The self-proclaimed "Best in the World" proved his nickname to be accurate as he carried the WWE Championship for well over a year, beginning with his defeat of Alberto Del Rio on November 20, 2011 at the Survivor Series pay-per-view and ending on January 27, 2013 with a loss to The Rock at the Royal Rumble. During his time as champion, he was the company's workhorse, appearing on both Raw and SmackDown and working some of the best matches the company produced in that span of time. Unheard of for the period of time in which it took place, Punk's reign ranks as the longest in 25 years. While he played second fiddle to John Cena more times than not, Punk wrestled the likes of Daniel Bryan and Chris Jericho in some absolutely stellar bouts. The Chicago Street Fight against Jericho in Punk's hometown, with his family watching from the front row, stands out as the best of the Jericho series while Punk proved his in-ring ability in a straight wrestling match against Bryan a month later at the Over the Limit pay-per-view. His September defense against John Cena at Night of Champions cemented that rivalry as the greatest of this generation. Punk was instrumental in helping Ryback thrive as a main event star in late-2012, providing the perfect foil for the dominant young star. He bumped all over the ring for the former Nexus member and really put him over as a force and potential mega star for the promotion. His TLC match against the so-called "big guy" on Raw in January of 2013 was very good and featured a new take on the match, settling for story rather than insane bumps. With it being necessary for the title to find its way to The Rock to set up a second, consecutive main event against Cena at WrestleMania 29 in April of 2013, it was only a matter of time before Punk's reign came to an end. Punk would rebound nicely, squaring off against Cena in a Match of the Year contender on the February 25 episode of Raw and taking Undertaker to the limit at the aforementioned WrestleMania 29.
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.
