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- CM Punk's first televised match back in 10 years saw him suffer a torn triceps at the 2024 Royal Rumble event. Fans were hoping of more classic Punk matches in WWE, though those fans will have to wait for a few months longer due to this injury. Either way though, Punk has had several great matches in WWE - more than just 10! This will take a look at some more of Punk's standout WWE matches from across his career against some of his top rivals like Chris Jericho, John Cena, and Rey Mysterio, not to mention one of his two Money in the Bank victories.
After nearly a decade, the unthinkable happened as CM Punk returned to WWE at Survivor Series 2023. He will no doubt add some great matches to his long list of classics if his run in AEW is anything to go by, but he already has a bunch of incredible matches in WWE, which took place during his first stint.
Charlotte Flair's Definitive 10 Best WWE Matches, Ranked
With her long list of accolades and amazing matches, Charlotte Flair has established herself as one of the greatest women's wrestlers of all time.This will look at his definitive best matches in WWE, as per TheSportster’s ratings, determining which of the “Best in the World’s” matches are elite. This rating will be compared to those from cagematch.net and Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer too.
UPDATE: 2024/02/18 20:00 EST BY ANDREW KELLY
CM Punk's first televised match back in 10 years saw him suffer a torn triceps at the 2024 Royal Rumble event. Fans were hoping of more classic Punk matches in WWE, though those fans will have to wait for a few months longer due to this injury. Either way though, Punk has had several great matches in WWE - more than just 10! This will take a look at some more of Punk's standout WWE matches from across his career against some of his top rivals like Chris Jericho, John Cena, and Rey Mysterio, not to mention one of his two Money in the Bank victories.
15 CM Punk Vs. Chris Jericho, WWE WrestleMania 28
Overall Rating From TheSportster: 7.75/10
Storytelling | 1.75/2.5 |
|---|---|
Technical Ability | 2.25/2.5 |
Character Work/Pyschology | 2.25/2.5 |
Crowd Reaction | 1.5/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 3.75 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 8.08
WWE oddly changed up the stipulation for this match ahead of time, with Jericho winning the title if Punk was disqualified. This did lead to an awkward storytelling dynamic, though it did allow both men to showcase some strong character work, with Jericho playing up his nastiness as a heel, and Punk needing to show restraint.
The pair put in a very good technical performance, though perhaps one downside was the pace of the match, which did run slow at times. It was still the best technical bout on the entire show at WrestleMania 28, though it did fall slightly due to the spectacle of the other two "main events" on the card.
14 CM Punk Vs. John Cena, WWE SummerSlam 2011
Overall Rating From TheSportster: 7.75/10
Storytelling | 1.5/2.5 |
|---|---|
Technical Ability | 2.25/2.5 |
Character Work/Pyschology | 2/2.5 |
Crowd Reaction | 2/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 3.5 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 8.32
CM Punk and John Cena once more showcased their wonderful chemistry in this match, though it must be said that the booking let the whole thing down. After a great back and forth where Cena & Punk showcased their technical sides, hit big moves, and had counters to each other, the finish was a mess.
The Special Guest Referee Triple H missed Cena's foot being on the rope, and this was followed up by an attack by Kevin Nash and a Money in the Bank cash-in by Alberto Del Rio. A crazy ending that the crowd did go wild for, but the storytelling was still poor at the finish.
13 CM Punk Vs. Rey Mysterio, Capitol Punishment 2011
Overall Rating From The Sportster: 8/10
Storytelling | 1.5/2.5 |
|---|---|
Technical Ability | 2.25/2.5 |
Character Work/Pyschology | 2.25/2.5 |
Crowd Reaction | 2/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 3.75 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 7.71
Capitol Punishment rightfully has the reputation for being one of the worst WWE PPVs of the entire 2010s. However, it did have one highlight, and that was this singles match between CM Punk and Rey Mysterio. These two have always had great chemistry, and this was perhaps the best example of that.
It was a lovely, fluid, well-wrestled match despite the lack of a proper storyline. Punk thought up a miriad of ways to counter Mysterio which was both fun and creative to see. A really strong match on an absolutely torrid night.
12 Money In The Bank Ladder Match, WrestleMania 24
Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8.25/10
Storytelling | 2/2.5 |
|---|---|
Technical Ability | 2.25/2.5 |
Character Work/Pyschology | 2/2.5 |
Crowd Reaction | 2/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 3.25 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 8.23
Under the daylight at WrestleMania 24, this Money in the Bank ladder match may not have been the longest, but it was certainly very enjoyable. It had an electric pace with every wrestler showcasing a great sense of urgency, which added to the story of the match. There was a great tease of Mr. Kennedy doing a repeat, Jericho getting stuck was fantastic, John Morrison's insane moonsault was breathtaking, Matt Hardy's return was electric, and Shelton Benjamin's bump was the highlight of the match.
