WWE Star CM Punk Explains The Meaning Behind Questionable Tattoo
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WWE superstar CM Punk has finally shared the detailed story and personal significance behind one of his most recognizable tattoos: the Pepsi logo on his shoulder. On the June 4, 2025, episode of WWE Tattooed, he explained its connection to his straight-edge lifestyle and punk rock look.
Punk began by acknowledging the tattoo's prominence over his career. "I guess I'd be remiss to not mention the Pepsi tattoo. I think that one historically has gotten the most attention," he stated.
He then delved into its inspiration. It came from the influential 1980s hardcore punk band Minor Threat, widely credited with popularizing the straight edge subculture that typically involves abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs.
"The story with the Pepsi tattoo is there is a band called Minor Threat that started in the early 80s in Washington, D.C. that is widely known to have started the straight edge subculture," Punk explained.
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"And the guitarist Brian Baker was asked in an interview I read while I was in detention, 'Do you have a Coca-Cola tattoo? Why do you have a Coca-Cola tattoo?' And his response is, 'I like Coca-Cola.'" This simple, defiant answer deeply resonated with a young Punk.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 27: CM Punk speaks during WWE Monday Night RAW at State Farm Arena on January 27, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 27: CM Punk speaks during WWE Monday Night RAW at State Farm Arena on January 27, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
WWE/Getty Images
"And I was that's just punk rock right there. I don't like Coke. I like Pepsi," Punk continued, connecting it to his own identity. "I'm a Midwest kid at heart, so I got a Pepsi tattoo." He emphasized that the choice was far more profound than a mere beverage preference.
"That tattoo represents me being straight edge, and that's really it," Punk clarified. "It seems silly to put a corporate logo on yourself, but it really has a deeper meaning, and it means so much more to me than just soft drink."
For CM Punk, the Pepsi logo is a personal emblem of his commitment to the straight edge lifestyle, a core tenet of his identity throughout his wrestling career and public life. His recent return to WWE in late 2023 and his current involvement.
This includes winning a Money in the Bank qualifying match on June 2nd, Raw, despite recovering from injury, which has brought renewed focus to his iconic persona and its symbols.
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