CM Punk (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Ryback – Hell in a Cell – 2012
CM Punk’s first victory inside Hell in a Cell came after three attempts and at the expense of a previously undefeated Ryback. After Punk and Cena fought to a draw at Night of Champions, ‘The Second City Saint’ refused Cena’s countless challenges for a rematch, even whilst the self proclaimed ‘Face that Runs the Place’ was recovering from arm surgery. All the while, Ryback had attempted to confront Punk on a number of occasions, with Punk usually escaping.
Ultimately, Punk was given the choice to defend his WWE Championship against either Cena or Ryback. However, when Punk took too long to decide, Vince McMahon made the decision for him, and Ryback was given his first championship match in WWE.
The match started with the much smaller Punk avoiding Ryback for as long as he could. Eventually, Ryback took control and manhandled Punk. However, just as Ryback looked to be closing in on victory, with Punk on his shoulders about to be Shell Shocked, referee Brad Maddox hit Ryback with a low blow. This allowed Punk to roll up Ryback, and with quick count, retaining his championship in typical heel fashion.
Still, Ryback had the last laugh, Shell Shocking Punk on top of the cell, standing tall and leading the raucous crowd in a “Feed me more” chant. Nobody will look back at this match that fondly, but it did its job. Ryback came out looking like an absolute monster who was cheated out victory, whilst Punk retained his championship and went on to have the sixth longest reign in WWE title history.
