View source for CM Punk

{{Infobox US topic
| topic = CM Punk
| image = CM_Punk_2024.png
| caption = CM Punk at WWE Survivor Series (2023)
| category = Pop culture
}}
'''CM Punk''' (real name: '''Phillip Jack Brooks''') is an American professional wrestler, commentator, actor, and former mixed martial artist. Known for his sharp mic skills, rebellious persona, and straight-edge lifestyle, Punk became one of WWE’s most compelling figures in the 2010s and made a dramatic return to wrestling in the 2020s.

== Early Life ==
* Born on '''October 26, 1978''' in Chicago, Illinois
* Adopted the "straight edge" philosophy—no drugs, no alcohol—as a core part of his identity
* Trained at the Steel Domain Wrestling school in the late 1990s
* Gained early fame wrestling for '''Ring of Honor (ROH)''' and '''Independent circuits'''

== WWE Career ==
* Signed with WWE in 2005 after a standout career in ROH
* Rose through '''ECW''' and became a fan favorite with his intense promos and in-ring skill
* Known for:
  - Signature taunt: crossing his arms in an “X”
  - Moves like the '''GTS (Go to Sleep)''' and '''Anaconda Vise'''

== Key Achievements ==
* '''2-time WWE Champion'''
* '''3-time World Heavyweight Champion'''
* '''Intercontinental Champion'''
* '''World Tag Team Champion'''
* '''Money in the Bank winner''' (2008, 2009 – first back-to-back winner)
* Held the '''WWE Championship for 434 days''', the longest modern reign until [[Roman Reigns]]
* Main-evented against stars like [[John Cena]], [[The Rock]], [[The Undertaker]], and [[Brock Lesnar]]

== The Pipebomb ==
* In 2011, delivered the infamous “'''Pipebomb'''” promo — a worked shoot that blurred the lines between reality and storyline
* Called out WWE management, [[Vince McMahon]], and broke the fourth wall live on TV
* Widely seen as one of the most important promos in wrestling history
* Sparked the “Summer of Punk” storyline and led to a surge in his popularity

== Exit and MMA Career ==
* Walked out of WWE in early 2014 over creative frustrations and health concerns
* Later revealed personal and backstage grievances on Colt Cabana's podcast
* Fought twice in the UFC (0–2 record) but gained respect for trying real MMA

== AEW and WWE Return ==
* Returned to wrestling in 2021 with '''All Elite Wrestling (AEW)''' after 7 years away
* Became AEW World Champion but was plagued by injuries and controversy
* Fired from AEW in 2023 after backstage incidents
* Made a shock return to [[WWE]] at '''Survivor Series: WarGames (2023)''' in Chicago

== Personal Life ==
* Married to former WWE Diva AJ Lee
* Vegan and vocal advocate for straight-edge living
* Has written comic books and acted in TV and film projects

== Legacy ==
* Known for challenging the system and standing by his principles
* Inspired a generation of fans and wrestlers to speak up and demand change
* Remains a lightning rod for debate — admired for authenticity, criticized for volatility

== See Also ==
* [[WWE]]
* [[Paul Heyman]]
* [[John Cena]]