10 Most Special Moments Of CM Punk’s Career

3. A Tearful ROH Farewell

Ring of Honor played as much a role in the career of CM Punk as WWE. His work in the promotion helped get the company off the ground and many of his best matches and moments were still housed in an ROH ring.

That is why when the Summer of Punk circa 2005 came to a close, it was very emotional. While Punk has played up his corporate douchebaggery and heelish nature during the Summer, when it really was time to say goodbye he was very emotional.

For his farewell match, Punk wrestled his (at the time) best friend Colt Cabana. Punk cried on the way to the ring, he cried in the ring, and he cried after the match.

Emotional moments like these are hard to come by in wrestling but when they do happen they are all the more magical.

---

2. The Pipebomb Dedux

The 2011 Pipebomb promo is still one of the most surreal and incredible moments in WWE history. Even a decade later, this promo still strikes a chord with many WWE fans who are disgruntled with WWE’s poor track record.

At the time, this promo took Punk from being a star to being a superstar in five minutes flat. There is a stark difference in the perception of WWE from outside media before and after this promo.

ESPN and other outlets wanted Punk. Fans wanted Punk. WWE… still didn’t really want Punk but that’s why this promo is still so special.

It is five years of frustration being let out on live television and it became clear that those frustrations did not subside in the following three years.

One of the most important promos in WWE history, but we still left room for…

---

1. “I’m Back.”

When I wrote this list the afternoon of Punk’s impending AEW debut, I left the top spot vacant. It was listed as “Still To Come” with the idea being that either his debut or an early moment in his AEW run could take the top spot.

At the time I did not anticipate just how special his AEW debut would turn out to be. It not only deserves the top spot on this list but it belongs on the shortlist of the greatest moments in wrestling history. No hyperbole.

The AEW debut of CM Punk was cathartic, surreal, and deeply emotional, illustrated by grown men in the crowd openly weeping at the sight of their once departed hero.

For as much of a journey as the last seven and a half years have been for Punk, August 20, 2021, was a happy day for Punk and fans alike. It was why many of us watch wrestling.

Punk himself has called it the greatest moment of his career and honestly, who am I to argue any different.

To make sure you stay updated with all the latest wrestling news, add WrestleTalk.com to your Google Discover feed and follow us on Twitter!

• lists
• cm punk
• AEW
• wwe

Share this article with friends