John Cena and CM Punk are one of the most storied WWE rivalries of all time.
WWE has seen iconic superstars engage in highly captivating and enthralling feuds for years. Among that illustrious list, one of the most storied feuds of all time has been between two top-tier WWE superstars of all time, John Cena and CM Punk.
The duo has collided in massive showdowns and created highly memorable moments during their rivalry. With Cena and Punk set to face each other one last time for the Undisputed WWE title at the 2025 Night of Champions in Riyadh on June 28, here is a look back at their five greatest in-ring encounters:
5. WWE RAW – 2010
In 2010, CM Punk was the leader of the Straight Edge Society. He had slowly begun his iconic feud with John Cena at the time, but had not quite reached the main event status that he did after his infamous Pipebomb.
Despite that, his in-ring ability was at a top level, and he utilized it to produce a great match on the Viewers’ Choice episode of RAW. However, it did not have a conclusion due to the interference of Wade Barrett’s faction’s debut on RAW, The Nexus.
Also Read: All matches announced for WWE Night of Champions 2025 so far
4. Night of Champions – 2012
John Cena and CM Punk have faced each other at the Night of Champions event before. It was at the 2012 edition where Punk was the narcissistic champion and Cena was the good guy in a role reversal from today’s scenario. It was a spectacular showdown, but ended in a draw with The Best in the World retaining his WWE title.
3. SummerSlam – 2011
CM Punk and John Cena faced each other at the 2011 WWE SummerSlam event. The match was to crown the undisputed WWE Champion, as both men held a claim to the title, with Triple H serving as the Special Guest Referee. Punk picked up a controversial win, although he lost the title to a cash-in by Alberto Del Rio following an unexpected attack by Kevin Nash.
2. WWE RAW – 2013
The last time WWE Universe witnessed a clash between John Cena and CM Punk was on an episode of RAW in 2013. The match was to crown the No.1 contender for The Rock’s WWE title at WrestleMania 29. Both men delivered an exciting bout, which ended with Cena winning and retaining his title shot for The Show of Shows.
1. Money in the Bank 2011
One of the greatest in-ring WWE showdowns, not only in the feud between John Cena and CM Punk, but of all time, took place at the 2011 Money in the Bank event. The match took place in Punk’s hometown with the crowd fully in his support and showering loud jeers for The Cenation Leader.
It saw Vince McMahon trying to screw over Punk, but Cena intervened. This cost him the match as Punk hit the GTS and won the WWE title. He then blew a kiss goodbye to McMahon and fled with the title as his contract with WWE came to an end that night, and became one of the most memorable matches of all time.
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