FULL MATCH: CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan – WWE Title: Over the Limit 2012

Summary

The WWE Over the Limit match between CM Punk and Daniel Bryan was a thrilling contest that showcased the technical prowess and resilience of both wrestlers. The match was a battle of wills, with both fighters displaying a high level of skill and determination. Despite numerous close calls and near falls, CM Punk managed to retain his WWE Championship title, even though there was a moment where it appeared he tapped out to Daniel Bryan's submission move. The match was a testament to the physical and mental fortitude of both athletes, leaving a lasting impression on fans and critics alike.

Takeaways

• 🏆 The match is a high-stakes WWE championship contest between CM Punk, the current champion, and Daniel Bryan, a formidable contender.
• 🤼‍♂️ Both wrestlers have impressive track records and are known for their technical prowess and submission skills.
• 🎙️ The commentators highlight the respect both men have for each other's abilities and their history of overcoming career-threatening injuries.
• 📊 The crowd is evenly split in their support for both CM Punk and Daniel Bryan, indicating their popularity and the intensity of the match.
• 🔄 The match is a back-and-forth battle with both wrestlers targeting each other's injuries and weaknesses, showcasing their strategic acumen.
• 😖 Both competitors exhibit signs of pain and fatigue, emphasizing the physical toll the match is taking on them.
• 👊 There are numerous near falls and submission attempts, contributing to the suspense and drama of the match.
• 😲 The match features several innovative and high-risk moves, demonstrating the wrestlers' creativity and desperation to win.
• 🤔 The commentators speculate on the psychological aspects of the match, discussing the wrestlers' game plans and their ability to adapt under pressure.
• 🏁 Towards the end, both wrestlers are pushing themselves to the limit, with the match reaching a critical point where the outcome could go either way.
• 🏆 In a controversial ending, CM Punk retains his championship title after a complex sequence where it appears he tapped out to Daniel Bryan's submission, but the three-count was made before the tap was officially registered.

Q & A

Who were the two main competitors in the WWE championship match at Over the Limit?

The two main competitors were CM Punk, the current WWE champion, and Daniel Bryan, the challenger.

What titles and achievements did CM Punk hold prior to this match?

CM Punk had been a world champion, held the intercontinental title, the tag team titles, and was a two-time Money in the Bank winner. He was also the 2011 Superstar of the Year.

What notable achievements did Daniel Bryan have before this match?

Daniel Bryan had held the World Heavyweight Championship for four months, won the 2011 Money in the Bank ladder match, and also won the United States title.

How did the commentators describe the fighting styles of CM Punk and Daniel Bryan?

The commentators described both CM Punk and Daniel Bryan as having similar styles and being very technical in their approach to the match.

What was the significance of the word 'yes' in the match?

The word 'yes' was significant as it was Daniel Bryan's catchphrase, and it was mentioned several times by the commentators and the crowd, symbolizing support for him.

What injuries did CM Punk have going into the match?

CM Punk had a heavily bandaged and taped right arm due to injuries caused by Kane and others over the past weeks, specifically targeting his elbow and midsection.

How did the commentators describe the crowd's reaction to the match?

The commentators noted that the WWE fans were almost evenly split in their support for both CM Punk and Daniel Bryan, indicating a highly engaged and excited audience.

What was the strategy of targeting the legs by CM Punk?

CM Punk's strategy of targeting the legs was aimed at weakening Daniel Bryan, especially focusing on his left leg, which was injured during the match.

What was the significance of the 's lock' submission hold in the match?

The 's lock' was a significant submission hold used by Daniel Bryan, who is known for knowing over 100 submission moves. It was a key move in attempting to force CM Punk to submit.

What was the controversial moment at the end of the match?

The controversial moment at the end of the match was when CM Punk appeared to tap out to Daniel Bryan's 's lock', but only after the referee had counted to three, thus retaining his WWE championship title.

How did the commentators describe the overall intensity and quality of the match?

The commentators described the match as intense, technical, and a battle of wills, with both competitors leaving everything in the ring. They noted it was a match that would be remembered for a long time.

Outlines

00:00

🥊 Intense Championship Showdown

The script opens with a highly anticipated wrestling match between CM Punk, the reigning WWE champion, and Daniel Bryan, a formidable contender. Both wrestlers have impressive track records and similar fighting styles, promising a technical and potentially brutal match. The crowd's support is evenly split, and the commentators discuss the wrestlers' skills and past victories. CM Punk's bandaged arm and the strategic focus on Daniel Bryan's leg are highlighted as potential factors in the match's outcome.

