#97: CM Punk

Real Name: Phillip Jack Brooks

Biggest Fan: Joe Timmins

Unlike many of the superstars on this list, CM Punk first made a name for himself wrestling for much smaller promotions in the independent circuit. Phillip Brooks first developed his CM Punk character, though, in an even more modest backyard wrestling federation that he was in with his friends and brother. When one half of the federation's tag team, the Chick Magnets, called out sick, Brooks had to quickly step in alongside another wrestler named CM Venom. So, yes, the "CM" in CM Punk originally stood for "chick magnet." Soon CM Punk had attracted the interest of Ring of Honor, a smaller promotion headquartered in Bristol, PA. It was here that CM Punk really began to develop into an exciting wrestling superstar.

In ROH, he got the opportunity to work with ring veteran Raven, as well as A.J. Styles and Samoa Joe. During 2004's feud with Samoa Joe for the ROH Championship, the two men battled each other to a 60-minute draw that famed wrestling reporter Dave Meltzer rated as the best match in North America since the first Hell in a Cell match (between Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker) in 1997. Shortly thereafter, CM Punk was offered the opportunity to audition for the WWE, by wrestling Val Venis on Sunday Night Heat. Apparently, things went well as the WWE offered him a contract.

CM Punk began wrestling in ECW in 2006, but occasionally appeared on Raw and Smackdown, as well. He was a constant contender for the ECW Championship and found himself involved in matches and storylines with ECW legends like The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer. In 2007, the 222-pound wrestler, who started out competing for Lunatic Wrestling Federation in people's backyards and abandoned warehouses, was a participant in a Money in the Bank Ladder Match at WrestleMania 23. It was an amazing testament to this young man's drive and determination.

CM Punk continues to compete for World Wrestling Entertainment. He has held the World Heavyweight Championship three times, the Ring of Honor World Championship, the ECW Championship, the Intercontinental belt and countless other titles in smaller promotions. This heavily-tattooed, straight edge wrestler is still only 32 years old. It's entirely possible that his best years of superstardom are still ahead of him.