10 CM Punk Matches You Need To Relive On WWE Network

5. CM Punk vs. Jeff Hardy (Smackdown, 8/28/09)

Jeff Hardy's obvious drug addiction issues and CM Punk's straight-edge lifestyle were perfect bedfellows for a feud, and it's quite impressive that it took the company three years to finally make it happen. However, when it did (and especially whenever Punk would allude to Hardy's desire to 'live for the moment' as a veiled reference to drug abuse), it was amazing and truly captivating television. Jeff Hardy as WWE Champion was for those who had been a fan of Hardy for 13 years in WWE the cashing in of years of passionate fandom with the ultimate reward. Comparatively long haired and unconventionally handsome, CM Punk felt like a Hardy heir apparent. However, in being the heel in this feud, it plucked at the nerves of the WWE Universe that ideally looked to Punk in many ways as the second coming of Hardy. He *REALLY* wasn't, so the palpable deflation of the crowd (though many knew that Hardy's substance abuse issues were leading to his departure anyway) with the finish to this one is truly incredible to watch.