Two words: pipe bomb. CM Punk's June 27th, 2011 Raw promo, where he sat cross-legged on the entrance ramp and blasted down the fourth wall, is regarded as probably his most career-defining moment. It launched a second Summer of Punk. Perhaps you also fondly recall Punk's lengthy, 434-day reign as the WWE Champion. In an era where titles are passed along like hot potatoes, it meant something for Punk to become the defining champion for well over one year. His record landed him sixth on the list of longest titleholders, of which Bruno Sammartino and his astronomical 2,803 days as champ rank first. No matter where he went, CM Punk was impactful, including ECW, ROH, and of course WWE. His bountiful tattoos and lip ring made him a very visible standout from the rest of the WWE roster, and when he opened his mouth to speak, you knew it was going to be good. For as many amazing, unforgettable moments as Punk enjoyed during his WWE career, though, it wasn't always sunshine and rainbows. Besides most of what he talked about on his podcast with Colt Cabana in November 2014, Punk's career has suffered a myriad of other problems that eventually derailed it completely. People still choose to view The Second City Saint with rose-tinted glasses, but a lot of these gaffes cannot be forgotten.
Nicole Malczan is a freelance writer, music lover, and pro wrestling fanatic. Combining all of her passions into one is her biggest joy. In her free time, she enjoys walking her dog, reading comics, eating pizza, and playing video games. http://nicolemalczan.weebly.com/
