The WWE Universe has witnessed countless rivalries over the years, but few had the same mix of technical brilliance, personal animosity, and unpredictable action as the feud between CM Punk and Alberto Del Rio. Their encounters were always high-stakes battles, filled with drama and explosive in-ring action that left fans on the edge of their seats. One such showdown occurred on July 5, 2013, in an exclusive match featured on the WWE App, where their rivalry reignited in an electrifying contest.
### **The History of CM Punk vs. Alberto Del Rio**
The origins of CM Punk and Alberto Del Rio’s rivalry can be traced back to 2011, when both men were at the peak of their WWE careers. Del Rio had won the Money in the Bank contract and cashed it in on Punk at SummerSlam 2011, robbing him of his WWE Championship. This incident set the stage for a heated feud that would see them battle multiple times in the years to come. Their clash at Survivor Series 2011 saw CM Punk regain the WWE Championship, cementing his status as “The Best in the World.”
Even though their rivalry cooled down for a while, it was reignited in 2013 when CM Punk returned to WWE after a brief hiatus. Alberto Del Rio, by this time, had become a dominant competitor in the company and was more ruthless than ever. Their paths crossed once again, leading to a fierce confrontation on the July 5, 2013, edition of WWE App Exclusive.
### **The Build-Up to Their WWE App Exclusive Match**
The tension between Punk and Del Rio had been escalating for weeks. Both men had strong claims to being the top superstar in WWE at the time. CM Punk, known for his rebellious nature and no-nonsense attitude, was determined to prove that he still had what it took to be the best. On the other hand, Alberto Del Rio was eager to show that he was superior to Punk and that his technical prowess and submission skills could outmatch anyone.
This match was particularly intriguing as it came at a time when CM Punk was beginning to distance himself from Paul Heyman. The WWE Universe was unsure whether Punk still had the drive and focus to take on a competitor as dangerous as Alberto Del Rio. With the match being a WWE App Exclusive, it gave fans a rare and special glimpse into the continuing rivalry between these two top-tier superstars.
### **The Match: CM Punk vs. Alberto Del Rio (July 5, 2013)**
The match itself was an absolute thriller, showcasing why CM Punk and Alberto Del Rio were two of the best wrestlers of their generation. From the opening bell, both men wasted no time engaging in a fierce back-and-forth exchange.
Del Rio targeted Punk’s arms, attempting to weaken them in preparation for his devastating Cross Armbreaker submission maneuver. Punk, known for his endurance and counter-wrestling, managed to escape several of Del Rio’s calculated attacks and responded with his signature striking combinations.
The momentum swung multiple times throughout the match. At one point, Del Rio nearly secured the victory after connecting with a vicious enzuigiri to Punk’s head. Punk, however, displayed his incredible resilience by kicking out at the last possible second.
As the match progressed, Punk gained control by executing a diving elbow drop from the top rope, reminiscent of his idol, “Macho Man” Randy Savage. The WWE Universe erupted in cheers, sensing that Punk was on the verge of victory.
However, just when it seemed like Punk was ready to put Del Rio away with the Go to Sleep (GTS), interference from an unexpected source changed the course of the match. Paul Heyman, still trying to keep Punk under his wing, appeared at ringside, causing a momentary distraction. This distraction allowed Del Rio to capitalize and lock in the Cross Armbreaker. But in true CM Punk fashion, he refused to tap out.
Punk displayed his incredible ring awareness by countering Del Rio’s submission into the Anaconda Vise. The tables had turned, and Del Rio found himself trapped. With no way out, Del Rio had no choice but to tap out, giving Punk a hard-fought and well-earned victory.
### **The Aftermath: What This Victory Meant for CM Punk**
CM Punk’s win over Alberto Del Rio was more than just another victory. It was a statement that he was still a force to be reckoned with in WWE. At this time, Punk was on a mission to prove that he didn’t need Paul Heyman’s guidance to succeed.
The victory also reaffirmed Punk’s place as one of WWE’s top superstars, setting the stage for his upcoming battles, particularly against Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam 2013. Punk’s decision to sever ties with Heyman would have major consequences, leading to one of the most personal and intense rivalries in WWE history.
As for Alberto Del Rio, this loss only fueled his aggression. He continued to dominate in the ring, targeting other top stars and asserting his claim as one of WWE’s best technical wrestlers. Despite his loss to Punk, Del Rio remained a major player in the title scene and continued to carve his legacy in WWE.
### **The Legacy of the Punk vs. Del Rio Rivalry**
Looking back, the CM Punk vs. Alberto Del Rio rivalry was one of the most intriguing rivalries of its time. Both men had contrasting styles—Punk’s rebellious and brawler-like approach against Del Rio’s refined technical expertise. Their matches were always highly competitive, filled with unexpected twists, and fueled by real animosity.
The WWE App Exclusive match on July 5, 2013, added another exciting chapter to their storied feud. While Punk secured the victory that night, the rivalry between them was never truly settled, leaving fans to wonder what could have happened if they had faced off one last time on an even bigger stage.
Even though CM Punk would eventually leave WWE in 2014, and Del Rio would follow in later years, their battles remain etched in the memories of wrestling fans. Their matches showcased everything that made WWE great—intensity, storytelling, and in-ring excellence.
### **Final Thoughts**
The July 5, 2013, WWE App Exclusive match between CM Punk and Alberto Del Rio was a testament to the high-caliber wrestling that WWE delivered during that era. It highlighted Punk’s resilience, Del Rio’s technical prowess, and the unpredictability of WWE storylines.
While both superstars have moved on from WWE, their contributions to the industry continue to be celebrated. Fans still discuss their rivalry, their unforgettable matches, and the impact they had on WWE’s history.
In the end, this clash was more than just a match—it was a defining moment in the careers of two of WWE’s greatest competitors. And for those who witnessed it, it was a reminder of why CM Punk vs. Alberto Del Rio was one of the most must-see rivalries of its time.