CM Punk 1656784 226013114 2008-07-16T13:07:49Z Lid 1391607 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/P3ntuk|P3ntuk]] ([[User talk:P3ntuk|talk]]) to last version by RandySavageFTW {{Infobox Wrestler |name=CM Punk |names='''CM Punk''' |image=CM Punk MITB 2.jpg<!-- Please do not change the image to a fair use image. Free use images are always used over fair use. --> |img_capt=CM Punk during an [[Extreme Championship Wrestling (WWE)|ECW]]/[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown|SmackDown]] [[house show]] on June 14, 2008 in [[Adelaide]], [[South Australia]]. <!-- Please do not change the height or weight. These are the measures as officially stated and they should not be changed. --> |height=6 ft. 1 in. (185 cm)<ref name="wwebio">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/cmpunk/bio/|title=Bio| accessdate=2007-09-22|publisher=WWE}}</ref> |weight=222 lb. (101 kg)<ref name="wwebio"/> |birth_date={{birth date and age|1978|10|26}}<ref name="nndb">{{cite web|url=http://www.nndb.com/people/145/000161659/|title=CM Punk profile|accessdate=2007-09-22|publisher=NNDB.com}}</ref> |birth_place=[[Chicago|Chicago, Illinois]]<ref name="nndb"/> |resides= |billed=Chicago, Illinois<ref name="wwebio"/> |death_date= |death_place= |trainer=[[Ace Steel]]<ref name="acesteel">{{cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/superstars/cmpunk/punkblogarchives/cmpunkblog012307|title=Congratulations to Ace|accessdate=2007-01-23|author=CM Punk|date=2007-01-23}}</ref><br />Danny Dominion<ref name="punkshoot" /><br />Kevin Quinn<ref name="punkshoot" /><br />[[Dave Taylor (wrestler)|Dave Taylor]]<ref name="wojick" /><br />[[Dave Finlay]]<ref name="wojick" /><br />[[Darren Matthews|William Regal]]<ref name="wojick" /> |debut=1999 |retired= |website=[http://www.cmpunk.com/ CMPunk.com] |}} '''Phil Brooks'''<ref name"philbrooks">{{cite web|url=http://members5.boardhost.com/wrestlingnews/msg/67.html|title=CM PUNK... part 6|accessdate=2006-09-26|author=Lagatolla, Al|date=2001-05-29}}</ref> (born [[October 26]] [[1978]]),<ref name="nndb"/> better known by his [[ring name]] '''CM Punk''', is an [[United States|American]] [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] currently signed to [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) on its [[WWE Raw|Raw]] [[WWE Brand Extension|brand]], where he is the reigning [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Champion]].<ref name="cmpunkwinsworldtitle">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/200806011|title=CM Punk wins world title| accessdate=2008-06-30|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Punk initially came to prominence through his career on the professional wrestling [[independent circuit]], primarily as a member of the [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) roster where he was an [[ROH World Tag Team Championship|ROH Tag Team Champion]], [[ROH World Championship|ROH World Champion]], and the first head trainer of the [[Ring of Honor#ROH wrestling school|ROH wrestling school]]. In 2005 Punk was offered, and accepted, a contract with WWE and was sent to their developmental federation [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] (OVW) where he won every championship available in the federation. When the [[Extreme Championship Wrestling (WWE)|ECW]] brand was revived Punk was moved up to the main roster where he established himself by being [[Undefeated (disambiguation)|undefeated]] in singles competition for six months followed by winning the [[ECW Championship]] a few months later. At [[WrestleMania XXIV]] Punk won the annual [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] (MITB) to earn a title shot at any world championship of his choosing. In the [[2008 WWE Draft]] Punk was moved from ECW to Raw and in his first week on Raw cashed in his MITB briefcase to face, and subsequently defeat, [[Adam Copeland|Edge]] for the World Heavyweight Championship. Throughout his career, Punk has consistently used the [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] of being [[straight edge]], a lifestyle he follows in real life.<ref name="punkshoot">{{cite video|people=CM Punk|url= http://www.rfvideo.com/browseproducts/Shoot-with-CM-Punk.html|title=Shoot with CM Punk|medium=DVD|publisher=RF Video|month2=November|year2=2003|accessdate=2007-04-14}}</ref> Depending on alignment as a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] or [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]], [[#Gimmick|different aspects]] of the culture are emphasized to encourage the desired audience [[Heat (professional wrestling)|reaction]].<ref name="punkshoot" /> ==Career== ===Early career=== [[Image:Punkindependent.jpg|thumb|150px|CM Punk in a match against Danny Dominion at an [[NWA Midwest]] event on November 23, 2002 in [[Grayslake]], [[Illinois]].]] Punk's first venture into wrestling was a stint in a [[backyard wrestling]] federation called the Lunatic Wrestling Federation with his friends in the mid-late 1990s. He first started using the [[ring name]] CM Punk when he was put into a [[tag team]] named the Chick Magnets with CM Venom after another performer skipped out on the card.<ref name="punkshoot" /><ref name="chickmagnets">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20040222144349/http://www.chicagowrestling.com/AL/al-cmvenom-12-17-01.htm|title=CM Venom Interview|accessdate=2006-09-26|author=Lagattolla, Al|date=2001-12-17|publisher=Chicago Wrestling}}</ref><ref name="jon">{{cite web|url=http://sports.ign.com/articles/748/748635p1.html|title=CM Punk Interview|accessdate=2007-03-19|author=Robinson, Jon|date=2006-12-01|publisher=IGN}}</ref> Unlike his friends, Punk genuinely wanted to be a wrestler and saw it as more than simple fun.<ref name="punkshoot" /> After leaving the federation, he enrolled as a student at the "Steel Domain" [[wrestling school]] in Chicago, where he was trained by [[Ace Steel]],<ref name="acesteel" /> Danny Dominion and Kevin Quinn to become a professional wrestler. As part of the training, he wrestled at [[St. Paul, Minnesota|St. Paul's]] Steel Domain Wrestling.<ref name="punkshoot" /><ref name="wojick">{{cite web|url=http://wrestlingclothesline.com/Wojcik-Punk.htm|title=Wojick Interview|accessdate=2006-09-26|author=Wojick, Alan|date=2003-06-21|publisher=The Wrestling Clothesline}}</ref> It was in the Steel Domain that he met Scott Colton,<ref name="punkcabana" /><ref name="joepunk">{{cite video|people=CM Punk; [[Samoa Joe]]|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/shoponline.asp?point=moreinfo&catid=200&id=1220|title=Straight Shootin' with Samoa Joe & CM Punk|medium=DVD|publisher=Ring of Honor|date2=2005-03-10|accessdate=2007-04-14}}</ref> who soon adopted the stage name [[Colt Cabana]]. Punk and Cabana became best friends and spent most of their early career together working in the same [[Independent circuit|independent promotions]], as opponents or allies.<ref name="punkcabana">{{cite video|people=CM Punk; Colt Cabana|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/shoponline.asp?point=moreinfo&catid=200&id=1397|title=Straight Shootin' with CM Punk & Colt Cabana|medium=DVD|publisher=Ring of Honor|date2=2005-07-01|accessdate=2007-04-14}}</ref> In the independents Punk, along with fellow Steel Domain graduates Colt Cabana, Chuckie Smoothe, [[Adam Pearce]] and manager [[Dave Prazak]], formed a [[Stable (professional wrestling)|stable]] named the Gold Bond Mafia.<ref name="punkshoot" /> The Gold Bond Mafia (CM Punk, Colt Cabana and [[Chris Hero]]) wrestled The Black T-Shirt Squad ([[Mike Quackenbush]], Reckless Youth and Don Montoya) in the main event of [[Chikara Pro Wrestling|CHIKARA]]'s debut show. The BTS won after Reckless pinned Cabana following a Northern Light's Bomb 2k4. Punk's home promotion for his early career is usually considered to be [[Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South|Independent Wrestling Association: Mid-South]] (IWA:Mid-South).<ref name="punkshoot" /> During Punk's time in 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. Notably his feud with Hero included a 55-minute [[Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match|TLC match]],<ref name="punkshoot" /> a 93-minute [[two out of three falls match]]<ref name="wojick" /> and several 60-minute draws.<ref name="joepunk" /> Punk's matches with Cabana led him to being hired by the [[Ring of Honor]] promotion.<ref name="wojick" /> During his time in IWA:Mid-South he would also meet, wrestle against and become a friend of [[Eddie Guerrero]].