CB’s World: One Lingering Thought on Punk – Cena

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By all indications from the IWC, the WWE Universe, and just about everyone, CM Punk vs. John Cena was a four and a half to five-star classic.

My own instant thoughts from the very lively Live Streaming Comments Thread last night is below:

Punk – Cena. Yes, it wasn’t technically perfect. But the emotion, the pacing, the booking, the teased finishes, the 30-plus minutes of action, the teased screwjob, the Punk win, and the teased cash-in added up to one of the best matches in terms of atmosphere, ring psychology, and storytelling ever. ****1/2

And what has gotten lost in the shuffle is this:

John Cena just had the match of his life.

Cena played his role perfectly, from when his music hit to the final bell.

Cena didn’t pander to the crowd when he walked out.

Cena didn’t blink when the crowd said “You Can’t Wrestle.”

Cena didn’t bend for 30-plus minutes, and he didn’t crack, and he didn’t break character.

Cena was simply himself — you know, the version of himself that is serious and invested — and he did something that a lot of folks forgot was possible:

For all of his perceived (and misperceived) faults, John Cena proved he could hang with CM Punk.

After all, it takes two people — along with pitch-perfect buildup and a red-hot live crowd — to make it to five stars.

That’s my one lingering thought — CB.

CB is an Editor for Pulse Wrestling and an original member of the Inside Pulse writing team covering the spectrum of pop culture including pro wrestling, sports, movies, music, radio and television.