Luck is for losers, at least according to CM Punk. Even though his arm is literally tattooed with good-luck charms, Punk believes you make your own good fortune through hard work and intense preparation.

Growing up in Chicago, the Extremist’s childhood consisted of watching the likes of “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Jimmy Snuka exchange words, then blows. Such heated rivalries helped Punk realize that sports-entertainment was where he belonged. Adopting the “straightedge” movement—in which one bases their life around personal development, and avoids drugs, alcohol and a dependency lifestyle–Punk has brought his own style to WWE.

Although the former ECW World Champion is part of a new uprising of younger and fresher talent, he stands head and shoulders above the rest. His style is an assimilation of fighting styles he has learned from his travels around the world including Muay Thai Kickboxing and Brazilian Jujitsu. The WWE Universe quickly took notice and showed their respect for his talents, while he remained true to his legion of ROH followers. Punk went on to defeat ECW Legend, Justin Credible, at the famed Hammerstein Ballroom. In his WWE pay-per-view debut as a part of Team DX, Punk brought down the house in Philadelphia. With each victory CM Punk’s star-power only grew stronger within the realms of ECW.

After winning the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania XXIV, CM Punk was drafted to RAW following the 2008 Draft. Without delay, the summer of 2008 proved to be the Summer of Punk. He cashed in his “Money in the Bank” and captured the World Heavyweight Championship for the first time. Punk proved to his fans and skeptics alike that he is a force to be reckoned with. Although he forfeited the title, his good fortune and perseverance garnered a World Tag Team Championship reign with Kofi Kingston. Punk captured a Slammy Award for the “Oh My God” Moment of the Year that year. He went on to defeat the likes of Snitsky, John Morrison, and Rey Mysterio to earn a shot at the Intercontinental Championship, eventually defeating William Regal for the Title.

CM Punk, the “Straightedge Superstar,” as he came to be known–continues to inspire and as the nineteenth Triple Crown Champion, not only is he “better than you,” but he teaches that with hard work, discipline, and dedication to your goals. You too can be better than you.

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