WWE SummerSlam 2012: Play-by-Play of CM Punk's Triple-Threat Victory

WWE SummerSlam 2012 saw the Champion CM Punk defending the title in a triple-threat match against John Cena and Big Show.

And in case you were wondering, it was not the main event.

There are likely many fans out there who are losing their minds over this, mostly because Punk has been featured in, I don’t know, three, main events since winning the WWE Title back in September.

I’m just playing. I have no idea how many it’s been. Someone look that up.

But at the very least, the champ came out last, as it should be, so the fact is, this one got off to a good start.

Wearing pink gear, Punk was really working the crowd upon his entrance, once again providing more questions than answers as to what side he’s on.

That’s right, some fans don’t believe he’s turned heel. Crazy, right?

Big Show was the man in charge early on in this one, another moment that was fully expected. Show, as long as he’s on his feet, should always be in control. He’s just so massive and lately has been pushed pretty hard on the main event level, that anything less would make no sense.

The fact is, he looked pretty good, and even got a nice little pop from the crowd when he nailed a double suplex on Punk and Cena.

Speaking of the crowd, apparently, they also never got the memo concerning Punk’s heel turn because they were squarely in the corner of the champ.

Cena was kept out of the ring for a few minutes, allowing Punk and Show to do some work, as the Giant continued to dismantle the WWE Champion.

But ever the hero, John came back in and was met with a Big Show spear for his trouble.

Show, with Cena and Punk on the mat, climbed the ropes, looking for a double splash. John moved, but Punk did not, as he and Show went back to mixing it up.

Big Show remained on his feet for an extremely long time, looking better in a match on this level than he perhaps ever has. Even Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler put that fact over, saying that they had never seen him that unstoppable.

But thanks to Cena, Show’s back finally met the canvas, as well as Punk’s top rope elbow.

For the first time in the match, Show was in trouble, as Punk cinched him up in a submission move on the mat. Show, however, powered his way out, and then went back down from a John Cena shoulder block.

Fighting out of Cena’s STF, Show caught the face of WWE in mid-air, only to be downed by Punk. 

Gotta love these back-and-forth triple-threat matches, right?

Punk nailed his patented running knee strikes in the corner on Show, and before you know it, Show was caught in the STF, as well as the Anaconda Vise.

Big Show taps out, and your winner is?

Raw general manager AJ Lee skipped down to the ring and confronted both Punk and Cena, who were demanding to know her decision.

AJ unexpectedly restarted the match and Show nearly gained the pin after chokeslamming both men.

Looking for the knockout punch, Show was caught with the Attitude Adjustment by Cena. But before he could cover the big man, he was pushed out of the ring by Punk, who got the 1-2-3 on the Giant.

You winner and still WWE Champion, CM Punk.

And yes, that was a heel move. Stop it.

So, the champ is still here and is likely still on a path toward the Rock at the Royal Rumble. At least  that’s my take.

Only time will tell.