CM Punk is currently in his 24th year as a professional wrestler, a career that began in 1997. Aside from his lengthy break from the industry, Punk has been a top guy for the majority of his time in wrestling. That fact remains true today, as the ‘Best In The World’ currently leads the Raw brand as the World Heavyweight Champion. As every wrestler knows, time catches up to everyone.
CM Punk On How Much Time He Has Left In The Ring
In a new interview with CinemaBlend, Punk was asked about how long he has left as an active competitor. Punk admitted that his perspective on age has changed significantly over the years.
“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,’” Punk said. “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.”
Despite listing legends who wrestled well into their later years, Punk was honest about his own timeline. He pinpointed a specific age where he believes he should hang up his boots for good, provided his health holds up until then.
“Do I want to be doing that? Probably not,” Punk said. “I would estimate probably the big 50 is when I should maybe gracefully bow out. Knock on wood, if nothing else horrible happens.”
Punk Praises John Cena’s Exit Strategy
Punk went on to praise John Cena for getting out of the sport at the right time. Cena announced his retirement tour previously, setting a clear end date for his in-ring career. Punk expressed admiration for how his former rival handled the situation.
“A lot of the times you don’t get a choice. That’s why it was special to watch John retire,” Punk said. “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.”
While Punk is still operating at a high level as the World Heavyweight Champion, he acknowledged that the end is approaching. He ended by stating that he will continue to perform until he can no longer contribute effectively.
“I don’t know what mine’s going to look like. I do know it’s coming sooner than later,” Punk said. “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 kicked off 2026 with a successful defense of his World Heavyweight Championship against Bron Breakker on the first Raw of the year. He is now set to defend his title against Finn Balor next week in Belfast, Ireland.
