25 Best John Cena Matches
5. Vs. CM Punk - WWE Raw (February 25, 2013)
When John Cena won the 2013 Royal Rumble, he earned a shot at the WWE Champion - and when The Rock defeated CM Punk for the title later in the show, Cena had a chance to avenge one of his most crushing losses. Unfortunately, Punk - with whom Cena had had much difficulty over the years - stood in the challenger's way. Punk wanted to headline WrestleMania, and he challenged Cena to a bout on Raw with the title shot on the line. Cena, having unfinished business with Punk as well, accepted.
Punk was especially aggressive early in the match, but Cena would not be denied. Both men fought tooth and nail, with Punk taking to the air on more than one occasion and Cena using his strength to try and drain his opponent's energy. Cena used an Attitude Adjustment, but it wasn't enough to defeat Punk. The would-be number one contender fought back with two Go To Sleeps, but that, too, wasn't enough to win the match. Even a Piledriver by Punk lead to a Cena kickout.
Punk nearly won by countout late in the match, but Cena dove back in the ring just before ten. It was only when Punk climbed up top and went for an elbow drop that Cena was able to put Punk away - he avoided the move, hit a hurricanrana, and scored the AA for the pin.