:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2207381/punk_clotheslines_kane.0.jpg)
Tonight's WWE Hell in a Cell pay-per-view (PPV) features a main event between Ryback and WWE Champion CM Punk for Punk's strap.
Before that, we have compiled a few videos to whet your whistle for tonight's main event. Here, we'll be taking a look at CM Punk's rise from being just a loud voice to the "voice of the voiceless."
First up, a video documenting Punk's mic work in IWA Mid-South...
Disclaimer: This is a little edgy with some adult language, but really, do you expect anything less from Punk?
_______________________________________________________
Of course, when documenting CM Punk's mic work, you always have to mention his infamous "pipe bomb" in the buildup to Money in the Bank 2011. Punk's contract was set to expire at the pay-per-view and he wanted to leave a lasting impression in case he never came back.
_______________________________________________________
Next, let's go ahead and take a look here at some of Punk's earliest work in Steel Domain Wrestling against Colt Cabana, his longtime friend.
_______________________________________________________
During his time in ROH, Punk struck up a classic trilogy with Samoa Joe in a feud for the company's championship. While this match isn't one of those classics inside the ROH ring, it will give you a taste of what you can expect if you decide to watch those classics.
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
After an unmemorable run in TNA and some more time spent in ROH, Punk was signed to a WWE developmental deal. Before making the leap to the big stage, Punk spent some time in OVW. Here's a chance meeting between Punk and the Spirit Squad, featuring Dolph Ziggler.
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Punk would toil along for a year, participating in a feud between the ECW Originals and the New Breed. In 2007, Punk engaged in a feud with John Morrison for the ECW championship. Punk failed to capture the title from Morrison numerous times, until he was given a "last chance" shot on an episode of ECW. Punk took advantage and captured his first title in the WWE.
_______________________________________________________
Punk held onto his title until January of 2008, where Edge cost him his title against Chavo Guerrero. Punk entered the MITB ladder match at Wrestlemania XXIV, winning a contract to earn him a title shot. During the brand extension draft, Punk was drafted to Raw on June 23, 2008. There, he used his contract to cash-in on Edge to win the World Heavyweight championship.
Punk eventually forfeited his title after being medically unable to compete after an attack at the hands of Legacy. No matter, as Punk would go on to capture the World Tag Team Championships with Kofi Kingston and the Intercontinental Championship.
_______________________________________________________
At Wrestlemania XXV, Punk would again earn a MITB contract. He was then drafted to the SmackDown brand soon after. CM Punk was involved in a brutal match with the late Umaga at Extreme Rules in 2009. Punk ended up taking home the victory, but he had another win in store for later in the night; he cashed-in his MITB contract on Jeff Hardy to earn another reign as World Heavyweight Champion.
Punk vanquished Hardy from the WWE later, but he also lost his title to Undertaker at Hell in a Cell of 2009.
Punk later became leaders of both the Straight Edge Society and the New Nexus. Punk's leadership showed his dirty tendencies, causing fans to absolutely abhor the obnoxious straight-edge Superstar.
After those stints failed, Punk was left to blaze his own trail and it lead to John Cena at Money in the Bank of 2011. Punk won the title and escaped through the crowd, taking the championship with him as he left the WWE with an expired contract.
Of course, Punk came back later and still held the position of WWE Champion until Alberto Del Rio cashed in his MITB contract at SummerSlam, pinning Punk, who had been downed by Kevin Nash.
Punk worked his way into another title shot at Survivor Series against Del Rio. Punk made the most of this and was able to take home the win in a hard-fought contest.
_______________________________________________________
Tonight, will Punk outlast his newest opposition in Ryback? Maybe a look back into his history through these videos can help sway you one way or the other.