John Cena Announces That He'll Cash in Title Shot Against CM Punk at Raw 1000

John Cena put the WWE world on notice with his tweet Monday afternoon regarding his plans for Monday Night Raw.

"

I've got a huge announcement tonight on #Raw!LIVE 9/8 CT @USA_Network - Video:tout.com/m/apgqq6?ref=t…

— John Cena (@JohnCena) July 16, 2012"

Cena's announcement lived up to its billing. With Raw's telecast nearing its end, Cena announced that he will cash in the title shot he earned at Money in the Bank against CM Punk at Raw 1000.

He could have taken advantage of a battered Punk after his bout with Big Show, but Cena decided to give Punk a week to recuperate.

This shouldn't come as a surprise. Cena's victory over Chris Jericho, Kane, Big Show and late-entrant The Miz in one of MITB's two contract matches was epic. Big Show appeared to have the match won before Cena bashed his head with the prized briefcase. Big Show fell off of the ladder and Cena won the coveted WWE title shot.

It was Cena's first MITB ladder match in his WWE career, and he didn't disappoint. 

WWE fans should know Cena well enough to expect an announcement like this just one day after winning his title shot. He loves the "big" moment, and this is a golden opportunity to wrap some hardware back around his waist.

Many times the MITB winner will try to use timing to his advantage. In Sunday night's MITB festivities, Dolph Ziggler tried to cash in his WWE Heavyweight championship chance against a worn-down Sheamus. 

That didn't happen, but we shouldn't be surprised. It's an opportunistic strategy for any competitor seeking an open path to the top. 

His choice to fight CM Punk fits the bill in terms of hype and history. CM Punk defeated Cena on July 17 last year to win the WWE championship, and Raw 1000 will be a major promotional event.

Cena is designed as one of wrestling's "good" guys for a reason. He made the noble choice by choosing to take on CM Punk at Raw 1000 rather than in the heat of Punk's hard-fought victory Monday night. 

Expect the hype surrounding this match to reach a fever pitch in the days leading up to WWE's milestone event.