Top 25 Matches Of CM Punk’s WWE Career
25. CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio – Armageddon 2008
CM Punk and Rey Mysterio squared off in the finals of a tournament to determine the number one contender for the Intercontinental Championship. The match demonstrated excellent technical ability with fluid chain wrestling and inventive counters, while Punk and Mysterio displayed solid character work and in-ring psychology. Storytelling highlighted the high stakes of the tournament final, though the crowd’s lackluster response slightly reduced the match’s impact. The bout earned a 3.5-star rating from Dave Meltzer and a 7.82 rating on Cagematch.net.
24. CM Punk vs. Undertaker vs. R-Truth vs. John Morrison vs. Chris Jericho vs. Rey Mysterio – Elimination Chamber 2010
This six-man Elimination Chamber match for the World Heavyweight Championship balanced strong storytelling with memorable moments, particularly through John Morrison’s athletic performances. While the technical execution was slightly uneven due to the number of participants, the character work and psychology of each competitor were effective, especially when Shawn Michaels’ interference dramatically altered The Undertaker’s fate. Crowd reactions were solid during key spots, earning the bout a 3.5-star Meltzer rating and a 7.82 on Cagematch.net.
23. CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan – RAW, 01/30/2012
In this champion vs. champion encounter, Punk and Daniel Bryan emphasized technical wrestling with hard strikes, counters, and strategic transitions. The storytelling focused on the in-ring psychology, with each man exploiting weaknesses in the other, while character work highlighted their contrasting styles. Despite minimal storyline buildup and Chris Jericho’s interference affecting the finish, the audience responded well, leading to a 7.58 rating on Cagematch.net. Meltzer did not provide a rating.
22. CM Punk vs. Christian vs. RVD vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton vs. Sheamus – Money in the Bank 2013
The RAW Money in the Bank ladder match featured multiple top-tier performers, with Punk at the center of a storyline twist as Paul Heyman betrayed him. Technical ability was strong throughout, and the performers effectively conveyed their characters’ motivations, while storytelling centered on betrayal and competition. Crowd engagement was consistent, and the match received a 4.5-star Meltzer rating and 7.98 on Cagematch.net.
21. CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho – WrestleMania 28
In their WrestleMania 28 encounter for the WWE title, the match featured the stipulation that Jericho would win the title if Punk was disqualified. This created unique storytelling challenges, but both wrestlers showcased technical skill and strong character work, with Jericho emphasizing heel tactics and Punk demonstrating restraint. The match’s pace was slower at times, and crowd reactions were muted, resulting in a 3.75-star Meltzer rating and 8.08 on Cagematch.net.
20. CM Punk vs. John Cena – SummerSlam 2011
Punk and Cena delivered a technically proficient and physically intense match for the Undisputed WWE title, trading counters and big moves. Storytelling suffered slightly due to an overbooked finish involving Triple H and Alberto Del Rio, yet the performers’ character work and in-ring psychology remained compelling. The crowd responded enthusiastically during key sequences, and the match earned an 8.32 rating on Cagematch.net and 3.5 stars from Meltzer.
19. CM Punk vs. Jeff Hardy – SmackDown 08/25/2009
This Steel Cage match concluded a heated summer-long feud, emphasizing Punk’s cunning heel tactics against Hardy’s desperation. Technical ability and storytelling worked hand-in-hand to create suspense, while both competitors’ psychology reinforced the match’s emotional stakes. Crowd reactions were strong, and the bout received a 4-star Meltzer rating and 7.77 on Cagematch.net.
18. CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio – Capitol Punishment 2011
Despite being part of a poorly received PPV, Punk and Mysterio delivered one of the night’s highlights. Technical wrestling, inventive counters, and strategic pacing underscored their chemistry, while character work and psychology made the match engaging. Storytelling was limited by a lack of build, but the crowd’s interest in their back-and-forth exchanges earned the bout a 3.75-star Meltzer rating and 7.71 on Cagematch.net.
17. CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre – SummerSlam 2024
The “bracelet” storyline added narrative depth to this contest, while Punk and McIntyre showcased strong character work and psychology. Technical execution was solid, though not flawless, and the storytelling highlighted the personal animosity between the two. Crowd reactions were enthusiastic, reflecting the match’s intensity, with a 3-star Meltzer rating and a 6.76 on Cagematch.net.
16. Money in the Bank Ladder Match – WrestleMania 24
This multi-man ladder match featured high-paced technical action and inventive sequences, including Jericho’s mishap and Morrison’s moonsault. Storytelling focused on urgency and opportunity, while character work was highlighted through individual risk-taking. Crowd reactions elevated the match’s drama, resulting in a 3.25-star Meltzer rating and an 8.23 on Cagematch.net. Moreover, this also led to Punk winning his second consecutive MITB ladder match in two years.
15. Money in the Bank Ladder Match – WrestleMania 23
Punk competed against Orton, Edge, and Hardy in a match filled with memorable spots and inventive ladder work. Technical execution was mixed due to the crowded field, but storytelling and character psychology remained strong, emphasizing the chaotic nature of the contest. Crowd reactions were lively, earning a 2.25-star Meltzer rating and 8.29 on Cagematch.net.
14. CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho – Extreme Rules 2012
The Chicago Street Fight allowed Punk and Jericho to display physicality alongside strategic storytelling. Technical execution was measured, while character work and psychology elevated the match’s intensity. The crowd’s engagement during key spots helped maintain momentum, giving the match a 3.5-star Meltzer rating and 8.27 on Cagematch.net.
13. CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan – Money in the Bank 2012
A hardcore-style contest with kendo sticks and tables emphasized both performers’ technical abilities and storytelling. Punk and Bryan’s psychology highlighted their determination and rivalry, while audience reaction enhanced key sequences. AJ Lee’s interference affected the finish, but the match received a 4.25-star Meltzer rating and 8.54 on Cagematch.net.
12. OG Bloodline & CM Punk vs. New Bloodline & Bronson Reed – Survivor Series 2024
In a high-profile War Games match, storytelling and character work were enhanced through Punk’s interactions with Roman Reigns and faction rivalries. Technical execution was mostly smooth, with occasional pacing lulls, while crowd reactions supported the dramatic narrative. The bout earned a 4.25-star Meltzer rating and an 8.02 on Cagematch.net.
11. CM Punk vs. Jeff Hardy – SummerSlam 2009
The TLC match capped Punk and Hardy’s personal feud, featuring carefully executed spots, strategic storytelling, and compelling psychology. Technical ability and character work reinforced the narrative stakes, with crowd reactions highlighting the suspense. The bout received a 4.25-star Meltzer rating and 8.92 on Cagematch.net.
10. CM Punk vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. The Miz – TLC 2011
A triple-threat TLC contest where storytelling focused on the heels’ alliance and eventual downfall. Punk’s in-ring psychology and technical ability allowed him to overcome handcuffs and secure victory. Crowd engagement elevated the drama, giving the match a 4.25-star Meltzer rating and 8.14 on Cagematch.net.
9. CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho – Payback 2013
Returning from a brief absence, Punk faced Jericho in front of a raucous Chicago crowd. Technical execution, storytelling, and character psychology showcased Punk overcoming ring rust, with crowd energy amplifying the drama. The bout earned a 4.5-star Meltzer rating and 8.56 on Cagematch.net.
8. CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan – Over the Limit 2012
This match highlighted crisp technical wrestling, with fluid transitions, counters, and precise strikes. Storytelling and psychology were strong, emphasizing each man’s resilience, and crowd reactions maintained engagement throughout. Meltzer rated it 4.5 stars, and Cagematch.net gave it 9.10.
7. CM Punk vs. John Cena – Night of Champions 2012
Punk and Cena showcased their in-ring mastery, exchanging finishers and counters in a technically exceptional contest. Storytelling emphasized Punk’s heel tactics and Cena’s babyface resilience, with psychology enhancing each reversal. The crowd followed every major sequence, and the match earned 4.25 stars from Meltzer and 8.89 on Cagematch.net.
6. CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins – WrestleMania 41
A triple-threat main event integrating in-ring history and interwoven storylines. Technical ability was solid, while character psychology and storytelling were elevated through Paul Heyman’s betrayal. Crowd reactions supported the narrative stakes, giving it an 8.86 on Cagematch.net.
5. CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar – SummerSlam 2013
Punk faced Lesnar in a no-disqualification contest, emphasizing David vs. Goliath storytelling. Technical execution, counters, and psychology highlighted Punk’s resourcefulness, while Lesnar’s presence reinforced the threat. Crowd engagement amplified tension, earning 4.5 stars from Meltzer and 9.35 on Cagematch.net.
4. CM Punk vs. The Undertaker – WrestleMania 29
Heel Punk stole Paul Bearer’s urn, provoking Undertaker and setting up compelling storytelling. Technical ability and psychology created tension through near-falls, while the crowd reacted intensely to key moments. The match earned 4.5 stars from Meltzer and 9.04 on Cagematch.net.
3. CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre – Bad Blood 2024
A Hell in a Cell brawl built around months of personal animosity. Storytelling and psychology were exceptional, with brutal in-ring spots reflecting the feud’s intensity. Technical execution was strong despite the violent environment, and crowd reactions were highly engaged. Meltzer rated it 5 stars, and Cagematch.net gave it 9.45.
2. CM Punk vs. John Cena – RAW 02/25/2013
This match concluded a long-standing rivalry, combining technical precision with dramatic storytelling. Punk’s counters, character psychology, and tactical use of signature moves created tension, while Cena’s babyface resilience added stakes. Crowd energy amplified the drama, earning 4.5 stars from Meltzer and 9.30 on Cagematch.net.
1. CM Punk vs. John Cena – Money in the Bank 2011
Punk vs. Cena at MITB 2011 stands as Punk’s career-defining bout. Technical ability, storytelling, and psychology were seamlessly integrated, highlighting Punk’s contract drama and Cena’s struggle. Crowd reactions in Chicago were electric, elevating every near-fall and counter. The match earned a perfect 5-star rating from Meltzer and 9.63 on Cagematch.net, cement