<ref name="punkshoot" /><ref name="wojick" /> From February 2003 until May 2004 Punk refused to wrestle for IWA:Mid-South. Punk claims that this was in protest to [[Ian Rotten]]'s treatment of Chris Hero;<ref name="punkshoot" /> however Hero himself has stated he believes there were other reasons and Rotten's treatment of him was just an excuse by Punk to stop working for the company.<ref name="heroshoot">{{cite video|people=[[Chris Hero]]|url=http://www.rfvideo.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2708|title=Shoot with Chris Hero|medium=DVD|publisher=RF Video|year =2005|accessdate=2007-04-14}}</ref> Eventually Punk returned to IWA:Mid-South and continued to perform as a wrestler and commentator for them until 2005 when he was signed to World Wrestling Entertainment. His last appearance in IWA:Mid-South was on [[July 2]] [[2005]] in which he competed in a sixty-minute time limit draw against [[Delirious (wrestler)|Delirious]]. ===Ring of Honor and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling=== :<span class="boilerplate seealso">''See also: {{#if:Second City Saints |<!--then:-->[[:Second City Saints|Second City Saints]] |<!--else:-->'''Error: [[Template:See also|Template must be given at least one article name]]''' }}{{#if:Raven's Nest#The Gathering|{{#if:|, |&nbsp;and }} [[:Raven's Nest#The Gathering|The Gathering]] }}{{#if:| &mdash; '''<br/>Error: [[Template:See also|Too many links specified (maximum is 15)]]''' }}''</span> Punk joined [[Ring of Honor]] initially as a [[Face (professional wrestling)|babyface]], but was quickly [[Turn (professional wrestling)|turned]] [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] in a feud with [[Scott Levy|Raven]] that featured numerous variants of [[Professional wrestling match types#No Disqualification match|no disqualification matches]]. At the same time Punk joined the wrestling promotion [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling|NWA Total Nonstop Action]] (TNA), where he was paired with [[Brian Wohl|Julio Dinero]] as, ironically, members of Raven's TNA [[Stable (professional wrestling)|stable]] [[Raven's Nest#The Gathering|The Gathering]]. Punk started climbing the ranks of ROH with notable achievements including coming second at the ''Second Anniversary'' show during the tournament to crown the first [[ROH Pure Championship|ROH Pure Champion]], losing to [[A.J. Styles]] in the finals, and winning the [[ROH World Tag Team Championship|ROH Tag Team Championship]] twice with Colt Cabana as the [[Second City Saints]], both times defeating the [[Briscoe Brothers]] to win the championship.<ref name=ROH>{{citeweb|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/titlehistory/|accessdate=2008-06-14|title=Ring of Honor official title histories|publisher=ROH}}</ref> Circa October 2003 Punk was hired as the first head trainer of the [[Ring of Honor#ROH wrestling school|Ring of Honor wrestling school]],<ref name="punkshoot" /><ref name="slamcanoe">{{cite web| url = http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/06/06/1073740.html| title = CM Punk mulls over his future|accessdate =2007-04-17| author = Hillhouse, Dave| date = 2005-06-06| publisher = SLAM! Sports}}</ref> having previously been a trainer for the Steel Domain<ref name="punkshoot" /> and Primetime Wrestling.<ref name="primetime">{{cite web| url = http://web.archive.org/web/20030422073249/http://www.chicagowrestling.com/AL/alpunktraining4-5-03.htm|title = CM Punk, the trainer| accessdate =2007-04-17| author = Lagattolla, Al| date = 2003-04-05| publisher = Chicago Wrestling}}</ref> Meanwhile in TNA on [[February 25]] [[2004]] Punk had a physical scuffle with [[Teddy Hart]] that was broken up by [[Sabu (wrestler)|Sabu]] outside of a restaurant shortly before a TNA show stemming from an ROH show in which Hart performed [[Teddy Hart#Ring of Honor|three unplanned spots]] putting several other wrestlers in danger of injury.<ref name="teddyhartlj">{{cite web|url=http://cmpunk.livejournal.com/2003/11/12/|title=My turn...|accessdate=13 July|accessyear=2007|author=CM Punk|date=2003-11-12|publisher=LiveJournal}}</ref><ref name="shootteddyhart">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=15350|title=Derek Burgan reviews Best of Teddy Hart & Jack Evans|accessdate=2007-06-13|author=Burgan, Derek|date=2006-01-28|format=asp|publisher=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|quote=The interviewer immediately asked Teddy about the situation with CM Punk. "CM Punk, or Phil, whatever he wants to be known as in a shoot interview, took it upon himself to be spokesman for a group of people in ROH that though I took a show into my own hands." Teddy is referring to the Main Event Spectacles show I wrote about above. The scuttlebutt concerns the after-match shenanigans, when Teddy Hart lost his mind and started doing moonsaults from atop a steel cage platform onto wrestlers below who had no idea what he was doing}}</ref> Around the same time as the scuffle Punk and Dinero stopped appearing on TNA shows leading to speculation he was fired for the incident.<ref name="tna">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20040608011954/http://www.chicagowrestling.com/AL/punk52904.htm|title=CM Punk Talks|accessdate=2006-09-26|author=Lagattolla, Al|date=2004-05-29|publisher=Chicago Wrestling}}</ref> However, Punk has stated that the scuffle had no bearing on his TNA career and that the reason he and Dinero stopped appearing on TNA [[pay per view]]s was that TNA officials believed that he and Dinero had not gotten [[List of professional wrestling slang#O|over]] as heels, having recently turned heel with Dinero by attacking Raven forming a tag team managed by [[James Mitchell (manager)|James Mitchell]] leading to the officials deciding to put the [[Angle (professional wrestling)|angle]] on hold indefinitely and thus had no use for Punk or Dinero.<ref name="tna" /> Punk officially quit TNA in March 2004 during the [[Rob Feinstein#Legal problems|Rob Feinstein controversy]] after having a dispute with the TNA offices over his ability to compete in ROH following a TNA order that their contracted wrestlers were to no longer wrestle in ROH.<ref name="slamcanoebio">{{cite web| url = http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/cmpunk.html| title = CM Punk| accessdate=2007-04-17| author = Milner, John| publisher = SLAM! Sports}}</ref> In ROH Punk faced off against [[ROH World Championship|ROH World Champion]] [[Samoa Joe]] for the championship in a three match series. The first match, on [[June 12]] [[2004]] at ''World Title Classic'' in [[Dayton, Ohio]], resulted in a 60 minute time-limit draw when neither Punk nor Joe could pin or cause the other to submit in the sixty minutes. The second match between Samoa Joe and CM Punk was planned to have occurred on [[December 4]] [[2004]]. However, because [[Steve Corino]] was pulled from a match with Samoa Joe by [[Pro Wrestling ZERO1-MAX|Pro Wrestling ZERO-ONE]] the second match was hastily rescheduled on [[October 11]] [[2004]] for [[October 16]] in Punk's hometown of [[Chicago|Chicago, Illinois]].<ref name="joepunk" /> At ''Joe vs. Punk II'' on [[October 16]] they wrestled to a second 60 minute draw. In addition to becoming Ring of Honor's best selling DVD at that point, the match received the first 5-star rating by [[Dave Meltzer]]'s ''Wrestling Observer Newsletter'' for a match in North America since 1997.<ref name="joepunk" /> Joe ended the series by defeating Punk in the third and final match on [[December 4]] [[2004]] at ''All-Star Extravaganza 2'' in which there was a no time limit stipulation. In June 2005, Punk accepted a deal with [[World Wrestling Entertainment]], after a try-out match against [[Sean Morley|Val Venis]] on its ''[[WWE Heat|Sunday Night HEAT]]'' show. Even though he had accepted the deal, Punk went on to defeat [[Austin Aries]] to win the [[ROH World Championship]] on [[June 18]] [[2005]] at ''Death Before Dishonor III'' with the [[Facebuster#Double underhook facebuster|Pepsi Plunge]].