05:03

🤼‍♂️ Strategic Moves and Resilience

The match continues with both wrestlers displaying their prowess, with CM Punk targeting Daniel Bryan's injured leg and Bryan retaliating with his own strategic moves. Despite the pain, Bryan manages to execute a missile drop kick, further intensifying the match. The commentators emphasize the wrestlers' toughness and the difference between being hurt and being injured, as both competitors continue to push through the pain. The match evolves into a battle of wills, with both showing remarkable resilience and determination.

10:04

🏆 The Relentless Pursuit of Victory

As the match progresses, both CM Punk and Daniel Bryan continue to fight fiercely, with Punk working on Bryan's injured leg and Bryan targeting Punk's midsection. The commentators discuss the wrestlers' awareness of each other's moves and their ability to adapt quickly. Despite the physical toll, neither competitor shows signs of relenting. The match becomes a test of endurance, with both men giving their all in the quest for the WWE championship.

15:05

🥋 Display of Wrestling Mastery

The wrestlers demonstrate their mastery of the sport through a series of complex moves and counters. Daniel Bryan's innovative techniques and CM Punk's strategic maneuvers keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The match becomes a chess game of sorts, with each wrestler trying to outsmart the other. Despite the physical challenges, both competitors maintain a high level of skill and intensity throughout the bout.

20:06

💪 The Battle of Wills and Endurance

The narrative of the match focuses on the wrestlers' willpower and endurance. Both CM Punk and Daniel Bryan have faced significant career setbacks but have worked hard to reach this championship match. The commentators reflect on their journey and the importance of the opportunity they have been given. The match becomes a symbol of their determination and the sacrifices they've made to be in the ring.

25:08

⏱️ The Climactic Struggle for the Championship

In the climactic moments of the match, both wrestlers go all out, leaving nothing in reserve. CM Punk and Daniel Bryan exchange near falls and submission attempts, with the outcome hanging in the balance. A controversial moment occurs where it appears Punk taps out to Bryan's submission move, but the timing of the tap in relation to the three-count is unclear. The commentators discuss the implications of the tap and the near fall, leaving the audience in suspense about the final result.

🏆 The Resolution and Aftermath

The match concludes with a dramatic and controversial ending. Despite Daniel Bryan's insistence that CM Punk tapped out to his submission hold, the replay shows Punk's tap occurred just after the three-count, allowing Punk to retain his WWE championship title. The commentators reflect on the incredible match and the disappointment for Bryan, while acknowledging the skill and determination displayed by both wrestlers. The match is hailed as one that will be remembered for its intensity and the high level of competition.

Keywords

💡WWE Championship

The WWE Championship is a professional wrestling world heavyweight title in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It is one of the most prestigious titles in the company and is often contested in the main event of major shows. In the script, it is the title that CM Punk is defending against Daniel Bryan, which is the central focus of the match and the video's theme.

💡CM Punk

CM Punk, whose real name is Phillip Jack Brooks, is a professional wrestler, comic book writer, and mixed martial artist. In the context of the script, he is the defending WWE Champion and the main competitor against Daniel Bryan. His wrestling style, character, and the drama surrounding his title defense are key elements of the video's narrative.

💡Daniel Bryan

Daniel Bryan, born Bryan Lloyd Danielson, is a professional wrestler known for his technical wrestling skills and submission moves. In the script, he is challenging CM Punk for the WWE Championship, making his abilities, strategies, and the outcome of the match critical to the video's storyline.

💡Submission Move

A submission move in professional wrestling is a type of hold or maneuver designed to force an opponent to submit by causing extreme pain or compromising their ability to breathe. Daniel Bryan is noted for knowing over 100 submission moves, which is a significant aspect of his wrestling style and a key point of discussion throughout the script.

💡Money in the Bank

Money in the Bank is a professional wrestling ladder match annual event and WWE pay-per-view, where the winner earns a contract for a championship match, which can be 'cashed in' at any time of the winner's choosing within a year. Both CM Punk and Daniel Bryan have won this match in the past, which adds to their prestige and the anticipation of the match.

💡Technical Wrestling

Technical wrestling refers to a style of wrestling that emphasizes skill, form, and technique over power or showmanship. Both CM Punk and Daniel Bryan are described as being proficient in technical wrestling, which is a significant aspect of their match and the focus of the commentary in the script.

