4 Highlights from CM Punk’s Pipebomb promo that altered WWE’s perception 13 years later

During the June 27, 2011, episode of WWE RAW, CM Punk helped R-Truth defeat John Cena in a Tables Match. After the match, the Second City Saint sat on the entrance ramp and delivered one of the best promos of his career.

13 years later, the 'Pipebomb' has attained iconic status and remains one of the most memorable moments in recent wrestling history. Interestingly, several points from that shoot promo still resonate with fans, given the current dynamics within WWE.

Here are four major highlights from CM Punk's Pipebomb promo that still hold relevance today.

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#4. CM Punk is a "Paul Heyman guy"

CM Punk was sent to WWE's then-developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), in 2005 after he was signed by the Stamford-based promotion. During his time there, Punk was mentored by Paul Heyman before he eventually transitioned to the main roster.

In his iconic Pipebomb promo, the Best in the World mentioned that he was a "Paul Heyman guy" like Brock Lesnar. A few months later, Heyman joined Punk as his advocate during his 434-day reign as the WWE Champion.

Punk reunited with Paul Heyman on-screen for the first time in over a decade during the latest episode of SmackDown in what was a nostalgic moment for fans.

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#3. CM Punk kept his promise

Money in the Bank in 2011 was set to take place in CM Punk's hometown of Chicago, Illinois. During his iconic promo, he promised to walk out of Money in the Bank as the WWE Champion. He went on to deliver his promise by defeating John Cena at the event.

Drew McIntyre made a similar promise earlier this month before his World Heavyweight Championship match against Damian Priest at Clash at the Castle. Unfortunately, McIntyre was unable to keep his promise as CM Punk cost him the match in front of Drew's native fans in Glasgow, Scotland.

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#2. The Rock main-evented WrestleMania once again

After The Rock cost John Cena the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 27, they both agreed to a main-event match at WrestleMania 28 the next year in what was advertised as "Once in a Lifetime."

During the Pipebomb promo which occurred months before The Show of Shows, CM Punk said that he was sick of the fact that someone like The Rock was in the main event of WrestleMania while he was not.

Ironically, history repeated itself in 2024. After Punk made his shocking return at Survivor Series: WarGames last year, he was supposed to have a major program with Seth Rollins leading up to WrestleMania XL.

However, the Best in the World suffered a tricep injury during the 2024 Men's Royal Rumble Match and had to miss The Grandest Stage of Them All. Meanwhile, The Rock went on to main-event his sixth WrestleMania. He teamed up with Roman Reigns to defeat the duo of Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins in a tag team match.

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#1. The current state of WWE

One of the major highlights from CM Punk's Pipebomb promo was his statement that WWE would be better off after Vince McMahon's death. Punk had a series of back-and-forth exchanges with Mr. McMahon in the months following the promo.

Interestingly, there seems to be some truth to Punk's statement. WWE is currently experiencing its hottest period arguably since the Attitude Era with sold-out shows, quality storylines, and increased interest among fans. This change has been observed since Triple H took over as head of creative from Vince McMahon.

This era has been termed the "Triple H Era." With Vince McMahon gone, even CM Punk made his shocking return to the Stamford-based company, a move that might not have happened if Mr. McMahon were still in charge.