CM Punk Says He Should Probably ‘Gracefully Bow Out’ As An In-Ring Competitor When He Is 50 Years Old

CM Punk could gracefully bow out from the world of wrestling in just a few short years.

2026 is the 24th year of Punk’s in-ring career, which started back in 1997. Aside from his lengthy break from the industry, Punk has been a top guy for the majority of his time in wrestling. That fact remains true today, as the ‘Best In The World’ currently leads the Raw brand as the World Heavyweight Champion.

As every wrestler knows, time catches up to everyone. In a new interview with CinemaBlend, Punk was asked about how long he has left as an active competitor.

“When I was 15, if you asked me if I’d be wrestling when I was 40, I would tell you ‘No, that’s crazy. 40 is so old.’ I’m 47, and I don’t feel old yet. Terry Funk wrestled for a long time, Ric Flair wrestled for a long time. I mean, there’s luchadors that are like in their 70s that are still doing it. Do I want to be doing that? Probably not. I would estimate probably the big 50 is when I should maybe gracefully bow out. Knock on wood, if nothing else horrible happens.”

Punk went on to praise John Cena for getting out of the sport at the right time.

“A lot of the times you don’t get a choice. That’s why it was special to watch John retire. To me, it was a perfect retirement. We’re celebrating a guy who isn’t dead and can still walk. I tell people all the time none of us are getting out alive. He got out at the right time. He showed us a way to exit with dignity and grace, and I don’t know if mine will look that way. I don’t know what mine’s going to look like. I do know it’s coming sooner than later. I’m still having fun operating at a high level, no matter what anybody says, and until I can’t contribute, I still will.”

CM Punk is set to defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Balor on the January 19 episode of WWE Raw. Learn more about that match by clicking here.

Special thanks to CinemaBlend for the quote(s) in this interview.