💡Injury

Injuries are a common theme in wrestling narratives, often used to add drama and uncertainty to matches. In the script, both CM Punk and Daniel Bryan are dealing with injuries, which affects their performance and strategy in the match, and is a major point of concern for the commentators.

💡Championship Match

A championship match is a type of professional wrestling match where the winner is awarded a championship title. The script revolves around a championship match between CM Punk and Daniel Bryan, with the WWE Championship on the line, making it the central event and the climax of the storyline.

💡Pinfall

A pinfall is a situation in professional wrestling where an opponent is held down on the mat with a wrestler's body weight, typically with both the opponent's shoulders on the mat for a count of three by the referee. It is one of the ways to win a match, and the script frequently mentions near pinfalls, emphasizing the close competition between the wrestlers.

💡Over the Limit

Over the Limit is a professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by WWE. The script is a commentary of a match taking place at this event, which is significant because it is where the WWE Championship is being contested between CM Punk and Daniel Bryan.

💡Fan Support

Fan support is the enthusiasm and backing from the audience for the wrestlers. In the script, the crowd's support is mentioned as being split between CM Punk and Daniel Bryan, highlighting the popularity and likability of both wrestlers and adding to the intensity of the match.

Highlights

CM Punk and Daniel Bryan are set for a great matchup, both having held multiple championships and demonstrated exceptional skills.

The match is expected to start technical and escalate into an all-out fight.

Daniel Bryan's victory over the clock to earn the championship match is highlighted, showcasing his determination and skill.

The crowd is split in their support for both wrestlers, indicating the popularity and respect both competitors have earned.

CM Punk's right arm is heavily bandaged due to previous injuries, which could affect his performance.

Daniel Bryan is in trouble as CM Punk applies a submission maneuver, demonstrating Punk's control over the match.

Daniel Bryan showcases his knowledge of over 100 submission moves, highlighting his expertise in the ring.

The match is likened to a chess match, indicating the strategic and intellectual较量 involved.

Both wrestlers are described as being hurt but not injured, showing their resilience and determination to continue.

Daniel Bryan's innovative move, the 'surfboard', is mentioned, displaying his creativity in the ring.

CM Punk's strategy of targeting Daniel Bryan's injured leg is highlighted, showing his tactical approach to the match.

Daniel Bryan's relentless attack on CM Punk's injured midsection is noted, demonstrating his ability to exploit weaknesses.

The commentators discuss the difference between being hurt and being injured in the context of the match, emphasizing the physical toll.

CM Punk's attempt at a flying elbow is thwarted by Daniel Bryan, leading to a dramatic moment in the match.

Daniel Bryan's near victory is described, with his attempt to pin CM Punk resulting in a close call.

The match concludes with a controversial moment where CM Punk appears to tap out to Daniel Bryan's s lock, but it's unclear due to the timing with the pinfall.

The final decision confirms CM Punk as the winner and still WWE champion, despite the controversy of the tap out.

The match is praised for its intensity and the effort both wrestlers put in, with the commentators noting it will be remembered for a long time.

Transcripts

[APPLAUSE] >> These two guys right here,

they made it to the big time.

And here we go.

>> No doubt this is going to be a great matchup between these two men.

CM Punk, been a world champion, current WWE champion.

Held the intercontinental title, the tag team titles.

He's a two time Money in the Bank winner.

He was the 2011 superstar of the year.

For Daniel Bryan, he held the world heavyweight championship for

four months before losing at WrestleMania, won the 2011 Money in

the Bank ladder match, and also won the United States title.

>> Both these guys, similar in styles, they know each other so well.

This is going to be a great match to watch.

>> Let me tell you what's going to happen.

It's going to start out very technical, and

it's just going to turn out to be a fight before it's all over with, right?

>> You think it's gonna deteriorate into an all-out fight.

>> King, you know a lot about Daniel Bryan.

You were in the ring with him a few weeks ago,

the night that Daniel Bryan beat the clock to earn his championship match tonight.

>> Listen to this crowd.

>> Crowd is pumped.

>> Yeah, I do.

I wasn't in the ring that long with him, but I did realize at that time

that if he blocks that yes lock on you, you got no choice, it's over.

>> And listen to the crowd.

The WWE fans almost split here between their support of both CM and Daniel Bryan.

>> Which that really does amaze me.

