WWE Over the Limit 2012 Results: Why CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan Was Match of Night

CM Punk versus Daniel Bryan had absolutely everything. It had technical skills, it had hard hits, it had the intrigue of injury on both sides and it had excitement. It had countless near-falls, it had a controversial finish and it included the perfect combatants for such a back-and-forth match.  

The official WWE website summed up the background best:

"

Their championship reigns were some of the most dominant in late 2011 and early 2012, and they come from a hardscrabble, old-school wrestling background that has endeared them to the WWE Universe in a way that is not typically seen amongst modern Superstars. And now, at Over the Limit, they will finally meet with the supreme prize on the line.

"

Punk and Bryan entered this match with a rivalry, but it was a healthy rivalry. Both wanted to take the WWE championship home, but they both still respected each other.

Thus an epic battle, which would not disappoint, was set up. 

Punk, who was limited by a nasty rib injury, went after Bryan, who was equally hobbled by his knee. They attacked each other's weaknesses, which only added to the excitement. 

It was a back-and-forth match that could have ended multiple times, but each fighter took things to the absolute limit and displayed everything in their arsenal.

There were high-flying moves off the top ropes, there were painful slams that sent reverberations throughout the ring, and there were submissions that nearly ended the match. 

Near the end, Bryan was nearly pinned. However, against all odds, he got his foot on the rope to stop the count.

The excitement continued as the controversial finish followed.

Bryan applied the Yes Lock on Punk. Punk appeared prepared to submit for the loss, before he seemingly accidentally rolled Bryan over for a three-count.

As soon as Punk got the three-count, he tapped out, but he had already secured the victory and the WWE championship. 

This was back-and-forth for 15 solid minutes. There were near-falls, near-tap-outs, impressive skills on display and again that controversial finish. It really did have everything, and that's what made it the best match of the night. 

Especially considering the let-down of a main event. 

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