CM Punk’s Best WWE Matches

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.

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: 2024/04/21 17:30 EST BY ANDREW KELLY

CM Punk is called the “Best In The World” for a reason, because even within the strict confines of a Vince McMahon led WWE, CM Punk managed to change the game by delivering so many strong performances inside the ring. It would be foolish to not continue to take a look at more of Punk’s most favorable exploits in WWE, with several top matches to his name. Punk is sure to add to this list once he comes back from injury if his work in AEW is anything to go by, but as of now, these matches all come from his original WWE run.

18 CM Punk Vs. Christian Vs. RVD Vs. Daniel Bryan Vs. Randy Orton Vs. Sheamus (WWE Money In The Bank 2013)

Overall Rating From TheSportster: 7.75/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 4.5 Stars
• Cagematch.net Rating: 7.98

The RAW Money in the Bank ladder match in 2013 was a star-studded affair fit with both former and future WWE World Champion. RVD’s return was a big talking point, but the turn from Paul Heyman on CM Punk was a massive moment of this match too, adding to the overall story. This wasn’t as wild and crazy as some other MITB matches, but it was driven by strong storytelling and character work, making it a very good match for all involved.

17 CM Punk Vs. Chris Jericho (WWE WrestleMania 28)

Overall Rating From TheSportster: 7.75/10

• 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.

16 CM Punk Vs. John Cena (WWE SummerSlam 2011)

Overall Rating From TheSportster: 7.75/10

• 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.

15 CM Punk Vs. Jeff Hardy (WWE SmackDown 08/25/2009)

Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 4 Stars
• Cagematch.net Rating: 7.77

The feud between CM Punk and Jeff Hardy carried SmackDown through the summer of 2009, and it all culminated in this Steel Cage match. It might not have been the best match of their series, but it brought with it intensity, storytelling, and passion, which had been built up for months in the lead up. Hardy’s desperation to not only cling to his job but to win back his title was a great drivng force, but he was unable to match the heel tactics of CM Punk, who once again looked like an absolute star in the making here. Certainly one of the best Steel Cage matches in SmackDown history.

14 CM Punk Vs. Rey Mysterio (Capitol Punishment 2011)

Overall Rating From The Sportster: 8/10

• 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.

13 Money In The Bank Ladder Match (WWE WrestleMania 24)

Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8.25/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 3.25 Stars
• Cagematch.net Rating: 8.23

In 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.

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.

12 Money In The Bank Ladder Match (WWE WrestleMania 23)

Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8.25/10

• Dave Meltzer Rating: 2.25 Stars
• Cagematch.net Rating: 8.29

WrestleMania 23 kicked off with one of the best Money in the Bank ladder matches which was jam-packed with talent and star power including CM Punk, Randy Orton, Edge, Jeff Hardy, and more. This match alone offered several of the most memorable spots in the history of this match type, and whilst the winner Mr. Kennedy didn’t end up being the best choice of winner, it doesn’t take away from how enjoyable, chaotic, and thrilling this bout ended up being.

11 CM Punk Vs. Chris Jericho (WWE Extreme Rules 2012)

Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8.25/10

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.

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

• 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.