Prelude to a Rivalry (early 2011)
In 2011, CM Punk posted an impressive 6-1 singles record against John Cena, with most of the damage (including four straight victories) coming before their Money in the Bank classic.
Sure, shenanigans were involved, but against Cena, a win is a win.
Their January 17 match on Raw in particular exhibited signs of a special chemistry. A frosted-tipped Punk had just formed the New Nexus (remember them?), while Cena was on his never-lose shit.
Both stars accentuated each other’s strengths, with the Chicago native locking in an unusual leg choke hold and Cena catching Punk in mid-air off a top-rope, springboard crossbody attempt to the outside.
The back-and-forth affair concluded when Punk weaseled his way to a DQ win, thanks to interference from former New Nexus member (and current Cirque du Soleil star) Mason Ryan.
It’s remarkable to think that the landscape-shifting Cena-Punk summer rivalry was just a few months down the road.
