This rivalry started with CM Punk becoming the leader of the The New Nexus. The former leader of the Straight Edge Society, in his new role, cost Orton the WWE Championship at the 2011 Royal Rumble, claiming that it was his revenge for getting punted in the head at Unforgiven in 2008. This was a punt that caused Punk to forfeit the World Heavyweight Championship. Later that same month, the then anonymous Raw General Manager announced a match between Punk and Orton at Mania 27. In addition, the General Manager said that Orton would have to face one of the members of the New Nexus each week up until the match. If Orton lost any of these singles bouts, his opponent would be allowed to be in Punk's corner at WrestleMania. However, if he won, his opponent would be banned from attending the event. Orton won all of his matches which meant Michael McGillicutty, David Otunga and Mason Ryan were all banned from ringside. This didn't stop Punk from hitting Orton's right leg with a wrench after the Best In The World used Orton's wife as bait. As for the match itself, Punk spent most of the match focusing on Ortons injured knee until Orton made a heroic comeback later on the match. Orton then signalled for the punt to the skull but his injured knee prevented him from doing so. Immediately, Punk went for the GTS, but Orton saw it coming and went for an RKO of his own. Punk dodged and went to the top rope where he tried a Springboard Clothesline, but Orton countered and hit the RKO for the win.
