Justin Roberts introduced C.M. Punk as “the new and only Straight Edge World Hvt. Champion in history.” Nice. Punk limped out with the belt around his waist as the fans booed. Todd Grisham checked in on commentary, and Ross said he found it amazing that Punk and Hardy were even on the show given what they went through in the TLC match.

“I told you so,” Punk said in a mocking tone. “I told you all that I would beat Jeff Hardy at SummerSlam, and in case you are all too intoxicated to remember, let me show you how I did it.” Highlights aired of the TLC match. Punk called the match the most brutal of his career.

Punk spoke about how he felt everything from the match because he doesn’t take anything to mask the pain. He turned the focus to Undertaker attacking him after the main event. Video footage aired of the attack. Back in the ring, Punk said he’s being forced to compete in a cage match. The fans cheered. He pointed at the cage and said, “The whole thing is unfair.”

Punk said the fans and WWE higher ups are afraid of him because they don’t know what a Straight Edge World Champion is. “I am a pioneer,” Punk said. He said he’s the role model the world needs because he doesn’t drink, smoke, or abuse prescription medication “like Jeff Hardy.” Punk claimed he would prove again why he’s the best in the world.

Hardy’s music played and he walked out to a big pop. Punk slapped the hands of the cans as he walked gingerly toward the ring. He grimaced as he climbed the steps to enter the ring. Hardy said there are three words that are more important than Punk’s just say no. “Steel cage match,” Hardy said.

Punk said he assumed Hardy was intoxicated. He questioned what Jeff put in his body to give him the courage to come to the ring. Punk assumed it was painkillers. He said he’s sick and tired of seeing young, impressionable children boo him and cheer for Hardy. “I am fed up with them and I am fed up with you,” Punk said.

“One of us doesn’t belong here anymore,” Punk said. “You like taking risks? How’s this for a risk? I say tonight that the loser is thrown out of the WWE. Let me explain that to you because I know everything up here is a little bit foggy from all the narcotics.” Punk said that if he lost, the fans wouldn’t have to listen to him tell the truth anymore. Punk said that if Hardy lose it would prove that his lifestyle is better than Hardy’s.

“It proves that Straight Edge means I’m better than you,” Punk said. He added that it would open the eyes of fans because their hero and enabler wouldn’t be there anymore. The fans changed “Hardy.” Jeff said he didn’t know. “That’s risky,” Hardy said. “That’s crazy. You’re on!”

Backstage, Matt Hardy told Jeff Hardy;
(who was wearing the face paint) that he hopes he knows what he’s doing. He told him to win the cage match and take back his World Hvt. Championship. He told him they could take over Smackdown together. Jeff said he lives for the moment “and the moment is now”…

A shot aired of the cage being lowered around the ring. Ross questioned whether Punk or Hardy would be leaving WWE… [C]

JEFF HARDY VS CM PUNK; STEEL CAGE MATCH FOR THE WHC; LOSER LEAVES TOWN;

Jeff Hardy came out first. As he was making his entrance, C.M. Punk ran out and attacked him from behind. Punk, who had his shoulder taped, roughed up Jeff at ringside before sliding him inside the cage to start the match…

Punk made a couple of early attempts to leave the cage while Jeff was injured, but Hardy caught him. Hardy came back and scored a nice near fall before the break. [C]

After the break, Hardy was making an attempt to climb over the cage, but Punk caught him. Hardy kicked him off and hit a cross body block off the top rope. Later, Punk was climbing the ropes to go over the top of the cage when he turned and noticed that Jeff was close to leaving via the door. Punk gave up his climb and stopped Jeff from exiting the cage. [C]

Hardy was in control after the break. He made another escape attempt to Punk prevented by grabbing his leg. Hardy fought him off with punches and was hanging over the cage dangling his legs, but Punk held onto his upper body and wouldn’t let him drop. Punk hit a great superplex that looked even more impressive because Hardy came from the top of the cage. Nice visual.

Punk climbed the ropes and tried to escape. Hardy caught up to him, but Punk fought him off with a thumb to Hardy’s eyes and by slamming his head onto the top of the cage. Hardy fell to the mat. Punk dropped from near the top of the cage to the ground at ringside to win the match. Punk laughed on the floor as he celebrated his win. He mocked Hardy by waving at him.

Ross said it was just the beginning of the Straight Edge World Championship reign. Grisham said it was the end of the great career of Jeff Hardy. The cage was raised as Hardy was still lying in the ring. Punk smiled as he hobbled to the top of the stage. Hardy sat up and looked to the surprised crowd.

Hardy stood up and received polite applause. The cameras showed shots of dejected fans, including a crying girl. Hardy clapped andsome in the crowd responded. He said he was sorry if he let anyone down and said he’s sorry they’ll be seeing Punk instead of him on Smackdown. “But it’s been one hell of a ride, hasn’t it?” he said.

“I just want you to know that it’s not goodbye forever, it’s only goodbye for now,” Hardy said. “And if the time is right, I’m sure I’ll see you in the future. Thank you all. Hey, but at least Matt’s back on my side. There’s still a Hardy on this show.”

Hardy exited the ring a couple seconds later and removed his shirt and the sleeves that covers his arms. He gave them to the fans and gave them away as he shook hands with the fans at ringside. Shots aired of additional women crying. Hardy stood at the top of the stage and raised his hand. The fans cheered. Punk came out and slammed the back of Hardy’s head with the World HVt. Championship belt.