CM Punk has always been a polarizing figure in professional wrestling. Love him or hate him for his approach, his actions still left undeniable change in the wrestling business. During his initial WWE run, as well as his current return, CM Punk has always been giving fans something special with his technicality, mic skills, and youthful rebelliousness.
Even after having multiple world championships, iconic promos, and memorable feuds, there was always one accolade that was absent during Punk’s first WWE stint, main eventing WrestleMania. The WWE superstar often expressed his frustration about this one missing accomplishment that became his character’s motivation.
Finally, in 2025, CM Punk’s patience paid off. After his return, the Voice of the Voiceless will at last fulfill his dream of headlining WrestleMania in a Triple Threat match against Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns. But before he potentially creates his greatest ‘Mania moment yet, let’s rank his previous performances on wrestling’s biggest stage.
7. WrestleMania 24 (2008)- Money In The Bank Ladder Match
Despite being ranked last on this list, CM Punk‘s appearance at WrestleMania 24 is quite memorable. This Money in the Bank ladder match was an important moment in his career because Punk secured victory while competing against some talented WWE performers like Chris Jericho, Shelton Benjamin, Carlito, MVP, Mr. Kennedy, and John Morrison.
The match was a typical MITB match with all those high spots and dangerous bumps. The match featured some incredible moments from Shelton Benjamin and John Morrison. Punk played the opportunist, sneaking in for the win. It was smart, sure, but his performance lacked those standout moments.
The match lacked personal storytelling for Punk. Winning the briefcase showed WWE’s acknowledgment of his rising star power, which would set him up for bigger things later.
The win gave Punk his first World Heavyweight Championship reign when he successfully cashed in on Edge. At the time, this match was WWE’s introduction of Punk’s rising star status, although his later WrestleMania events became more iconic.
6. WrestleMania 25 (2009)- Money In The Bank Ladder Match
CM Punk did it again at WrestleMania 25 by winning consecutive Money in the Bank ladder matches. This achievement alone places this match slightly above his first MITB victory, even if the in-ring action wasn’t quite as spectacular.
The match was stacked with talent- CM Punk, Kofi Kingston, MVP, Finlay, Christian, Kane, Mark Henry, and Shelton Benjamin.
Punk’s strategy throughout the match showed his evolution as a performer. Rather than relying solely on high spots, he showed ring awareness and tactical thinking. His climb to grab the briefcase while tackling Kane showed not just athletic ability but the cunning that would become synonymous with his character.
What holds this match back from ranking higher is its lack of unique identity. Multi-man ladder matches often blend together in fans’ memories, and Punk didn’t get a personal spotlight. It also lacked the wild highlights of other MITB bouts.
The win did prove that his first MITB victory wasn’t just a fluke. His second successful cash-in came later that year when he defeated Jeff Hardy for the World Heavyweight Championship.
5. WrestleMania 23 (2007)- Money In The Bank Ladder Match
Before the championships, before the pipebomb, and before becoming the “Best in the World,” CM Punk made his WrestleMania debut in its 23rd edition. He was ECW’s CM Punk, out to make a name, and he entered the MITB ladder match and gave the WWE universe a hint of his abilities.
From the beginning, when Edge brutally threw a ladder at his head, causing real bleeding, Punk showed a fearlessness that set him apart. He wore a ladder around his neck to take out multiple opponents like a madman, which showed the creativity that he would be known for in the later years.
The match featured many big names other than Punk- Edge, Mark Henry, Jeff Hardy, King Booker, Mr. Kennedy, Matt Hardy, and Randy Orton. Orton gave a huge RKO to Punk off a ladder in one of the match’s most memorable spots. Despite taking punishment, Punk kept fighting.
Though Mr. Kennedy won the match, Punk’s WrestleMania debut was an undeniable success. This performance remains notable because Punk showed extraordinary determination throughout the match. There were no signs of an entitled attitude or chip on his shoulder, only his willingness to risk everything to establish his spot in WWE.
4. WrestleMania 27 (2011)- CM Punk Vs. Randy Orton
WrestleMania 27 gave us Punk versus Randy Orton, and it’s easy to forget this gem. Punk was leading Nexus just months before his iconic pipebomb. The match was a technical masterpiece, as these two delivered nothing short of excellent in-ring storytelling.
