To my knowledge, this is the last time CM Punk fought for a World title before his match against Adam Page for the AEW World Championship last Sunday. It’s a rematch from Royal Rumble 2013, where The Rock defeated Punk for the former’s first title win in nearly a decade. That was a fabulous bout…this one isn’t nearly as fabulous.
Punk appeared to be very motivated to drag the ring rusty Rock to a great bout at the Rumble. Here, he doesn’t seem anywhere near as motivated. He did have a backlog of injuries, and was disgruntled that he wouldn’t be in the main event of WrestleMania 29 after holding the WWE Championship for 434 days. It is completely understandable that he just couldn’t be bothered dragging another very good bout out of ‘The Great One.’
Just like before, The Rock seems knackered before even getting into the ring. Punk seems to have to lay on even more rest holds to set up the next sprint of offence and defence. Rock was huge, in great phsycial shape…but that didn’t translate to in-ring fitness. Punk managed to cover Rock’s weaknesses at the Rumble, but he fails to do that here.
So what we’re left with is a servicable bout than is still better than either of Rock’s bouts against John Cena. But an overbooked finish and mediocre performances from both wrestlers make this bout merely watchable, a letdown after their almost classic bout at Royal Rumble 2013.
Hammy’s Rating: *** (out of 5)
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