WWE: The 11 Most Important Matches of CM Punk's WWE Career

Originally, this article was set to be focused on CM Punk's top 11 matches in his career that were of importance, due to his tenure in the WWE in just a few weeks. I began planning my slideshow hours before RAW went on air, before I witnessed one the greatest promos ever given at the hands of Punk in the closing minutes of RAW.

Even though it was worked, it has by far been the most controversial thing to occur on RAW since the Nexus attack last June, and even this blows that out of the water. WWE has taken this to the point where he is suspended indefinitely and even unverified on his Twitter account, showing me that the creative team has finally hatched up something smart for the first time in... well, ever.

Anyways, the illustrious career of CM Punk has been memorable to say the least, and has included some awesome matches due to either the emotion surrounding it or simply his tremendous work ability. I've chosen the 11 top matches that were of importance in his career in my personal opinion.

Please note, these are in no specific order and only cover his five-year WWE career due to his departure next month, and the fact that a whole other slideshow would have to made in order to cover his 5-star bouts competed on the independent scene, especially Ring of Honor.

Visit my Web site at Next Era Wrestling for more of GSM's writings, along with WWE/TNA news, recaps and more. Follow me on Twitter @GSM2ndComing.  

Punk and ECW Originals vs. New Breed: One Night Stand 2007

Since WrestleMania 23, many of the newer Superstars introduced to the ECW brand in early 2007 began to disrespect the ECW Originals, including Tommy Dreamer, Sabu and Rob Van Dam. This group of "punks" (no pun intended) were entitled the New Breed, consisting of Kevin Thorn, Elijah Burke, Matt Striker and Marcus Cor Von.

The two generations were engaged in a rivalry that saw both factions trade wins over a course of a few months, with saw CM Punk in the middle of it all. Originally siding with New Breed, Punk would rethink his offer and soon turn on them to join the ECW Originals in their quest for respect.

In what was their final blow-off match, the Originals cleanly defeated New Breed in a Tables Match, in an arena no more suitable than ECW One Night Stand. This contest certified Punk as a rising star in the Land of Extreme.

Punk vs. John Morrison for the ECW Championship: 9/4/07

Since June of 2007, Punk was dead set on capturing the prestigious ECW Championship from Johnny Nitro, who would later be known as John Morrison as the feud progressed. Punk came up short on three consecutive pay-per-views that summer, so it seemed as if SummerSlam was his final chance at the gold.

Despite the losses, the Straightedge Superstar was given one last shot at the belt on the September 4th edition of ECW, in a 15 Minutes of Fame match with Morrison. In the closing moments, Punk scored the GTS and his first major championship in the WWE.

Money in the Bank Ladder Match: WrestleMania 24

In his five-year tenure with the WWE, CM Punk has competed in three different Money in the Bank ladder matches at three consecutive WrestleManias. By this point, Punk has already won it twice, and is known as Mr. Money in the Bank for making a name for himself in this type of matchup.

At his first WrestleMania in 2007, Punk had a tremendous showing against the likes of Edge, Randy Orton and Jeff Hardy, only fingertips away from gabbing the opportunistic briefcase. It wasn't until next year that Punk would shine his brightest, surprisingly outsmarting Chris Jericho to win the briefcase.

Three months later, Punk would cash it in on the World Heavyweight Champion Edge, kicking off the first of three World Championship reigns. His main event potential was finally realized by this point, and the rest is history.

Punk vs. William Regal for the King of the Ring: 4/21/08

A few weeks following his Money in the Bank victory, CM Punk was automatically entered into the 2008 King of the Ring tournament, that took place on the April 14th edition of RAW. Punk defeated his first two opponents in the quarter and semifinals, with hard-fought victories over Matt Hardy and Chris Jericho.

With his opponent being RAW General Manager William Regal, many predicated Punk to leave with his briefcase and king's crown in hand. Little did they know that Regal would soon shock the world with a clean submission over Punk, taking the title of the king of the entire WWE.

Punk vs. Edge for the World Title: 6/30/08

At WrestleMania 24, CM Punk was successful in winning the Money in the Bank briefcase, meaning he had the opportunity to cash in for a World Title shot at any time he chose. The pieces didn't begin to fall in place until Punk was ultimately sent packing to Monday Nights via the 2008 draft on June 23rd, 2008.

