CM Punk Makes a Bold Claim by Rating His Current WWE Run Better Than His Prior Stint Between 2006 and 2014

Despite having a 434 day reign as champion and marquee matches against Brock Lesnar and John Cena, CM Punk rates his current run higher.

CM Punk Makes a Bold Claim by Rating His Current WWE Run Better Than His Prior Stint Between 2006 and 2014

CM Punk and John Cena (via WWE)

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It is safe to say that CM Punk’s WWE return in 2023 has been nothing short of a resurgence, both for the Chicago native and for the company itself. While his first promotional run between 2006 and 2014 is worthy of a Hall of Fame induction on its own, Punk has been a completely different force since returning at Survivor Series in his hometown of Chicago.

Fans fondly remember his 2011 Money in the Bank classic against John Cena, his record-setting 434-day WWE Championship reign, his epic SummerSlam battle with Brock Lesnar in 2013, and his emphatic WrestleMania match against The Undertaker earlier that same year. 

Yet, despite his success, Punk’s first run was often clouded by creative frustrations and booking disagreements, which ultimately led to his departure in 2014. This time around, however, things are different. Punk remains a top attraction, but he has also embraced a leadership role, helping elevate rising stars like Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky while delivering some of the best performances of his career.

In a recent interview with KSL News Utah, Punk opened up about how this stage of his journey feels like a new peak.

I’m fortunate that I’m continuing to level up in this business. I just turned 47 the other day, and some people would say that’s a detriment. I think it’s one of the more positive things about me. I’m ‘this old’ and operating on this level, doing what to me is the best work of my career.

CM Punk via KSL News Utah

Since returning, Punk has main-evented his first WrestleMania (a Triple Threat Match with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins), SummerSlam (in a world title clash against Gunther), and even the first-ever Raw on Netflix (a grudge match against Rollins).

He also delivered a Feud of the Year contender against Drew McIntyre in 2024, reunited with Cena for a blockbuster match in Saudi Arabia, and even teamed with his wife, AJ Lee, in a fan-favorite mixed tag against Becky Lynch and Rollins at Wrestlepalooza.

Now, on November 1, Punk is set to challenge Jey Uso for the World Title after Seth Rollins vacated the belt due to a shoulder injury. Despite his current success, Punk recently hinted that retirement might not be far away. 

During WWE’s Japan tour, he appeared in a video where he vowed to wrestle till the last wheel falls off, admitting that moment could come sooner rather than later. So as Punk continues this remarkable late-career renaissance, fans would be wise to savor every moment, because, much like AJ Styles and John Cena, the end may be closer than it seems.

CM Punk celebrates Halloween with a blast with his wife AJ Lee

Halloween festivities are in full swing, and CM Punk isn’t missing a beat when it comes to getting creative. Known for paying tribute to other stars and putting people over whenever he can, ‘The Best in the World’ stole the spotlight this year alongside his wife, AJ Lee, with an incredible costume reveal.

CM Punk and AJ Lee at Wrestlepalooza
CM Punk and AJ Lee at Wrestlepalooza (via WWE)

On October 31, Punk shared a series of photos on Instagram featuring himself and Lee dressed as Destro and The Baroness, the iconic villains from the G.I. Joe franchise. The former WWE Champion also gave a heartfelt credit to the costume designer in the comments section. 

Happy Halloween! @bakingjason with the assist! Legend!!!!

CM Punk via Instagram

In the photos, Punk rocked a silver bald mask and a partially unzipped leather jacket that revealed a red medallion and his tattoos, perfectly channeling the arms dealer Destro. AJ Lee stood by his side in a sleek black tactical catsuit and signature black-frame glasses, fully transforming into The Baroness. 

The post quickly went viral, earning over 148,000 likes till now, with fans flooding the comments in praise of the couple’s attention to detail. Punk even shared more fun shots where he dressed up as fellow wrestling stars like lucha standouts Penta El Zero Miedo, El Hijo del Vikingo, Dragon Lee, and Rey Fenix.

With a major world title match coming up this Saturday, Punk clearly took a well-deserved moment to have some fun, and once again showed why he’s a future WWE Hall of Famer with both humor and heart.

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