Several WWE stars have been able to retain their names after leaving WWE
#1 Former WWE Champion CM Punk
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CM Punk was known by this name before he signed for WWE and was even able to take the name with him to UFC.
Both AJ Styles and Samoa Joe have also followed in Punk's footsteps in being able to retain their independent wrestling names whilst working for WWE in recent years. Punk was a hugely successful star in WWE for nine years but departed the company back in 2014 and took his name with him.
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WWE went on to transfer all of the merchandise rights for their former star's name over to him after his departure and he has continued to use the name outside of WWE. At the time, the former world champion was a pioneer for stars who came from the independent scene and were able to retain the names in which they had risen to fame.
Punk's real name is Phillip Brooks, but publicly he has always been known as CM Punk and has even retained the name as part of his acting and writing careers.
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About the author
Phillipa Mariee
Phillipa is a WWE writer for Sportskeeda. She is also a mother, wrestler, dancer, former actress and a Seth Rollins fan. She is a retired wrestler, dancer, and at one-time enjoyed boxing.
Phillipa has tried her hand at all aspects of the wrestling business in the past including booking, promoting, refereeing, commentating, ring announcing and wrestling.
Throughout her time in Sportskeeda she has become known for picking up botches and sharing them.
Phillipa's favorite wrestler is Seth Rollins, but will allow her head to be turned by any high-flying superstar.
She also once had a dream that Drake Maverick was her father, this is yet to be confirmed by the man himself. Outside of the world of spandex and screwjobs, Phillipa likes to watch football, supports Stoke City and is a huge fan of Judd Trump.
Feel free to follow her on Twitter @PhillipaMariee
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