Ilja Dragunov's Definitive 10 Best WWE Matches, Ranked
Ilja Dragunov is one of the most intense and physical wrestlers in WWE history who has some amazing, hard-hitting matches under his belt.This match had so many memorable moments which certainly puts it among the best MITB matches in WrestleMania history for sure. It could have perhaps been a little longer with some more drama, but it was still great anyway.
11 CM Punk Vs. Chris Jericho, WWE Extreme Rules 2012
Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8.25/10
Storytelling | 2.25/2.5 |
|---|---|
Technical Ability | 1.75/2.5 |
Character Work/Pyschology | 2/2.5 |
Crowd Reaction | 2.25/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 3.5 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 8.27
The feud between Chris Jericho and CM Punk became very personal, so WWE allowed them to settle it in a Street Fight. Both men could bring a more physical side to proceedings, which definitely benefitted their character work and storytelling. The crowd helped to elevate this even in the more methodical and slower moments, so that was a big plus to this match too.
Perhaps it wasn't quite as physical as some fans expected, but given the PG confines it was still a strong match between two heated rivals.
10 CM Punk Vs. Daniel Bryan, WWE Money In The Bank 2012
Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8.25/10
Storytelling | 2/2.5 |
|---|---|
Technical Ability | 2.25/2.5 |
Character Work/Psychology | 2/2.5 |
Crowd Reaction | 2/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.25 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 8.54
Although CM Punk and Daniel Bryan thrived better in their more technical match (which we will get to later), this allowed them to branch out into a more physical, hardcore style, and they each rose to the occasion to make it deliver.
There were some inventive spots, the use of kendo sticks and tables was great, but the one thing that did take away from this was the over involvement of AJ Lee at the Special Guest Referee. This led to a lot of interference and overbooking. What Punk and Bryan did in the ring though was enjoyable.
9 CM Punk Vs. Jeff Hardy, WWE SummerSlam 2009
Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8.5/10
Storytelling | 2.25/2.5 |
|---|---|
Technical Ability | 2.25/2.5 |
Character Work/Psychology | 2/2.5 |
Crowd Reaction | 2/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.25 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 8.92
CM Punk and Jeff Hardy had a highly personal feud in 2009, and the peak of it came with this Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match. It wasn’t just a typical spot-fest, with each moment having clear build and purpose, and it led to one of the most incredible Swanton Bombs of all time, with Jeff Hardy falling off a massive ladder through the announce table.
It was intense and fans were on the edge of their seats to see who would emerge as the World Heavyweight Championship. Perhaps it was slow in stages, but it was a great main event.
8 CM Punk Vs. Alberto Del Rio Vs. The Miz, WWE TLC 2011
Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8.5/10
Storytelling | 2.25/2.5 |
|---|---|
Technical Ability | 2/2.5 |
Character Work/Psychology | 2/2.5 |
Crowd Reaction | 2.25/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.25 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 8.14
Whilst this had a simple story of two heels teaming up to take on the babyface, only to be undone by their own selfishness, it was executed very well. The crowd was electric for Punk, who was finally granted a PPV main event that didn’t involve John Cena.
The audience rallied behind Punk as he managed to free himself of his handcuffed position to win the match, making for a fun finish. This match will also be remembered for the crazy, hard-to-watch bump that Ricardo Rodriguez took through a table.
7 CM Punk Vs. Chris Jericho, WWE Payback 2013
Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8.75/10
Storytelling | 2.25/2.5 |
|---|---|
Technical Ability | 2/2.5 |
Character Work/Psychology | 2/2.5 |
Crowd Reaction | 2.5/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.5 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 8.56
The storytelling in this match carried it, with it being all about CM Punk shrugging off ring rust from his few-month absence from the ring. Punk steadily got back to himself more and more through the match, willed on by a thunderous Chicago crowd.
Bianca Belair's Definitive 10 Best WWE Matches, Ranked
Bianca Belair has had a variety of strong showings in WWE, but which matches stand above the others?This outshone the match that Punk and Chris Jericho had at WrestleMania a year prior, with it having a heightened pace, more focus, and less overbooking. Punk’s instant change from a dastardly heel to a hometown hero was well done too.
6 CM Punk Vs. Daniel Bryan, WWE Over The Limit 2012
Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8.75/10
Storytelling | 2/2.5 |
|---|---|
Technical Ability | 2.5/2.5 |
Character Work/Psychology | 2.25/2.5 |
Crowd Reaction | 2/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.5 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 9.10
If you want an example of crisp, beautiful, and flawless technical professional wrestling, then this is a must-watch. In a rare case at the time, CM Punk and Daniel Bryan were given 20 minutes to wrestle in their own way.
