2. WWE Championship Match: Daniel Bryan vs. CM Punk - Over The Limit 2012
The idea of a match between Daniel Bryan and CM Punk understandably had fans of the sport of professional wrestling excited as Over the Limit 2012 arrived. Both were extraordinary workers, world renowned for the classics they had spawned in independent promotions across the country. But never before had they mixed it up on the grand stage that a company as large as WWE presents. As they locked up, the fans in Raleigh, North Carolina, understood they were witnessing something truly special. For nearly 25 minutes, they masters of the mat waged war over the top prize in the industry, using submissions attempts and counters to keep fans on the edge of their seats. There was no weaponry, no special stipulation. It was just two immensely talented individuals proving to the world why they were the best in the world at what they did, regardless of what Chris Jericho may have tried to argue. Late in the match, Punk weathered the NO! Lock and scored the victory off of a well-timed rollup. The match was a classic example of two Superstars seizing an opportunity and completely outclassing every other match and performer on the show. It should have been the main event, the last match fans saw. Instead, it was undercard support for a marquee bout pitting John Cena vs. John Laurinaitis. And fans wonder why Bryan spent so much of his time frustrated and Punk simply walked out.
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.
