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 (CM Punk) is a professional wrestler and actor currently signed to WWE's Raw brand. Widely considered one of wrestling's greatest, he is known for his "straight edge" persona and confrontational style. He is the current World Heavyweight Champion, marking his record-tying second reign. Notably, his 434-day reign as WWE Champion is the 10th-longest in the company's history.

Sections (5)

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

July 2003: IWA Mid-South Boycott Begins

From July 2003 until May 2004, CM Punk refused to wrestle for IWA Mid-South, protesting Ian Rotten's treatment of Chris Hero.

March 2004: Quits TNA

In March 2004, CM Punk officially quit TNA over a dispute about competing in ROH after TNA ordered its wrestlers to no longer wrestle in ROH.

May 2004: IWA Mid-South Boycott Ends

CM Punk's boycott of IWA Mid-South, which began in July 2003, ended in May 2004.

October 2010: Trade to Raw and Injury

In October 2010, CM Punk was traded back to the Raw brand after being swapped with Edge. He also participated in the interbrand tag team match at Bragging Rights and suffered a hip injury that prevented him from wrestling for several months.

June 2013: Restraining Order Against Mother

In June 2013, CM Punk reportedly obtained a restraining order against his estranged mother.

November 2013: Lump Diagnosis

In November 2013, CM Punk found a lump on his back that was 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. Kane then performed a chokeslam on Punk through the announce table.

June 13, 2014: Firing from WWE

On June 13, 2014, CM Punk was fired by WWE on his wedding day, which he revealed during an interview in November 2014.

November 2014: Art of Wrestling Podcast Interview

In November 2014, CM Punk broke his silence on Colt Cabana's "Art of Wrestling" podcast regarding his WWE exit, detailing his suspension, unpaid royalties, and termination.

November 2014: Pro Wrestling Torch Documents Punk Interview

In November 2014, The Pro Wrestling Torch documented the interview released by CM Punk, providing further details on his WWE exit.

December 2014: Punk Explains WWE Exit

In December 2014, CM Punk gave an interview where he explained the reasons for his departure from WWE earlier that year.

2014: Leaves WWE

In 2014, CM Punk acrimoniously left WWE, marking a significant turning point in his career.

February 2015: Amann files defamation lawsuit

In February 2015, WWE doctor Christopher Amann filed a defamation lawsuit against Brooks and Scott Colton over Brooks' allegations of medical malpractice.

October 2015: Punk Suffers Shoulder Injury

In October 2015, Duke Roufus announced that CM Punk had suffered a shoulder injury, delaying his UFC debut.

February 6, 2016: Punk diagnosed with herniated disc

On February 6, 2016, CM Punk was diagnosed with a herniated disc and underwent surgery days later.

September 10, 2016: CM Punk's UFC Debut

On September 10, 2016, CM Punk made his UFC and MMA debut against Mickey Gall at UFC 203, losing via rear naked choke submission. He was paid a disclosed $500,000.

2016: UFC Debut

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

June 9, 2018: CM Punk Fights Mike Jackson at UFC 225

On June 9, 2018, CM Punk fought Mike Jackson at UFC 225 in Chicago, losing via unanimous decision. Dana White suggested he should retire from UFC.

August 2018: Colton files a lawsuit against Brooks

In August 2018, Scott Colton filed a lawsuit against Brooks, alleging breach of contract and fraud due to Brooks' alleged agreement and later refusal to pay Colton's legal fees for the Amann suit.

2018: Second UFC Fight

In 2018, CM Punk had his second UFC fight against Mike Jackson at UFC 225, initially losing via unanimous decision, which was later overturned to a no contest.

June 2019: Brooks files counterclaim

In June 2019, Brooks filed a counterclaim against Colton for $600,000 and additional fees.

September 2019: Lawsuits settled and dismissed

In September 2019, both lawsuits were settled and dismissed. According to PWInsider, the settlement involved no financial compensation.

February 2, 2022: First Loss in AEW

On February 2, 2022, CM Punk experienced his first loss in AEW to MJF in a singles match on Dynamite after months of feuding between the two.

September 2022: Altercation at All Out

In September 2022, CM Punk was involved in an altercation at All Out, after which he claims no one from AEW spoke to him for six months and he had to pay for his own surgery and recovery.

September 2023: Fired from AEW

In September 2023, CM Punk was fired from All Elite Wrestling (AEW) after backstage controversies.

January 27, 2024: CM Punk Wrestles at Royal Rumble 2024

On January 27, 2024, CM Punk wrestled his first televised WWE match since 2014 at the Royal Rumble, where he was the runner-up and tore his right triceps.