Some criticize CM Punk for his ability to generate conflict in the locker room. However, he is also admired by many for his passion, his talent, and his ability to inspire others. Punk’s divisive character reflects both his commitment to his principles and the complexity of his personality in an environment as competitive as professional wrestling. Some have described him as ‘cancer’ for his behavior in some locker rooms, although many of his wrestling colleagues don’t think so. Bully Ray is one of them.

In a statement to Busted Open Radio, the former WWE Tag Team Champion gave his point of view based on his personal experience with CM Punk and pointed out that he is a passionate and kind guy, but not a conflicted person. It was his passion for pro wrestling that led the Cult of Personality to start his own pro wrestling promotion called the Lunatic Wrestling Federation (LWF). The LWF was a promotion that Chicago made started with his brother Mike Brooks and some of their friends due to their combined love for professional wrestling in the mid to late 1990s.

They decided to spend their own money to kick-start the promotion and soon began running some low-budget wrestling events from their own backyard. But why did Punk stop running the promotion? Was it because he made it big and decided to quit being a promoter? Well, the answer to the question is a lot more personal for Punk.

The doomed fate of the LWF that caused real-life implications

We all know that Punk is a charming guy who is a true menace on the mic. So it was no surprise that the promotion started gaining traction and soon people rushed in to see the events held by Punk and his brother. The duo started earning more money that they kept re-investing to expand their new found company. However, soon greed kicked in and it led to the downfall of the new pro event startup.

Mike Brooks, Punk’s brother, started stealing thousands of dollars from the promotion. Something that Punk and other people soon found out. This caused a major rift between the two and the closure of the promotion that had just started booming due to the efforts of the two. And although Brooks learned the error of his ways and he repaid the money, the damage was already done. While others involved in the company forgave him for his actions, he had lost the trust of Punk. As a result, the WWE superstar never spoke to his brother again.

During an interview, he said, “I think I have always had to outsource for support or anything I want to do. The people who were willing to accept me with open arms weren’t blood-related to me. To me, that’s what family is. Family supports you. So like my Mom, my Dad, my brother – the only thing my brother ever did to me was steal a (crap) load of money from me.”

However, since then CM Punk has established himself as one of the greatest pro wrestlers to ever grace the squared circle. He mesmerized all with his mic work and in-ring talent that against all odds led to the Summer of Punk. Making him the biggest name in the pro wrestling business. Although his attitude did irk many, Punk’s most prominent incident that fueled this perception occurred during his time in AEW.

During the press conference following the All Out 2022, CM Punk openly criticized other wrestlers and members of the management, leading to a physical fight behind the scenes. This incident exacerbated tensions in the AEW locker room and contributed to the narrative that Punk can be a destabilizing force. So what do you think of Punk and his journey? Let us know in the comments.