<ref name=ROH/> Immediately after the match Punk proceeded to [[Turn (professional wrestling)|turn]] heel and started an angle where he threatened to bring the ROH World Championship to WWE with him. For weeks, Punk teased the ROH locker room and the ROH fans as well as mocking the championship he possessed, going so far as to sign his WWE contract on it. A notable part of this angle was [[Mick Foley]] making several ROH appearances, attempting to convince Punk to do the right thing and defend the title on his way out. On [[August 12]] [[2005]] in [[Dayton, Ohio]] Punk lost the ROH World Championship to [[Jamie Noble|James Gibson]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic elimination matches|four corner elimination match]] consisting of himself, Gibson, [[Samoa Joe]] and [[Christopher Daniels]], who re-debuted after a year and half long absence. Gibson countered Punk's Pepsi Plunge with a [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Super|Super]] [[Powerbomb#Double underhook powerbomb|Tiger Bomb]]. His final scheduled match in Ring of Honor took place at ''Punk: The Final Chapter'' on [[August 13]] [[2005]] against long-time friend Colt Cabana in a [[Professional wrestling match types#two out of three falls|2 out of 3 falls match]], which he lost.<ref name=ROH/> In his last match, he was visibly crying, and was showered with streamers when he posed in the middle of the ring. Punk made a special appearance at the ROH show ''Unscripted II'' on [[February 11]] [[2006]], when the original card had to be scrapped due to [[Brandon Silvestry|Low Ki]] leaving ROH the week prior along with most of the ROH roster contracted to TNA being pulled from the show due to a snowstorm that TNA officials thought might prevent performers from reaching [[TNA Against All Odds#2006|a pay-per-view]] scheduled the next day.<ref name"unscripted1">{{cite web |url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/39778/ROH---Unscripted-II-DVD-Review.htm|title=ROH - Unscripted II DVD Review |accessdate=2007-06-13|author=Ziegler, Jacob|date=2006-05-06|publisher=411mania}}</ref><ref name="unscripted2">{{cite web |url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070629175121/http://pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/25/16510/printer |title=DVD Review: ROH, "Unscripted II," Feb. 11, 2006, with Punk & Dragon vs. Rave & Pearce, Aries-Nigel|accessdate=2007-06-13|author=Vetter, Chris|date=2006-04-12|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> In the main event, Punk teamed with [[Bryan Danielson]] to wrestle and ultimately defeat [[Jimmy Rave]] and Adam Pearce in a tag team match. ===World Wrestling Entertainment=== ====Ohio Valley Wrestling (2005–2006)==== Punk was assigned to [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]], a WWE developmental territory. On [[September 26]] [[2005]] in his OVW television debut, Punk suffered a ruptured eardrum and broken nose at the hands of Danny Inferno, after he was hit by an [[Botch (professional wrestling)|overly]] [[Stiff (professional wrestling)|stiff]] [[Punch (strike)|right hand]]. Despite the injury, Punk finished the match and quickly recovered.<ref name="ovwresults05">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2005/|title=Ohio Valley Wrestling - 2005 Results|accessdate=2006-07-30|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref name="lordsofpaininjury">{{cite web|url=http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2005_/articles/1126805425.php|title=Latest on released WWE wrestler, Ken Kennedy, CM Punk injury|accessdate=2006-09-26|author=Cantor, Brian|date=2005-09-15|format=php|publisher=Lords of Pain}}</ref> On [[November 9]] [[2005]], Punk became the [[OVW Television Championship|OVW Television Champion]] after defeating [[Ken Doane]].<ref name="ovwresults05"/> This led immediately to a feud between Punk and [[Brent Albright]], who had previously been feuding with Doane for the television championship and had lost his chance to wrestle Doane after Punk had hit him with a chair so he himself could wrestle Doane. This led to a series of matches, including one which ended in overtime with Albright having Punk submit to Albright's finisher, the [[Professional wrestling holds#Fujiwara armbar|Crowbar]], however Punk was able to keep the championship as he had not agreed to the extra time.<ref name="ovwresults05"/> On [[January 4]] [[2006]], Punk lost the OVW Television Championship during a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic elimination matches|three way dance]] between himself, Albright and Doane. Doane was injured halfway through the match and could not continue and was replaced by [[Aaron Stevens (wrestler)|Aaron "The Idol" Stevens]]. Punk submitted to Albright's Crowbar and was eliminated but after interference by Punk, Stevens was able to get the [[Pinfall (professional wrestling)|pin]] on Albright to become the new OVW Television Champion.<ref name="ovwresults06">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2006/|title=Ohio Valley Wrestling - 2006 Results|accessdate=2006-07-30|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> The feud continued after a short period in which Albright and Punk were a tag team, but they became opponents again after Albright wanted the respect of Punk who would never give it to him and instead proceeded to "punk out" (get the better of) Albright repeatedly. This continued for weeks with Punk always getting the better of Albright until a double turn occurred on [[February 1]] [[2006]] when Albright turned heel during a tag match allowing [[Spirit Squad|The Spirit Squad]] to beat Punk and, in doing so, turning Punk face.<ref name="ovwresults06"/> During this time CM Punk had a minor appearance at [[WrestleMania 22]] on [[April 2]] [[2006]] as one of the [[gangster]]s who rode a 1930s era car to the ring before [[John Cena]]'s entrance.<ref name="wmgangster">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/pictures/c/cmpunk/19.jpg|title = 19.jpg|accessdate=2006-09-26|date=2006-04-02|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|quote=CM Punk as a gangster during [[John Cena]]'s entrance}}</ref> When [[Matt Cappotelli]] vacated the [[OVW Heavyweight Championship]] due to a [[Astrocytoma|brain tumor]], a tournament was held to crown a new champion. The finals were Brent Albright vs CM Punk with Albright defeating Punk to become the new champion.<ref name="ovwresults06"/> Punk and Albright continued their feud with Albright becoming more and more unstable and paranoid about maintaining his championship after several close call matches against Punk, resulting in acts such as threatening [[Maria Kanellis|Maria]]. On [[May 3]] [[2006]], Punk finally defeated Brent Albright in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Texas Bullrope Match|strap match]] to win the OVW Heavyweight Championship.<ref name="ovwresults06"/> As champion, Punk retained the title in matches against opponents such as [[Shad Gaspard]],<ref name="ovwresults06"/> [[Mr. Kennedy|Ken Kennedy]],<ref name="ovwresults06"/> [[Johnny Jeter]],<ref name="ovwresults06"/> and [[Mike Mizanin|Mike "The Miz" Mizanin]].<ref name="punkvsmiz">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070629175121/http://pwtorch.com/artman/publish/article_17333.shtml|title=7/15 OVW in Cordyon, Ind.: C.M. Punk vs. The Miz|accessdate=2006-09-26|author=Skipper, Steve|date=2006-07-16|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On [[July 28]] [[2006]] Punk and [[Seth Skyfire]] defeated [[Cryme Tyme|Shad Gaspard and the Neighborhoodie]] to win the [[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship]] at a [[house show]].<ref name="sixflags">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/ovw/sixflags.html#072806|title=Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom drawing 500|accessdate=27 August|accessyear=2006|author=Pro Wrestling History|date=2006-07-28|work=Ohio Valley Wrestling Six Flag Shows}}</ref> With the victory Punk became the second OVW wrestler to have held each of the promotion's three championships, following Brent Albright, and along with Skyfire the first to hold two championships simultaneously. They would lose the Tag Team Championship on [[August 2]] [[2006]] to [[Jimmy Reiher, Jr.|Deuce Shade]] and [[Cliff Compton|"Domino" Cliff Compton]] after an injured Skyfire tagged in an already injured Punk.<ref name="ovwresults06"/> This led to a feud between Punk and Skyfire after a rematch for the Tag Team Championship on [[August 7]] [[2006]] in which a healthy Punk purposefully tagged in an injured Skyfire to be beaten by Shade and Compton.<ref name="ovwresults06"/> On [[August 30]] [[2006]] a match was scheduled to take place between Punk and Skyfire for the OVW Heavyweight Championship. However, prior to the match Skyfire was attacked by Charles "The Hammer" Evans, who Skyfire had also been feuding with, and was replaced in the match by Chet Jablonski (Chet the Jet) who pinned Punk to win the OVW Heavyweight Championship.