10 Facts You Need To Know About CM Punk’s Tattoos

UPDATE: 2023/12/21 07:30 EST BY BENJAMIN VIEIRA

In 2023, “Hell Froze Over.” CM Punk, who just months prior had been working for AEW, made his return to WWE at Survivor Series 2023. It was a historic moment and one of the WWE’s most significant returns of all time. It was a moment that many fans thought that they would never see happen. However, Punk is now back. He has always been one to do things his way. And this is something reflected in his unique appearance. His tattoos are some of the most recognizable in all of professional wrestling. Let’s get to learn about some of them.

In 2021, CM Punk made his big return to professional wrestling when he signed to AEW. Since then, however, he was released from the promotion and signed to WWE in 2023. He returned at Survivor Series after being gone for almost a decade. What was unthinkable just a few months ago had actually happened. The “Voice of the Voiceless” is back.

Punk’s tattoos, which fill up most of his upper body, have become synonymous with his image. While many of his tattoos have a deeply personal meaning to Punk, others highlight various aspects of his personality.

10 His Four Aces Tattoo Is A Tribute To A Long Time Friend

A Sign Of Respect And Tribute To Ace Steel

• Ace Steel and CM Punk have known each other for decades.
• Steel was one of Punk’s early coaches in his career.
• The four spades are located on the back of Punk’s left arm.

Ace Steel, who has been involved in the professional wrestling industry as a wrestler and coach since the early-90s, trained CM Punk early on in his career. Punk wrestled at Steel Dominion Wrestling School in Chicago, where he began to stand out amongst his peers, largely thanks to the help from Ace Steel.

Punk has a tattoo of four aces on his left arm, which was a tribute to the man who helped him break into the business. He remains friends with Steel to this day.

9 He Dedicated A Piece To The Late Harley Race

A Tribute To One Of Wrestling’s Biggest Legends

• Harley Race was a multi-time world champion.
• The tribute on Punk’s shin features a peacock with a crown.
• Punk has often channeled Race throughout his career.

Harley Race, one of the most influential trainers in wrestling history, was another professional wrestling legend who had a massive impact on CM Punk throughout his career. Punk has said that he often wonders “What would Harley Do?” in times of doubt.

Punk also talked about a story about drinking shots of milk with Race on his birthday. He got a peacock tattoo with Race’s signature crown on his left leg to honor his fallen friend earlier in 2021.

8 One Of His Most Recognizable Tattoos Has The Least Meaning

CM Punk’s Love Of Pepsi Is Real

• The Pepsi logo is located on Punk’s left shoulder.
• It was inspired by a singer with a Coca-Cola tattoo.
• It has become one of Punk’s most recognizable pieces.

One of the most recognizable tattoos on Punk’s upper body is the Pepsi logo on his left shoulder. Unlike most of Punk’s ink, there is no deep-rooted meaning behind the tattoo, as he simply enjoys Pepsi products.

Wrestling producer Bruce Prichard, who helped Punk achieve the biggest push of his career in 2011, said he got the tattoo after seeing that one of his favorite music stars had a Coca-Cola tattoo. The tattoo may not have a deep meaning, but it is a perfect example that Punk marches to the beat of his own drum.

7 He Has Various Lucky Tattoos On His Body

CM Punk Has Multiple Symbols On His Body For Luck

• Punk has a four-leaf clover and a Japanese Koi fish on his left forearm.
• He has a rabbit’s foot on his shoulder.
• His right elbow has the number 13.

CM Punk’s tattoos have many themes, but one that shows up frequently is symbols representing good luck. He has a four-leaf clover and a Japanese Koi fish on his left forearm and a rabbit’s foot on his shoulder, all of which are symbolic of good fortune. He also has a tattoo of the number 13, which he has said is his lucky number, on his right elbow.

It is easy to assume that Punk would be a superstitious person considering his affinity for tattoos revolving around the theme of luck, however.

6 Some Of These Tattoos Counter His True Beliefs

He Believes That “Luck Is For Losers”

• CM Punk has historically not believed in luck.
• He has a tattoo that says “luck is for losers” inside a horseshoe.
• These tattoos represent how Punk lives on his terms.