Watching them working out each other, transitioning in and out of holds, and pulling out actual strikes and big moves conservatively (with big moves then meaning so much more) was breathtaking. The only downside was the finish, which was a little screwy and was done to set up a rematch.
5 CM Punk Vs. John Cena, WWE Night Of Champions 2012
Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8.75/10
Storytelling | 2/2.5 |
|---|---|
Technical Ability | 2.5/2.5 |
Character Work/Psychology | 2.25/2.5 |
Crowd Reaction | 2/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.25 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 8.89
When it comes to purely in-ring work, this is the most underrated of CM Punk and John Cena’s many clashes. They went back and forth, throwing out all their best moves and stealing each other’s finishers (Punk even stole the Rock Bottom too). It was such a fun match and interesting dynamic to have it in Cena’s hometown.
It perhaps didn’t have the stakes as some of their other matches and the double pinfall draw felt like a slap in the face after such an incredible in-ring battle. Punk’s heel work was outstanding here though, as he looked like an absolute star as he continued to bat away Cena’s babyface comebacks.
4 CM Punk Vs. Brock Lesnar, WWE SummerSlam 2013
Overall Rating From TheSportster: 9.25/10
Storytelling | 2/2.5 |
|---|---|
Technical Ability | 2.5/2.5 |
Character Work/Psychology | 2.5/2.5 |
Crowd Reaction | 2.25/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.5 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 9.35
A classic David vs. Goliath match took place here, as the no disqualification stipulation gave CM Punk the tools to try and chop down Brock Lesnar. This was the best that Lesnar had looked since his debut against John Cena a year prior, and he felt like a monster against a much smaller competitor.
They developed some cracking chemistry, and even though Lesnar had to be saved by Paul Heyman’s interference, he still looked fairly unstoppable here against Punk. Punk managed to deliver to some brilliant counters, retaining his top star status even in defeat.
3 CM Punk Vs. The Undertaker, WWE WrestleMania 29
Overall Rating From TheSportster: 9.25/10
Storytelling | 2.5/2.5 |
|---|---|
Technical Ability | 2/2.5 |
Character Work/Psychology | 2.5/2.5 |
Crowd Reaction | 2.25/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.5 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 9.04
This was arguably the peak of CM Punk’s heel work in WWE. He was detestable in his disrespect to the passing of Paul Bearer, getting underneath Undertaker’s skin and stealing the iconic urn. This brought out arguably the best version of Undertaker for the last time in his entire WWE career.
Undertaker was hard-hitting, fast, and pulled out all his greatest hits, only for Punk to find ways to counter, and nearly cheat his way to a shocking victory. There were some terrific near-falls in this one, where it felt like the streak was on the verge of ending. It was certainly bittersweet, as this was Undertaker’s last ever match of the year candidate.
2 CM Punk Vs. John Cena, WWE RAW 02/25/2013
Overall Rating From TheSportster: 9.75/10
Storytelling | 2.5/2.5 |
|---|---|
Technical Ability | 2.5/2.5 |
Character Work/Psychology | 2.25/2.5 |
Crowd Reaction | 2.5/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.5 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 9.30
There is a reason why this is often in the discussion for the greatest match in Monday Night Raw history. CM Punk and John Cena concluded their classic rivalry with this tremendous match to earn a shot at The Rock in the main event of WrestleMania 29.
MJF's Definitive 10 Best AEW Matches, Ranked
MJF has proven that he is a generational talent with his impressive resume of matches in AEW.Their brilliant chemistry was on full show once again, with Punk bringing all the counters to his arsenal, and also delivering an infamous banned piledriver too. Cena also dug down deep, with a hurricanrana and all the classic “Cena heart” he could muster. In the end, it was Cena who scored the win in front of a massively hot crowd.
1 CM Punk Vs. John Cena, WWE Money In The Bank 2011
Overall Rating From TheSportster: 9.75/10
Storytelling | 2.5/2.5 |
|---|---|
Technical Ability | 2.25/2.5 |
Character Work/Psychology | 2.5/2.5 |
Crowd Reaction | 2.5/2.5 |
- Dave Meltzer Rating: 5 Stars
- Cagematch.net Rating: 9.63
Arguably CM Punk’s greatest match in WWE (and also his greatest match full stop) came against John Cena at Money in the Bank 2011. Not only did this have great in-ring work, but also had a legendary story backing it up, with Punk’s WWE contract expiring later that night.
In front of a red-hot Chicago crowd, Vince McMahon’s own desperation to stop Punk winning allowed him the opportunity to win the WWE Championship in one of the best title victories in WWE history. A truly incredible moment at the end of a stunning match.