<ref name="ovwresults06"/> As Punk no longer possessed the championship OVW no longer required him. He was removed from the roster and brought up to the WWE roster full time. He continued to make sporadic appearances for the company, such as at the 400th episode of OVW on television,<ref name="ovwresults06"/> up until WWE announced it was ending its developmental territory agreement with OVW. ====''Extreme Championship Wrestling'' (2006–2008)==== [[Image:CM Punk ECW.jpg|thumb|150px|CM Punk during an [[Extreme Championship Wrestling (WWE)|ECW]] [[house show]] on July 17, 2006 in [[Austin, Texas]].]] On [[June 24]] [[2006]] Punk made his [[Extreme Championship Wrestling (WWE)|ECW]] debut during a house show at the former [[New Alhambra Arena|ECW Arena]], defeating [[Stevie Richards]].<ref name="richards">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070629175121/http://pwtorch.com/artman/publish/article_17161.shtml|title=6/24 WWE at ECW Arena|accessdate=2006-09-26|author=Magee, Bob|date=2006-06-25|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> He made his TV debut on the [[July 4]] episode of ''ECW on [[Sci Fi Channel (United States)|Sci Fi]]'', cutting a brief [[Vignette (professional wrestling)|pre-taped]] face [[Promo (professional wrestling)|promo]] about his straight edge lifestyle emphasizing the disciplinary aspects of being drug and alcohol free.<ref name="sps">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/070420061/|title=South Philly Screwjob|accessdate=2006-09-26|date=2006-07-04|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> Although he had retained the straight edge gimmick, he now had a [[Muay Thai]] training background. Punk made his TV wrestling debut on [[August 1]] [[2006]] at the [[Hammerstein Ballroom]], defeating [[Peter Polaco|Justin Credible]].<ref name="ssa">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/08012006/|title=Sabu strikes again|accessdate=26 September|accessyear=2006|author=Hunt, Jen|date=2006-08-01|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> CM Punk established himself in ECW by going undefeated, defeating opponents such as [[C.W. Anderson|Christopher W. Anderson]],<ref name="sabusnaps">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/08222006/|title=Sabu snaps|accessdate=26 September|accessyear=2006|author=Hunt, Jen|date=2006-08-22|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> [[Stevie Richards]],<ref name="dfp">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/08292006/|title=Dr. Frankenstein prevails|accessdate=2006-09-26|author=Hunt, Jen|date=2006-08-29|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> and [[Shannon Moore]].<ref name="moore1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/09122006/|title=Garden Showstopper|accessdate=2006-10-02|author=Hoffman, Brett|date=2006-09-12|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> Soon after, Punk began feuding with [[Mike Knox]] after Knox's girlfriend, [[Kelly Kelly]], was seen to have feelings for Punk.<ref name="moore1" /> Punk defeated Mike Knox in their first singles match (qualifying for the [[Elimination Chamber#Elimination Chamber V|Extreme Elimination Chamber]] at [[December to Dismember (2006)|December to Dismember]] in the process)<ref name="dtdqualify">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/11072006/|title=Messiah's revelations|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Tello, Craig|date=2006-11-07|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> as well as the rematch, after which Kelly Kelly celebrated CM Punk's victory over her boyfriend.<ref name="knoxrematch">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/11142006/|title=Lashley unleashed on ECW|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Tello, Craig|date=2006-11-14|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> Punk then went on to team with [[D-Generation X]] and the [[Hardy Boyz]] in their [[Survivor Series (2006)|Survivor Series]] match against [[Rated-RKO]], Knox, [[John Hennigan|Johnny Nitro]] and [[Gregory Helms]], a match where all the participants on DX's side survived elimination.<ref name="survivorseries">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2006/matches/3332480/results/|title=D-Xtreme dominance|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Dee, Louis|date=2006-11-26|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> At [[December to Dismember (2006)|December to Dismember]], Punk participated in the Extreme Elimination Chamber for the [[ECW Championship|ECW World Championship]], however he was the first person eliminated.<ref name="d2deliminationchamber">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/decembertodismember/matches/32934421/results/|title=Mission accomplished|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Tello, Craig|date=2006-12-03|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> Following this, Punk entered into a feud with [[Bob Holly|Hardcore Holly]], who ended Punk's six month unbeaten streak in singles competition on [[January 9]] [[2007]].<ref name="wweloss">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/01092007/|title=No con-Test|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Tello, Craig|date=2007-01-09|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Punk went on to feud with [[Matthew Kaye|Matt Striker]], who gave him his second singles loss since being in ECW on [[January 30]].<ref name="wweloss2">{{cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/01302007/|title=Dead ringer|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Tello, Craig|date=2007-01-30|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Following this Punk qualified for the [[Money in the Bank ladder match#2007|Money in the Bank ladder match]] at [[WrestleMania 23]] by defeating Johnny Nitro,<ref name="mitbqualifier">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/02202007/|title=Dominant gene|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Tello, Craig|date=2007-02-20|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> being the only member of the ECW roster to qualify. In the final week leading up to WrestleMania 23 Punk made appearances on both ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' and ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown!|SmackDown!]]'' defeating [[Ken Doane|Kenny Dykstra]]<ref name="dykstraraw">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/03252007/|title=The circle is complete|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Starr, Noah|date=2007-03-26|publisher=WWE}}</ref> and former [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Booker Huffman|King Booker]]<ref name="bookersmackdown">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/03292007/|title=Next stop: Detroit|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Difino, Lennie|date=2007-03-30|publisher=WWE}}</ref> respectively. At WrestleMania 23 Punk competed in, but did not win, the Money in the Bank ladder match being knocked off the ladder just seconds before the winner, [[Mr. Kennedy]], claimed the briefcase.<ref>{{cite web|title=Undertaker the champ, McMahon bald|work=SLAM! Wrestling|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/04/15/4024168.html|accessdate=2008-01-15|last=Plummer|first=Dale|coauthors=Nick Tylwalk}}</ref> On the [[April 10]] edition of ''ECW on Sci-Fi'', Punk officially joined the [[New Breed (ECW)|New Breed]] stable,<ref name="punknewbreed">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/04102007/|title=New Breed gets the straight edge|accessdate=2007-04-11|author=Robinson, Bryan|date=2007-04-10|publisher=WWE}}</ref> after several weeks in which both the New Breed and the [[ECW Originals]] had attempted to recruit him.<ref name="recruitment1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/03062007/|title=Rattlesnake's venomous visit|accessdate=2007-03-10|author=Tello, Craig|date=2007-03-06|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref name="recruitment2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/03202007/|title=Masterpiece theater, Lashley-style|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Robinson, Bryan|date=2007-03-21|publisher=WWE}}</ref> However two weeks later Punk betrayed the New Breed during a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Elimination tag team match|four on four elimination match]] between the New Breed and ECW Originals by kicking New Breed leader [[Elijah Burke]] in the back of the head costing them the match. After the match Punk proceeded to deliver his finisher, the [[Professional wrestling attacks#Go 2 Sleep|Go To Sleep]], on Burke before leaving the ring alone. WWE.com later confirmed that Punk was no longer a member of the New Breed.