Few names have made as much impact in the world of professional wrestling as CM Punk. Known for his outspoken nature and exceptional skills in the ring, Punk has carved a niche for himself in the industry. After a seven-year hiatus from professional wrestling, Punk made a triumphant return in August 2021, this time with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). This move has sparked much interest, especially regarding CM Punk’s AEW salary.
CM Punk, whose real name is Phillip Jack Brooks, is a Chicago native and a former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) champion. He left WWE in 2014 amidst controversies and a legal battle. His return to wrestling with AEW has been hailed as a game-changer for the industry, with fans and critics alike curious about his remuneration package.
While AEW has not publicly disclosed Punk’s salary, industry insiders and experts have made educated guesses based on AEW’s known pay structure and Punk’s stature in the industry. It’s important to note that AEW, founded by Tony Khan, son of billionaire Shahid Khan, is known for its competitive pay scale, often matching or even exceeding WWE’s.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, a respected publication in the wrestling industry, top stars in AEW earn between $1 million and $3 million per year. Given Punk’s popularity and the buzz surrounding his return, it’s safe to say he falls into this bracket.
However, Punk’s earnings are not limited to his base salary. Like many top-tier wrestlers, Punk likely has a merchandise deal that allows him to earn a percentage of the sales of his merchandise. Punk’s immense popularity could significantly increase his income.
Furthermore, Punk’s contract with AEW reportedly includes the freedom to pursue outside projects. This means he can supplement his wrestling income with earnings from acting, comic book writing, and other ventures. For instance, Punk has appeared in movies like “Girl on the Third Floor” and has written for Marvel Comics.
In comparison, Punk reportedly earned around $1.2 million per year during his time with WWE, excluding merchandise and pay-per-view bonuses. Given AEW’s commitment to competitive pay, it’s reasonable to assume that Punk’s AEW salary is at least on par with his WWE earnings, if not higher.
To sum up, while the exact figure of CM Punk’s AEW salary remains undisclosed, it’s safe to say that he is one of the highest earners in the company. His income combines a substantial base salary, merchandise sales, and additional outside-project earnings.
FAQs:
1. What is CM Punk’s real name?
CM Punk’s real name is Phillip Jack Brooks.
2. When did CM Punk return to professional wrestling?
CM Punk returned to professional wrestling in August 2021 with All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
3. What is the estimated salary range of top stars in AEW?
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, top stars in AEW earn between $1 million and $3 million annually.
4. Does CM Punk have other income sources besides wrestling?
Yes, Punk’s contract with AEW reportedly includes the freedom to pursue outside projects, such as acting and comic book writing.
5. How much was CM Punk earning in WWE?
Punk reportedly earned around $1.2 million per year during his time with WWE, excluding merchandise and pay-per-view bonuses.
