CM Punk, whose real name is Phillip Jack Brooks, is an American professional wrestler, actor, and former mixed martial artist. He is known for his lengthy 434-day reign as the WWE Champion, the seventh longest in history. Currently, he is signed to WWE and performs on the Raw brand.
October 26, 1978: Birth of Phillip Jack Brooks
Phillip Jack Brooks, who would become known as CM Punk, was born on October 26, 1978.
1988: Punk's Reign as Longest-Reigning Champion of the "Modern Era"
CM Punk's WWE Championship reign, which began in 2011, lasted for 434 days and was recognized as the longest world championship reign in WWE's "modern era," a distinction held since 1988.
October 25, 1997: CM Punk's First Wrestling Match
CM Punk had his very first wrestling match on October 25, 1997, just a day before his 19th birthday.
1997: CM Punk's Professional Wrestling Debut
CM Punk began his professional wrestling journey in 1997.
1997: First Hell in a Cell Match (Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker)
In 1997, the inaugural Hell in a Cell match took place at Badd Blood: In Your House. Shawn Michaels faced off against The Undertaker in this groundbreaking match, which received a five-star rating from Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, setting a high bar for brutal and memorable encounters in professional wrestling.
1997: The Montreal Screwjob
The Montreal Screwjob, which occurred in 1997, was a controversial event in professional wrestling history. While not directly involving CM Punk, the incident is referenced in the context of his match against The Undertaker at Breaking Point 2009. The controversial finish of their match, where the referee seemingly made a fast count in Punk's favor despite Undertaker not submitting, drew parallels to the Montreal Screwjob which unfolded in the same venue.
1999: CM Punk Begins Training at Steel Dominion
CM Punk started his formal wrestling training at the Steel Dominion wrestling school in Chicago in 1999.
September 18, 2002: CM Punk's NWA: TNA Debut
CM Punk, along with Ace Steel, made their first appearance in NWA: TNA on September 18, 2002.
November 9, 2002: ROH Debut at All Star Extravaganza
CM Punk made his Ring of Honor (ROH) debut on November 9, 2002, at the All Star Extravaganza event. He participated in a five-man gauntlet match, which was ultimately won by Bryan Danielson.
2002: CM Punk's IWC Heavyweight Championship Win
CM Punk became the IWC Heavyweight Champion in 2002.
2002: Hulk Hogan's Return to WWE
While not directly related to CM Punk, this entry mentions the massive audience reaction to Hulk Hogan's return to WWE in 2002, comparing it to Punk's AEW debut.
July 2003: CM Punk's Hiatus from IWA Mid-South
In July 2003, CM Punk decided to take a break from wrestling for IWA Mid-South.
November 2003: Victory in a Steel Cage Match against Raven
In November 2003, at ROH's The Conclusion event, CM Punk faced Raven in a highly anticipated steel cage match. This match marked the culmination of their intense year-long rivalry, which was considered one of ROH's top feuds of the year. Punk emerged victorious from the brutal encounter, solidifying his status as a rising star.
2003: CM Punk Returns to TNA, Joins The Gathering
CM Punk rejoined TNA in 2003 and became a member of Raven's group, The Gathering.
February 25, 2004: CM Punk Involved in Altercation with Teddy Hart
CM Punk was involved in a physical confrontation with Teddy Hart on February 25, 2004.
March 2004: CM Punk Leaves TNA
CM Punk officially parted ways with TNA in March 2004.
May 2004: CM Punk's Return to IWA Mid-South
CM Punk came back to wrestle for IWA Mid-South in May 2004.
2004: CM Punk vs. Samoa Joe Trilogy for ROH World Championship
Throughout 2004, CM Punk was embroiled in a heated feud with Samoa Joe for the ROH World Championship. Their rivalry culminated in a best-of-three series. The first two matches, held on June 12 and October 16, both ended in 60-minute time limit draws. The second match received critical acclaim, earning a five-star rating from Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. This marked the first time a match in North America received a five-star rating in seven years. The final match, with no time limit, took place on December 4 at All-Star Extravaganza 2 and saw Joe defeating Punk to retain his title.