I think it's all about that word yes.

>> Yes, I believe that.

>> It just happens to be our favorite word in the vocabulary.

You want to hear that every time you ask a question.

>> I got to disagree with you.

This kid Daniel Bryan, a lot of people may not like him, but

that guy got bad mad skills.

He's got a lot of talent.

>> There's been a number of times you've heard the word yes over the years.

Will you marry me?

Yes.

>> [LAUGH] >> I knew that was coming.

And here we go.

Daniel Ryan taken down by CM Punk.

WWE championship on the line here at Over the Limit.

Punk goes six foot two, 218 pounds.

Daniel Bryan 5'10", 192.

>> Yes.

>> And Punk poking fun at Daniel Bryan's catchphrase.

>> You never want to hear the word no.

You ask your boss for a raise, what do you want to hear?

>> I hear yes a lot.

>> You do? [LAUGH]

>> No, I'm just kidding.

I don't think I've ever heard yes in 15 years here.

No.

Someone's just telling me in my ear from the back that the word going around

the office is a cold no.

Daniel Bryan, so proficient with his feet, his legs, as is Punk.

>> Boy, you got to be so careful.

Punk, you see him trying to block some of those kicks, but at the same time,

you block one of those kicks, you're liable to get your fingers broken.

Then you're just as, you're finished.

>> Let's not forget that Punk's got that right arm heavily bandaged and taped,

elbow pad on, because of the injuries by Kane and

others over the past number of weeks.

Cover again by the champion.

>> You could tell those kick Punk was throwing is beginning to get

to Daniel Bryan.

He's clutching at that thigh, that thigh muscle right now, dog.

>> CM Punk wearing him down here.

And look at Punk.

Submission maneuver in place for the WWE champion.

And it's Daniel Bryan, the man who knows over 100 submission moves,

one finding himself in trouble here.

Deadlocked there by CM Punk and.

But if anybody knows the counter, it's going to be Bryan, Book.

>> Yeah, Daniel Bryan, like I say, he knows a thousand moves.

This guy right here is, if there is a counter, he knows it.

And check him out, Daniel Bryan right now, just dropping that form in on that boy.

>> But he's gotta be careful, though, he doesn't get disqualified.

Remember, title can only change hands via pinfall or submission in this match.

This is not like the fatal four way match we saw earlier.

Traditional rules here in this one-on-one affair.

>> I'll tell you right now, this, this matchup is gonna be a chess match.

We're gonna be here for a while tonight, guys.

This thing right here is not gonna be quick, trust me.

>> Nobody home as Punk holds on and

CM Punk looking to step through here to Daniel Bryan.

And CM Punk again going for another submission maneuver on Bryan.

>> And he's got it.

He's got one arm right there.

He's got Daniel Bryan in dire straits.

He's in trouble.

>> And this is not the way that I saw this match playing out here tonight.

>> Wow, I don't even know what to call that.

>> Hook of the leg.

It hurt, whatever it was.

And Bryant kicks out at two.

>> Again, do you think Daniel Bryan's thrown off his game plan a bit, Lawler?

Because usually it's Bryan that's doing this.

>> Well, not really.

You guys both alluded to it earlier.

He knows so many submission holds, but for

every one of those holds that he knows how to apply, he knows how to get out of them.

>> Normally Daniel Bryan is the more technical guy in the ring, but CM,

whoa, man.

>> And again, the damage has been done to the left knee,

the left leg of Daniel Bryan by Punk.

It's been a great strategy so far for the champion.

>> You never can trust that kid right there.

That boy, Daniel Bryan, he always got one up his sleeve.

>> Look at this.

Punk slides through and now Daniel Bryan.

>> Just like that right there.

Daniel Bryan is one of the best as far as scouting his opponent,

knowing exactly where he's going to be at certain times.

>> Yeah, but Daniel Bryan's got to get the champ back in the ring.

>> Bryan, ribs first to Punk.

Now, remember, Punk's midsection was heavily damaged with the attack

by the steel chair by Kane just two nights ago on SmackDown.

As this back and forth match continues.

>> Check this move out.

Book, you said, I don't even know what to call it, but

it [CROSSTALK] Cole, it hurts.

>> He just stove that boy right there.

Didn't get a three count.

Shows you just how tough [INAUDIBLE].

>> Referee's at a count of six now as Punk gets back into the ring, and

Bryan is going to try.

He needs to break the count again.

