15. 9th WWE Championship Reign (7/25/11 – 8/14/11)
The WWE Championship title picture was bleak after CM Punk “departed” WWE with the WWE Championship in tow after Money in the Bank 2011. Rey Mysterio clinched the WWE Championship after he won a tournament for the “vacant” title. However, Cena was in line for a WWE Title shot, and he invoked his rematch clause. Cena defeated Mysterio on the July 25, 2011, episode of Raw to become the first nine-time WWE Champion in history.
The Straight Edge Savior returned to WWE, setting up Cena and Punk’s rematch at SummerSlam 2011. The winner was crowned as the Undisputed WWE Champion. Triple H undertook special guest referee duties with Cena, once again losing to Punk in the main event.