July 2005: CM Punk's Final IWA Mid-South Appearance
July 2005 marked CM Punk's last performance with IWA Mid-South.
August 13, 2005: Punk: The Final Chapter
CM Punk wrestled his final scheduled match in ROH on August 13, 2005, at the event titled "Punk: The Final Chapter." He faced his long-time friend Colt Cabana in a two-out-of-three falls match, which he lost. This marked the end of an era for Punk in ROH as he prepared for his new journey in WWE.
November 2005: OVW Television Championship Win
In November 2005, CM Punk defeated Ken Doane to win the OVW Television Championship for the first time. This victory marked a significant milestone in his developmental career and established him as a rising star in OVW.
2005: CM Punk Signs with WWE
In 2005, CM Punk joined WWE.
January 2006: Three-Way Dance for the OVW Television Championship
A highly anticipated three-way dance for the OVW Television Championship took place in January 2006. CM Punk, the reigning champion, defended his title against Ken Doane and Brent Albright. During the match, Doane suffered an injury and was replaced by Aaron "The Idol" Stevens, who ultimately won the match and became the new OVW Television Champion.
February 11, 2006: ROH Unscripted II Appearance
On February 11, 2006, CM Punk made a special appearance at ROH's Unscripted II event. The original card for the event had to be changed due to unforeseen circumstances. In the main event, Punk teamed up with Bryan Danielson to defeat Adam Pearce and Jimmy Rave in a tag team match.
February 2006: OVW Heavyweight Championship Tournament
In February 2006, OVW held a tournament to crown a new OVW Heavyweight Champion. CM Punk competed in the tournament but was defeated by Brent Albright in the finals.
May 2006: OVW Heavyweight Championship Win
CM Punk faced off against Brent Albright in a strap match for the OVW Heavyweight Championship in May 2006. Punk emerged victorious, capturing the title for the first time.
June 24, 2006: ECW House Show Debut
CM Punk made his ECW debut on June 24, 2006, at a house show held at the former ECW Arena. He faced Stevie Richards in a match and emerged victorious, marking a successful start to his run in the rebooted ECW brand.
July 2006: OVW Southern Tag Team Championship Win
CM Punk, already the OVW Heavyweight Champion, teamed up with Seth Skyfire in July 2006. They challenged and defeated Shad Gaspard and the Neighborhoodie to win the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship. This victory made Punk a double champion in OVW.
August 2006: Loss of OVW Championships and Sporadic Appearances
August 2006 marked a turning point for CM Punk in OVW. He and Seth Skyfire lost the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship to Deuce Shade and "Domino" Cliff Compton. Later that month, Punk also lost the OVW Heavyweight Championship to Chet the Jett. Following these defeats, Punk's appearances in OVW became less frequent. He would still make sporadic appearances, but his focus began to shift towards his impending main roster debut in WWE.
January 9, 2007: First Loss in ECW
On the January 9, 2007, episode of ECW, CM Punk's undefeated streak in singles competition came to an end. He faced Hardcore Holly and suffered his first loss since joining the brand, ending his impressive six-month winning streak.
January 22, 2008: CM Punk Loses ECW Championship to Chavo Guerrero Jr.
On January 22, 2008, CM Punk's reign as ECW Champion came to an end after 143 days when he lost the title to Chavo Guerrero Jr. in a no disqualification match. The deciding factor in the match was interference from Edge, who speared Punk, allowing Guerrero to capitalize and win the championship.
February 7, 2008: End of WWE and OVW Developmental Partnership
On February 7, 2008, WWE and Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) ended their developmental partnership. This marked a significant shift in WWE's talent development strategy and impacted the careers of many wrestlers who had come up through the OVW system, including CM Punk.
2008: CM Punk's Reign as World Heavyweight Champion
In 2008, CM Punk experienced both triumph and setback in his pursuit of the World Heavyweight Championship. After being drafted to Raw, he seized an opportunity to cash in his Money in the Bank contract, defeating Edge for the title. His reign, however, was cut short at 69 days due to an attack by The Legacy, forcing him to forfeit the championship. Despite a valiant effort, he was unable to reclaim the title from Chris Jericho in a steel cage match.