He's got to get back in before ten.

Bryan's going to go to the top rope here, and

he's going to make it back in in plenty of time.

Missile drop kick from the top rope, but again injured the leg.

>> That was a huge missile drop kick.

>> Back into the cover, hook of the leg.

Shoulders down, and Punk at two.

>> Not tonight, Punk says.

>> Well, Booker, you mentioned earlier, too,

about the fact that Daniel Bryan feeling in that leg.

It's worse.

I can assure you it's worse than he's letting on.

And he is letting on that he's hurt.

>> Daniel Bryan was trying to check those kicks early, and

he caught one right in that joint.

Like you said earlier, he's still clutching it.

He's hurting.

>> Yeah, but the thing about Daniel Bryan, I mentioned before,

he's like a little like a pit bull.

Just keeps coming at you, coming at you, coming at you.

Hard to get away from Daniel Bryan in his attack.

And here's where Bryan's so dangerous.

>> Seated abdominal stretch right now.

He's trying to get it in, and he's got him locked in tight.

>> And again, Daniel Bryan knows so many ways to hurt you.

>> Look at the elbow.

>> Man. You saw CM Punk try to do everything he

could to keep Daniel Bryan from getting that locked on, but he got it.

>> And again, the reason he's gotten to the abdominal stretch, guys,

goes back to Friday night and the assault by the steel team from

the big red monster Kane that targeted the back and the ribs of Punk.

Bryan realized that, he's the one who set it up.

>> Yeah.

>> Daniel Bryan!

CM Punk!

>> Go back to those feet, knees, there you go.

>> Punk fighting back into this thing, the chance to drop out.

>> There's a knee of his own from Daniel Bryan.

Right to the throat area.

>> Cover by the champ.

Bryan knew he wasn't going to get a pinfall there,

but it forced Punk to kick out again with those bad ribs.

>> Daniel Bryan looks to me to be hurt, guys.

>> He is hurt, and he's hurt worse than he's letting on.

>> Punk's hurt, too.

>> Well, let me tell you something.

The last thing you want to do in a match like this Is show that you're hurt-

>> [CROSSTALK]

>> Look at this Bryan got him caught,

got him caught here.

>> He's still throwing it though, he's still in the game,

that just tells me he's hurting, he's not injured.

So right now, he's still in the mix right now king.

>> He's in the mix, no doubt about that.

Again, you made a really good point there Booker,

there's a huge difference between being injured and being hurt.

>> Definitely like I say, when you're injured,

you can just call it in right now.

>> Here's the cover, hook of the leg, shoulders down.

>> One thing about these guys, they go out there in the middle of that ring,

hurt each and every week, you just got to be able to take it.

>> Well, not only that, each and

everything you see happening in there hurts.

But you're right, you're lucky if it doesn't cause an injury.

And look at him lock those feet in there, inside of his legs.

Watch this, going for the same thing that Punk had on him earlier.

>> He's got to be excruciating.

>> Wow, man.

>> And look at how he's just making Punk wait for the pain that is about to follow.

>> Hey, hey, hey, hey, Bryan torturing Punk.

>> He's stepping right on the hamstring, too, man,

right now CM Punk is hurting in more ways than one.

>> Look at Punk's legs, they're not supposed to bend like that.

Yeah, look at the way his arms are about to bend here.

>> Let alone the pressure that CM punk is bearing right now,

trust me, it's unbearable, he's hurting.

>> Look at this. >> [INAUDIBLE] Man.

>> Daniel Bryan.

[NOISE] >> No.

>> And look at this.

>> Caught on a surfboard right now and

Daniel Bryan right there is [INAUDIBLE] Teeing with this boy, CM Punk.

>> Will CM Punk tap out, will he submit to the challenger, Bryan?

>> My goodness, I don't know what the hell to call this.

>> Daniel Bryan is innovative as they come.

Told you he knows over 100 submission moves.

Just another example here by Daniel Bryan,

the champs in trouble, look at the way punk's body was bent.

[NOISE] >> Bryan's screaming, tap but

the champion hasn't tapped out yet and he's gonna break Punk in half here.

Relentless attack by Bryan.

>> Punk just escaped from up top right there.

Got to get to a base.

[NOISE] >> He better fight back.

[NOISE] >> CM Punk creating some separation,

that was Punk on the attack.

Straight right.

>> Those elbows right there, man, elbows all over that-

>> On Bryan and referee couldn't even get

in position to count as Bryan slipped out of that.

