At WWE’s 2025 San Diego Comic-Con panel, CM Punk shared a surprising story about being banned from WWE and then allowed back within a single day. While promoting a new action figure commemorating his 2003 SmackDown dark match against The Road Warriors, Punk revealed the unusual sequence of events that led to him wrestling despite an official ban on him as extra talent.
Punk explained that after wrestling on Monday Night Raw, he was told he was no longer welcome on WWE programming. Nonetheless, he chose to attend the SmackDown taping against those instructions.
How Punk Defied WWE’s Ban
That particular guy is a person who wrestled the night before on a Monday Night Raw, was put on the ban list. Then I went to SmackDown anyway cuz I was like ‘Well all right, might as well get my money.’ The Road Warriors were supposed to do a dark match.
—CM Punk
This defiance, however, quickly transformed into an unexpected opportunity thanks to WWE Hall of Famer Sgt. Slaughter. Impressed by Punk’s readiness amid a disappointing group of extras, Slaughter offered him the chance to work the dark match against The Road Warriors, effectively rescinding the ban.
Sgt. Slaughter’s Role in Punk’s Return
No offense to anybody else that was in attendance but all the rest of the extra talent were so rotten that Sgt. Slaughter came up to me and just said ‘You got your gear right kid? And I was like ‘Yes sir.’ [He said] ‘How would you like to work the Road Warriors?’ And I just said ‘Yes sir.’ I didn’t add ‘So I’m not banned anymore?’ It’s the fastest turnaround on a ban. I got to work the Road Warriors.
—CM Punk
This rapid reversal from banned to active competitor is a rare incident showcasing Punk’s relentless attitude and his ability to seize unexpected chances within WWE’s system.
A Chaotic Match and Its Lasting Impact
The dark match itself was chaotic and memorable for Punk. During the bout, his tag partner accidentally knocked Hawk unconscious, creating a tense and dramatic moment that Punk vividly recalled.
I think they just released that in the vault. So you got to see that match. My tag partner knocked Hawk unconscious. So that action figure might come with like a heart attack because that’s what I had on the apron watching this all unfold.
—CM Punk
WWE has since shared footage of this rarely seen match, including an introduction by Punk where he elaborates on how the brief ban and his candid appearance led to one of wrestling’s unexpected moments, marking a unique chapter in his career.
The Significance of Punk’s Story
This story underlines CM Punk’s defiance of WWE’s traditional protocols, illustrating how persistence and timing can overturn even seemingly firm decisions. His quick ban and reinstatement not only highlight backstage dynamics but also offer fans a glimpse at the unpredictable realities behind WWE programming. Punk’s rebellious nature and willingness to challenge the status quo continue to define his legacy within professional wrestling.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did CM Punk apologize?
A. CM Punk said sorry to fans in Saudi Arabia for a tweet that caused a stir before WWE Night of Champions. When Punk appeared on the WWE Night of Champions kickoff show, fans greeted him with boos. During this, a fan yelled at him, prompting Punk to stop and mention his earlier tweet about The Miz.
Q. Is CM Punk a millionaire?
A. Outside of wrestling, he has accumulated $12 million in wealth, owns upscale homes, and donates to charities. He lives quietly with his wife, AJ Lee.
In 2023, CM Punk experienced a major career challenge. A conflict in the AEW locker room resulted in his suspension and eventually led to his contract ending.
Q. Was CM Punk actually hurt?
A. Punk falling down looked real, but it was part of the show. McIntyre, on the other hand, actually got hurt and needed 16 stitches.
Q. Why doesn’t CM Punk talk to his brother?
A. CM Punk’s brother, Mike Broox, discusses how he took money from the Lunatic Wrestling Federation, causing their relationship to end over 20 years ago.
