10 Most Shocking Appearances Of Blood In The PG Era
8. CM Punk (Monday Night Raw, August 27th 2012)
An underrated side project during a record-smashing 2012-2013 WWE Title run, CM Punk's mini-programme with Jerry Lawler fittingly drew on Memphisian influences as the newly-minted heel worked to get fresh heat in between in his John Cena and Ryback rivalries.
As part of the simmering tension, the two would later brawl backstage before the show even went on the air, and Punk infamously derided 'The King' when he returned to the company following an on-air heart attack several months later. But their summer steel cage brawl drew the most controversy when the Champion appeared to quite blatantly flout company policy by cutting himself as he was launched into the mesh.
The claret became a huge source of speculation and consternation in the weeks that followed, as Punk revealed the stitches he'd needed to close the wound, and no reports of a fine or punishment leaked out. Referee Charles Robinson donned gloves as Punk's blood flowed, but had just seconds earlier appeared to pocket the offending blade shortly after 'The Voice Of The Voiceless' had done the deed.
Where it's presence did succeed though, is in making the match a talking point. A staunch traditionalist that undoubtedly watched a million Jerry Lawler cage payoffs, Punk's sense that the battle required blood was sharp, and elevated the contest's status above other forgettable Raw main events.