[NOISE] >> Champion exhausted.

>> Not kidding.

[NOISE] >> Daniel Bryan just taking his time,

he knows he's got Punk exactly where he needs to be.

Right to the back.

>> Wow, right to the kidney area right there, Cole.

>> No, the kidneys are in your back.

And Daniel Bryan again, look at this.

And again to the injured

midsection of Punk.

[NOISE] >> Back again.

>> Nobody hold this time and CM Punk looking to turn the tables.

WWE champion, nice suplex by Punk.

>> He's got a lock, le's got it locked in, beautiful float over suplex right there,

had it locked in, but [INAUDIBLE] Still got a lot left in the tank, dog.

I told you guys we might be here for

another hour with these two right here cuz trust me, neither one, I want to relent.

Wow.

>> And now it's Punk going back to work on the injured left leg.

>> And Punk worked on so heavily earlier on in the match.

>> Good old fashioned [INAUDIBLE]

Is chop right there, though.

[NOISE] >> [INAUDIBLE] By Brian.

[NOISE]

>> Here we go, what is D Bryan gonna do this time?

I mean, he's already dropped that missile drop kick in.

What is he gonna do now?

>> Look how far away Punk is.

More than halfway across the ring and Bryan connect with the headbutt,

will we crown a new champion?

Hook of the leg, Punk's in trouble and he kicks out of two.

>> Man.

[NOISE] >> D Bryan had a long way to go to

connect with that big flying head, but he did it.

>> He did it somehow.

[NOISE] >> More and

more pressure being applied to the neck and the back of the neck of CM Punk.

[NOISE] >> Real vulnerable position right there,

Punk's here right now.

A lot of guys have retired from neck injuries in this business right now.

D Bryan's laid it on and he's laying it on thick.

>> Punk able to get up and

get the knee of Daniel Bryan right into small of Punk's back.

>> What has allowed Bryan to put on the pressure.

[NOISE] >> [INAUDIBLE] Collide.

>> See that coming,.

>> Yeah, these guys think so much alike.

>> Both men are down in the center of the ring but you have to believe the champion,

Punk took the front of it because of the injured ribs.

>> Yeah, plus the momentum he had coming off those ropes as well, Cole.

>> Just one more time.

>> Check it out right now, he took one duck twice.

And right here.

[NOISE] >> Meanwhile,

the referee's in a count of five, now he's at a count of six.

One of these men's got to make it back to his feet before a count of ten.

And it's Bryan and now Punk.

But Daniel Bryan walks right into a forearm and another one.

Punk, can you feel the momentum maybe shifted a little bit guys?

>> Didn't I tell you king, who is gonna break out into a fight sometime?

And here we go.

>> Here comes Punk heel kick.

[NOISE] >> And

CM Punk ducks underneath rolling neck breaker.

[NOISE] >> Well,

I think we're seeing it now, Booker.

Both these guys are hurting, they may not be injured, but they're both hurting.

>> Yeah, but they know each other like the back of their hands, right there.

You saw right there CM Punk running in a deep run by-

>> [CROSSTALK]

>> By Punk, hooks the leg Bryan kicks out.

[NOISE] >> These guys so talented at what they do.

I think this is gonna come down to just a battle of wills.

Who wants it the most?

Watch this kick over here, it almost took off Punk's head.

>> Less match up here so important to both of these men, both guys who,

in their words, have pushed against the system.

They both know that they're not poster boys for a WWE superstar.

Two guys who aren't supposed to be here in this match tonight.

>> Yeah, but let me tell you something, the talent got these guys here, both of

these guys knows exactly what they're doing in the middle of this week and

why they're here.

>> Now look at Bryan again, the injured leg.

Both of these men with healthy respect for one another.

Punk says he is still in awe of Bryan's ability in the ring.

And Punk right through the ropes taking out Daniel Bryan.

>> Wow.

>> And what these men will do to themselves and

to each other, to battle for the coveted WWE title.

>> CM Punk just threw caution to the wind right there, just dove on.

Just check this out right here.

CM Punk with the greatest of these.

He just went out there, just dropped that.

>> Boy D Bryan.

>> And again, like we talked about with the world title earlier, Booker,

to be the WWE champion means you are the man in this industry.

Not just in this industry, around the world.

When you walk around the world and.

>> Daniel Bryan.

>> You gotta be kidding me, D Bryan one step ahead.

