Read update
- There are moments in professional wrestling where everyone remembers where they were when it happened. At Survivor Series 2023, that moment was the return of CM Punk to WWE in Chicago. The crowd reaction was unlike any other. It was thunderous. CM Punk, the man who was once expected to never return to WWE, was back in the company. Despite him being currently out with injury due to a triceps tear during the 2024 men's Royal Rumble match, his presence is huge on WWE right now. He is easily one of the most important figures in all of professional wrestling, and one cannot help but wonder what is going to come next for CM Punk in WWE.
Quick Links
UPDATE: 2024/03/03 17:30 EST BY BENJAMIN VIEIRA
There are moments in professional wrestling where everyone remembers where they were when it happened. At Survivor Series 2023, that moment was the return of CM Punk to WWE in Chicago. The crowd reaction was unlike any other. It was thunderous. CM Punk, the man who was once expected to never return to WWE, was back in the company. Despite him being currently out with injury due to a triceps tear during the 2024 men's Royal Rumble match, his presence is huge on WWE right now. He is easily one of the most important figures in all of professional wrestling, and one cannot help but wonder what is going to come next for CM Punk in WWE.
When looking at dramatic career paths and game-changing events in professional wrestling, the journey of CM Punk, from his controversial WWE exit to AEW return, and back again is one of the most shocking. Recognized for his "anti-hero" persona, both on-screen and off-camera, Punk has left an indelible mark on professional wrestling... one that needs to be explained.
CM Punk Has Returned To WWE
With rumors running rampant heading into Survivor Series, it turns out the buzz was true. CM Punk has returned to WWE.CM Punk's WWE Career Is Unlike Any Other
CM Punk Rose To The Top Of WWE Despite Several Road Blocks
CM Punk WWE Timeline | |
|---|---|
2005-2006 | CM Punk signed with WWE and worked two years in developmental in OVW. |
2006-2008 | CM Punk moved up and joined ECW where he won the ECW Championship. |
2008 | CM Punk won the World Championship from Edge by cashing in his Money in the Bank contract. |
2009-2011 | CM Punk led the Straight Edge Society and followed that up by leading the New Nexus. |
2011-2013 | CM Punk beat John Cena for the WWE Championship. He lost it and then won it back and held it for 434 days. |
2014 | CM Punk walked out of WWE following the Royal Rumble. |
In the world of WWE Superstars, CM Punk is a truly unique case study to explore. Punk caught global attention almost from the moment he made his WWE main roster debut in 2006, with both his 'straight edge' and 'voice of the voiceless' characters really resonating with fans. It was Punk's high-caliber ring work, as well as his "anti-hero" persona, which seemed to spread both on and off the screen, that really made him a fan favorite of WWE fans.
Despite many believing he wouldn't be someone Vince McMahon would push, Punk's undeniable charisma meant that WWE gave him a 434-day reign as WWE Champion, as well as feuds with the likes of John Cena, The Undertaker, and Triple H. Punk didn't want to rest on his laurels though, and wanted to work the main event of WrestleMania, something that ultimately led to his departure from WWE.
CM Punk's WWE Exit Was Messy
His Final WWE Appearance Was At The 2014 Royal Rumble
- CM Punk's last WWE match before leaving was the 2014 Royal Rumble.
- He spoke about why he left on the Art of Wrestling podcast.
- He was angry with WWE for a number of different reasons.
With his last WWE appearance coming at the Royal Rumble in January 2014, CM Punk's sudden disappearance from the company triggered intense speculation among wrestling fans and industry insiders. However, fans had to wait almost a year, until November 2014, to hear Punk explain his reasons for asking to leave WWE on the now-infamous Art of Wrestling podcast with Colt Cabana.
5 WrestleMania 40 Matches WWE Should Book For CM Punk (& 5 They Shouldn't)
WWE fans already have their minds set on CM Punk's WrestleMania opponent. Who should face him at the 40th edition of The Grandest Stage Of Them All?Punk highlighted numerous issues with WWE, including alleged medical negligence, creative differences, and a perceived lack of respect. He expressed his discontentment over being consistently overlooked to headline WrestleMania matches in favor of part-time performers, such as The Rock. The combination of these factors resulted in CM Punk's WWE departure, opening up crucial discussions within the wrestling community about the industry leader's treatment of its performers.