<ref name="newbreedbetrayal">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/04242007/|title=Making painful statements|accessdate=2007-05-01|author=Robinson, Bryan|date=2007-04-24|publisher=WWE}}</ref> At [[Judgment Day (2007)|Judgment Day 2007]], Punk wrestled and defeated Elijah Burke in his first singles match on a pay-per-view.<ref name="judgmentday">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/2007/matches/41244022/results/|title=On his own|accessdate=2007-06-24|author=Rote, Andrew|date=2007-05-20|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Punk would then go on to [[One Night Stand (2007)|One Night Stand 2007]] and team up with [[Tommy Dreamer]] and [[Jim Fullington|The Sandman]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Tables match|Tables match]] to defeat the [[New Breed (ECW)|New Breed]]. Due to the [[WWE Brand Extension#June 2007 (Draft Lottery)|drafting]] of [[ECW Championship|ECW World Champion]] [[Bobby Lashley]] to ''Raw'' the ECW World Championship was declared vacant and a mini-tournament was announced to declare a new champion between Punk, Elijah Burke, [[Monty Brown|Marcus Cor Von]] and the recently drafted [[Chris Benoit]]. Punk defeated Marcus Cor Von on the [[June 19]] edition of ''ECW on Sci-Fi''. By doing so CM Punk was meant to face Chris Benoit at [[Vengeance: Night of Champions|Vengeance 2007]] for the vacant ECW World Championship,<ref name="corvoncontender">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/06192007/|title=The beginning of a new ECW dawn|accessdate=2007-06-24|author=Robinson, Bryan|date=2007-06-19|publisher=WWE}}</ref> however Benoit was hastily replaced by Johnny Nitro when Benoit [[List of professional wrestling slang#N|no-showed]] the event due to what was described on-air as "[[Chris Benoit murder-suicide|personal reasons]]". Nitro subsequently defeated Punk at Vengeance for the vacant championship.<ref name="ecworldnitro">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/matches/40811641113/results/|title=ECW World Title goes A-list|accessdate=2007-06-25|author=Robinson, Bryan|date=2007-06-24|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Punk won another shot at the title at [[The Great American Bash (2007)|The Great American Bash]] against Johnny Nitro, who had changed his moniker to John Morrison by this point, however Punk was defeated again by Morrison.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/matches/42789821/results/|title=Morrison enlightens the Straightedge Superstar|author=Rote, Andrew|date=2007-07-22|accessdate=2007-07-23|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Punk the next week would challenge Elijah Burke and Tommy Dreamer in a triple threat match to determine the next competitor in John Morrison's 15 Minutes of Fame Challenge in Youngstown, Ohio, in which Punk came out victorious.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/07312007/|title=A chance for fame|author=Andrew Rote|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=WWE}}</ref> A week later Punk would defeat Morrison with the G.T.S. to earn an ECW Championship title match at [[SummerSlam (2007)|SummerSlam]] however at SummerSlam Punk lost the match Morrison when Morrison used the ropes for leverage at SummerSlam.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam07/matches/3900088311/results/|title=Enlightened robbery|author=Lennie Difino|accessdate=2007-08-26|publisher=WWE}}</ref> [[Image:CM Punk MITB.jpg|thumb|150px|CM Punk as [[Money in the Bank ladder match|Mr. Money in the Bank]] at a house show on June 14, 2008 in [[Adelaide]], [[South Australia]].]] At the [[September 1]], [[2007]] (aired [[September 4]]) ECW taping in [[Cincinnati, Ohio]], in a "last chance" title match, Punk defeated [[John Hennigan|John Morrison]] for the [[ECW Championship]]. Punk then went on to have successful title defenses against the likes of [[Elijah Burke]] (at [[Unforgiven (2007)|Unforgiven]]),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/matches/4836650221/results/|title=Punk prevails|accessdate=2007-09-16|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Big Daddy V via disqualification (at [[No Mercy (2007)|No Mercy]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/matches/5267288114/results/|title=CM Punk gets a tough win|accessdate=2007-10-07|publisher=WWE}}</ref> and [[Mike Mizanin|The Miz]] (at [[Cyber Sunday (2007)|Cyber Sunday]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/matches/52676101/results/|title=Miz-match? CM Retains|accessdate=2007-10-28|publisher=WWE}}</ref>. On the [[November 6]] [[2007]] edition of ''ECW'', Punk retained the ECW Championship in a match against John Morrison following The Miz's interference.<ref name="ECW 06Nov07">{{cite web|url= http://www.wwe-zone.com/ecw/results/sci-fi/2007/1106/index.htm|title=ECW on Sci-Fi 06 November, 2007 Results|publisher=Pro-Wrestling Edge|accessdate=2008-03-26}}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (2007)|Survivor Series]], Punk retained his title in a Triple Threat Match, beating The Miz and John Morrison.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/matches/4334964111/results/|title=Champ trumps champs|accessdate=2007-11-19|publisher=WWE}}</ref> On the [[January 22]] [[2008]] edition of ''ECW'', [[Chavo Guerrero Jr.|Chavo Guerrero]] defeated CM Punk in a [[Professional wrestling match types#No Disqualification match|No Disqualification match]] to win the ECW Championship following interference from [[Adam Copeland|Edge]].<ref name="ECW 22Jan08">{{cite web|url= http://www.wwe-zone.com/ecw/results/sci-fi/2008/0122/index.htm|title=ECW on Sci-Fi 22 January, 2008 Results|publisher=Pro-Wrestling Edge|accessdate=2008-03-26}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania XXIV]], Punk won the [[Money in the Bank ladder match]], after fending-off [[Chris Jericho]], [[Montel Vontavious Porter|MVP]], [[Shelton Benjamin]], [[John Hennigan|John Morrison]], [[Mr. Kennedy]] and [[Carly Colon|Carlito]].<ref name="WM24 Res">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe-zone.com/wwe/results/ppv/wrestlemania/XXIV/index.htm|title=WWE WrestleMania XXIV Results|publisher=Pro-Wrestling Edge|accessdate=2008-04-06}}</ref> On the three-hour [[April 21]] edition of [[WWE Raw|Raw]], Punk participated in the 2008 [[King of the Ring]] tournament and managed to make it into the final defeating [[Matt Hardy]] and [[Chris Jericho]] in the process but lost to [[Darren Matthews|William Regal]] in the final match. ====Raw brand (2008–)==== On the [[June 23]], [[2008]] edition of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'', CM Punk was drafted to the Raw brand during the [[2008 WWE Draft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/results/|title=A Draft Disaster|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|date=2008-06-23|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref> The following week, Punk cashed in his [[Money in the Bank ladder match|Money in the Bank]] contract and won the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]] from [[Adam Copeland|Edge]], after Edge had been beaten down by [[Dave Batista|Batista]]. Punk successfully defended his newly won championship against [[John Layfield|JBL]] later on in the show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/articles/6648278/punkanswered|title=Opportunity Knocked, Punk Answered|last=Adkins|first=Greg|date=2008-06-30|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=2008-07-01}}</ref><!-- DO NOT ADD WEEK BY WEEK EVENTS, RUMORS OR SPECULATION. THIS INCLUDES ANNOUNCED MATCHES THAT HAVE NOT YET OCCURRED. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A NEWS SITE BUT AN ONLINE ENCYCLOPEDIA. Please see the articles "Wikipedia:What Wikipedia is not" and "Wikipedia:Guide to writing better articles" for more information. --> ==In wrestling== [[Image:CM Punk Feb 04 07.jpg|thumb|CM Punk during a match with [[Matthew Kaye|Matt Striker]] on ''ECW on Sci-Fi'', February 4, 2007.]] *'''[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]''' <!