>> Cover, he's got him.

No, he went to the ribs, and Punk still kicked out.

>> Wow.

>> Daniel Bryan caught CM Punk in midair with that dropkick, as you said,

right to the ribs.

>> This is what it means to be champion right here, guys.

Go out there and handle your business.

Going toe to toe in the middle of this ring.

This right here is what it's all about.

>> Look, I think Daniel Bryan,

he's about to blow a gasket that he didn't get the pin there.

>> Well, who wants it more tonight, Bryan or Punk?

>> Educated feet right here by D Bryan.

We've seen him do this before.

>> And you see where they, the toe of the boot and

one of those kicks went to the ribs, but CM Punk countered back to the injured leg.

>> Dragon screw leg whip right there, baby.

>> And CM punk.

My goodness.

I figure four time.

>> That'll make a difference in those kicks from now on.

He's working on that injured leg of Daniel Bryan.

>> And it will be.

Will the submission specialist, Bryan, be the one to tap out tonight?

>> Look at these two.

This is unbelievable.

>> And now it's Bryan who's screaming in pain, and Punk's got it locked in.

Bryan's got to make it to the ropes, and unlike in the fatal four way earlier

tonight, if Bryan gets to the ropes, the champion must let go of the hold.

>> Bryan does, and he scores.

>> But he's got five seconds.

He's got five seconds right here.

And right now, he's utilizing every second.

>> But again, Bryan saves the matchup, at least temporarily.

And you hear Punk telling the ref, and he got to five.

>> And look at CM Punk, the champ.

After all of this battle, Booker, he's still got a smile on his face.

>> That's what it's all about.

I mean, even if you're in a fight,

you still got to be able to have a little bit of fun.

Take one on the chin and smile again.

And Bryan slides through.

Shoulders down and the champion at two.

Rock to hold by Punk.

And Punk again.

Look at this, rolling Bryan up.

He's got him in a kick out at two again.

>> Wow.

>> Near fall after near fall for both men.

Punk looked like he was going to go to the well a second time, and

Daniel Bryan looked to counter, and he knocked out the champion.

>> He's out.

Daniel Bryan.

You better cover him, and cover him quick.

>> Daniel Bryan's going to win his first WWE championship, and he can get Punk.

>> He's wasting about four seconds, though, man.

>> And he does and Punk and kicks out again at two.

Near fall for the challenger.

>> Four second loss of time right there what enabled CM Punk to kick out.

Trust me.

>> But again, Brian has been through a tremendous amount of punishment

here tonight.

It took him those four seconds, in your words, just to get over,

to get into a position to pin the champion.

>> This is that champ.

This is awesome.

>> It is awesome.

That's coming from CM Punk fans and Daniel Bryan fans.

>> These two men who have worked so long, so hard,

just to get to this moment here tonight.

>> Come on, Daniel.

Come on.

>> Both of these men have given so much.

CM punk, at one point in his career, fractured his skull in a match.

Daniel Bryan suffered a detached retina in a match.

>> Well, you said earlier a few years back, neither one of these guys

would have figured to be in this position in this match.

>> And look at Punk.

The truth is, the cream rises to the top.

These guys are the best at what they do.

That's why they're here right now.

>> They've worked damn hard to get here.

>> Here's the cover.

>> That's it.

>> Recover.

>> And Daniel Bryan, he didn't get it.

How many near falls have there been in this match?

Not to mention the submission predicaments.

>> Well, this is where CM Punk looks like he's getting a little frustrated, but

this is where you have got to stay focused.

You must stay focused.

>> Yeah, Punk waste no time.

Check this out right here.

Big clothesline right here.

And he covered that boy real quick.

And check out deep back.

>> I like how you mentioned frustration, King,

because both of these men have been frustrated throughout their career.

You're trying to get that opportunity to be in the spot they are tonight,

trying to work hard to get there so they know about frustration, and, I believe,

how to handle it.

>> Well, you gotta handle it.

>> That double job right there seems to just stop that boy, D Bryan in his tracks.

>> And look at Punk, misses wildly.

Bryan does as well.

Punk for the go to sleep.

Daniel Bryan, shoulders down.

And this time, it's Punk.

Punk's got Bryan rolled over, and Daniel Bryan over the s lock.

>> He's got the arm.

>> Wait a minute.

>> CM Punk, and he fights out of it.

>> Didn't get him.

That was close.

