10 Worst Endings To Awesome Wrestling Title Reigns

1. The Rock Needlessly Ends CM Punk's 434-day Reign

Sheamus Daniel Bryan 18 Seconds WrestleMania
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There was a lot wrong with CM Punk's 434-day reign as WWE Champion. 'The Voice Of The Voiceless' was, unfortunately, treated like a second-rate superstar throughout, headlining only 5 of the 17 pay-per-views that took place during his reign. Guys like John Cena hogged the spotlight despite Punk's status as WWE's top champion, and while his run was still impressive, we'd probably be talking about it as one of the best ever had he been booked stronger.

Still, it was the longest reign of his WWE career, and fans were just happy to have one of their favourites on top for such a length of time. The ending, however, was awful, and effectively proved that nothing had changed following 2011's Summer Of Punk.

The Rock defeated Punk at the 2013 Royal Rumble for the sake of inserting the championship into his feud with John Cena. Punk fell to one of the overpaid part-timers he'd spent the most memorable period of his career raging against, and the Rock/Cena rivalry's interest levels continued to decline, with many fans questioning why their big rematch needed a title.

It didn't, and in having Punk lose to The Rock, WWE gave 'The Voice Of The Voiceless' further ammunition to use against them following his departure in 2014.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.