CM Punk and John Cena IV: Match of the Year?

It's difficult to even think of last night's episode of Raw without feeling a bit of dread due to the fact that everything that happened on this night will eventually be completely overshadowed by Jerry Lawler's heart attack.  On a personal note, I still haven't fully accepted it.  It's just hard to even fathom someone who's been a staple of my Monday nights for more than a decade going through such a trial.  Many even question the WWE's decision to continue the show, but that's a tough call.  One I'm glad I did not have to make.  I do however, believe Lawler would have wanted the show to continue and for everyone to give their best performance in his honor.  And boy did they ever. 


CM Punk, Bret Hart and John Cena are all consummate professionals.  I could only imagine how hard it was to pull it together and continue to turn in one of the best segments of the year given the circumstances, but they pulled it off.  Make no mistake about it, this is the most important match of CM Punk's entire 300 day title reign and arguably, the most important of his career thus far.  Yes, he's beaten John Cena before, but that title run fell by the wayside and this reign has much more significance.  Still, the whole run has been overshadowed by the fact that many believe Punk has still yet to eclipse Cena in the WWE hierarchy and as a result, he has not main evented a PPV since TLC back in December (when Cena wasn't even on the card).  This will be his first.  Soak that in for a second. 

His FIRST in nearly 300 days as champion. 

A loss to Cena at Night Of Champions could tarnish the strong legacy Punk has built for himself as a credible and fighting champion.  A win could cement his run as perhaps, the best ever.  EVERYTHING is on the line.  Cena needs this victory almost as much as Punk does.  He has not been WWE Champion in a year and he's fresh off some of the most difficult experiences of his career.  A win for Cena re-establishes him as the number one competitor in the company and ensures him a chance at redemption against the returning Rock at the Royal Rumble should he hold the title by then.  A loss just further acknowledges that maybe his time is no longer now.   If you hadn't a reason to order the PPV this Sunday, you have it now.  Punk should be commended for his masterful performances while turning heel and earning immense heat as such in a matter of weeks.  Cena however, was the star of the show tonight.  His mic work here is some of the best I've ever seen, which means a lot when you're trading barbs with Punk.  Say what you want about his work, but Cena is the best big match performer in the WWE.  Period.  This promo has given us the hype, but this Sunday I have faith that these two will give the performance of a lifetime. 

Updated card for Night Of Champions

WWE Championship match: CM Punk(c) vs. John Cena

World Heavyweight Championship match: Sheamus(c) vs. Alberto Del Rio
*The Brogue Kick is banned.

United States Championship match: Antonio Cesaro(c) vs. TBD in pre-show Battle Royal

Intercontinental Championship match: The Miz(c) vs. (most likely) Cody Rhodes

Randy Orton vs. Dolph Ziggler

Divas Championship match: Layla(c) vs. Kaitlyn

Tag Team Championship match: Kofi Kingston & R-Truth(c) vs. Kane & Daniel Bryan