When Phil Brooks first walked into that tattoo parlor, he had no idea he was about to transform into one of wrestling’s most recognizable inked superstars. The WWE veteran recently opened up about his extensive body art collection, sharing intimate details about each piece of ink that tells the story of CM Punk’s journey through life and professional wrestling.
The Accidental Beginning of a Tattoo Journey
What started as a simple trip to help a friend get her bellybutton pierced turned into a life-defining moment for the future wrestling icon. Punk’s inaugural tattoo experience wasn’t planned or carefully considered – it happened on pure impulse during what should have been a routine outing.
The Chicago native chose to permanently mark his left calf with the album artwork from “Energy” by Operation Ivy, a short-lived but influential punk-ska band from the Bay Area. This three-piece group, which existed for roughly three years before evolving into the legendary punk outfit Rancid, represented more than just musical taste for the young Brooks.
“My first tattoo is on my left calf; it is the album cover from the album ‘Energy’ from a band called Operation Ivy. They’re a punk-ska group that only lasted about three years out of the Bay Area, and they evolved, later, turned into the band Rancid.”
From Innocent Outing to ‘Life of Debauchery’
Speaking candidly on “WWE: Tattooed,” Punk reflected on how that spontaneous decision marked a turning point in his personal expression. The moment he sat in that tattoo chair, he jokingly acknowledged entering what he calls his “life of debauchery” – a tongue-in-cheek reference to how that first piece of ink opened the floodgates for countless more.
The wrestling superstar admitted experiencing the universal tattoo rookie moment of immediate regret mixed with inexplicable attraction. Like many first-timers, he questioned his decision while simultaneously feeling drawn to the experience.
“This is stupid; why am I doing this? This hurts! But there’s definitely something about it. Tattoos being 100% so personal and subjective, I think is kinda what drew me to it.”
Breaking Social Barriers in the Tattoo World
Punk’s perspective on tattoo culture reveals how dramatically society’s perception has shifted over the decades. When he first got inked, body art carried serious social stigma and was primarily associated with specific subcultures rather than mainstream acceptance.
The Straight Edge Superstar noted how tattoos have evolved from symbols of rebellion to widely accepted forms of self-expression. Back when he started his collection, sporting visible ink automatically labeled someone as an outsider or troublemaker in many social circles.
“But, yeah, back when I got my first tattoo, I was the devil, apparently.”
The Personal Canvas of a Wrestling Icon
Today, CM Punk’s extensive tattoo collection serves dual purposes in his career and personal life. Each piece of artwork has become integral to his character development, making him instantly recognizable to wrestling fans worldwide while simultaneously serving as Phil Brooks’ personal storytelling medium.
The intimate connection between his ink and identity demonstrates how body art transcends mere decoration for the WWE star. Every tattoo represents a chapter in his life story, from musical influences to personal milestones and philosophical beliefs.
From that impulsive first tattoo honoring a short-lived punk band to becoming one of wrestling’s most tattooed superstars, CM Punk’s ink journey mirrors his evolution from unknown indie wrestler to global icon. What stories do you think his remaining tattoos tell, and which piece of his collection would you most want to hear the backstory behind?
