Major Controversies Surrounding CM Punk: A Detailed Timeline

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

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.

February 25, 2004: Scuffle with Teddy Hart

On February 25, 2004, CM Punk had a physical altercation with Teddy Hart outside a restaurant before a TNA show.

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.

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, furthering the Straight Edge Society storyline.

June 27, 2011: "Pipe Bomb" Promo

On June 27, 2011, CM Punk delivered a highly acclaimed on-air speech, known as the "Pipe Bomb", criticizing WWE's operations and owner Vince McMahon, and referencing other wrestling promotions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2022: Scott Colton Relationship

In 2022, CM Punk discussed the end of his relationship with Scott Colton, stating that they hadn't been friends since at least 2014 or late 2013. He addressed the spread of lies and the implication that he got Colton fired.

September 2023: Fired from AEW

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

April 10, 2024: AEW Shows Backstage Altercation Footage

On April 10, 2024, AEW aired footage of the backstage altercation between CM Punk and Jack Perry on Dynamite to further the feud between The Young Bucks and FTR.

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April 2024: CM Punk's Interview on The MMA Hour

In April 2024, CM Punk gave an interview on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, where he contradicted Tony Khan's claim that he was fired for just cause, stated he wanted to leave AEW, and criticized the company.

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