CM Punk is arguably the most talked-about wrestler of his generation. If you want to know how much money the “Best in the World” actually has, you are in the right place.
In this article, you will know CM Punk’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
CM Punk’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Phillip Jack Brooks |
| Date of Birth | October 26, 1978 |
| Age | 47 years old |
| Education | Lockport Township High School |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 218 lbs (99 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 1999 |
| Net Worth | $12 Million (Estimated) |
| Annual Income | ~$2 Million – $8 Million (Contract Dependent) |
| Wife | AJ Lee (April Mendez) |
| Instagram Profile | @cmpunk |
| Twitter Profile | @CMPunk |
Early Career
Phillip Brooks started his journey in a backyard wrestling federation called the Lunatic Wrestling Federation with his friends and brother. He quickly realized he had a real talent for performing and moved to a wrestling school in Chicago to learn the ropes properly.
His early days were tough because he had to travel long distances for very little money. He made a name for himself in independent promotions like IWA Mid-South and Ring of Honor (ROH) during the early 2000s.
Punk became famous in ROH for his incredible talking ability and his matches against top stars like Samoa Joe. He signed a contract with WWE in 2005 after proving he was one of the best independent wrestlers in the world.
WWE sent him to their developmental territory called Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) first. He won the OVW Television Championship and the OVW Heavyweight Championship there.
Professional Career
CM Punk became a massive star in WWE after debuting on the ECW brand in 2006. He won the ECW Championship and later moved to Raw where he won his first World Heavyweight Championship by using his Money in the Bank contract.
His biggest moment came in 2011 when he delivered his famous “Pipebomb” promo that changed wrestling forever. He defeated John Cena at Money in the Bank 2011 and left the arena with the WWE Championship, which made headlines all over the world.
He held the WWE title for a record-setting 434 days before losing it to The Rock in 2013.
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He left wrestling in 2014 due to health issues and disagreements with WWE. Punk then tried fighting in the UFC but lost both of his matches. He shocked the world by returning to wrestling with AEW in 2021, where he won the AEW World Championship twice.
After some backstage problems in AEW, he returned home to WWE in November 2023 at Survivor Series. Since his return, he has engaged in major feuds with stars like Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins throughout 2024 and 2025, proving he is still a main event player.
Wife
CM Punk is married to April Mendez, who is better known to wrestling fans as AJ Lee. She is a former WWE Divas Champion and was one of the most popular female wrestlers of her time.
The couple started dating around 2013 while they were both working in WWE. They got married on June 13, 2014, in a private ceremony.
Fans often ask if the couple has children. The answer is no, CM Punk and AJ Lee do not have any children. They have both stated in interviews that they are happy with their lives without kids.
They focus on their careers and their famous dog, Larry, who is very popular with fans on social media. AJ Lee is now a successful author and writes comic books and screenplays. They live a quiet life in Chicago when Punk is not on the road for WWE.
CM Punk’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, CM Punk has an estimated net worth of roughly $12 million. This wealth comes from his two decades of work in professional wrestling, his short run in the, and his acting roles.
Career Earnings
| Period/Year | Organization | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2006-2008 | WWE (ECW era) | ~$200,000 – $300,000 per year |
| 2011-2013 | WWE (Champion era) | ~$1 Million+ per year |
| 2014 | WWE | ~$1 Million+ (Partial year) |
| 2016 | UFC (First Fight) | ~$1,042,736 (Disclosed Pay) |
| 2018 | UFC (Second Fight) | ~$500,000+ (Estimated) |
| 2021-2023 | AEW | Multi-Million Dollar Contract (Est.) |
| 2024-2025 | WWE | ~$2 Million – $8 Million (Est.) |
Career Stats
| Accomplishment | Count/Details |
|---|---|
| WWE Championship | 2 Times |
| World Heavyweight Championship | 3 Times |
| AEW World Championship | 2 Times |
| ECW Championship | 1 Time |
| ROH World Championship | 1 Time |
| Money in the Bank Winner | 2 Times (2008, 2009) |
| Triple Crown Champion | Fastest in WWE History (at the time) |
| UFC Record | 0 Wins – 1 Loss – 1 No Contest |
| Hell in a Cell Wins | 3 (Tied for 5th all-time) |
FAQs
1. What does the “CM” in CM Punk actually stand for?
The “CM” originally stood for “Chick Magnet” from his days as a backyard wrestler in a tag team. Brooks has since joked it stands for “Chicago Made” or “Cookie Monster,” but “Chick Magnet” remains the true origin story.
2. Why does CM Punk draw an “X” on his hands before matches?
He draws an “X” on his taped hands to symbolize his “Straight Edge” lifestyle. This originated from music venues marking underage hands to prevent them from buying alcohol, which fits his drug-free and alcohol-free personal philosophy.
3. What happened to CM Punk’s dog, Larry?
Larry, his beloved rescue dog, sadly passed away in December 2025. Brooks and his wife, AJ Lee, shared emotional tributes to the dog, who had become famous among wrestling fans for appearing on merchandise and at events.
4. Has CM Punk ever main-evented WrestleMania?
Yes, he finally achieved his lifelong goal by main-eventing WrestleMania 41. This major milestone came after his high-profile return to WWE, erasing one of the biggest regrets from his original run with the company.
5. How long was CM Punk out of action due to his triceps injury?
He missed roughly six months of action after tearing his triceps at the Royal Rumble. He underwent surgery in January and returned to the ring later that year to resume his heated rivalry with Drew McIntyre.
