4. CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar - No Disqualification Match - SummerSlam 2013
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWBg2UNdkdQ The result of Paul Heyman's shocking betrayal of CM Punk at July 2013's Money in the Bank pay-per-view, the match between Punk and Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam was a brutal bout that really put Lesnar over as a beastly competitor and would go on to win numerous Match of the Year honors. Lesnar attacked from the get-go and tried to wear down his smaller opponent but Punk fought back, something that would become a theme throughout the match. Punk would attempt to use the ring steps but Lesnar propelled himself at the steps, sending them back in Punk's face. The longest reigning WWE champion of the last 25 years settled down and took control of the match, battering Lesnar around ringside to the approval of the fans jam-packed into the Staples Center. His determination to pay Heyman back for his actions a month early, however, led to him becoming distracted on more than one occasion and allowed Lesnar back into the match. The much larger Lesnar manhandled Punk for a great deal of the middle portion of the match, thwarting a few comeback attempts and leaning heavily on the strength advantage. Punk eventually fought his way back into the bout, biting Lesnar's ear and stunning the Beast Incarnate with a series of strikes to the head and legs. An series of reversals surrounding the GTS and F5s was outstanding, as was Lesnar reversing a second GTS attempt into the Kimura Lock. Punk countered out of the hold and into an arm bar of his own. A triangle choke followed as Lesnar found himself in legitimate danger of losing the match. A massive powerbomb broke the hold and saved the match for the former UFC star. Eventually, the interference from Heyman and the potential for Punk to gain a measure of revenge proved to be too big a temptation. Punk allowed himself to be distracted and Lesnar took advantage, delivering the F5 for the pinfall victory in a simply phenomenal match.
Erik Beaston
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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.
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