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 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

1997: Montreal Screwjob

In 1997, the Montreal Screwjob took place eerily reminiscent to the Breaking Point event where Scott Armstrong called for the bell despite Undertaker never submitting.

July 2003: Refusal to Wrestle for IWA Mid-South

From July 2003 until May 2004, CM Punk refused to wrestle for IWA Mid-South, citing 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 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 after a dispute over his ability to compete in ROH following a TNA order.

May 2004: Refusal to Wrestle for IWA Mid-South

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

January 2010: Straight Edge Society Recruitment

Throughout January 2010, CM Punk began to convert planted members of the audience to a straight-edge lifestyle, making them take a pledge of allegiance to him and shaving their head as a sign of renewal and devotion.

December 2010: Assault on John Cena and Nexus Leadership

In December 2010, CM Punk left the commentary team after assaulting John Cena on Raw and SmackDown. Punk revealed he had joined and taken control of The Nexus, which occurred in December 2010.

June 2011: WWE Contract Expiry and Championship Vow

In June 2011, after a series of wins, CM Punk revealed his WWE contract would expire on July 17 at Money in the Bank and vowed to leave with the WWE Championship. This announcement happened in June 2011.

June 27, 2011: "Pipe Bomb" Speech

On June 27, 2011, CM Punk delivered a scathing on-air speech, often referred to as the "Pipe Bomb", criticizing WWE's management and owner Vince McMahon, leading to a suspension and subsequent reinstatement. The speech happened on June 27, 2011.

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.

November 2014: Punk Breaks Silence on WWE Exit

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 eventual termination. The details were revealed in November 2014.

September 2023: Fired from AEW

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

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

On the April 10, 2024, episode of Dynamite, footage of CM Punk's backstage altercation with Jack Perry was shown to further the feud between The Young Bucks and FTR.

April 2024: Interview on The MMA Hour

In an April 2024 interview on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, CM Punk stated that he initially wanted to leave AEW and that he told Tony Khan, "You're a fucking clown, I quit."