WWE Champion CM Punk confronts Jerry “The King” Lawler and John Cena (Watch Video)

On Raw 1,000, Jerry “The King” Lawler said that CM Punk turned his back on the WWE Universe. 24 hours after retaining the WWE Title in a Triple Threat Match against Big Show and John Cena at SummerSlam, WWE Champion CM Punk demanded an apology from the WWE Hall of Famer. But before Punk could get his apology, John Cena made his way to the ring.

The Straight Edge Superstar was clearly unhappy with Cena’s interruption, claiming that since WrestleMania, the champion has taken a “back seat” to Cena, The Rock, Brock Lesnar and Triple H. Punk explained to Cena that he didn’t mind out of respect. The WWE Champion reminded Cena and the WWE Universe how many times he has defeated the Cenation leader. With that in mind, CM Punk named his one condition for accepting the match – Cena must admit that The Second City Saint in the best in the world.

Cena retorted that despite nine months of not being the WWE Champion, the Cenation was still strong because of the one thing CM Punk desired – respect. Cena refused to adhere to Punk’s demand, because in his heart, he is the best.

The 10-time WWE Champion highlighted the stark contrasts between himself and the current champion and how he never demanded anything for anyone. Willing to sacrifice the No. 1 contendership, Cema would not give Punk what he wanted, however reminded The Straight Edge Superstar that if he wanted to prove he was the best once and for all, then he must face Cena at Night of Champions.

After the Cenation leader left the ring, CM Punk once again turned his attention to Jerry Lawler, calling the WWE Hall of Famer into the ring to once again demand an apology. Lawler apologized, but the WWE Champion was still not satisfied and wanted ” The King” to declare him the best in the world.

The Memphis-native refused and tried to return to the announce table when CM Punk kicked him from behind. As Raw came to a close, the WWE Champion silently looked down at Lawler and to the WWE Universe, still lacking whatever respect he felt was deserved.