012 crossover event Avengers vs. X-Men{{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}}{{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=USA Today|date=October 15, 2012}} and described the opportunity as a "geek dream come true".{{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=Marvel Entertainment|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}}

In 2013, Brooks wrote a foreword for his friend and ex-girlfriend Natalie Slater's cookbook Bake and Destroy: Good Food for Bad Vegans.{{cite web|url=http://bakeanddestroy.net/the-book/|title=Bake and Destroy: The Cookbook|access-date=June 5, 2013}}

In February 2015, Marvel Comics' Thor Annual No. 1, partly written by Brooks, was released.{{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}} He cowrote "The Most Cursed", which appeared in Vertigo Comics' Strange Sports Stories No. 3 in May 2015.{{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=SB Nation|date=May 13, 2015|access-date=May 13, 2015}} Brooks also cowrote Marvel Comics' Drax ongoing series.{{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=Comic Book Resources|date=April 26, 2015|access-date=May 28, 2017}} Brooks wrote a one-shot of Marvel's Master of Kung Fu, which was published in November 2017.{{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=Syfy|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}}

{{See also|Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|l1=Luchas de Apuestas}}

{{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)}}

|Mike Jackson

|NC (overturned)

|UFC 225

|{{dts|2018|June|9|format=mdy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Chicago, Illinois, United States

|Originally a unanimous decision win for Jackson; overturned after he tested positive for marijuana.

|-

|{{No2}}Loss

|align=center|0–1

|Mickey Gall

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|UFC 203

|{{dts|2016|September|10|format=mdy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:14

|Cleveland, Ohio, United States

|

|-

{{end}}

{{multiple image

|direction=vertical

|width=170

|image1=CM Punk ECW Champion.jpg

|caption1= In WWE, Punk's first title was the ECW Championship.

|image2=CM Punk WHC SummerSlam 2008.jpg

|caption2= 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.

|image3=WWE Champion CM Punk.jpg

|caption3= Two reigns as WWE Champion.

|image4=CM Punk wins IC in Chicago.jpg

|caption4= One reign as WWE Intercontinental Champion.

|image5=Punk Tag Champ.jpg

|caption5= One reign as World Tag Team Champion with Kofi Kingston.

