“I’m Near the End”: CM Punk’s Emotional Hint at Retirement Shakes WWE Universe
CM Punk — the voice of the voiceless, the rebel who changed the game, and one of the most polarizing figures in wrestling history — has dropped a bombshell that left fans heartbroken.
The 47-year-old WWE legend recently opened up about the inevitable end of his in-ring journey, admitting that he’s “near the end” of his career.
“So I’m standing here now, near the end of my career,” Punk confessed in a WWE vlog. “John Cena’s calling it quits, AJ Styles says he’s going to retire next year… and I don’t know how much time I’ve got left. I’m going to keep going until the wheels fall off.”
The line hit wrestling fans right in the gut. CM Punk — the man who once walked out on WWE in 2014, made a shocking return in 2023, and reminded the world why he’s The Best in the World — is finally thinking about hanging up his boots.
From Pipe Bombs to Championships: A Legendary Journey
Punk’s career is one of grit, rebellion, and unforgettable moments. Bursting into superstardom in the late 2000s, he made history by winning back-to-back Money in the Bank ladder matches, a feat no one has ever repeated.
His 2011 rivalry with John Cena, complete with fiery promos and five-star classics, turned him into the voice of a generation. But despite his immense popularity, Punk grew frustrated as WWE continued to favor part-time names like The Rock and Batista for WrestleMania main events.
In 2014, he walked away — seemingly for good.
Eight long years later, Punk made a thunderous return to wrestling through AEW in 2021, only to part ways two years later. His comeback to WWE at Survivor Series 2023 sent shockwaves through the industry, marking one of the most talked-about returns of the decade.
“The End Is Coming Sooner Rather Than Later”
Since his return, Punk has been heavily featured as a top star, even capturing the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam — though he lost it in just five minutes. Despite the ups and downs, fans have embraced him once again as one of WWE’s biggest draws.
“I know that’s sooner rather than later,” Punk said. “That’s why it’s important to celebrate every wrestler as they retire. There’s a new generation coming in, and we’re excited to see that happen.”
What’s Next for The Best in the World?
Even as Punk talks about retirement, his rivalries with Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre have proven that he still has plenty of fire left. Whether he chooses to step away after WrestleMania 42 or keeps fighting “until the wheels fall off,” one thing is certain — CM Punk’s legacy is already etched in wrestling immortality.
And if this truly is his “last dance,” every WWE fan will be watching, chanting one last time:
“CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk!”