>> Bryan launched over the top rope.

Able to hang on.

>> Look at the strength on D Brian.

Just pull himself.

Good night, D Bryan.

>> And a dream may be over for the number one contender.

Punk falls into the cover and Bryan got his rope on the bottom.

>> Got his rope.

>> Cover again.

And Bryan kicks out.

Man. >> Smart,

that was smart by D Bryan right there.

Knowing his positioning in the ring, like I say, deep.

Bryan is a technician, and he knows every spot on that mat.

Trust me.

>> This is everything we expected out of these two men who are so evenly matched.

>> They're not.

They're going to leave it all out there in that ring.

I can assure you that.

>> And here goes Punk.

CM Punk's got Bryan where he wants him.

>> He's going up top, baby.

Look like thinking about it.

>> CM Punk trying to put himself in position for that flying elbow.

>> Move.

Be careful up there.

Buck out his perch right now.

He's looking good.

He's going to fly, baby.

>> Long time, CM Punk connecting, but the injured ribs for

the brunt of the collision.

That's it a lot, too.

I mean, if he could just cover that boy deep run,

I think he would add a three count, but he's hurt.

>> Yeah, those ribs are bad.

Punk trying to capitalize, but has too much time gone by?

The inside leg trying to hook the outside one, and Bryan was able to kick out.

And again, these injuries really taking their toll now as this match rolls along.

>> And like you said earlier, Punk coming into this matchup, totally not 100%, but

he's letting it all hang out right there.

And 80% Punk is just as good as anybody in the world.

>> And look where Bryan is targeted the attack.

>> Yeah, look at Bryan.

Know you mentioned the word pit bull earlier.

Well, here's the pit bull coming out Daniel Bryan right now.

And again, how difficult is it to compete with ribs that are fractured for

maybe broken?

>> I thought the ref was going to just step in there for a second and

call it on D Bryan.

>> That was scary.

>> That was close.

>> Yeah, Bryan cannot be disqualified or lose the championship or

won't gain the championship, I should say.

Over the top, Punk rolls out of the way.

>> Man.

>> And now it's CM Punk.

Vintage Punk with a high running knee.

He follows this up with a running bull dog, but Bryan won't let it happen.

Daniel Bryan wrestling to the ground.

Going for the s lock.

And there's the s lock.

>> That was a beautiful sit out by that boy, D Bryant.

He just put on the brakes.

>> Will Punk tap?

Will the champion tap out?

Is Punk going to tap to the s lock?

>> His only hope is to somehow he's got it locked in too hard.

He's got to somehow get to one of those ropes.

>> Punk's got nothing left.

He's in the middle of the ring.

He's got bad ribs.

He can't pull himself, and Bryan to the bottom row.

>> Look at Punk's arm.

Look at the torque on that arm and shoulder.

Wait, that.

>> Shoulders down.

Punk's tapping.

Punk's tapping out.

CM Punk was tapping.

>> What happened?

>> Still WWE champion CM Punk.

>> It looked to me CM Punk was tapping out.

But we gotta get a replay here to sort this thing out.

>> D Brian, looked like he put himself in a bad position, guys.

His shoulders was on the mat.

That's what I saw right there.

>> You know, I credit Punk, though.

I credit Punk for the reversal there.

And you see Daniel Bryan saying he tapped out.

I had him in the s lock.

>> Let's see who tapped first as Bryan tried to really torque it in there.

Is he tapping?

>> No, there's a tap.

There's the tap.

It's a second after the three pound.

>> And Daniel Bryan's shoulders were indeed down as you saw in the replay.

Punk did tap out, but not until the one two three was counted.

Punk's still the champion.

>> Who's the best in the world, Daniel.

>> My lord.

I think Daniel Bryan's one a when it comes to best in the world.

My lord, what a match between these two.

>> I mean, what a match.

These guys went on there like King said.

They left everything in the middle of that ring, and you gotta love it.

>> And again, King, look at this.

>> Well, Daniel Bryan took a chance here.

He had it locked in.

There's the count of two, and Punk is not tapping that.

There's a three count, and then about one second later, there's a tap.

>> I don't think Daniel Bryan realized the referee was counting.

All he felt was the tap of CM Punk on his arm.

Well, nonetheless, CM Punk is still the WWE champion.

Disappointment tonight by Daniel Bryan.

But either way, what a match between Punk and Bryan at Over the Limit.

That one's going to be remembered for a long time.