2008: Punk's First World Heavyweight Championship Reign
In 2008, CM Punk had his first reign as World Heavyweight Champion. This reign was significant but was cut short by Randy Orton, leading to their feud later in Punk's career.
2008: CM Punk as Sports Grand Marshal of McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade
In 2008, CM Punk was the Sports Grand Marshal of the McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago.
January 5, 2009: CM Punk Wins Intercontinental Championship
On January 5, 2009, CM Punk faced William Regal for the Intercontinental Championship. After a controversial first match ending in disqualification, Punk was granted two rematches by Stephanie McMahon. The second encounter saw Punk disqualified, but in the third match, a no disqualification bout on January 19, Punk emerged victorious, capturing the Intercontinental Championship. This victory marked a significant milestone in Punk's career as he became the 19th WWE Triple Crown Champion, achieving this feat in record time, surpassing Kevin Nash's previous record of 203 days.
2009: CM Punk Mentors Darren Young on NXT
In 2009, while establishing his Straight Edge Society, CM Punk also served as a mentor on the WWE developmental show, NXT. He took Darren Young under his wing, attempting to instill his straight-edge philosophy in the young wrestler. While Young initially seemed receptive, even coming close to having his head shaved, he ultimately rejected Punk's ideology.
January 2010: CM Punk Forms The Straight Edge Society
CM Punk's character underwent a transformation in late 2009 and early 2010, embracing a more sinister persona. This shift culminated in the formation of The Straight Edge Society. Beginning in January 2010, Punk began actively converting audience members to his straight-edge lifestyle. He would preach his beliefs during matches, even incorporating them into his performances at events like the Royal Rumble.
February 2010: CM Punk's Straight Edge Society Sermons at Elimination Chamber
Continuing his crusade in February 2010, CM Punk used the platform of the Elimination Chamber match to deliver his Straight Edge Society sermons. His in-match pronouncements further blurred the lines between his character and his real-life beliefs, creating a captivating and controversial persona.
June 20, 2010: CM Punk Challenges for World Heavyweight Championship at Fatal 4-Way
On June 20, 2010, at the WWE Fatal 4-Way pay-per-view, CM Punk participated in a World Heavyweight Championship match. His opponents in this high-stakes bout were Rey Mysterio, Big Show, and the reigning champion, Jack Swagger. Despite a strong showing, Punk's championship aspirations were thwarted when Kane interfered, attacking him in the midst of the match. This interference stemmed from Kane's suspicion that Punk was involved in a previous attack on The Undertaker.
October 2010: Return to Raw and Injury
CM Punk was traded back to Raw from SmackDown in October 2010. He participated in the Bragging Rights pay-per-view but suffered a hip injury that sidelined him for several months. He transitioned to a commentary role on Raw during his recovery.
December 2010: Joining and Leading The Nexus
In December 2010, CM Punk returned from injury and attacked John Cena, signaling his alliance with The Nexus. Punk assumed leadership of the group, forcing members to prove their loyalty.
2010: CM Punk's Feud with Rey Mysterio
In 2010, CM Punk's rivalry with Rey Mysterio intensified, becoming increasingly personal. Punk's Straight Edge Society principles clashed with Mysterio's faith and family values. Their feud culminated in a series of matches with high stakes, including Punk's attempt to force Mysterio into his group. The rivalry showcased a clash of ideologies and in-ring styles, further solidifying Punk's status as a top heel (villain) in the company.
January 2011: Feud with Randy Orton and Nexus Dissolution
Punk and The Nexus initiated a feud with Randy Orton in January 2011, costing him a WWE Championship match. This led to Orton dismantling The Nexus, leaving Punk as the sole remaining member.
June 2011: CM Punk's "Pipebomb" Promo
CM Punk's iconic "Pipebomb" promo in June 2011 is widely regarded as one of the most significant moments in professional wrestling history. It blurred the lines between reality and kayfabe, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
June 27, 2011: The "Pipe Bomb" Promo
CM Punk delivered his famous "Pipe Bomb" promo on June 27, 2011, criticizing WWE and Vince McMahon. This controversial speech blurred the lines between reality and storyline, garnering mainstream attention.
