CM Punk recently revealed that his favorite match of his entire wrestling career wasn’t one of his most hyped championship bouts but rather a hard-fought battle against WWE legend John Cena – someone Punk affectionately calls his “wrestling soulmate.” This candid insight from Punk shines a new light on the chemistry between two of WWE’s greatest performers, reminding fans of the electric atmosphere their matches produced.
The Match That Stands Out: WWE Raw, February 25, 2013
While CM Punk and John Cena have had numerous iconic encounters, Punk pinpointed their match on the February 25, 2013 episode of WWE Raw as his all-time favorite. The stakes were incredibly high that night: the winner would earn the coveted spot of facing The Rock at WrestleMania 29 for the WWE Championship.
This bout carried significant narrative weight. Punk, having recently lost the WWE Championship to The Rock at the Royal Rumble, was fighting to regain momentum. John Cena, fresh off his Royal Rumble victory that guaranteed him a title match of his choice, was looking to solidify his position as the number one contender.
Punk lost the match in Dallas, Texas, where Cena secured victory after 26 grueling minutes. Cena went on to defeat The Rock at WrestleMania 29, while Punk took on The Undertaker at the same event, continuing their storied paths[1][2].
Why This Match Resonates with CM Punk
On GQ’s “Actually Me” series, Punk described the match not in terms of his win-loss record, but in terms of the experience, chemistry, and crowd energy. He said:
“Number one with a bullet: myself versus John Cena heading into WrestleMania 29… I lost. Big f***ing deal. John Cena is my wrestling soulmate. I had excellent chemistry with him this night. The crowd was electric. It was a real fun time. You should go watch it.”[1][2]
This quote reveals the depth of respect Punk has for Cena beyond their rivalry. Despite the intense competition, the two had a mutual professional admiration and on-screen chemistry that translated into compelling storytelling.
Backstage Perspectives on Punk and Cena’s Chemistry
According to a WWE insider who spoke on condition of anonymity, the backstage environment around Punk and Cena during this era was charged but respectful:
“Punk and Cena had a unique dynamic – competitive but collaborative. They pushed each other to perform at their best. Even when they were rivals in the ring, they respected what the other brought to the show. Ideas flowed between them to create the best match possible.”[2]
This behind-the-scenes cooperation was key to why their bouts remain memorable to audiences long after the events.
The Significance of Being “Wrestling Soulmates”
The term “wrestling soulmate” underscores the rare synergy two performers can achieve. In professional wrestling, chemistry is critical to making matches believable and exciting. Punk and Cena’s ability to connect, read each other’s moves, and tell a story heightened their bouts beyond typical wrestling matches.
For fans and analysts, their 2013 Raw match is often overlooked in favor of their Money in the Bank 2011 match or Cena’s Royal Rumble run that year. However, Punk’s endorsement invites new appreciation of the Raw battle’s storytelling, pacing, and emotional intensity.
How This Match Fits Into Punk’s Career Legacy
CM Punk’s WWE run was defined by a blend of technical skill, charisma, and storytelling prowess. His nearly 434-day WWE Championship reign, which ended just before this match, remains one of the longest and most respected in modern WWE history[1].
This particular match against Cena encapsulated Punk’s resilience and ability to shine in high-pressure, career-defining moments even in defeat. It also represented the transitional period in WWE where Cena was the dominant face, but Punk was establishing himself as a top-tier star.
An industry source added:
“That 2013 Raw match wasn’t just a number one contender bout — it was a passing of the torch in some ways. Punk gave everything he had, and Cena elevated his game as well. It was a classic that hardcore fans remember fondly.”[2]
Why Fans Should Revisit This Classic
For fans looking to understand what made CM Punk special during his WWE tenure, this February 2013 Raw match offers a clear example. Unlike many pay-per-view spectacles, this televised bout delivered storytelling, technical wrestling, and crowd engagement at a rare level of excellence.
Punk’s recommendation to “go watch it” is more than a casual suggestion; it’s an endorsement of a beautifully executed match that embodies his wrestling philosophy: connecting with the audience whilst competing fiercely against an equally committed opponent.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Match
The wrestling careers of CM Punk and John Cena are filled with memorable moments, but their February 25, 2013 Raw match stands out as a testament to their chemistry and professionalism. Punk’s own words and a backstage viewpoint confirm that this match was not only pivotal in WWE storylines but also personally significant to him.
Their rivalry was layered with respect and artistic collaboration — the essence of what makes professional wrestling compelling. For anyone analyzing why Punk remains a beloved figure in wrestling despite his absence from WWE, this match offers clear insight into his in-ring legacy.
As of now, though CM Punk’s future WWE plans remain uncertain, his reflections on past battles serve as a reminder of the art form at its finest — competitive, emotional, and rooted in deep mutual respect between performers.
If you want to revisit an unforgettable wrestling showcase, check out CM Punk vs. John Cena on WWE Raw from February 25, 2013 — a match that Punk himself calls his favorite and a testament to why both men are legends in the squared circle.