CM Punk, Profile Check

CM Punk, Profile Check

CM Punk, whose real name is Phillip Jack Brooks, is a prominent figure in professional wrestling, having also explored acting and mixed martial arts. Born on October 26, 1978, in Chicago, Illinois, he adopted a straight-edge lifestyle at a young age due to witnessing his father's struggles with alcoholism. Punk has been married to fellow wrestler April Jeanette Mendez (AJ Lee) since 2014.

Early career

Punk began his wrestling career in the mid-to-late 1990s in a backyard federation he co-founded with his brother, Mike Brooks, called the Lunatic Wrestling Federation. He later trained professionally at the "Steel Dominion" wrestling school and honed his skills in promotions such as Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South (IWA Mid-South) and Ring of Honor (ROH). He achieved significant success in IWA Mid-South, winning the Light Heavyweight Championship twice and the Heavyweight Championship five times. His time in ROH included notable feuds, particularly against Raven, and a memorable trilogy of matches against Samoa Joe. Punk also served as the first head trainer of the ROH wrestling school.

WWE career (2005–2014)

Punk signed with WWE in 2005 and initially competed in its developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), where he captured multiple championships. He made his WWE television debut on the ECW brand in 2006, where he quickly ascended, eventually winning the ECW Championship. In 2008, he moved to Raw and cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to win his first World Heavyweight Championship. He would go on to win the Intercontinental Championship, become the 19th Triple Crown Champion, and win the Money in the Bank ladder match twice, making him the only wrestler to achieve this feat.

His career peaked with a record-setting 434-day reign as WWE Champion from 2011 to 2013, making him the longest-reigning WWE Champion of the modern era. This reign was marked by notable feuds against John Cena and Chris Jericho, among others. His controversial "Pipe Bomb" promo in 2011 is considered one of the most iconic in wrestling history.

Punk left WWE in 2014 due to health issues and creative frustrations. He retired from professional wrestling and pursued a career in mixed martial arts.

Mixed martial arts career (2015–2021)

Punk signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2014 and debuted in 2016, competing in the welterweight division. He had a record of 0 wins, 1 loss, and 1 no contest before retiring from MMA in August 2021.

All Elite Wrestling (2021–2023)

Punk returned to professional wrestling in 2021, debuting for All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He won the AEW World Championship twice, but his tenure was also marked by backstage controversies, leading to his firing in September 2023.

Return to WWE (2023–present)

Punk made a surprising return to WWE at Survivor Series: WarGames in November 2023. He has been involved in feuds with Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre since his return. He recently announced his entry into the 2025 Royal Rumble.

Acting career

Punk has also ventured into acting, appearing in horror films such as "Rabid" (2019), "Girl on the Third Floor" (2019), and "Jakob's Wife" (2021). He also had a role in the wrestling drama series "Heels" (2021-2023). He has also contributed to comic books for Marvel and DC Comics.

Straight Edge lifestyle

Punk's straight-edge lifestyle is a prominent part of his persona. He refrains from alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, and has used this philosophy in his wrestling character. Some interpretations of straight edge also include vegetarianism or veganism and avoiding casual sex. This choice of lifestyle is rooted in his experiences witnessing the negative impact of alcoholism in his family