2011: CM Punk's Dominant Year in WWE
CM Punk achieved significant success in WWE in 2011, earning accolades such as Superstar of the Year and PWI Wrestler of the Year.
January 29, 2012: Successful Title Defense at Royal Rumble
CM Punk successfully defended his WWE Championship against Dolph Ziggler at the Royal Rumble on January 29, 2012, despite interference from John Laurinaitis.
2012: CM Punk's Continued Success in WWE
CM Punk maintained his winning streak in 2012, being recognized as the PWI Wrestler of the Year for the second consecutive time.
2012: CM Punk Returns as Sports Grand Marshal
CM Punk reprised his role as the Sports Grand Marshal of the McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago in 2012.
2012: CM Punk Writes Introduction for Marvel Comics' "Avengers vs. X-Men"
CM Punk wrote the introduction for the hardcover edition of Marvel Comics' "Avengers vs. X-Men" in 2012.
January 7, 2013: Return from Injury and TLC Victory
CM Punk returned from a knee injury on January 7, 2013, successfully defending his WWE Championship against Ryback in a TLC match with help from The Shield.
January 2013: Punk vs. The Rock at Royal Rumble
It was announced that CM Punk would defend his WWE Championship against The Rock at the 2013 Royal Rumble.
March 4, 2013: Fatal Four-Way Victory and WrestleMania Setup
On March 4, 2013, CM Punk emerged victorious in a fatal four-way match against Big Show, Randy Orton, and Sheamus on Raw, securing a WrestleMania match against The Undertaker.
June 2013: Payback Return and Feud with Heyman and Lesnar
CM Punk marked his return to WWE programming at Payback in June 2013, defeating Chris Jericho, and subsequently entered a storyline involving Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar, leading to a memorable match against Lesnar at SummerSlam.
November 2013: Health Concerns Arise
CM Punk began experiencing health concerns in November 2013, with a lump on his back causing him significant issues and contributing to his decision to leave WWE.
2013: CM Punk Writes Foreword for Natalie Slater's Cookbook
CM Punk wrote the foreword for Natalie Slater's cookbook "Bake and Destroy: Good Food for Bad Vegans" in 2013.
January 26, 2014: Royal Rumble Elimination and Departure Setup
On January 26, 2014, at the Royal Rumble, CM Punk was eliminated from the match by Kane, marking one of the key events before his departure from WWE.
January 27, 2014: Departure from WWE
CM Punk's absence from WWE programming began on January 27, 2014, when he did not appear on Raw or SmackDown despite being advertised, leading to speculation and his eventual departure from the company.
June 13, 2014: Termination from WWE
On June 13, 2014, CM Punk's employment with WWE was officially terminated.
November 2014: Public Revelation of WWE Departure
CM Punk broke his silence about his WWE exit in November 2014 on Colt Cabana's "Art of Wrestling" podcast, detailing the circumstances of his departure.
December 6, 2014: CM Punk Signs with UFC
On December 6, 2014, CM Punk announced his signing with UFC, choosing to keep his wrestling name.
2014: CM Punk's Departure from WWE
CM Punk's time with WWE came to an end in 2014.
2014: End of CM Punk's First WWE Run
Similar to a previous entry, this highlights 2014 as the year CM Punk left WWE, setting the stage for his return in 2023.
2014: Health Issues and Recovery
Throughout 2014, CM Punk focused on addressing his health issues, including a staph infection and the aftereffects of injuries sustained during his wrestling career.
2014: End of CM Punk's First WWE Run
While not specific to a date, this entry mentions 2014 being the year CM Punk departed WWE after becoming disillusioned with the company.
2014: CM Punk Pursues MMA
After departing from WWE in 2014, CM Punk embarked on a career in MMA.
2014: CM Punk Departs WWE, Fans Begin Chanting His Name
After CM Punk's departure from WWE in 2014, fans began chanting his name at events, initially expecting his return.
January 2015: CM Punk Begins Training at Roufusport MMA Academy
CM Punk began his MMA training in January 2015 under Duke Roufus at Roufusport MMA Academy.