During this match, Punk showed his crafty wrestling skills against Orton’s strategic predatory style. There was genuine chemistry between them, as each man intuitively knew what the other would do next.
What prevented this match from reaching greater heights was the lack of a proper build-up. While Punk was leading the New Nexus faction, the storyline didn’t have that level of personal rivalry that makes good matches great. The stakes felt artificial rather than emotional.
However, the finish was great. Punk going for a springboard clothesline as Orton converts it into an RKO remains one of the smoothest RKO transitions. It was the highlight of the entire match.
If times were different, this could have been a main event-worthy feud. Just months later, Punk became the hottest act in WWE, and matches like this one against Orton showed he was ready for that spotlight long before dropping his famous pipe bomb.
3. WrestleMania 26 (2010)- CM Punk Vs. Rey Mysterio
CM Punk got his first singles match at WrestleMania in its 26th edition and made every second count. As the “Straight Edge Messiah,” Punk went hard with his villainous persona, accompanied by the Straight Edge Society members Serena Deeb and Luke Gallows in his corner.
Punk’s pre-match promos showed why he is considered one of the top heels ever. The build-up was personal as Punk went after Rey Mysterio’s family. Punk wasn’t just playing a bad guy; he had become one.
To maintain the pace with a high-flyer like Rey Mysterio is no easy task, but Punk managed it quite easily. Punk’s technical precision against Mysterio’s lucha libre artistry created a contrasting in-ring dynamic that kept fans engaged throughout.
It was short, under ten minutes, but packed with heat. Mysterio won with a 619 in a classic babyface justice. The match wasn’t long enough to hit epic status, but it didn’t need to. Fans ate it up.
This WrestleMania-worthy performance by CM Punk came from his ability to prove himself to any opponent without needing longer matches or title fights.
2. WrestleMania 28 (2012)- CM Punk Vs. Chris Jericho
By WrestleMania 28, CM Punk had reached the pinnacle of his WWE career. As WWE Champion and a beloved babyface, he entered his match against Chris Jericho with massive fan support. This would be Punk’s only WWE Championship match at WrestleMania.
The storyline was quite personal. Jericho had spent weeks attacking Punk’s family, specifically targeting his sister’s struggles with addiction and his father’s battle with alcoholism. The stakes were raised when interim Raw General Manager John Laurinaitis stipulated that Punk would lose the title if he got disqualified.
All these added a psychological element to the match. As the match started, Jericho repeatedly slapped and taunted Punk to provoke him for a disqualification. Punk somehow held his ground, playing a classic babyface role.
The in-ring work was everything fans expected from two of wrestling’s finest technicians. Punk’s GTS and Jericho’s submissions kept the audience guessing until the match’s climax. Jericho finally tapped out when Punk reversed his Walls of Jericho into his own Anaconda Vise.
This match represented Punk at his absolute best. His victory made his WWE championship run valid even though he did not receive the main event position he felt belonged to him.
1. WrestleMania 29 (2013)- CM Punk Vs. The Undertaker
WrestleMania 29 brought CM Punk against the most formidable ‘Mania opponent possible- The Undertaker and his legendary streak. Although Punk was dealing with injuries and frustration with WWE’s creative direction, he delivered one of the best performances of his career.
Their feud’s build-up was controversial but effective. After the real-life demise of Paul Bearer, Punk used that to psychologically break the Dead Man, going full evil with Paul Heyman’s help. He even went as far as to steal and disrespect Bearer’s symbolic urn.
Punk made his entrance at MetLife Stadium legendary by having Living Color perform Cult of Personality on stage. After that, The Undertaker emerged with his spine-chilling entrance, which led to their intense brawl.
The match delivered what fans expected. Punk countered Undertaker’s power with speed and creativity. Some near-falls made the crowd genuinely believe that he might break Taker’s streak. Like a classic heel, he mocked Dead Man’s signature moves, like the throat slash and Old School rope walk.
Although Punk became a victim of The Undertaker’s Tombstone Piledriver, he pushed the Phenom to his limits. The match overshadowed the actual main event of The Rock vs. John Cena 2.
From his WrestleMania debut as an ECW rising talent to becoming WWE’s most controversial figure and now being considered a future Hall of Famer, CM Punk’s ‘Mania journey shows his evolution as a performer. It remains to be seen what the Best in the World has more to offer for the WWE Universe in the grandest stage of sports entertainment.
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