--Do NOT change the order of the moves, as they comply with Wikipedia's Manual of Style--> **'''Finishing moves''' ***'''''Anaconda Vise''''' ([[Professional wrestling holds#Anaconda vice|Anaconda vice]] or an [[Professional wrestling holds#Arm triangle choke|arm triangle choke]])<ref name="wwebio"/> - 2005-2007 ***'''''G.T.S.''''' - '''''Go To Sleep''''' ([[Professional wrestling attacks#Go 2 Sleep|Fireman's carry dropped into a knee strike to the face]])<ref name="wwebio"/> - 2007-present **'''Signature moves''' ***[[Professional wrestling attacks#High knee|Charging high knee strike]] to a standing opponent in the corner followed by catching the opponent's head to perform a [[Professional wrestling throws#Bulldog|running bulldog]] ***[[Backbreaker#Double underhook backbreaker|Double underhook backbreaker]] ***[[Professional wrestling throws#Hurricanrana|Hurricanrana]] ***[[Professional_wrestling_attacks#Lariat|Jumping hammerlock short range lariat]] ***Repeated [[slap]]s, [[Professional wrestling attacks#Backhand chop|backhand chops]] and a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Spinning back fist|spinning open-handed backfist]], followed by a [[Kick#Roundhouse kick|roundhouse kick]] to the side of the head, occasionally followed by a [[Powerslam#Side slam|side slam]] ***Rope-hung [[Spinal lock#Crucifix neck crank|crucifix neck crank]] - 2005-2006 ***[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Slingshot|Slingshot]] [[Professional wrestling attacks#Senton|somersault senton]] ***[[Powerslam#Scoop powerslam|Snap scoop powerslam]] ***[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Springboard|Springboard]] [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Flying clothesline|diving clothesline]] ***[[Professional wrestling attacks#Spinning heel kick|Spinning heel kick]] ***[[Backbreaker#Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker|Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker]] **'''[[Music in professional wrestling|Theme music]]''' ***[[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] ****''Miseria Cantare - The Beginning'' - [[AFI (band)|AFI]] ***World Wrestling Entertainment ****'''This Fire Burns - [[Killswitch Engage]]''' (Current) *'''[[Independent circuit]]''' <!--Do NOT change the order of the moves, as they comply with Wikipedia's Manual of Style--> **'''Finishing moves''' ***'''''Anaconda Vice''''' ([[Professional wrestling holds#Anaconda vice|Anaconda vice]] or an [[Professional wrestling holds#Arm triangle choke|arm triangle choke]]) ***'''''[[Pepsi]] Plunge''''' ([[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Super|Diving]] [[Facebuster#Double underhook facebuster|double underhook facebuster]]) ***'''[[Professional wrestling attacks#Shining Wizard|Shining wizard]]''' **'''Signature moves''' ***''[[.45 ACP|.45]] Special'' ([[Professional wrestling holds#Indian deathlock|Indian deathlock]] [[Professional wrestling holds#Surfboard|surfboard]]) ***[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Arm twist ropewalk chop|Arm twist ropewalk]] [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving leg drop|leg drop]] ***[[Professional wrestling holds#Armbar|Arm wrench]] followed by stepping a leg over the wrenched arm and performing a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Mule kick|mule kick]] with the leg below the opponent's face ***[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Flying neckbreaker|Corkscrew flipping neckbreaker]] ***''Crooked Moonsault'' ([[Moonsault#Split-legged moonsault|Split-legged moonsault]]) ***''[[Devilock|Devil Lock]]'' ([[Professional wrestling holds#Cloverleaf with armlock|Arm trap cloverleaf]]) ***''Devil Lock DDT'' ([[DDT (professional wrestling)#Legsweep DDT|Hammerlock legsweep DDT]]) ***''Inertia DDT'' ([[DDT (professional wrestling)#Tornado DDT|Springboard tornado DDT]]) ***''[[Jackie Chan]]'' (While sitting in a corner Punk grasps the top rope with one hand on each side of the turnbuckle. When the opponent attempts to pull Punk off the ropes by his legs Punk performs a [[Back flip#Variations|back tuck]], landing on his feet) ***''[[Pepsi Twist]]'' ([[Professional wrestling attacks#Lariat|Jumping hammerlock short range lariat]]) ***''Punk-Handle Piledriver'' ([[Piledriver (professional wrestling)#Pumphandle reverse piledriver|Pumphandle reverse piledriver]]) ***[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Slingshot|Slingshot]] [[Professional wrestling attacks#Senton|somersault senton]] ***''[[Kill Hannah#Promos|Welcome to Chicago, Motherfucker]]'' ([[Backbreaker#Double underhook backbreaker|Double underhook backbreaker]]) **'''[[Manager (professional wrestling)|Managers]]''' ***[[Tracy Brookshaw|Tracy Brooks]] ***[[Mickie James|Alexis Laree]] ***[[Shannon Spruill|Lucy]] ***[[James Mitchell (wrestler)|James Mitchell]] ***[[Dave Prazak]] **'''Theme music''' ***[[Full Impact Pro]] ****''South of Heaven'' - [[Slayer]] ***[[Major League Wrestling]] ****''Shitlist'' - [[L7 (band)|L7]] ***[[Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South|IWA Mid-South]] ****''[[99 Problems]]'' - [[Jay-Z]] ****''A Call for Blood'' - [[Hatebreed]] ****''Gainesville Rock City'' - [[Less Than Jake]] ****''Miseria Cantare - The Beginning'' - AFI ****''People = Shit'' - [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]] ****''When Will They Shoot?'' - [[Ice Cube]] ***[[Ring of Honor]] ****''A Call for Blood'' - Hatebreed ****''[[Cult of Personality (song)|Cult of Personality]]'' - [[Living Colour]] ****''Miseria Cantare - The Beginning'' - AFI ****''Night Train'' - [[The Bouncing Souls]] ***St. Paul Championship Wrestling ****''¡Olé!'' - [[The Bouncing Souls]]<ref name="punkshoot" /> ==Championships and accomplishments== [[Image:CM Punk ECW Champion.jpg|thumb|120px|CM Punk as [[ECW Championship|ECW Champion]] at a [[house show]] on September 30, 2007 in [[Hammond, Indiana|Hammond]], [[Indiana]].]] *'''[[Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South]]''' **[[IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship]] ([[IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship#Title history|5 times]])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ky/iwams/iwams-h.html|accessdate=2008-06-14|title=Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South Heavyweight Title|publisher=Wresting-titles.com}}</ref> **[[IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Championship]] ([[IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ky/iwams/iwams-lh.html|accessdate=2008-06-14|title=Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South Light Heavyweight Title|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref> *'''International Wrestling Cartel''' **IWC Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/hwtiwc2.html|accessdate=2008-06-14|last=Roelfsema|first= Eric|title=IWC - INTERNATIONAL WRESTLING CARTEL WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE HISTORY|publisher=Solie}}</ref> *'''Mid-American Wrestling''' **MAW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/hwtmaw.html|accessdate=2008-06-14|last=Westcott|first=Brian|title=MAW - MID-AMERICA WRESTLING MAW HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE HISTORY|publisher=Solie}}</ref> *'''[[National Wrestling Alliance|NWA Cyberspace]]''' **NWA Cyberspace Tag Team Championship (1 time)<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ttcswf.html|accessdate=2008-06-14|last=Westcott|first=Brian|title=NWA NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE/CYBERSPACE WRESTLING FEDERATION CSWF/NWA CYBERSPACE TAG TEAM TITLE HISTORY|publisher=Solie}}</ref> - with [[Brian Wohl|Julio Dinero]] *'''[[National Wrestling Alliance|NWA Revolution]]''' **NWA Revolution Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="owwpunk">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/c/c-m-punk.html|Publisher=Online World of Wrestling|title=Wrestler Profiles}}</ref> *'''[[Ohio Valley Wrestling]]''' **[[OVW Heavyweight Championship]] ([[OVW Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ovhtnwa.html|accessdate=2008-06-14|last=Westcott|first=Brian|title=NWA - NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE NWA OHIO VALLEY WRESTLING HEAVYWEIGHT/OHIO VALLEY WRESTLING HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE HISTORY|publisher=Solie}}</ref> **[[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship]] ([[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ovsttnwa.html|accessdate=2008-06-14|last=Westcott|first=Brian|title=NWA - NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE NWA OHIO VALLEY WRESTLING SOUTHERN TAG TEAM TITLE HISTORY|publisher=Solie}}</ref> - with [[Steven Adkins|Seth Skyfire]] **[[OVW Television Championship]] ([[OVW Television Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ovtvnwa.html|accessdate=2008-06-14|title=NWA - NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE