6. WWE Championship Match: John Cena vs. CM Punk (SummerSlam 2011)
Money in the Bank in July 2011 was a glorious homecoming for CM Punk, who not only made good on his promise to win the WWE Championship, he also left Vince McMahon's promotion without a heavyweight champion after leaving with the gold. John Cena defeated Rey Mysterio to win the new championship but Punk's return to the company created controversy around the title picture. With each Superstar staking their claim to wrestling's most prestigious prize, a match to determine the undisputed WWE champion was scheduled for WWE's annual summertime spectacular. After a highly competitive match spanning 24 minutes, Punk blasted Cena with GTS and covered the unconscious leader of the Cenation. Special referee Triple H counted the fall but missed Cena drape his foot on the bottom rope, ensuring that questions regarding the rightful champion would continue. Unfortunately for Punk, an ill-timed post-match attack by the returning Kevin Nash left him prove to a Money in the Bank cash-in by Alberto Del Rio, who ultimately left Los Angeles' Staples Center with the championship.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
