Challenges Faced by CM Punk: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and CM Punk faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Phillip Jack Brooks, known as CM Punk, is a highly regarded American professional wrestler currently signed with WWE's Raw brand. Celebrated as one of wrestling's greatest and most influential figures, he notably held the WWE Championship for 434 days, marking the seventh-longest reign in the title's history.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

January 2006: Loses OVW Television Championship

In January 2006, CM Punk lost the OVW Television Championship after Ken Doane was injured and replaced by Aaron "The Idol" Stevens, who won the match.

February 2006: OVW Heavyweight Championship Tournament

In February 2006, CM Punk entered a tournament to crown a new OVW Heavyweight Champion, but lost to Brent Albright in the finals.

August 2006: Loses OVW Southern Tag Team and Heavyweight Championships

In August 2006, CM Punk and Seth Skyfire lost the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship to Deuce Shade and "Domino" Cliff Compton. Later that month, Punk also lost the OVW Heavyweight Championship to Chet the Jett.

January 9, 2007: First Loss in ECW

On January 9, 2007, CM Punk suffered his first loss in ECW against Hardcore Holly, ending his six-month unbeaten streak in singles competition.

January 22, 2008: Loses ECW Championship to Chavo Guerrero

On January 22, 2008, CM Punk lost the ECW Championship to Chavo Guerrero in a no disqualification match after Edge speared him, ending his reign at 143 days.

2008: Punk's World Heavyweight Championship reign ended

In 2008 Randy Orton prematurely ended CM Punk's first World Heavyweight Championship reign.

January 5, 2009: Intercontinental Title Match Against William Regal Ends in Disqualification

On January 5, 2009, CM Punk received his Intercontinental Championship title match against William Regal, which ended in a disqualification when Regal grabbed the referee's jersey.

June 20, 2010: World Heavyweight Championship Challenge at Fatal 4-Way

On June 20, 2010, at WWE Fatal 4-Way, CM Punk challenged for the World Heavyweight Championship against Mysterio, Big Show and the champion Jack Swagger, but was unsuccessful when he was attacked by Kane.

October 2010: Trade to Raw and Hip Injury

In October 2010, CM Punk was traded back to the Raw brand and suffered a hip injury at Bragging Rights, sidelining him from wrestling for several months. He began commentating on Raw in November to maintain a television presence. The events occurred in October 2010.

January 30, 2011: Interference in WWE Championship Match

On January 30, 2011, CM Punk and The New Nexus interfered in Randy Orton's WWE Championship match against The Miz at the Royal Rumble, seeking revenge for Orton ending Punk's World Heavyweight Championship reign in 2008.

January 27, 2013: WWE Championship Loss to The Rock

On January 27, 2013, at the Royal Rumble, CM Punk lost the WWE Championship to The Rock, ending his reign at 434 days after Vince McMahon restarted the match. Punk lost the title on January 27, 2013.

November 2013: Discovery of Lump on Back

In November 2013, CM Punk found a lump on his back that was initially diagnosed as a "fatty deposit" by Dr. Chris Amann, who refused to remove it despite Punk's requests.

January 26, 2014: Royal Rumble Elimination

On January 26, 2014, at the Royal Rumble, Kane eliminated CM Punk from the match after Punk had previously eliminated Kane. This interference occurred on January 26, 2014.

January 27, 2014: CM Punk Walks Out of WWE

On January 27, 2014, CM Punk did not appear on Raw, and by Wednesday, WWE.com stopped advertising him for future events. It was reported that Punk had walked out after informing Vince McMahon and Triple H that he was "going home" on Monday prior to Raw. These events transpired on January 27, 2014.

June 13, 2014: CM Punk Fired by WWE on Wedding Day

On Colt Cabana's podcast in November 2014, CM Punk revealed he was fired by WWE on his wedding day, June 13, 2014, which he stated was the final straw leading to no further working relationship with WWE.

2014: Departure from WWE

In 2014, CM Punk acrimoniously departed from WWE, largely retiring from wrestling.

2014: Health Issues Leading to WWE Exit

Throughout 2014, CM Punk's health issues, including an untreated MRSA infection, broken ribs, injured knees, and multiple concussions, were the main reason he left WWE.

2016: UFC Debut Loss

In 2016, CM Punk made his professional mixed martial arts debut at UFC 203, losing via submission to Mickey Gall.

2018: Second UFC Fight and Release

In 2018, CM Punk lost his second UFC fight to Mike Jackson via unanimous decision at UFC 225, which was later overturned to a no-contest, before he was released from UFC.

June 2020: WWE Backstage Production Halt

In June 2020, production of WWE Backstage was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later suspended by FOX.

2021: WWE Backstage Cancellation

WWE Backstage, where CM Punk was working as an analyst, was completely canceled as a series by 2021.

January 27, 2024: Televised WWE Match at Royal Rumble

On January 27, 2024, at the Royal Rumble, CM Punk wrestled his first televised WWE match since 2014. He entered at number 27 and finished as the runner-up after being eliminated by Cody Rhodes and also tore his right triceps.