Major Controversies Surrounding CM Punk: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around CM Punk—discover key moments of controversy.

Phillip Jack Brooks, famously known as CM Punk, is a highly regarded American professional wrestler and actor currently signed with WWE on the Raw brand. Known for his outspoken "straight edge" persona mirroring his real life, CM Punk is recognized as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. His impressive 434-day reign as WWE Champion stands as the 10th-longest world title reign in the company's history.

Sections (5)

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

July 2003: Refusal to Wrestle for IWA Mid-South

From July 2003, CM Punk refused to wrestle for IWA Mid-South, citing Ian Rotten's mistreatment of Chris Hero.

February 25, 2004: Physical Scuffle with Teddy Hart

On February 25, 2004, CM Punk had a physical scuffle with Teddy Hart outside of a restaurant before a NWA: TNA show, reportedly stemming from an ROH show incident.

March 2004: Quits TNA

In March 2004, CM Punk officially quit TNA during the Rob Feinstein controversy due to a dispute over his ability to compete in ROH.

June 13, 2014: Punk Fired by WWE on his wedding day

On June 13, 2014, CM Punk was fired by WWE on his wedding day, an event that was the 'last straw' for Punk.

November 2014: Pro Wrestling Torch documents Punk interview

In November 2014, The Pro Wrestling Torch documented the interview with CM Punk.

November 2014: Punk breaks silence on WWE Exit

In November 2014, on an episode of Colt Cabana's Art of Wrestling podcast, CM Punk broke his silence regarding his exit from WWE, detailing his suspension, lack of contact from WWE, and being fired on his wedding day.

December 2014: Punk explains why he left WWE

In a December 2014 interview, CM Punk explained why he left WWE earlier that year.

February 2015: Defamation Lawsuit Filed

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

August 2018: Scott Colton Lawsuit

In August 2018, Scott Colton filed a lawsuit against Brooks, alleging breach of contract and fraud related to legal fees for the Amann suit.

June 2019: Counterclaim Filed

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

September 2022: Backstage Altercation at All Out

After the All Out event in September 2022, CM Punk claimed that no one from AEW had spoken to him in six months following a backstage altercation. He was forced to pay for his own surgery and do recovery on his own.

2022: Punk comments on relationship with Scott Colton

In 2022, CM Punk addressed his broken relationship with Scott Colton (Colt Cabana), the EVPs, and "Hangman" Adam Page, in which he stated he hadn't been friends with Colton since at least 2014, late 2013.

September 2023: Fired from AEW

In September 2023, CM Punk was fired from AEW after backstage controversies.

April 10, 2024: Footage of Backstage Altercation Airs on Dynamite

On April 10, 2024, footage of the backstage altercation between CM Punk and Jack Perry was shown on an episode of Dynamite. It served as a way to further the feud between The Young Bucks and FTR.

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April 2024: Punk's Interview on The MMA Hour

In April 2024, CM Punk contradicted Tony Khan's claim that he was fired for just cause, stating that he quit AEW after an altercation with Jack Perry. He also criticized AEW, calling it "not a real business".