However, after that Sunday, both World Championships were kept exclusive to the SmackDown brand, leaving the flagship show with a champion. Following a beating from Batista moments earlier, Punk struck gold literally that night by shocking the world and capturing his first World Championship in WWE, setting the stage for what was rather a chaotic summer.  

Punk vs. Chris Jericho for the World Title Inside a Steel Cage: 9/15/08

Enjoying his first World Heavyweight Championship reign, CM Punk picked up many victories over the likes of Batista, JBL, and Kane during the summer of 2008. However, due to being taken out of action by Randy Orton at that year's Unforgiven event (which will be gone into further detail in the next slide), Punk was forced to relinquish the World Title.

A mere eight days later, Punk was given his rightful rematch against the new World Champion Chris Jericho inside a Steel Cage. Although the Straightedge Superstar was unsuccessful, it showed that even Punk was able to hang in the ring with the likes of Chris Jericho.

Punk and Kofi vs. Legacy for the World Tag Team Titles: 10/27/08

At Unforgiven 2008, CM Punk was set to defend his World Heavyweight Championship against four other hungry challengers in the innovative Scramble Match. Unfortunately, Punk was unable to compete due to a swift kick to the head at the hands of Randy Orton and Legacy, something that would come back to haunt the Viper two and half years later.

Anyways, Punk vowed revenge on Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase for their aid to Orton, and found himself an ally in Kofi Kingston. In what was a highly suspenseful match, Punk covered DiBiase for the win to score the World Tag Team Titles. The crowd was hot for the title change, and I can still remember myself witnessing it and marking out to this very day.

Punk vs. William Regal for the IC Title: 1/19/09

Following his loss of the World Tag Team Championships in mid-December, CM Punk had now set his focus on the Intercontinental Championship, which was held by the sinister William Regal. At Armageddon, Punk defeated Rey Mysterio to solidify contendership on a future episode of RAW.

Although their first two bouts would end in disqualifications, RAW General Manager set up the rubber match on the January 19th episode of RAW in early 2009, a bout where there were no disqualifications. The Straightedge Superstar soundly defeated his former mentor in his hometown of Chicago, making him the quickest Triple Crown Champion in the history of the WWE. 

Punk vs. Jeff Hardy in a TLC Match for the World Title: SummerSlam 2009

After cashing in his second Money in the Bank briefcase on an injured Jeff Hardy at Extreme Rules in 2009, CM Punk was developing into one of the hottest heels in the entire company. His back-and-forth feud with Hardy was money, wrestling 5-star matches each time they clashed.

However, their most prestigious battle came at that year's SummerSlam, this time fighting in the barbaric TLC contest. It was highly praised and highlight of the night for what was rather a lackluster show, giving Punk his third and most recent World Championship reign in WWE.

Only five days later, Punk would subsequently defeat Hardy in a Steel Cage Match and effectively remove him from the WWE.

Punk vs. Rey Mysterio: Over the Limit 2010

After dropping his World Heavyweight Championship to Undertaker at Hell in a Cell 2009, CM Punk was left to flounder on the SmackDown brand by himself. This was until, however, he led the uprising of the Straightedge Society toward the end of the year, consisting of Luke Gallows and a fan-turned-manager Serena.

They would then initiate a rivalry with Rey Mysterio going into the WrestleMania season, with both Superstars trading victories on pay-per-view. Their memorable rubber match came at the lackluster Over the Limit, which ended up being considered one of the best matches of the year.

With so much at stake, it was the Ultimate Underdog who emerged victorious, leaving Punk to have his infamous mane shaved by Kane thereafter. Punk would deem a black mysterious mask to hid his image in the following months.

Punk vs. Randy Orton at WrestleMania 27

His most recent match that contained importance was his battle with longtime rival, Randy Orton, at WrestleMania 27. CM Punk blamed the Viper for costing him the World Title that night in 2008, and vowed to seek revenge by doing the same.

After interfering in Orton's WWE Championship Match at this year's Royal Rumble event, the two would continue to feud until their eventual match was confirmed for the Show of Shows, without the New Nexus at Punk's side. In what was a solid contest, Orton secured a shocking RKO to seal the victory, and dominate the rest of the feud thereafter.

Have other matches in mind? Voice your opinions below, and I'll possibly include a bonus slide including your suggestions. GSM out.

Visit my Web site at Next Era Wrestling for more of GSM's writings, along with WWE/TNA news, recaps and more. Follow me on Twitter   @GSM2ndComing.