CM Punk Shoots down Possibility of Bringing Back ‘This Fire Burns’ Theme over ‘Cult of Personality’ in the Future

CM Punk rules out the possibility of bringing back his 'This Fire Burns' theme in place of his current 'Cult of Personality' song for two reasons.

CM Punk Shoots down Possibility of Bringing Back ‘This Fire Burns’ Theme over ‘Cult of Personality’ in the Future

CM Punk and Living Colour at WrestleMania 41 (via WWE)

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In WWE, theme songs play a crucial role in shaping a wrestler’s identity and connection with the audience. A powerful entrance track can instantly set the tone, signal a superstar’s arrival, and ignite the crowd before any action begins. CM Punk is a prime example. His early run between 2006 and 2011 featured This Fire Burns by Killswitch Engage, a track that highlighted his rebellious edge. 

Later, his iconic use of Cult of Personality by Living Colour elevated his presence even further, perfectly embodying his persona as the voice of the voiceless and a larger-than-life figure. This change came in part after the former WWE Champion renegotiated his contract and dropped the now legendary pipe bomb on Raw in July 2011. 

It is safe to say that both of Punk’s WWE themes have their own loyal fan bases. Some fans want him to return to This Fire Burns, while others feel Cult of Personality is too iconic to be replaced. At WrestleMania 41, the former even made a surprise return as part of Punk’s special video package highlighting his career before he main-evented Night 1 alongside Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns. 

That moment sparked hope among fans that the song might make a permanent comeback. However, Punk has made it clear that it won’t happen. In a recent appearance on GQ, he responded to a fan’s question about switching back to his former theme and explained why he cannot use it again.

No, I can’t and I’m gonna tell you why. Cult Of Personality is iconic. This Fire Burns, also iconic, but c’mon, we’re talking about Living Colour. Vernon Reed. That song has been with me since 1989, when it came out, and I was on a little league team, The Indians.

CM Punk via GQ Sports

For Punk, the song holds deep sentimental value, going back to his childhood. Beyond nostalgia, Cult of Personality is also one of rock’s most legendary tracks, tackling themes of media manipulation and the creation of larger-than-life leaders such as Joseph Stalin, John F. Kennedy, and Mahatma Gandhi. 

This tied perfectly into Punk’s 2011 storyline when he questioned WWE’s status quo, making the song a natural fit for his character. Moreover, there is another reason for the theme going forward. 

I knew it was time to make Cult Of Personality my official theme song in WWE when I renegotiating my contract, and I knew how much Vince McMahon hated to pay for licensed music. I said, ‘Guess what, pal? The only way I’m re-signing is if I get this song.’ I thought he was going to say no, and I was going to peace out and go on vacation. He said yes, and now here I am.

CM Punk via GQ Sports

Punk also shared a humorous story about Vince McMahon’s dislike of paying for licensed music. Traditionally, WWE has relied on in-house composers like Jim Johnston in the past and Def Rebel now, avoiding extra costs for outside tracks. But in 2011, Punk used that as leverage in contract negotiations, and to his surprise, McMahon agreed, cementing Cult of Personality as his permanent theme.

CM Punk reveals a surprising pick for his favorite WWE match of all time

Apart from his theme song story, fans also remember that CM Punk’s battles with WWE management led to creative frustrations and ultimately his departure in 2014. But in what many call the greatest comeback in wrestling history, Punk shocked the world by returning at Survivor Series 2023 in his hometown of Chicago.

Since then, the former WWE Champion has been on a roll, delivering instant classics such as his blood feud with Drew McIntyre, the WrestleMania 41 main event, and his SummerSlam marathon with Gunther. Yet when asked which match from his legendary career stood out as his personal favorite, Punk gave a surprising answer.

CM Punk and John Cena
CM Punk and John Cena (via WWE)

In his GQ appearance, Punk picked his February 25, 2013, match against John Cena on Monday Night Raw. The bout was a high-stakes showdown for the right to face The Rock in the main event of WrestleMania 29. 

For context, The Rock had ended Punk’s historic 434-day WWE title reign at the Royal Rumble, then beat him again in a rematch at Elimination Chamber. Cena, fresh off his Royal Rumble win, was set to face ‘The Great One’ at WrestleMania, but decided to put his opportunity on the line against Punk. What followed was an all-time classic.

A number one with a bullet, myself versus John Cena heading into WrestleMania 29, I believe. The winner got the illustrious spot of wrestling The Rock at WrestleMania. Well, I lost. Big f*cking deal. John Cena is my wrestling soulmate. I had excellent chemistry with him. This night, crowd was electric. It was a real fun time. You should go watch it.

CM Punk via GQ Sports

Punk’s choice is interesting given that most fans consider his Money in the Bank 2011 match with Cena to be their greatest encounter, a bout so good it earned Cena his first-ever 5-star rating from Dave Meltzer. Still, as Punk himself says, it’s hard to argue with the magic he and Cena created that night on Raw.

Now, Punk is set to reunite with a returning AJ Lee for a blockbuster mixed tag-team match at Wrestlepalooza, where they will face Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins. The bout adds even more star power to the landmark event, which also marks WWE’s historic debut on ESPN following its recent $1.6 billion deal.

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