WWE Raw on **July 30, 2012**, featured a massive showdown between two of WWE’s biggest superstars—**John Cena and Big Show**—in a **#1 Contender’s Match for the WWE Championship**. The stakes were at an all-time high, as the winner would earn the right to challenge for the most prestigious title in sports entertainment. With **Cena’s never-give-up attitude clashing against Big Show’s sheer size and dominance**, this match had all the makings of an unforgettable battle. Who emerged victorious? How did the match unfold? Let’s break down every key moment of this intense encounter.
### **The Build-Up: A Heated Rivalry**
The rivalry between **John Cena and Big Show** had been brewing for months.
🔥 **Big Show, once a fan-favorite, had turned into an unstoppable force**, using his brute strength to dominate his opponents. With his newfound aggression, he declared that **no one in WWE could stop him**, including John Cena.
🔥 **John Cena, the face of WWE, was determined to prove that heart and resilience could overcome any obstacle.** After a controversial loss at **Money in the Bank 2012**, he was looking for redemption and another shot at the WWE Championship.
With both men desperate for a title opportunity, Raw General Manager **AJ Lee** made it official—**John Cena vs. Big Show in a #1 Contender’s Match**. The winner would go on to challenge for the WWE Championship at **SummerSlam 2012**.
### **The Match Begins: Power vs. Resilience**
As the bell rang, the tension inside the arena was electric.
🔥 **Big Show immediately used his power to take control**, tossing Cena across the ring like a ragdoll. His overwhelming strength was on full display as he delivered crushing body blows and powerful slams.
🔥 **Cena, despite the early onslaught, refused to stay down.** He attempted to fight back with his signature quick strikes, but each attempt was met with a punishing counter from The World’s Largest Athlete.
🔥 **Show delivered a thunderous sidewalk slam, nearly scoring a three-count within the first few minutes.** Cena, however, kicked out, showing his trademark resilience.
### **Momentum Shifts: Cena Fights Back**
🔥 **Cena finally found an opening after dodging a massive elbow drop from Big Show.** Using his speed and agility, he launched a flurry of offense—**shoulder tackles, a running bulldog, and a Five Knuckle Shuffle**
🔥 **The crowd erupted as Cena attempted the Attitude Adjustment** He lifted the 441-pound giant onto his shoulders, but Big Show countered, crushing Cena with a devastating chokeslam
🔥 **1…2… Cena kicked out** The WWE Universe went wild as Cena refused to give up.
🔥 **Frustrated, Big Show signaled for the KO Punch.** He wound up his fist, but Cena ducked just in time With a burst of energy, Cena hit a massive DDT, stunning the giant.
### **The Final Moments: A Controversial Ending**
🔥 **Sensing victory, Cena once again lifted Big Show for the Attitude Adjustment** This time, he connected, sending Show crashing to the mat.
🔥 **Before Cena could capitalize, CM Punk stormed down to the ring** The reigning WWE Champion, who had been watching from backstage, interfered, attacking Cena from behind.
🔥 **The referee immediately called for the bell, ending the match in a no-contest**
🔥 \*\*With no clear winner, AJ Lee made a blockbuster decision—Cena and Big Show would BOTH get a title shot, setting up a **Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship at SummerSlam 2012**
### **Aftermath: SummerSlam Showdown Set**
🔥 **John Cena and Big Show were both furious over the controversial ending.** Cena had been on the verge of victory, while Big Show argued that he had dominated the match.
🔥 **CM Punk, meanwhile, was livid that his championship reign was now in jeopardy.** He had hoped to avoid facing either man, but now he was forced into a **Triple Threat Match at SummerSlam**.
🔥 **The stage was set for one of the biggest main events of the summer—CM Punk vs. John Cena vs. Big Show for the WWE Championship**
### **Final Thoughts: A Battle That Changed Everything**
🔥 **John Cena vs. Big Show on Raw (July 30, 2012) was an epic clash of strength, endurance, and determination.**
🔥 **Big Show dominated with his overwhelming power, but Cena’s never-say-die attitude kept him in the fight.**
🔥 **CM Punk’s interference changed the course of WWE history, leading to a must-see Triple Threat Match at SummerSlam.**
🔥 **Did AJ Lee make the right decision? Should Cena have been declared the winner? Drop your thoughts in the comments below** 👇🔥