February 2015: WWE Doctor Sues CM Punk for Defamation
CM Punk was sued for defamation by WWE doctor Christopher Amann in February 2015 over allegations of medical malpractice.
February 2015: CM Punk Co-Writes Marvel Comics' "Thor Annual No. 1"
February 2015 saw the release of Marvel Comics' "Thor Annual No. 1," partly written by CM Punk.
May 2015: CM Punk Co-Writes "The Most Cursed" for Vertigo Comics
In May 2015, CM Punk co-wrote "The Most Cursed," featured in Vertigo Comics' "Strange Sports Stories No. 3."
June 2015: CM Punk Relocates to Milwaukee for MMA Training
In June 2015, CM Punk moved to Milwaukee to be closer to his MMA training gym, Roufusport.
October 2015: CM Punk's UFC Debut Further Delayed by Shoulder Injury
A shoulder injury in October 2015 further delayed CM Punk's UFC debut, pushing it to the following year.
December 4, 2015: Freelance Wrestling Appearance
On December 4, 2015, CM Punk made a notable appearance at a Freelance Wrestling event, managing Kikutaro in a match.
2015: CM Punk Appears in Frank Turner's Music Video
In 2015, CM Punk appeared in the music video for "The Next Storm" by Frank Turner.
February 6, 2016: CM Punk's UFC Debut Delayed Due to Injury
CM Punk's planned UFC debut against Mickey Gall on February 6, 2016 was postponed after Punk underwent surgery for a herniated disc.
September 10, 2016: CM Punk Makes UFC Debut, Loses to Mickey Gall
CM Punk made his UFC and MMA debut on September 10, 2016, at UFC 203, losing to Mickey Gall in the first round.
2016: CM Punk's UFC Debut
CM Punk had his first professional MMA fight at UFC 203 in 2016.
November 2017: CM Punk Writes One-Shot for Marvel's "Master of Kung Fu"
CM Punk wrote a one-shot comic for Marvel's "Master of Kung Fu" that was published in November 2017.
June 9, 2018: CM Punk Loses to Mike Jackson in UFC 225
CM Punk faced Mike Jackson at UFC 225 on June 9, 2018, losing by unanimous decision in a fight that many considered uncompetitive.
June 2018: Brock Lesnar Breaks Punk's Record
Brock Lesnar surpassed CM Punk's reign as Universal Champion in June 2018, officially ending Punk's record-breaking reign as the longest-reigning WWE Champion of the modern era.
August 2018: CM Punk Sued by Scott Colton Over Legal Fees
Scott Colton, a podcaster, sued CM Punk in August 2018 for allegedly not paying legal fees related to a previous defamation lawsuit.
November 8, 2018: CM Punk Becomes CFFC Commentator
On November 8, 2018, CM Punk signed with Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC) as a commentator.
December 2018: Seth Rollins Acknowledges CM Punk's Influence
In December 2018, Seth Rollins credited CM Punk for influencing the Chicago wrestling scene, which played a role in Rollins' decision to become a wrestler.
2018: CM Punk's Second UFC Fight and Release
CM Punk's second MMA bout took place at UFC 225 in 2018, after which he was released from the UFC.
April 19, 2019: MKE Wrestling Appearance
CM Punk appeared in a masked disguise at an MKE Wrestling event on April 19, 2019, interfering in a match and fueling speculation about his involvement.
June 2019: CM Punk Countersues Scott Colton
CM Punk countersued Scott Colton in June 2019 amidst their legal battle over legal fees.
September 2019: Rhea Ripley Cites CM Punk as Inspiration
Rhea Ripley praised CM Punk's speaking abilities in September 2019, highlighting his ability to captivate an audience.
September 2019: CM Punk and Scott Colton Settle Lawsuits
CM Punk and Scott Colton settled their lawsuits out of court in September 2019.
November 12, 2019: WWE Backstage Debut
CM Punk made a surprise return to the wrestling world on November 12, 2019, appearing on WWE Backstage as an analyst and commentator.
November 2019: Adam Cole on CM Punk's Impact
Adam Cole acknowledged CM Punk's influence on his career in November 2019, particularly Punk's success on the independent wrestling circuit.
