CM Punk Finally Reveals the Real Story Behind His Pepsi Tattoo

After years of speculation, CM Punk is setting the record straight on one of the most talked-about tattoos in wrestling history.

On June 4, WWE posted a new episode of WWE Tattooed featuring CM Punk, and fans finally got the story behind his iconic Pepsi logo tattoo. For anyone who thought it was just a random brand choice—it runs way deeper than that.

Punk then went into the roots of his inspiration, pointing to the hardcore punk band Minor Threat and its influence on the straight edge movement. Specifically, a quote from guitarist Brian Baker stuck with him during his teenage years.

“I guess I’d be remiss to not mention the Pepsi Tattoo. I think maybe that one, probably historically over time, has gotten the most attention.”

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“The story with the Pepsi Tattoo is there is a band called Minor Threat. It started in the early 80s in Washington, DC that’s widely known to have started the straight edge subculture. 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.’”

That response hit Punk in a major way—and became the basis for a tattoo that’s now synonymous with his entire brand.

“And I was like, that’s just punk rock right there, you know? Like, I don’t like Coke. I like Pepsi. You know, I’m Midwest kid at heart. So I got a Pepsi tattoo.”

Punk made it clear the logo isn’t just about soda—it’s about identity.

“That tattoo represents me being straight edge, and that’s really kind of it. I know 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, you know, soft drink.”

CM Punk getting a Pepsi logo tattoo might’ve seemed wild on the surface—but like everything he does, it was calculated, defiant, and straight from the heart. It’s not about soda—it’s about standing for something, flipping the script, and staying true to who you are. Call it punk, call it straight edge, call it whatever you want—but don’t ever say it doesn’t mean something.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.