NWA OHIO VALLEY WRESTLING HARDCORE/OHIO VALLEY WRESTLING TELEVISION HISTORY|publisher=Solie}}</ref> *'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]''' **PWI ranked him #'''35''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2006<ref name=PWI500>{{Citation| last = Editors| first = PWI| title = PWI 500| newspaper = [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]| year = 2006 | date = November 2006|url=http://www.pwi-online.com}}</ref> *'''[[Ring of Honor]]''' **[[ROH World Tag Team Championship|ROH Tag Team Championship]] ([[ROH World Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref name=ROH/> - with [[Colt Cabana]] **[[ROH World Championship]] ([[ROH World Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=ROH/> *'''Steel Domain Wrestling''' **SDW Northern States Television Championship (2 times)<ref name="cagematchde" /> *'''St. Paul Championship Wrestling''' **SPCW Northern States Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="cagematchde" /> *'''[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]''' **[[ECW Championship]] ([[List of ECW Champions|1 time]])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/history/ecwchampionship/20070901punk|accessdate=2008-06-14|title=ECW Championship official title history|publisher=WWE}}</ref> **[[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of World Heavyweight Champions (WWE)|1 time, current]])<ref name="cmpunkwinsworldtitle">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/200806011|title=CM Punk wins world title| accessdate=2008-06-30|publisher=WWE}}</ref> **[[Money in the Bank ladder match|Mr. Money in the Bank]] ([[Money in the Bank ladder match#2008|2008]])<ref name="WM24 Res"/> *'''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards]]''' **[[Dave Meltzer#Rating system|5 Star Match]] (2004) <small>vs. Samoa Joe on October 16</small> ==Gimmick== Punk has adopted his real-life following of the [[straight edge]] movement as his professional wrestling [[gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]], but the gimmick uses different elements of Punk's personality and the beliefs of the straight edge movement depending on his [[List of professional wrestling slang#A|alignment]]. While portraying a [[face (professional wrestling)|face]], the gimmick tends to be that of Punk's normal personality,<ref name="punkshoot" /> largely indifferent to others who drink [[alcohol]], smoke [[tobacco]], partake in [[recreational drug use]] or have [[promiscuity|promiscuous]] [[human sexual behavior|sexual behavior]], but emphasizing the social discipline involved with [[abstinence]]. Conversely, his [[heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] personality tends to be that of one who is [[Hardline (subculture)|hardline]], exemplifying the elitist attitudes and superiority complexes - defined by Punk's common mantra during heel [[Promo (professional wrestling)|promos]] that, because he is straight edge, he is "better than you".<ref name="punkshoot" /> Regardless of alignment, Punk performs the straight edge symbol of crossing his arms in an X formation while having the letter X written on the back of his hands, usually drawn on his wrist tape. A common question about Punk's gimmick, and one that comes up often with fans, is the meaning of the [[initialism]] CM. Originally the CM represented the phrase "Chick Magnet", the name of the tag team he was in as a [[backyard wrestler]],<ref name="punkshoot" /><ref name="jon" /> however Punk would later change CM into an [[pseudo-acronym|orphan acronym]], declaring that it has no meaning.<ref name="wojick" /> Although Punk has stated CM now has no real meaning he has taken to making up meanings when asked that fit the initials, going so far as to make up long stories to explain the origins that do not match the actual origin story at all.<ref name="wojick" /> Since beginning this practice Punk has stated CM stands for "[[Cookie Monster]]",<ref name="The Mississauga News">{{cite web|url=http://mississauganews.com/article/8991|title=Sport Heroes takes on AIDS|publisher=The Mississauga News}}</ref><ref name="WWEuncut">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/vms/wweuncut/2007/may29-31/4775196|title=WWE UnCut: CM Punk|accessdate=2007-06-12|date=2007-05-29|publisher=WWE}}</ref> "[[#In wrestling|Crooked Moonsault]]",<ref name="cagematchde">{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=00000080|title=Datenbank Profil - CM Punk|accessdate=2006-09-26|publisher=Cagematch.de|language=German}}</ref> "[[Chuck Mosley]]",<ref name="cagematchde" /> "[[Montgomery Burns|Charles Montgomery]]"<ref name="jon" /> and "[[Charles Manson]]"<ref name="jon" /> among others. An integral part of Punk's gimmick is that of the numerous [[tattoo]]s that adorn his body, some of which have come to become symbols associated with Punk as well as [[mantra]]s and declarations that have been integrated into his gimmick. The tattoos as a whole, due to their large quantity and variety, have also become an attribute identifiable to Punk. The most important of the individual tattoos in Punk's character, whether through association, symbol, or mantra, are: *A [[Pepsi-Cola|Pepsi]] logo on his left shoulder which inspired the names of two of his [[#In wrestling|signature moves]] which also became a symbol of Punk himself, wearing the logo on his ring gear in the independent circuit as well as a slightly modified Pepsi logo being used as part of his [[Jumbotron|TitanTron]] entrance video.<ref name="tron">{{cite video|people=CM Punk|year=2006|title=Entrance video|url=http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/tvshows/ecw/entrance_videos/0724cmpunkentvid|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> He got the tattoo as a joke, as many [[Fraternities and sororities|fraternity]] members in his school were getting beer logos tattooed on their body, so Punk, a keen Pepsi drinker, chose to receive a Pepsi tattoo to emphasize his straight edge beliefs.<ref name="wojick" /> The tattoo is also a reference to former [[Minor Threat]] guitarist [[Brian Baker (musician)|Brian Baker]], who had a [[Coca-Cola]] tattoo and explained this by saying "I like Coca-Cola". When people inquire about Punk's Pepsi tattoo, he often replies "I like Pepsi" in a similar fashion.<ref name="punkshoot" /> *The words "[[Straight Edge]]" are spelled out on his stomach. This tattoo is one of Punk's oldest tattoos<ref name="wwemag">{{cite journal|author=CM Punk|year=2006|month=October|title=The Illustrated Man|journal=WWE Magazine|pages=13}}</ref> and has been referred to by Punk as his identity.<ref name="cheesegrater">{{cite video | people = CM Punk | url = http://www.rohwrestling.com/shoponline.asp?point=moreinfo&catid=&id=1125&pRange=0&iCurrentPage=1 |title = Best Of American Super Juniors Tournament|medium = DVD|publisher = Ring of Honor|date =2005-04-02|accessdate=2007-04-14}}</ref> *A [[sleeve tattoo]] on his left arm entitled "luck is for losers", a mantra used on some of the choices for Punk's first [[Extreme Championship Wrestling (WWE)|ECW]] [[T-shirt]],<ref name="shirt">{{cite web|url=http://punk-wrestling.com/coppermine/thumbnails.php?album=1|title=ECW T-Shirt Designs|accessmonthday=2 October|accessyear=2006|format=php|publisher=Punk-Wrestling}}</ref>{{dead link|date=May 2008}} that features numerous symbols of [[good luck]] including a [[rabbit's foot]], [[four-leaf clover]] and a [[horseshoe]].<ref name="wweink">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/superstarink/articles/cmpunk|title=Punk's got a lucky arm|accessdate=2007-10-18|date=2007-10-18|publisher=WWE}}</ref> The tattoo also features four [[ace]] playing cards as a tribute to trainer [[Ace Steel]].<ref name="wweink" /> *His knuckles spell out "DRUG FREE" when placed together, "DRUG" on the right knuckles and "FREE" on the left. This tattoo is often used in wrestling as a taunting gesture to the crowd and opponents. *A tattoo on the back of his left hand reading "No gimmicks needed," a tribute to deceased wrestler [[Chris Candido]].<ref name="PS155">{{Citation| last=Martin| first=Fin| title=What's Going Down.| newspaper=[[Power Slam]]| issue=155| pages=4| year=2007| date=June 2007}}</ref> Punk's character and gimmick have been parodied by the wrestling federation [[Chikara (professional wrestling)|CHIKARA]] with the character [[Necro Butcher|CP Munk]], the straight edge [[chipmunk]]. The character is simply a chipmunk [[mascot]] costume which includes references to Punk such as X marked wrist tape, a Pepsi logo on the costume's left shoulder, and a high-pitch version of Punk's best-known independent circuit theme song ''Miseria Cantare - The Beginning'', as performed by the band [[AFI (band)|AFI]].