CM Punk is an iconic American professional wrestler, commentator, and actor.
Here's everything you need to know about the WWE Championship winner and why he quit the promotion.
Why did CM Punk leave WWE?
Phillip Jack Brooks, better known by the ring name CM Punk, performed for WWE from 2005 to 2014.
The 45-year-old made his debut in 2005, and in under a decade, he became a wrestling hero.
His following was on a par with that of ring legend John Cena, but Punk faced a fair share of problems with the former WWE CEO and Chairman, Vince McMahon, and Triple H before he quit.
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In an All Elite Wrestling Post-Show Media Scrum last year, Punk spoke of his time at WWE and revealed the reasons he decided to leave it behind.
"I feel almost that the 10 years that I spent in WWE was wasted," he said.
"Because I feel it is Management, Owner, Booker, whoever's job, is to get the most out of all the talent. I feel that I never [reached my full potential].
"I reached the potential that I could have given the limitations they constantly put on me," Punk added.
In 2011, Punk won the WWE Championship from Alberto DelRio and went on a historic 434-day reign.
But he reportedly felt as if he never felt the push he thought he deserved.
Punk was on a great championship run, leading to WrestleMania 28, but the main event ended up featuring The Rock and John Cena - instead of him.
But in a shocking twist of events, Punk is reportedly stepping back into the WWE ring this year.
Triple H took to social media to speak on Punk's return.
He claimed that if the WWE fans want his return, then that is what he will provide, adding that he and Punk are now different and have changed as people.
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The Chief Content Officer did not reveal what lies ahead for Punk.
He mentioned the former WWE Champion's return did not happen because of TKO Group Holdings' pressure, but it was a decision made between WWE CEO Nick Khan and himself.
On the November 27 episode of WWE RAW, Punk discussed his shocking return to the company.
He previously appeared in the closing moments of WWE Survivor Series, which marked his return for the first time since 2014.
Punk called his return a career highlight, and he said he was scared to say that he had changed because it was true.
He described how he had come home to the place where he belongs, and the veteran stated that WWE has everything he has always wanted.
Finally, Punk said that he was there to make money, not friends.
What is CM Punk's net worth?
CM Punk has established himself as a true legend within the wrestling world which has led him to financial success.
According to Inside the Ropes Wrestling, the net worth of Punk is estimated to be around $12million.
Punk has won several championships throughout his professional wrestling career.
He is a former five-time IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Champion, two-time IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Champion, IWC World Heavyweight Champion and OVW Heavyweight Champion.
Punk also claimed the titles of ROH World Champion, ECW Champion, three-time World Heavyweight Champion (WWE), two-time WWE Champion, WWE Intercontinental Champion, World Tag Team Champion, and the winner of the 2008 and 2009 Money In The Bank ladder matches.
CM Punk is the 6th longest-reigning WWE Champion of all time.
Who is CM Punk's wife AJ Lee?
AJ Lee, 36, is an American author, screenwriter, and retired professional wrestler.
Born April Jeanette Mendez, she is best known for her time in WWE under the ring name AJ Lee.
She was born in 1987 in New Jersey, USA.
Although she's now retired she used to be a professional wrestler who began her WWE career in 2009.
Her career highlights include winning the WWE Divas Championship a record-tying three times and holding it for an overall record of 406 days.
AJ has been with CM since 2013 but it is not known if the couple has children together.
Punk and AJ got Married In 2014 after he departed from WWE.
The pair tied the knot just one year later during a small wedding in front of their family and friends.
AJ now works as a screenwriter and author and in 2022 she bravely opened up about her struggle living with bipolar disorder in an interview with The Sessions.
She boasts 1million Instagram followers and her recent posts include snaps of her working out in the gym and a picture of her with her dog.
What other organisations has CM Punk appeared in?
Punk began his career with the Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South (IWA Mid-South).
During his time at the IWA Mid-South, he had high-profile feuds with Colt Cabana and Chris Hero while also rising to the top of the roster, winning the IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Championship twice and the IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship on five separate occasions.
Punk then made his debut for NWA: Total Nonstop Action alongside his trainer Ace Steel on September 18, 2002.
After a try-out match on May 9, 2005, which aired May 15, where he lost to Val Venis on the Sunday Night Heat show, Punk accepted a deal offered by WWE in June.
In September 2005, he was then assigned to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), a WWE developmental territory.
Punk made his ECW debut a year later during a house show at the former ECW Arena as a fan favorite, defeating Stevie Richards.
The wrestling legend was drafted to the RAW brand during the 2008 WWE draft.
