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Punk’s unfortunate departure or encouraging words that he’ll be back have been mentioned quite a lot of times but the motive behind this piece isn’t to lament or drag about it further. This is actually a tribute to one of the best rivalries in the WWE. Every great performer in the WWE almost always has a great rivalry. Cena and Punk gave the PG Era something to boast about. This rivalry became a blockbuster in mid 2011 when the Summer of Punk was in absolute motion. In retrospect, by seeing this rivalry, you can see what the PG era has been all about. The Rock’s run, Shield’s debut, Ryback’s push, Triple H seeking attention et al.Here are the top 5 matches that make this rivalry unforgettable.
#5 Survivor Series 2012
This match will forever be overshadowed by the fact that The Shield made its presence felt for the first time ever on the main roster. Punk won the match by unfair means just like any normal heel does.
John Cena and Punk not only faced each other in this match, they also had Ryback to overcome. But the match was carried for the most part by Cena and Punk.
One of the best moments of the match was to see both of them join forces to suplex Ryback through the announcers table. Seeing them team up was a lasting image given their very well documented history of issues with each other.
#4 Night Of Champions 2012
2012 was a year where this historic rivalry was reignited. This time Punk wasn’t an anti hero but a villain and Cena was the residential textbook babyface as he always has been. The thing with this era is that the charcters are a lot more ambiguous. Even though Punk was a villain, he was cheered on by the smart fans who were also the one who booed Cena off on a continuous basis.
This match at Night Of Champions was preceede by another good build up, the match finally took place in Cena’s hometown. Punk, being the heel that he is had the New York Yankees colors imprinted on his tights.
They did not disappoint, which isn’t a shocker but the ending of the match might have been quite a shocker. It ended in a draw when Cena German Suplexed Punk from the top rope and simultaneously went for the pin in the process of which both his and Punk’s shoulders were on the mat. The referee went on to count anyway before realizing that both Cena and Punk lost and the match ended controversially.
#3 Summerslam 2011
This was a match set to determine the Undisputed Champion of the WWE. Punk made his return a week after he made his spectacular exit from the WWE after becoming THE champion. This build up was nothing short of stellar. Triple H also found a way to make his presence felt in the rivalry of the summer. He became the special guest referee. The match, just like many of their matches, ended controversially.
Helmsley went on to count till three even after Cena’s foot was on the rope. Another controversy was Kevin Nash’s return wherein he went on to plant Punk with a Jackknife powerbomb which, by the way, led to Del Rio cashing in his MITB contract and immediately becoming the new champion.
What followed was bad writing and worse booking. CM Punk was great but everything around him was just breaking down becaue of the poor writing. The trademark poor WWE writing.
Nonetheless, this rivalry never really suffered. Punk and Cena were the go to rivalry which delivered every single time.
#2 Monday Night Raw 2013
What can I say? This was a PPV worthy match on free television. And Cena finally won after 6 straight unsuccessful attempts at beating Punk. I mean, the once invincible SuperCena had finally overcome his kryptonite.
This match may become more and more relevant as time passes. As is the tradition with many Cena-Punk matches, this match too had its share of controversy.
Both men executed moves we’ve never seen them pull off before. This match was just so good that it might have made many forget that this was for the No. 1 Contenders match for the WWE title against the Rock at Wrestlemania. Two of the best superstars of this era proved that they are the real showstealers.
Here is the controversy- Punk put Cena in a Piledriver- a banned move in the WWE.
Rumor has it that V.McMahon was furious but Cena trusted Punk and only Punk to pull that off. None of them were injured and they gave one hell of a match.
Why it’ll be relevant is because this is the last time these two ever faced each other.
This rivalry really has no blemishes. No embarrassing moments.
#1 Money In The Bank 2011
This was the match that kicked off what has become a legendary rivalry. This match is still the magnum opus of their great history.
The one match that brought mainstream attention to the WWE in a long, long time and one which also brought back a lost fanbase.
This is not only the best match of this era, this is one of the best matches ever and it just helps that this was the first 5-star match after HBK-Undertaker in 1997.
Their started it with a bang and they ended it in the same way. though nobody could have thought that that’s the way it’ll end. But nonetheless, for al the times it went on, it was one hell of a story.
