WWE Opinion: Top CM Punk Matches of 2012

Throughout his career, CM Punk has wrestled in multiple classics. You could easily point to a few matches in his rivalry with Jeff Hardy, as well as his Last Man Standing match with Randy Orton, and let's not forget his matchups with John Cena.

But over the course of 2012, he has continued to put on a show. No matter who he steps in the ring with, he manages to make it look good.

I have broken it down and created a list of his top five matches so far here in 2012. I understand that everybody is entitled to their opinion, so please comment with any questions, suggestions, and/or criticism. Now, without further ado, let's begin!

Honorable Mentions

CM Punk vs Dolph Ziggler (Royal Rumble)

Raw Elimination Chamber (Elimination Chamber)

CM Punk vs Jack Swagger/Dolph Ziggler (Gauntlet Match)

CM Punk vs Daniel Bryan vs Kane (No Way Out)

#5: CM Punk vs Daniel Bryan (Raw, January 30th)

Just one night after a very lackluster Royal Rumble, John Laurinaitis scheduled a big match, pitting the World HeavyWeight Champion up against the WWE Champion. With both CM Punk and Daniel Bryan retaining their titles at the Rumble, we were in store for a dream match-up. And boy, did those two men deliver. 

On that night, we saw one of the best Raw matches of 2012. It was filled with fantastic back and forth action from both men, as I truly could not predict who would win. At each near fall, I sat at the due of my seat, anticipating the end of the match, only to be shocked moments later. For just over 10 minutes, these two proved why they truly are two of the best wrestlers in the entire world.

Had Chris Jericho not interfered, I probably would have ranked this a little higher. While I understand the reasoning behind Jericho's assault and I'm all for it, it definitely tarnished the overall match wrestling-wise. I can only speak for myself, but I'm never truly happy without a definitive outcome. Nonetheless, without the interference, these two may never have been able to ignite a rivalry not to long after this night.

Despite Jericho ending this match by disqualification, this bout will always be remembered for it's great wrestling from start to finish. This is one match that signified that these guys belong in the main event despite not looking like your average wrestler. For these reasons, Punk vs Bryan on the January 30 episode of Raw cracks my list at the No.5 spot.

#4: CM Punk vs Daniel Bryan (Money in the Bank)

In their most recent contest, CM Punk and Daniel Bryan once again put on a show. In what seemed like a very predictable night, these two men made yet another predictable match still turn out amazing. Towards the beginning of the match, I had the end already planned out. However, as the match progressed, I couldn't pick a clear favorite.

Coming into the match, I thought the idea of AJ as the referee was going to be perfect. While it may take away from the wrestling aspect, it still continues to progress what has been a pretty well-drawn out storyline up until then. However, other then taking a spill and preventing a few weapons from entering play, she literally did nothing more. She was unbiased (which pissed me off) and she didn't help her character profession much if at all.

The match however, was simply amazing. The physicality, mixed with the great kicks, mixed with the amazing technical wrestling left me in awe. After watching guys like Sin Cara botch their way through their matches, it was great to finally see two guys who really know how to put on a show. While it looks like their feud will be over for now, I expect these two to go at it quite a few times before it's all said and done. And after this match, I don't think anybody will be upset about these two crossing paths later on.

#3: CM Punk vs Chris Jericho (WrestleMania)

As the Road to WrestleMania approached, Chris Jericho made his much anticipated return after airing mysterious vignettes. After getting a spot in the Royal Rumble and finishing as the runner-up to Super Sheamus, Chris set his eyes on the WWE Championship and CM Punk. The two immediately embroiled in fantastic feud, as each wrestler claimed to be the Best in the World.

In what became a very personal rivalry, Punk and Y2J attempted to find out who truly was the best as they faced off the WrestleMania 29. In what was an absolutely fantastic match, Punk defied the odds and walked out still our WWE Champion. 

Coming into the night, I had expected Jericho to find a way out as the winner, due to the fact that he was approaching his third PPV since his return and was without a win. However, WWE still had him take the pin and to this day, he is yet to win a PPV match since his return.

Both guys had their A-game that night, and truly helped establish that night as one of the best in WrestleMania history. Despite, going up against matches like The Rock vs John Cena and Triple H vs The Undertaker, Jericho and Punk still managed to make their match a referable one. While the match didn't exactly steal the show, it involved some great match work and definitely earned the No.3 spot on my list.

#2: CM Punk vs Chris Jericho (Extreme Rules)

After being given a rematch against Punk, Jericho got a second shot to show why he is the Best in the World. However, this time it was different. Fighting under Extreme Rules, these two competed in what was one of the most brutal, physical, hard-hitting matches this year. They were able to combine weapons with great wrestling to create a true classic.

One issue I had with this match that Jericho was made out to look somewhat weak. It was his fourth match on paper view, yet he walked out zero and four. After a much anticipated return, many assumed he would find some way to attain the WWE Championship, but instead he lost again.

The match in itself was a great way to end a terrific rivalry. Both men ended up going their separate ways, but this match symbolizes the ability of both men. The well-wrestled violent match was good enough to fight its way into the No.2 spot on a very competitive list.

#1: CM Punk vs Daniel Bryan (Over the Limit)

Was there ever any doubt?

When I look at this match, one things comes to mind: WOW!

After entering a rivalry, fans could not wait for them to get in the ring together. While they had fought in the past, the WWE Championship had never been on the line. While the buildup to the match was overshadowed by John Laurinaitis vs John Cena, it still managed to steal the show with complete ease.

While Chris Jericho and CM Punk are the men who claimed that they are Best in the World, at Over The Limit, Daniel Brian made a case as well. This match was just the beginning of a very solid, long, and somewhat one-sided rivalry.

While the two have since ended their feud, this match gives the fans a taste of what the two men can create on their best nights. This was obviously one of those nights, as they helped to make this the best match of 2012 for CM Punk, as well as all of WWE in my opinion.

They left it all on the line, and for that, they get the No.1 spot on my list.