On February 11, 2013, WWE fans witnessed a moment that would go down in history as one of the most shocking and memorable events in Raw history. CM Punk, the self-proclaimed āBest in the World,ā faced off against The Rock in a battle for the WWE Championship. The buildup to this epic showdown had fans on the edge of their seats, but no one could have predicted the explosive finish that unfolded before their eyes.
CM Punk, who had been the WWE Champion for over 400 days, was in the midst of one of the longest and most controversial title reigns in WWE history. The Rock, returning to the ring after a long hiatus, was determined to take the championship back to the top of the WWE mountain. With both superstars bringing their A-game to the ring, it was a match filled with intensity, emotion, and high stakes. But when CM Punk delivered his devastating finishing move, the GTS (Go To Sleep) on The Rock, it was a shocking moment that left the WWE Universe in disbelief.
In this article, weāll break down the key moments of the match, explore the significance of CM Punkās victory, and analyze the impact this match had on the future of WWE.
**The Road to WrestleMania: CM Punk vs. The Rock**
The rivalry between CM Punk and The Rock had been heating up for months leading into this epic showdown. CM Punk had successfully held on to the WWE Championship for over a year, defeating all challengers and constantly defending his title against the best in the business. Punkās reign as champion had been marked by controversy and arrogance, as he often criticized WWE management and the fans for their treatment of him. Punk believed that he was the best and deserved to be at the top, and his brash attitude made him one of the most polarizing figures in WWE history.
On the other hand, The Rock had made his highly anticipated return to WWE in late 2011 and immediately set his sights on the WWE Championship. After weeks of verbal exchanges, The Rock and CM Punk finally squared off at the Royal Rumble 2013, where The Rock defeated Punk to win the WWE Championship. However, it wasnāt a straightforward victory for The Rock. The match was marred by controversy, and CM Punkās involvement with WWE management, especially Vince McMahon, led to a questionable ending.
As The Rock celebrated his win, CM Punk demanded a rematch and vowed to do whatever it took to regain the championship. Their rematch was scheduled for Raw on February 11, 2013, and the stakes couldnāt have been higher. CM Punk was determined to prove that his reign as WWE Champion wasnāt just a fluke, while The Rock was intent on proving that his return to WWE wasnāt just a temporary stint. The energy in the arena was electric as both superstars prepared for their epic showdown.
**The Match: Intensity from the Start**
The moment the bell rang, the intensity between CM Punk and The Rock was immediately palpable. Punk wasted no time in going after The Rock, using his technical wrestling skills and striking abilities to take control early on. Punkās offense was fast, furious, and relentless, as he targeted The Rockās legs to wear him down. The Rock, known for his resilience and larger-than-life persona, fought back with his signature moves, including his trademark right-hand punches and spinebuster.
The match was filled with dramatic moments, as both men traded near falls and high-impact moves. CM Punk showed off his agility and strength with his powerful body slams, flying elbow drops, and submission holds. The Rock, on the other hand, demonstrated why he was one of the most iconic wrestlers in WWE history, hitting Punk with his signature moves like the Samoan drop and The Peopleās Elbow.
As the match went on, the crowd was on fire, chanting and cheering for both competitors. The action was fast-paced, with each man trying to outdo the other. The Rock hit Punk with a spinebuster, signaling that he was setting up for his finishing move, The Peopleās Elbow. But as The Rock climbed to his feet, CM Punk was quick to counter, throwing The Rock off his game with a series of punishing moves. Punkās ability to control the pace of the match was a clear advantage, and it seemed like he was getting closer to capturing the WWE Championship once again.
**The Shocking Turn: CM Punk Hits the GTS**
The final moments of the match were nothing short of breathtaking. After several back-and-forth exchanges, The Rock and CM Punk found themselves exhausted but still determined to claim victory. The Rock looked poised to end the match with his Peopleās Elbow, but CM Punk was ready. As The Rock ran toward him, Punk was able to counter by hitting his devastating finishing move, the GTS (Go To Sleep).
The impact of the move sent The Rock crashing to the mat, and CM Punk quickly went for the cover. The referee counted to three, and the WWE Universe erupted in shock and disbelief. CM Punk had done the unthinkableāhe had pinned The Rock and regained the WWE Championship. The crowd was stunned as Punk stood tall, holding the title above his head. It was a shocking moment that no one expected, and it would go on to become one of the most talked-about moments in WWE history.
**The Aftermath: CM Punkās Redemption and The Rockās Future**
CM Punkās victory over The Rock was a moment of redemption for the former champion. After a year of battling with the WWE Universe and the companyās management, Punk had proven that he could stand tall as the top guy in WWE. His victory over The Rock solidified his place as one of the most dominant champions in WWE history, and his GTS on The Rock would become one of the most iconic moments of his career.
For The Rock, the loss was a major blow, but it didnāt diminish his status as one of the greatest WWE superstars of all time. The Rockās return to WWE had been a huge success, and although he lost the title, he remained one of the most beloved figures in the company. The loss to CM Punk set the stage for future rivalries and helped propel Punkās character to even greater heights.
Following his victory, CM Punk continued to dominate the WWE Championship picture, while The Rock set his sights on other future opportunities, including a showdown at WrestleMania 29. Punkās reign as WWE Champion would continue until he eventually lost the title to The Rock in a rematch at WrestleMania, but his shocking win on February 11, 2013, remained a pivotal moment in WWE history.
**Impact on WWE and Legacy of the Match**
CM Punkās shocking victory over The Rock had a lasting impact on WWE and its storytelling. This moment signified a shift in the landscape of WWE, with Punk proving that he could outlast and outfight the biggest names in the business. His victory was a testament to the companyās ability to surprise and keep fans on the edge of their seats. The victory also served as a huge boost for Punkās character, allowing him to solidify his place as a top-tier talent in WWE.
The rivalry between CM Punk and The Rock continued to captivate fans in the months following their epic battle. Their feud was a showcase of two different wrestling philosophiesāPunkās gritty, technical approach versus The Rockās charismatic, crowd-pleasing style. Their clash for the WWE Championship in 2013 became one of the defining moments of both their careers and remains a highlight of WWEās history.
**Conclusion: A Moment That Defined an Era**
The match between CM Punk and The Rock on February 11, 2013, was a stunning and unforgettable moment in WWE history. From the high-stakes buildup to the shocking GTS that gave Punk the win, this match had everything that made WWE greatāpassion, drama, excitement, and a finish that left fans in awe. Punkās victory not only validated his status as one of the best in the business but also proved that he could hold his own against WWE legends like The Rock.
For The Rock, while this loss didnāt tarnish his legacy, it set the stage for even more thrilling rivalries in the future. As fans look back at this match, it remains one of the most significant moments in WWE’s history, a true testament to the power of storytelling and the unpredictability of the ring.