2019: CM Punk's WWE Backstage Appearances
Before his official return, CM Punk made appearances on Fox's WWE Backstage show in 2019, hinting at a possible return to wrestling.
2019: CM Punk's Acting Debut in Horror Films
CM Punk ventured into acting in 2019, starring in the horror movies "Girl on the Third Floor" and "Rabid".
2019: CM Punk Stars in "Girl on the Third Floor"
CM Punk starred in the horror film "Girl on the Third Floor" in 2019, receiving positive reviews for his performance.
2019: CM Punk Joins WWE Backstage
CM Punk took on a role as a commentator on WWE Backstage in 2019.
June 2020: WWE Backstage Production Halted
Production of WWE Backstage was halted in June 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting CM Punk's role on the show.
2020: End of CM Punk's Stint on WWE Backstage
CM Punk concluded his role as a commentator on WWE Backstage in 2020.
August 2021: CM Punk Retires from MMA
Following his return to pro wrestling, CM Punk announced his retirement from MMA in August 2021.
August 20, 2021: CM Punk Debuts for AEW
On August 20, 2021, CM Punk made a sensational return to professional wrestling after a seven-year hiatus, debuting for AEW at their "The First Dance" event. He challenged Darby Allin to a match at All Out, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
2021: CM Punk Returns to Wrestling with AEW
CM Punk made a comeback to professional wrestling in 2021, signing with AEW.
2021: CM Punk Returns to Wrestling, Chants Subside
CM Punk's return to wrestling in 2021 marked an end to the prominent chants for him that had become common at WWE events.
2021: WWE Backstage Cancellation
WWE Backstage was officially canceled in 2021, ending CM Punk's run as a commentator on the show.
2021: CM Punk Joins Cast of "Heels"
CM Punk joined the cast of the wrestling drama series "Heels" in 2021, playing the character Ricky Rabies.
2021: CM Punk in "Jakob's Wife" and "Heels"
CM Punk continued his acting career in 2021 with roles in the horror film "Jakob's Wife" and the TV series "Heels".
January 2022: All American Comics Closes
All American Comics, a shop where CM Punk once worked, closed in January 2022.
February 2022: CM Punk's First Loss in AEW
In February 2022, CM Punk faced his first defeat in AEW, losing to MJF on an episode of Dynamite. This marked the culmination of a tense and highly personal feud between the two.
May 29, 2022: CM Punk Wins AEW World Championship
CM Punk defeated Adam Page to become the AEW World Champion at Double or Nothing on May 29, 2022. This marked a significant achievement in Punk's AEW career.
September 2022: CM Punk as "Real World Champion"
While not tied to a specific date, this entry details CM Punk's self-proclamation as the "Real World Champion" in AEW after a dispute over the AEW World Championship. This event contributed to growing tensions within the company.
2022: Induction into the ROH Hall of Fame
CM Punk was inducted into the ROH Hall of Fame in 2022 as part of the inaugural class. This prestigious honor solidified his legacy and impact on the company.
June 17, 2023: CM Punk Returns to AEW on Collision
On June 17, 2023, after a nine-month absence due to injury and controversy, CM Punk made his return to AEW on the debut episode of Collision.
September 2023: CM Punk's AEW Termination
CM Punk was let go from AEW in September 2023 due to backstage conflicts.
November 25, 2023: CM Punk Returns to WWE
In a shocking turn of events, CM Punk returned to WWE on November 25, 2023, at Survivor Series: WarGames, marking his first appearance in the company since 2014.
2023: CM Punk's Continued Role in "Heels"
CM Punk continued to be part of the wrestling drama series "Heels" in 2023.
January 27, 2024: CM Punk at the Royal Rumble
CM Punk participated in the Royal Rumble match on January 27, 2024, marking his first televised WWE match since 2014.
April 10, 2024: Footage of Punk-Perry Altercation Aired
On April 10, 2024, AEW aired footage of the backstage altercation between CM Punk and Jack Perry that ultimately led to Punk's firing. The event, which happened months prior, brought the controversy to the forefront once again.