He’s the guy who wasn’t supposed to make it. Honestly, if you look at the 2026 landscape of WWE, it's wild to think Phillip Brooks—the skinny kid from Chicago with too many tattoos and a chip on his shoulder—is still the most talked-about person in the room.
CM Punk is a lightning rod.
People love him. People absolutely despise him. There isn't really a middle ground when it comes to the "Best in the World." Whether he’s sitting on a stage in Las Vegas cutting a pipebomb promo or limping through an airport after a triceps tear, he demands your attention. And that's why CM Punk pro wrestling discussions never actually die; they just hibernate until the next controversy.
The Reality of the Second WWE Run
When Punk walked out of WWE in 2014, everyone thought it was over. He was done. Then came the UFC stint—which, let’s be real, was a tough watch—and the seven-year hiatus. His return to AEW in 2021 felt like a fairy tale until it turned into a locker room brawl involving chairs and, famously, a dog named Larry.
By the time he showed up at Survivor Series 2023, the industry shifted.
Right now, in early 2026, Punk is operating in what he calls his "graceful bow out" phase. In a recent talk with CinemaBlend, he basically admitted that the "big 50" is the likely end date for his in-ring career. He’s 47. That gives us maybe three years. He’s looking at John Cena’s retirement tour as the blueprint for how to leave with dignity, rather than being the guy who stays three years too long and can't hit a GTS without his knees buckling.
That Drew McIntyre Feud Changed the Game
You can't talk about modern Punk without talking about Drew McIntyre. That rivalry wasn't just good; it was uncomfortable. It felt real because, in many ways, it was. When Punk tore his triceps at the 2024 Royal Rumble, most fans figured he was cursed.
But Drew? Drew made it his entire personality to pray for Punk's downfall.
That’s the nuance of CM Punk pro wrestling storylines. They blur the lines. When McIntyre stole that friendship bracelet with the names of Punk’s wife, AJ Lee, and his dog, it wasn't just "wrestling." It tapped into that visceral, petty hatred that makes people tune in. Their Hell in a Cell match at Bad Blood 2024 was a literal bloodbath. It proved Punk could still go, even if he's a step slower than he was in 2011.
He isn't the same athlete. He knows it. Kevin Nash has been vocal on his podcast about Punk looking "done" or "slower" in 2025 and 2026. Maybe there's some truth to that. But in wrestling, being "fast" matters way less than making people feel something.
The Locker Room Truth: Hero or Villain?
Backstage, the reputation is... complicated. In AEW, he was the guy who supposedly tried to run the show. In WWE, the narrative has been that he’s on his "best behavior."
Is he a changed man? Sorta.
📖 Related: Melbourne Victory v Wellington Phoenix: Why That 5-1 Blowout Changed Everything
- He’s been working with younger talent like Bron Breakker.
- He’s stayed out of the headlines for "Brawl Out" style incidents for a while.
- He seems focused on the World Heavyweight Championship rather than backstage politics.
But let's be honest, there’s always a "but" with Punk. Reports of a "backstage crisis" popped up as recently as late 2025. It’s the nature of the beast. He’s a perfectionist. Perfectionists are usually a pain to work with. He’s outspoken, and in a corporate environment like WWE, that eventually creates friction.
Why He Still Moves the Needle
Numbers don't lie. Even when he’s injured, his merchandise sales stay at the top. His YouTube clips get millions of views within hours. Why? Because he represents the "Voice of the Voiceless" even when he’s the corporate champion.
It's a weird contradiction.
He’s the anti-establishment guy working for the biggest establishment on earth. Fans project their own frustrations onto him. When he wins, the people who felt overlooked in their own lives feel like they won too.
What’s Left for the Best in the World?
We’re approaching the finish line. If he really retires at 50, we have about 30 or 40 big matches left in the tank. The goals are clear:
- Main Eventing WrestleMania: He’s still chasing that definitive Night 2 closing moment.
- The Seth Rollins Rivalry: This is the one everyone is waiting for. Seth genuinely seems to dislike the guy, which makes the eventual match a gold mine.
- Passing the Torch: Watching him work with guys like Gunther or Bron Breakker is the bridge to the next era.
If you’re looking to follow the final chapters of this career, focus on the promos. The wrestling is good, but the "speaking truth to power" moments are where the legend was built.
📖 Related: Eagles game tickets 2024: Why Everyone is Paying More for Less
Keep an eye on the Monday Night Raw ratings whenever he’s scheduled for a segment. Usually, there’s a noticeable spike in the second hour. That’s the "Punk Effect." He might be "older" and "slower" according to the critics, but as long as he has a microphone, he’s the most dangerous man in the industry.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you want to keep up with the final years of CM Punk's career without getting lost in the rumor mill, stick to these steps:
- Watch the Promos, Not Just the Highlights: Punk’s stories are told through long-form storytelling. If you only watch the 30-second clips on X (Twitter), you miss the subtext he puts into his rivalries.
- Track the Injury Reports: At 47, his health is the only thing that can stop him. Use reliable sources like Fightful or Wrestling Observer to see if his schedule is being reduced.
- Look for the "Easter Eggs": Punk is famous for wearing specific shirts or mentioning obscure dates that hint at his next move. Pay attention to his gear; it's almost always a message.