WWE Star CM Punk Signs With Paradigm
EXCLUSIVE: CM Punk, the WWE star who also goes by “The Best in the World,” has signed with Paradigm for representation in all areas, Deadline has learned exclusively, with an eye toward expanding his presence in entertainment.
Born Phil Brooks, the professional wrestler, actor, and former mixed martial artist is one of the WWE’s most iconic figures. The Paradigm signing marks his latest step in conquering entertainment after rocking the wrestling world with his WWE return, his April appearance as guest commentator at WrestleMania XL, and roles in the acclaimed series Mayans M.C. and Heels.
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First signing with World Wrestling Entertainment, where he would reach the pinnacle of his wrestling career, in 2005, Punk’s wrestling journey began in the late 1990s, as he trained at the Steel Domain Wrestling school in St. Paul, Minnesota. His early career saw him perform in various independent circuits, most notably with Ring of Honor, where he quickly became a standout performer.
During his time in the WWE from 2005 to 2014, Punk captured multiple championships, including the WWE Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship. Thereafter, he inked a multi-fight contract with UFC and returned to the wrestling ring with All Elite Wrestling. Punk made a triumphant return to WWE at Survivor Series 2023 in Chicago after a nine-year hiatus, a closely guarded secret that became WWE’s biggest social moment with over 71 million views across platforms.
After his return to the WWE, Punk moved more than $1 million in merchandise over the course of just 24 hours, and he continues to be the top merchandise seller for the WWE since his return, showing his strong connection to fans, even through his injury hiatus. Considered ‘one of one’ within pro wrestling, his comeback immediately helped Raw ratings rise 29%, during the period when WWE was negotiating its $5 billion, 10-year media rights package with Netflix.
Beyond wrestling, Punk has made a mark in acting with roles in FX’s Mayans M.C., Starz’s Heels, and indies like The Girl on the Third Floor and Jakob’s Wife.
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