CM Punk's top five best WWE SummerSlam matches

CM Punk has battled top names in WWE at SummerSlam over the years.

WWE SummerSlam 2025 is rapidly approaching and is less than a week away from emanating from MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, on August 2nd and 3rd. One of the top superstars involved in the first-ever two-night SummerSlam will be CM Punk.

The Best in the World is set to challenge Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship after winning a Gauntlet match on Monday Night RAW a few weeks ago.

Before Punk looks to regain a world title after more than a decade in WWE, here is a look back at his top five SummerSlam showdowns:

5. Jeff Hardy (2009)

The year 2009 saw the peak of CM Punk and Jeff Harry’s heated feud that had been prevalent for months. The SummerSlam saw the clash in Harry’s specialty match, TLC, for the World Heavyweight Championship.

Despite Hardy having the advantage, Punk managed to put him down and climb the ladder to retrieve the title and become champion.

Also Read: All matches announced for WWE SummerSlam 2025 so far

4. Drew McIntyre (2024)

CM Punk’s first match after recovering from his triceps injury came against the same man who injured him, Drew McIntyre, at SummerSlam 2024.

Adding to that, Seth Rollins was made the Special Guest Referee. The two heated rivals decimated each other following months of a captivating rivalry, and Rollins’ interference led to Punk losing the match to McIntyre.

3. John Morrison (2007)

The 2007 WWE SummerSlam edition saw the debut of CM Punk at the show. He was scheduled to compete against his formidable foe, John Morrison, for the ECW World Championship. The two young talents collided in an epic match, but despite his best efforts, Punk was unable to dethrone The Prince of Parkour for his title.

2. Brock Lesnar (2013)

Paul Heyman betrayed CM Punk in 2013 and aligned back with his Beast Incarnate, Brock Lesnar. This set up a huge collision between Punk and Lesnar, billed as ‘The Best vs The Beast.’

Punk managed to put up a great fight against the former UFC Champion, but a thunderous F-5 was lights out for Punk in that match.

Also Read: List of 25 greatest SummerSlam matches in history (via WWE)

1. John Cena (2011)

After CM Punk returned to WWE following a brief absence, Triple H made a match between him and John Cena for SummerSlam 2011 to crown the Undisputed WWE Champion and appointed himself as the Special Guest Referee.

It was perhaps one of the best encounters in their iconic rivalry, and the ending saw Punk controversially winning the match. However, a post-match attack by Kevin Nash led to Alberto Del Rio cashing in his Money in the Bank contract and walking out with the title.

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