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 an American professional wrestler currently signed with WWE's Raw brand. He is considered one of the greatest and most influential wrestlers. His 434-day WWE Championship reign is the seventh-longest in history.
September 2005: OVW Debut and Injury
In September 2005, CM Punk debuted in OVW in a dark match, and in his first TV appearance later that month, he suffered a broken nose and ruptured eardrum in a match with Danny Inferno.
January 2006: OVW Television Championship Loss
In January 2006, CM Punk participated in a three way dance for the OVW Television Championship, where Aaron "The Idol" Stevens won the match and the title.
February 2006: OVW Heavyweight Championship Tournament
In February 2006, CM Punk entered a tournament to crown a new OVW Heavyweight Champion, losing to Brent Albright in the finals.
August 2006: OVW Title Losses
In August 2006, CM Punk and Seth Skyfire lost the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship to Deuce Shade and "Domino" Cliff Compton, and Punk also lost the OVW Heavyweight Championship to Chet the Jett.
January 9, 2007: First ECW Loss
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: ECW Championship Loss
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: Randy Orton prematurely ending Punk's first World Heavyweight Championship reign
In 2008, Randy Orton prematurely ended CM Punk's first World Heavyweight Championship reign, leading to later conflicts and revenge plots.
January 5, 2009: Intercontinental Championship Match 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: WWE Fatal 4-Way
On June 20, 2010, at WWE Fatal 4-Way, CM Punk challenged for the World Heavyweight Championship but was unsuccessful due to an attack by Kane.
October 2010: Trade to Raw and Hip Injury
In October 2010, CM Punk was traded back to Raw, participated in an interbrand tag team match at Bragging Rights on October 24 after defeating Evan Bourne, but Team Raw lost. He also suffered a hip injury that kept him from wrestling for months, leading him to begin commentating on Raw on November 22.
November 2013: Discovery of Lump on Back
In November 2013, CM Punk found a lump on his back, which was misdiagnosed as a "fatty deposit" by Dr. Chris Amann, leading to health complications later.
January 26, 2014: Elimination from Royal Rumble
On January 26, 2014, at the Royal Rumble, Kane eliminated CM Punk from the match and performed a chokeslam on him through the announce table.
2014: Working through an untreated and potentially fatal MRSA infection
During his final months in WWE in 2014, CM Punk had been working through an untreated MRSA infection and a broken ribs.
2014: Acrimonious Departure from WWE
In 2014, CM Punk departed WWE acrimoniously and largely retired from wrestling.
February 6, 2016: Announcement of First MMA Opponent and Subsequent Injury
On February 6, 2016, it was announced that CM 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.
September 10, 2016: UFC and MMA Debut
On September 10, 2016, CM Punk's UFC and MMA debut against Mickey Gall took place at UFC 203. He lost via rear naked choke submission early in the first round.
2016: UFC Debut
In 2016, CM Punk debuted in UFC at UFC 203, losing to Mickey Gall via submission.
June 9, 2018: Second Professional Bout at UFC 225
On June 9, 2018, CM Punk's second professional bout took place at UFC 225 against Mike Jackson in his hometown of Chicago. Punk lost the one-sided fight via unanimous decision.
2018: Second UFC Fight
In 2018, CM Punk fought Mike Jackson at UFC 225, initially losing via unanimous decision, later overturned to a no-contest before being released.
September 2023: Fired from AEW
In September 2023, CM Punk was fired from AEW after multiple backstage controversies.
January 27, 2024: Wrestled his first televised WWE match since 2014
On January 27, 2024, at the Royal Rumble, CM Punk wrestled his first televised WWE match since 2014, entering at number 27 and finishing as the runner-up after being eliminated by Cody Rhodes. During the match, Punk tore his right triceps.
