CM Punk, a veteran in the WWE world, will turn 47 on October 26th, a fact that surprises many given how long some of his fellow wrestlers have been in the promotion. Despite his age, Punk remains a formidable competitor, making the realization that several acclaimed WWE stars are actually younger than him even more striking. This article explores seven WWE superstars who are younger than CM Punk, yet have established themselves as veterans in their own right.
Introducing Sami Zayn: A Younger Force in WWE
Sami Zayn, a key figure within the Bloodline faction, is just 40 years old, notably younger than CM Punk. Zayn rose to prominence through significant accomplishments in NXT, including capturing the NXT Championship, before successfully transitioning to WWE’s main roster. He has garnered several achievements and continues to climb the ranks as one of WWE’s top performers. Zayn’s upcoming matchup against Karrion Kross at SummerSlam 2025 is eagerly anticipated, showcasing the ongoing prominence of this younger talent.
Shinsuke Nakamura’s Established Yet Youthful Career
Shinsuke Nakamura, known for his impactful tenure in New Japan Pro Wrestling before joining WWE, is also younger than Punk, currently aged 45. Nakamura’s career spans multiple championship reigns, including two WWE Intercontinental Championships, two United States Championships, and one SmackDown Tag Team Championship. Despite his veteran status and long career, Nakamura is still a year younger than CM Punk, underlining the surprising age difference within WWE’s experienced roster.
Kofi Kingston: Veteran and Champion under 44
Kofi Kingston, a celebrated member of the New Day, is 43 years old, making him younger than CM Punk despite his lengthy WWE career. Kingston has held numerous titles, including the WWE Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, and various tag team championships. While he may not have reached the pinnacle of potential some expected, his legacy as a long-serving and decorated WWE talent is undeniable. Kingston continues to be an integral figure in the promotion’s current landscape.
LA Knight’s Rising Star and Youthfulness
Among the fan favorites currently active, LA Knight stands out for his charisma and success achieved at a youthful age, being three years younger than CM Punk at 44. Knight’s accomplishments include two United States Championship reigns, winning the NXT Million Dollar Championship, and claiming victory in the SummerSlam Slim Jim Battle Royal. Additionally, he has earned two Slammy Awards for Breakout Superstar of the Year and Fan Chant of the Year. His continuous climb highlights the blend of youth and experience in WWE’s roster.
Damian Priest: A Younger Powerhouse on the Main Roster
Damian Priest, known for his aggressive style, is 42 years old, marking him as younger than CM Punk despite his established reputation. Beginning his journey in NXT, Priest has since solidified his position on WWE’s main roster, earning titles such as World Heavyweight Champion, United States Champion, and NXT North American Champion. His blend of athleticism and intensity reinforces the impressive depth of WWE’s younger veteran wrestlers.
Chad Gable: The Underrated Wrestler Aged 39
At just 39 years old, Chad Gable is significantly younger than CM Punk by seven years. Known for his technical prowess, Gable has garnered multiple tag team championships throughout his career, including two Raw Tag Team Championships with Bobby Roode and Otis, one SmackDown Tag Team Championship and one NXT Tag Team Championship both with Jason Jordan. Despite his considerable skill and achievements, Gable remains one of the more underrated talents in WWE’s veteran pool.
Finn Bálor: A Rising Star Younger Than Punk
Finn Bálor, a favorite among indie wrestling fans and a key member of the Judgement Day faction, is 44 years old, younger than CM Punk. Bálor’s career has been marked by high-profile matches and a strong following, although he continues to wait for a major push within WWE. With support from influential figures like Triple H, Bálor has the potential to develop new storylines or character evolutions that could elevate his standing in the promotion even further.
These seven WWE superstars highlight the remarkable longevity and impact of CM Punk’s career. Despite younger ages, each of these wrestlers commands respect and delivers performances that make them veterans in their own right. CM Punk’s upcoming WWE World Heavyweight Championship match against Gunther at SummerSlam 2025 epitomizes this dynamic, as Punk, the elder statesman, faces one of the most dominant younger wrestlers in WWE’s current roster.
This highly anticipated bout will not only test Punk’s resilience but also serve as a symbolic clash between generations within WWE. Fans are eager to witness how Punk’s experience holds up against the youth and strength of Gunther. As CM Punk continues to compete against younger talent, his enduring presence underscores the evolving but timeless nature of WWE’s competitive landscape.
Did you know that these WWE stars are younger than CM Punk? Share your thoughts and surprises in the comment section below.