}}

• All Elite Wrestling
• AEW World Championship (2 times){{cite web|url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/aew-world-championship-history|title=Official AEW World Championship Title History|publisher=All Elite Wrestling}}
• "Real World Championship" (1 time, unrecognized){{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}}{{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}}{{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}}
• AEW Dynamite Awards (2 times)
• Best Moment on the Mic (2022) – {{small|CM Punk returns}}
• Best Mic Duel (2022) – {{small|MJF and CM Punk on Thanksgiving Eve}}
• The Baltimore Sun
• Feud of the Year (2009) – {{small|vs. Jeff Hardy}}{{cite web|last=Eck|first=Kevin|title=2009 Awards|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-01-2009_awards-story.html|work=The Baltimore Sun|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}}
• Cauliflower Alley Club
• Iron Mike Mazurki Award (2023){{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=Cauliflower Alley Club |language=en}}
• ESPN
• Best Feud/Storyline of the Year (2024) – {{small|vs. Drew McIntyre}}{{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=ESPN}}
• Debut of the Year (2023){{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=ESPN|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}}
• Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South
• IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship (5 times){{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}}{{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}}
• IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Championship (2 times){{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}}{{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}}
• International Wrestling Cartel
• IWC World Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{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}}{{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}}
• Lunatic Wrestling Federation
• LWF Intercontinental Championship (2 times)cite web|url= https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=6174
• Mid-American Wrestling
• Mid-American Wrestling Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{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}}{{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}}
• Mid-American Heavyweight Championship Tournament (2001)cite web|url= https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=13571
• New York Post
• Best Return/Debut of the Year (2023){{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=New York Post|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}}
• NWA Cyberspace
• NWA Cyberspace Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Julio Dinero{{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}}{{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}}
• Ohio Valley Wrestling
• OVW Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{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}}{{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}}
• OVW Southern Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Seth Skyfire{{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}}{{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}}
• OVW Television Championship (1 time){{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}}{{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}}
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
• Comeback of the Year (2021)
• Feud of the Year (2011) – {{small|vs. John Cena}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html|title=PWI Awards|work=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|publisher=Kappa Publishing Group|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}}
• Feud of the Year (2022) – {{small|vs. Maxwell Jacob Friedman}}{{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}}
• Feud of the Year (2024) – {{small|vs. Drew McIntyre}}
• Match of the Year (2011) – {{small|vs. John Cena at Money in the Bank}}{{cite journal|title=2011 Match of the Year|year=2012|journal=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|volume=33|issue=3|pages=80–81}}
• Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (2012)
• Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (2011, 2021){{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}}
• Wrestler of the Year (2011, 2012)
• Ranked No. 1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2012{{cite journal|title=2012 PWI 500|year=2012|journal=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|volume=33|issue=7|issn= 1043-7576|pages=12–18}}{{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=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|publisher=Internet Wrestling Database}}
• Revolution Championship Wrestling
• RCW Championship (1 time){{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}}
• Revolver
• Golden Gods Award for Most Metal Athlete (2012){{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}}
• Ring of Honor
• ROH World Championship (1 time){{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}}
• ROH Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Colt Cabana{{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}}
• ROH Hall of Fame (class of 2022)
• Sports Illustrated
• Rivalry of the Year (2024) {{small|– vs. Drew McIntyre}}{{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=Sports Illustrated}}
• Ranked No. 17 of the 20 Greatest WWE Wrestlers of All Time{{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}}
• St. Paul Championship Wrestling/Steel Domain Wrestling
• SPCW Northern States Light Heavyweight Championship (2 times){{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}}
• SPCE Northern States Light Heavyweight Championship Tournament (2000)cite web|url= https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=265466
• World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE
• WWE Championship (2 times){{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}}{{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}}{{efn|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.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwechampionship|title=WWE Championship title history|access-date= February 5, 2012|publisher=WWE}}}}{{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}}
• World Heavyweight Championship (3 times){{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}
• ECW Championship (1 time){{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}}{{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}}
• WWE Intercontinental Championship (1 time){{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}}{{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}}
• World Tag Team Championship (1 time){{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}} – with Kofi Kingston{{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}}
• Money in the Bank (2008, 2009){{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}}{{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}}
• WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender's Tournament (2008){{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}}
• Brisbane Cup (2011){{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}}{{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}}
• 19th Triple Crown Champion
• Slammy Award (11 times)
• Despicable Me (2010) – {{small|Harassing Rey Mysterio and his family}}{{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}}
• Extreme Moment of the Year (2013) – {{small|For exacting revenge on Paul Heyman at Hell in a Cell}}{{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}}
• OMG Moment of the Year (2008) – {{small|Cashing in Money in the Bank to win the World Heavyweight Championship}}{{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}}
• OMG Moment of the Year (2024) – {{small|Returning to WWE at Survivor Series: WarGames}}{{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=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}
• "Pipe Bomb" of the Year (2011)
• Return of the Year (2024) – {{small|At Survivor Series: WarGames}}
• Rivalry of the Year (2025) – {{small|vs. Drew McIntyre}}
• Shocker of the Year (2009) – {{small|Forcing Jeff Hardy out of the WWE after steel cage match victory}}{{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}}
• Superstar of the Year (2011){{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}}
• T-shirt of the Year (2011) – {{small|"Best in the World"}}{{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}}
• Match of the Year (2025) – {{small|Hell in a Cell match vs. Drew McIntyre at Bad Blood}}
• WrestleCrap
• Gooker Award (2023) – {{small|CM Punk on AEW (tied with Father James Mitchell doing drugs on PPV)}}{{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 }}
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
• Best Box Office Draw (2021){{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=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|first=Dave|last=Meltzer|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=February 18, 2022|access-date=February 18, 2022|url-access=subscription}}
• Best Gimmick (2009, 2011){{cite journal|title=2009 Awards Issue, Possible biggest wrestling news story of 2010 |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer|journal=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|date=January 27, 2010|location=Campbell, California|issn=1083-9593}}{{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=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, California|issn=1083-9593}}
• Best on Interviews (2011, 2012){{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 23, 2013|title=The 2012 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Annual Awards Issue|journal=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, California|issn=1083-9593}}
• Feud of the Year (2009) – {{small|vs. Jeff Hardy}}
• Feud of the Year (2011) – {{small|vs. John Cena}}
• Feud of the Year (2024) – {{small|vs. Drew McIntyre}}{{cite web |last1=Meltzer |first1=Dave |title=February 17, 2025 Observer Newsletter: The 2024 Awards issue |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-newsletter/february-17-2025-observer-newsletter-the-2024-awards-issue/ |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |date=February 14, 2025 |access-date=February 14, 2025}}
• Most Charismatic (2021)
• Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic (2012) – {{small|Exploiting Jerry Lawler's legitimate heart attack}}{{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}}
• Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic (2013) {{small|– Exploiting the death of Paul Bearer}}
• Pro Wrestling Match of the Year (2011) – {{small|vs. John Cena at Money in the Bank}}

{{clear}}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist|colwidth=20em|refs=

{{cite web|url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-all-in-london-results|title=AEW All In: London Results|author=AEW staff|publisher=All Elite Wrestling|work=AllEliteWrestling.com|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!}}

{{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}}

{{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=Sports Illustrated|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}}

{{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=Sports Illustrated|first=Justin|last=Barrasso|date=November 14, 2021|accessdate=November 16, 2021}}

{{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=Sports Illustrated|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}}

