CM Punk recently delivered a blunt and uncompromising message regarding the length of his professional wrestling career, making it crystal clear that he will retire on his own terms and not according to outside expectations. The WWE star emphasized that he still has unfinished business in the ring and refuses to be rushed toward the exit.
CM Punk’s Sharp Response to Retirement Questions
In a candid interview featured on GQ’s “Actually Me” series, CM Punk responded directly to a fan’s question about when he might retire. His reply was as defiant as it was straightforward:
“I’ll fing retire whenever I want to. There’s work to be done. And you’re gonna miss me when I’m gone. So shut the f up.”[1][2][3]
At 46 years old, the subject of retirement naturally looms for many veteran wrestlers, but Punk’s remarks made it clear this is not yet on his immediate agenda. Rather than entertain speculation, Punk insists on focusing on the present and continuing to build his legacy inside WWE.
Focusing on the Present: Unfinished Business and Upcoming Matches
Sources close to WWE reveal that CM Punk is determined to make the most of his current run and is motivated by high-profile opportunities still ahead. For example, Punk is slated to team with his wife, AJ Lee, who is coming out of retirement to join him in a mixed tag team match against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. This much-anticipated showdown is scheduled for the inaugural WWE Wrestlepalooza event on September 20, 2025[1][2][5].
According to a WWE insider, “Punk is back in a zone where he feels creatively and physically capable. He’s not just biding time—he has a vision for what the end of his in-ring career should look like, and no one else will dictate that timeline.” This insider noted that Punk’s partnership with AJ Lee adds emotional weight to the upcoming storyline, which is expected to be a marquee attraction.
Beyond Wrestling: CM Punk’s Plans After Retirement
While Punk’s in-ring career continues, he’s already contemplated his future once he hangs up his boots. During a recent podcast appearance on Pardon My Take, Punk outlined a broad spectrum of potential roles in WWE beyond active competition. He described himself as a “five-tool player” capable of contributing as a commentator, producer (formerly known as an agent), or creative mind behind the scenes:
“We call them producers now but in my day we called them agents. There’s people who put shows together. There’s writers obviously, creative people. I love all aspects of the business. There’s like 1,000 hats I could wear once I’m crippled and I can’t go anymore.”[4]
This insight from Punk shows his dedication to wrestling as an art form and business that transcends his physical presence in the ring. It also indicates WWE’s willingness to keep Punk involved creatively after his eventual retirement.
A Career of Highs, Breaks, and Returns
CM Punk’s declaration about retirement comes during a resurgence in his career. After nearly a decade away from WWE, Punk made a high-profile comeback in late 2023, quickly reestablishing himself as one of the company’s top stars. Highlights of this era include main-eventing WrestleMania 41 and winning the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam 2025[4].
Veteran wrestling observers note Punk’s longevity despite previous retirement talks and a history of stepping away and returning to wrestling. As one analyst put it, “Punk’s career has never been linear. His ability to step back and then return refreshed has added to his mystique and allowed him to control his narrative like few others.”
The Fan-Favorite Matches and Legacy Reflection
In the GQ video, Punk also highlighted one of his favorite matches, recalling his bout against John Cena at WrestleMania 29. He described the match as electric, citing Cena as his “wrestling soulmate” and describing the crowd’s energy as a key aspect of the experience[3]. This reflection underscores Punk’s passion for memorable, high-impact performances that shape both his legacy and WWE history.
Closing Thoughts from Backstage
According to sources familiar with WWE’s locker room atmosphere, Punk’s confidence about retirement is widely respected but also taken as a challenge by younger talent:
“Everyone knows Punk is a legend, but there’s a mutual understanding backstage that he’s not done teaching the next generation yet. He still wants to leave his mark and do it on his own clock,” shared a WWE crew member on condition of anonymity.
This backstage atmosphere indicates that CM Punk’s career is far from winding down and that fans can expect more top-tier performances and storylines from the “Best in the World” before he decides to step away definitively.
CM Punk’s bold stance on retirement serves as a reminder that in professional wrestling, longevity and timing are personal choices shaped by passion, physical ability, and creative goals. With major events like Wrestlepalooza on the horizon and a vision for his future roles in WWE, Punk remains a formidable, unapologetic presence who will retire strictly on his own schedule.