<ref name="cpmunk2">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070629175121/http://pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/24/15028|title=Tape review: Chikara, "Negative Balance," Aug. 13, w/Hero-Kingston, Claudio-Quack, Cannon-Reckless|accessdate=2006-10-16|author=Vetter, Chris|date=2005-10-04|format=cgi|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|quote=CP Munk is a wrestler in a chipmunk costume, like a school mascot outfit. He has a Pepsi tattoo on his arm, he wears basketball trunks, and he came out to an AFI song… good comedy, and the crowd all knew this was a fun parody of CM Punk.}}</ref> On his website Punk has said about the character CP Munk, and the people behind it: {{cquote|I'm split 50/50 on it. Some days I get real pissed about it, because it's disrespectful. I'm sure it's no secret that the dorks that run Chikara and I don't get along, so they're [''[[sic]]''] judgement [''sic''] on trying to "mock" me is a little off. Most other days I just laugh it off because nobody from Chikara will ever be over enough anywhere for anybody else to parody them.<ref name="cpmunk3">{{cite web|url=http://cmpunk.com/askpunk.php|title=Ask Punk|accessdate=2007-12-13|format=php|publisher=CMPunk.com}}</ref>}} ==Personal life== Phil Brooks was born in [[Chicago, Illinois]] on [[October 26]], [[1978]] and was raised by his mother and father with two younger sisters and a brother named Mike<ref name="joepunk" /> who was also a professional wrestler under the [[ring name]] Mike Broox;<ref name="chickmagnets" /><ref name="cagematchde" /> however, Phil and Mike had a falling out after Mike embezzled several thousand dollars from the Lunatic Wrestling Federation.<ref name="mikebrooks">{{cite web|url=http://members5.boardhost.com/wrestlingnews/msg/62.html|title=CM PUNK INTERVIEW - Part 2|accessdate=2006-09-26|author=Lagattolla, Al|date=2001-05-28}}</ref> Phil first wished to pursue a career in professional wrestling after watching [[Roddy Piper]] crack a coconut over [[Jimmy Snuka]]'s head during an edition of the ''[[Piper's Pit]]''.<ref name="punkshoot" /><ref name="punkcabana" /> While watching his father, who was for a long time an [[alcoholic]] but eventually quit,<ref name="punkshoot" /><ref name="wwemag" /><ref name="jon" /> and reading that alcoholism may be hereditary Phil made a commitment to abstain from alcohol consumption to prevent the possibility from it ever occurring in his life.<ref name="punkshoot" /> During high school Phil discovered the [[hardcore punk]] music genre, most importantly the band [[Minor Threat]] who were the cause of the [[straight edge]] movement. After learning of the culture and its ideals and realising it matched his own he declared himself to be straight edge and started endorsing the philosophies of the movement.<ref name="punkshoot" /> After high school and beginning his wrestling career Phil moved out of the family house and lived for a time with fellow professional wrestler [[Cathy Corino|Allison Danger]].<ref name="punkshoot" /> Phil later moved into an apartment with his trainer [[Ace Steel]],<ref name="joepunk" /> however since then Phil has made reference to living alone in Chicago. Phil worked other jobs to support himself in his early career, the last of which was as a laboratory technician for [[Underwriters Laboratories]] until he was fired due to poor conduct and work ethic in October 2002.<ref name="punkshoot" /> In relationships Phil has made reference to two girlfriends in his early life<ref name="punkshoot" /><ref name="punkcabana" /> and during his time with ROH was romantically linked to professional wrestlers [[Shannon Spruill]]<ref name="daffneyrajahrecap">{{cite web|url=http://rajah.com/base/node/3899|title=Mick Foley Discusses WWE Return & Flair, Daffney Discusses TNA & Diva Search|accessdate=2006-09-27|author=Cash, Chris|coauthors=Walk, Henry|date=2005-11-12|publisher=Rajah|quote=On the topic of CM Punk and their relationship, she said that the break-up was partially contributed to the two never being able to see each other (her in Louisville and him in Philly).}}</ref> and [[Tracy Brookshaw]].<ref name="joepunk" /> After joining OVW Phil began dating [[Maria Kanellis]] who was working on OVW as an interviewer<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/cmpunk/punkblogarchives/cmblog010907 | author = CM Punk | title = Who's Jennifer? | accessdate=2007-01-09|date=2007-01-09}}</ref>,<ref name="thesun">{{cite web|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/article53541.ece|title=Maria: I'm just one big fan|accessdate=2006-08-01|author=The Lilsboys|date=2006-06-03|publisher=The Sun}}</ref><ref name="punkmaria">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlescoop.com/rare_wwe_photos/cmpunkmariakannelis.shtml|title=Pictures of CM Punk and Maria Kanellis|publisher=WRESTLESCOOP.com}}</ref> however some time after Phil was moved to the ECW roster they broke up.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/article346976.ece | author = Rob McNichol (The Sun) | title = Maria: I’ve split from CM Punk | accessdate=2007-10-16|date=2007-10-16}}</ref> ==Non-wrestling television appearances== Brooks made an appearance on the [[February 16]] [[2004]] episode of [[Monster Garage]], "Box Truck Wrestling Car", performing a short match with [[Samoa Joe|Joe Seanoa]] (Samoa Joe).<ref name="ihsjt">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070629175121/http://pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/24/14286|title=Interview Highlights: Samoa Joe talks about his decision to sign with TNA, his future|accessdate=2006-11-08|date=2005-08-01|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On [[October 31]] [[2006]], Brooks joined [[The Atlantic Paranormal Society]] (TAPS) to shoot the [[Sci Fi Channel (United States)|Sci Fi Channel]] special ''[[Ghost Hunters#Specials|Ghost Hunters Live]]'', which was a six-hour show broadcast live [[Halloween]] night from the [[Stanley Hotel]] in [[Estes Park]], [[Colorado]]. Initially skeptical about what he might find, Brooks claimed to have heard children giggling and footsteps when there were not any children booked into the hotel.<ref name="cpggh">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/3557278|title=CM Punk goes ghost hunting|accessdate=2006-11-04|author=Medalis, Kara A.|date=2006-10-30|publisher=WWE}}</ref> During his time there he made reference to [[Colt Cabana|Scott Colton]] (Colt Cabana), claiming a friend of his "lost a toe once" in reference to a story about Colton having lost a toe in a car crash when he only bruised it,<ref name="cabanatoe1">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070629175121/http://pwtorch.com/artman/publish/article_18222.shtml|title=Colt Cabana involved in car accident, toe amputated|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Radican, Sean|date=2006-10-30|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref name="cabanatoe2">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070629175121/http://pwtorch.com/artman/publish/article_18239.shtml|title=Cabana's toe not amputated|accessdate=2007-04-10|author=Radican, Sean|date=2006-10-31|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> and Samoa Joe. ==References== {{Reflist|2}} == External links == {{Portal|Professional wrestling|break=yes}} {{wikiquote}} {{Commons}} *[http://www.cmpunk.com/ Official Site] *[http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/cmpunk/bio/ WWE Profile] *{{imdb name|id=1516006|name=CM Punk}} <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]] --> {{Current World Wrestling Entertainment employees}} {{featured article}} {{Persondata |NAME=Brooks, Phil |ALTERNATIVE NAMES=CM Punk (ring name) |SHORT DESCRIPTION=Professional wrestler |DATE OF BIRTH=[[October 26]], [[1978]] |PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Chicago]], [[Illinois]] |DATE OF DEATH= |PLACE OF DEATH= }} [[Category:1978 births|Punk, CM]] [[Category:American atheists]] [[Category:American professional wrestlers]] [[Category:People from Chicago, Illinois]] [[Category:Professional wrestling announcers]] [[Category:Living people|Punk, CM]] [[bar:Phil Brooks]] [[bg:Си Ем Пънк]] [[de:Phil Brooks]] [[es:Phil Brooks]] [[fr:Phillip Brooks]] [[it:Phil Brooks]] [[nl:Phillip Brooks]] [[ja:CMパンク]] [[no:CM Punk]] [[pt:CM Punk]] [[ru:Си Эм Панк]] [[sv:CM Punk]] [[fi:CM Punk]]