If there were any questions regarding Punk’s thoughts towards superstition, he laid them to rest when he got a tattoo of the quote “Luck is for losers” (inside of a horseshoe, no less). If you think this tattoo is directly contradictory to many of his other ones… you have a sound argument.

There is a bit of mystery behind this tattoo, as it directly contradicts the meaning behind some of his other tats, but it is another perfect example of his personality. CM Punk does not care if anyone else understands him or what he chooses to put on his body, and that is a significant factor in him becoming the star he is today.

5 His Hand Tattoo Is A Tribute To The Late Chris Candido

CM Punk & Candido Were Real Life Friends

• Punk and Candido had been friends and wrestled each other on occasion.
• Candido died on April 28, 2005.
• Candido was a former WCW Cruiserweight Champion and WWE Tag Team Champion.

CM Punk has a tattoo on his left hand that reads “No Gimmicks Needed,” which is a tribute to the late Chris Candido. Candido and Punk became friends on the independent scene in the early-2000s, and he spoke briefly about their relationship following one of his IWC matches shortly after his passing.

The tattoo is a masterful tribute to his fallen friend, as the slogan perfectly exemplified Candido’s abilities as a wrestler. It also highlights the lighter side of Punk’s personality, as he has rarely shown his soft side throughout his career.

4 He Has A Tattoo Dedicated To His Siblings

This Tattoo Is Located Behind His Ear

• The number represents his younger sister’s soccer jersey.
• The stars surrounding it represent his other siblings.
• The tattoo is one of Punk’s most recognizable.

CM Punk has a “31” tattooed behind his left ear as the figure represents his younger sister’s soccer jersey number. Likewise, there are also four stars surrounding the number, which represent each of his siblings.

Notably, the tattoo only includes four stars despite Punk being one of five children, as he had a falling out with his brother after he embezzled money from their backyard wrestling promotion early in his career.

3 Some Of His Tattoos Highlight Historic Chicago Sports Teams

He Is Dedicated To All Things Chicago

• CM Punk has always represented Chicago and its sports teams.
• He is a fan of the Blackhawks and Cubs.
• He returned to professional wrestling at AEW Rampage in Chicago.

CM Punk, a known massive fan of all major Chicago sports teams, has been spotted at countless games and sporting events since he rose to stardom over a decade ago. He has multiple tattoos that highlight his loyal fandom to multiple Windy City sports teams.

Punk has tattoos of the Stanley Cup for the Blackhawks and a goat for the Cubs after they broke the curse in 2016. Time will tell if the Bears will complete the trifecta with a potential Lombardi Trophy tattoo in the coming years. On that note, Chicago’s own Adam Rank of the NFL Network called Punk’s incredible return first.

2 He Has A Tattoo Dedicated To His Best Friend

Callee Was CM Punk’s Dog

​​​​

• CM Punk has often expressed love for his pets.
• Punk also has a dog named Larry.
• Punk has honored Callee on his arm with a small tattoo.

Dogs are considered man’s best friend, and CM Punk wanted to honor his with a spot on his left forearm. He has a paw print accompanied by a banner that presumably spells out his dog’s name, “Callee.”

While not much is known about Callee, the ink is another example of Punk’s soft side, as he thought it was a fitting way to honor his loving companion. However, he did say she was cooler than most humans, and the tattoo was a way to remember her.

1 The Straight Edge Superstar Is Proud Of His Sobriety

CM Punk’s Lifestyle Is A Major Part Of His Presentation

• CM Punk’s sobriety has been part of numerous storylines, such as the Straight Edge Society.
• Punk does not drink, smoke, or do drugs.
• He has various tattoos on his body dedicated to his lifestyle.

CM Punk’s sobriety has been a topic of discussion countless times throughout his standout wrestling career, and it is something that he is proud of. While it may have gotten unfairly tested during his career, he was strong enough to withstand the pressure of conforming and maintained his straight-edge lifestyle throughout his entire life.

Punk has multiple tattoos that showcase that lifestyle, including the words “DRUG FREE” across his knuckles and “Straight Edge” across his abdomen. They are not only two of his most famous tattoos, but they are also two of his most meaningful.