{{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=Sports Illustrated|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}}

{{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}}

{{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=CBSSports.com|last=Brookhouse|first=Brent|date=May 29, 2022}}

{{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=ComicBook.com|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}}

{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/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=ComicBook.com|first=Connor|last=Casey|date=March 6, 2022|access-date=May 30, 2022}}

{{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=Vulture|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}}

{{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}}

{{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}}

{{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=Chicago Tribune}}

{{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=Sports Illustrated |access-date=June 4, 2022}}

{{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}}

{{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}}

{{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}}

{{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}}

{{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}}

{{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}}

{{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=The Baltimore Sun|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}}

{{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}}

{{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=All Elite Wrestling|work=AllEliteWrestling.com|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.}}

{{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=Fox Sports}}

{{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}}

{{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}}

{{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}}

{{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=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online | 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 }}

{{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}}

{{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}}

{{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=Sports Illustrated|publisher=Meredith Corporation|date=June 5, 2018|access-date=June 5, 2018}}

{{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}}

{{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}}

{{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=ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}

{{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=CBSSports.com|date=June 4, 2022 |access-date=June 4, 2022}}

{{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=ESPN|website=ESPN.com|date=September 11, 2016|access-date=April 15, 2017}}

{{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}}

{{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=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|date=June 5, 2018|access-date=June 5, 2018}}

{{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=Sports Illustrated|first=Dave|last=Meltzer|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=August 22, 2021|accessdate=August 23, 2021}}

{{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=Chicago Sun-Times}}

{{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}}

{{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=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}

{{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 }}

{{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}}

{{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}}

{{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}}

{{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=The Washington Post|access-date=February 22, 2015}}

{{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=Chicago Tribune}}

{{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=Sports Illustrated}}

{{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}}

{{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=Pro Wrestling Torch |date=September 5, 2022}}

{{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=ESPN|website=ESPN.com|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}}

{{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=F4Wonline.com|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}}

{{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}}

{{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=CNET |access-date=August 26, 2023}}

{{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=Yahoo Sports|date=February 20, 2015|access-date=May 27, 2017}}

{{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=PinkNews|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}}

{{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=WWE|website=WWE.com|access-date=April 6, 2016}}

{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/superstars/cmpunk|title=CM Punk|access-date=June 30, 2018|publisher=WWE|website=WWE.com}}

{{cite web|title=WWE to cease affiliation with Ohio Valley Wrestling|publisher=WWE|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}}

}}

{{commons category}}

• {{WWE superstar}}
• {{Professional wrestling profiles}}
• {{Sherdog}}
• {{IMDb name|nm1516006|Phil Brooks}}

{{CM Punk}}

{{Navboxes

|list1=

{{WWE personnel}}

{{Grand Slam-Triple Crown Champions}}

{{WWE Championship}}

{{World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)}}

{{ECW Championship}}

{{WWE Intercontinental Championship}}

{{World Tag Team Championship (WWE)}}

{{Money in the Bank winners}}

{{The ECW Originals}}

{{New Breed (ECW)}}

{{The Nexus}}

{{TheShield WWE}}

{{AEW World Championship}}

{{ROH World Championship}}

{{ROH World Tag Team Championship}}

{{ROH Hall of Fame}}

{{Second City Saints}}

{{IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship}}

{{IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Championship}}

{{IWC Heavyweight Championship}}

{{OVW Heavyweight Championship}}

{{OVW Television Championship}}

{{OVW Tag Team Championship}}

}}

{{Authority control}}

{{Portal bar|Chicago|Biography|United States|Film|Television}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Punk, CM}}

Category:1978 births

Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers

Category:20th-century American professional wrestlers

Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers

Category:21st-century American professional wrestlers

Category:21st-century American male actors

Category:AEW World Champions

Category:American atheists

Category:American color commentators

Category:American comics writers

Category:American male film actors

Category:American male mixed martial artists

Category:American male professional wrestlers

Category:American male Muay Thai practitioners

Category:American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:ECW Heavyweight Champions/ECW World Heavyweight Champions

Category:American expatriate professional wrestlers in Japan

Category:Living people

Category:Male actors from Chicago

Category:Marvel Comics writers

Category:Masked wrestlers

Category:Mixed martial artists from Illinois

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing wrestling

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Muay Thai

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Money in the Bank winners

Category:OVW Heavyweight Champions

Category:OVW Television Champions

Category:OVW Tag Team Champions

Category:American professional wrestling announcers

Category:ROH World Champions

Category:ROH World Tag Team Champions

Category:Professional wrestlers from Chicago

Category:Professional wrestlers who competed in MMA

Category:Participants in American reality television series

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters

Category:World Heavyweight Champions (WWE)

Category:World Tag Team Champions (WWE, 1971–2010)

Category:Writers from Chicago

Category:WWE Champions

Category:WWF/WWE Intercontinental Champions