Major Controversies Surrounding CM Punk: A Detailed Timeline
Public opinion and media debates around CM Punk—discover key moments of controversy.
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.
July 2003: Protest Against IWA Mid-South
From July 2003 until May 2004, CM Punk refused to wrestle for IWA Mid-South, reportedly as a protest to Ian Rotten's mistreatment of Chris Hero.
February 25, 2004: Scuffle with Teddy Hart
On February 25, 2004, CM Punk had a physical scuffle with Teddy Hart outside of a restaurant before an NWA: TNA show.
May 2004: End of IWA Mid-South Boycott
From July 2003 until May 2004, CM Punk refused to wrestle for IWA Mid-South, reportedly as a protest to Ian Rotten's mistreatment of Chris Hero.
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.
December 2010: Assault on John Cena and Nexus Takeover
In December 2010, CM Punk left the commentary team after assaulting John Cena on the December 20 episode of Raw and the December 21 episode of SmackDown. He revealed he had joined and taken control of The Nexus, demanding members prove their worth.
2010: Feud with Rey Mysterio
During the first half of 2010, CM Punk feuded with Rey Mysterio, being eliminated by him during the Elimination Chamber match and later interrupting Mysterio's daughter's birthday.
January 30, 2011: Punk and The New Nexus cost Randy Orton his match
On January 30, 2011, CM Punk and The New Nexus cost Randy Orton his match with The Miz for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble, as revenge for Orton ending Punk's first World Heavyweight Championship reign in 2008.
June 27, 2011: "Pipe Bomb" Speech
On June 27, 2011, CM Punk delivered his infamous "Pipe Bomb" speech on Raw, criticizing WWE's management and owner Vince McMahon, resulting in a suspension that was later lifted.
January 27, 2013: The Rock Announces WWE Championship Match
On July 23, 2012, at Raw 1000, The Rock announced he would wrestle for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble on January 27, 2013, leading to Punk attacking him and turning heel.
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.
January 27, 2014: CM Punk Walks Out of WWE
On January 27, 2014, CM Punk did not appear on Raw and walked out of WWE after informing Vince McMahon and Triple H that he was "going home."
June 13, 2014: Firing by WWE on Wedding Day
On June 13, 2014, CM Punk was fired by WWE on his wedding day, which he cited as the last straw, leading him to state he would never return to WWE.
November 2014: CM Punk Breaks Silence on WWE Exit
In November 2014, CM Punk broke his silence on Colt Cabana's podcast, detailing his suspension and firing by WWE.
September 2023: Fired from AEW
In September 2023, CM Punk was fired from AEW after multiple backstage controversies.
April 10, 2024: Footage of Backstage Altercation Airs on Dynamite
On April 10, 2024, footage of CM Punk's backstage altercation with Jack Perry was shown on Dynamite to further the feud between The Young Bucks and FTR.
