Top 5 CM Punk Moments of 2024

How do we live in a world where CM Punk is back in WWE? A year ago this week, the multi-time champion, actor, writer, and commentator made his return in front of his hometown of Chicago after a noteworthy premium live event in Survivor Series: War Games. As the wrestling community was rocked by this moment, fans' opinions varied between joy, betrayal, anger, and indifference.

Many people even thought it was only a matter of time before the honeymoon period wore off and Punk would prove himself unable to contain his rumored ego. But in the midst of all of the noise, the Voice of the Voiceless added his sharp wit and sense of humor to stories, toughness to his matches, peace to longstanding beefs and wisdom to the stars of the future. His presence proves vital to the further success of a company operating on all cylinders. Punk's legend has already opened doors for modern stars that have risen in the last decade, but this year, he seemed to be having fun and fighting battles that kept us talking. Here are the Second City Saint's top five moments of 2024.

5) CM Punk's Royal Rumble Return, January 27, 2024

Ten years ago in Pittsburgh, CM Punk was featured in the Royal Rumble as entrant #1. But behind the scenes, the Straight Edge star was dealing with unhappiness which led to him walking out of WWE. Though his decision disappointed fans at the time, Punk made it clear on multiple occasions that he wanted nothing to do with the place that did not seem to value him at the time.

In a full circle turn of events, Punk would return to a WWE ring ten years later as entrant #27. In a stacked Rumble match that featured WWE's top talent, the Best in the World stormed to the ring and showed the wrestling community why he still belonged. After eliminating a number of participants and sustaining a significant injury at the hands of Drew McIntyre, Punk went face to face with a single-minded Cody Rhodes. Though his bravado towards the American Nightmare ultimately cost him, the trailblazer fought valiantly for a main-event spot at the Showcase of the Immortals.

4) CM Punk on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, April 1, 2024

One of the greatest qualities that CM Punk has is his gift of gab. Nowhere is that prevalent than in his interviews. During the press run for Wrestlemania, Punk decided to pop by The MMA Hour with famed sports journalist Ariel Helwani. In this exclusive interview, the former champion gave an inside look as to how he was acclimating to a new WWE with Triple H at the helm, his iconic return at Survivor Series: War Games in Chicago, and even the Vince McMahon allegations.

But one moment that set the online wrestling community ablaze was his scathing account of how he parted ways with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). From his infamous rant at the All Out 2022 media scrum to his brawl with former TNT Champion Jack Perry and the way he was released by AEW CEO Tony Khan, Punk pulled no punches. The most damning part of the interview was his account of the alleged disorganization of All Elite Wrestling's business practices. Punk calmly leaned into controversy by giving a shoot look into incidents that were merely reported on, and it was truly intriguing.

3) Punk Costs Drew McIntyre the World Heavyweight Championship, Wrestlemania XL Night 2, April 7, 2024

Between every grand moment at Wrestlemania XL, there were just as many smaller but meaningful ones. One took place at the beginning of Night Two when a battered Seth Freakin' Rollins defended his World Heavyweight Championship against a hungry and slightly unhinged Drew McIntyre. Though Rollins gave a valiant effort, McIntyre would hone in on the wounds from the Visionary's battle from Night One and capture the title in front of the audience that was missing from his triumph in 2020.

One would think that the Scottish Warrior would focus on his accomplishment and celebrate, but he decided to be petty. Drew gloated in front of Punk who was injured by him at the Royal Rumble and motioned for him to "suck it" DX style. The suited Straight Edge star knocked McIntyre off the table, took off his armbrace and knocked him out! Then the WWE Universe was thrown in to shock as Damien Priest ran to cash in his Money in the Bank contract and take the World Heavyweight title for himself. And as fans soaked in the moment that April night, they had no idea how it would play out for the rest of the year.

2) CM Punk is Revealed as the Fifth Man on Team OG Bloodline for Survivor Series: War Games, SmackDown, November 24, 2024

CM Punk's year was consumed by a fierce feud with Drew McIntyre. After breaking skin and bracelets, the two finally squashed their beef and were not seen for a long time. Punk even told the WWE faithful that he didn't know when he would be back. In the aftermath of Bad Blood, the "OTC" Roman Reigns continued his battle for Bloodline dominance against Solo Sikoa and his new family.

Though it seemed hopeless for the former Undisputed WWE Champion, Reigns was able to reunite The Usos and Sami Zayn to take down the vicious group. But once Big Bronson Reed joined Solo's team, the Original Bloodline found themselves handicapped. Though they knew their chances of winning were slim, Reigns and company decided that they would at least go down together. But just when it seemed like the numbers were too much, a Wise Man would bring an unexpected fifth man in the equation. Living Color's Cult of Personality hit like a thunderbolt in a full-circle moment that called back to Punk's epic return at Survivor Series: War Games a year ago. The Chicago champion has truly mastered the element of surprise, and this moment proved it.

1) CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre: Hell in A Cell, WWE Bad Blood Atlanta, October 5, 2024

A constant theme of CM Punk's year was exacting vengeance on the man who put a dent in his Wrestlemania plans. Any time Drew McIntyre got close to the glory he sought, Punk made it his business to snatch it away. From Wrestlemania to Clash at the Castle: Scotland, the grizzled veteran sought to make the Scottish Psychopath's life a living hell. That sentiment would feed into their rivalry culminating in the ultimate showdown at Hell in a Cell at Bad Blood. These devils went down to Georgia looking to steal each other's souls.

This match was a brutal feast for the eyes as both men used tools, boxes, stairs and tables to bludgeon each other in the name of spite. The battle almost took a turn when McIntyre seemed to beg Punk for mercy, but he proceeded to let his negative thoughts win. However, that would be his undoing as the Best in The World would duck a Claymore kick, causing Drew to land on steel steps covered with friendship beads similar to Punk's bracelet that was stolen from him. Though CM Punk was battered from the fight, he was able to rise above his greatest enemy in a modern classic. This showdown was a master class in storytelling, recounting all of their craziest moments and creating new ones. Punk walked into hell and walked out alive, and that deserves to be recognized as his top moment in a year that redefined his legacy.