CM Punk has suggested that his career as a professional wrestler could conclude around 2028 or 2029, coinciding with his 50th birthday. In an interview with Cinemablend, Punk shared that he envisions retiring from in-ring competition at that milestone, reflecting on how his perspective on age and wrestling has evolved over time while emphasizing his current enjoyment of the sport.
Reflections on Age and Longevity in Wrestling
Punk recounted his younger self’s disbelief at the idea of wrestling past 40 years old, noting,
“When I was 15, if you asked me if I’d be wrestling when I was 40, I would tell you ‘No, that’s crazy. 40 is so old.’ I’m 47, and I don’t feel old yet. Terry Funk wrestled for a long time, Ric Flair wrestled for a long time. I mean, there’s luchadors that are like in their 70s that are still doing it. Do I want to be doing that? Probably not. I would estimate probably the big 50 is when I should maybe gracefully bow out. Knock on wood, if nothing else horrible happens,”
Punk said.
He also discussed the difficulty many wrestlers face in choosing when to retire, praising John Cena’s decision to step away at the right moment.
“A lot of the times you don’t get a choice. That’s why it was special to watch John retire. To me, it was a perfect retirement. We’re celebrating a guy who isn’t dead and can still walk. I tell people all the time none of us are getting out alive. He got out at the right time. He showed us a way to exit with dignity and grace, and I don’t know if mine will look that way. I don’t know what mine’s going to look like. I do know it’s coming sooner than later. I’m still having fun operating at a high level, no matter what anybody says, and until I can’t contribute, I still will,”
Punk added.
Career Highlights and Recent Moves
Born on October 26, 1978, CM Punk began his professional wrestling career in 1997. He competed full-time until walking away from WWE in 2014. Following his departure, Punk appeared as an analyst on FOX’s WWE Backstage before making a full-time wrestling return with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in August 2021. After his dismissal from AEW in September 2023, Punk returned to WWE in November 2023 at Survivor Series, resuming his in-ring career.
Significance of CM Punk’s Retirement Timeline
CM Punk’s anticipated wrestling retirement around age 50 highlights his thoughtful approach to balancing longevity with health and legacy in a physically demanding sport. His reflections on fellow wrestlers like Terry Funk, Ric Flair, and John Cena frame a broader understanding of the ideal timing for stepping away, combining both physical capability and personal dignity. Fans and industry observers alike will be watching attentively as Punk navigates the final chapters of his storied career, which has influenced wrestling across multiple promotions and eras.
