PREVIEW: WWE Champion John Cena vs. CM Punk

On his last night in WWE, a reinstated CM Punk challenges WWE Champion John Cena at WWE Money in the Bank, emanating from his hometown of Chicago. Not only does Punk intend to humble The Champ and the entire WWE Universe with a decisive final victory on July 17, but change WWE forever by leaving with its most coveted prize fastened around his waist – simultaneously putting Cena’s career in jeopardy.

This momentous match nearly didn't happen. In response to Punk’s controversial rant on the June 27 edition of Raw - during which he lambasted WWE management, his fellow Superstars and the WWE Universe - WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon suspended The Second City Savior, effectively ending Punk's WWE career three weeks before what would become his final match. The following week, however, Punk's bold aspirations were shockingly salvaged by the WWE Champion himself.

In an emotionally charged confrontation with the WWE CEO, Cena argued that Punk had every right to say what he did, and had earned the right to compete for the WWE Title on July 17. Following Cena's impassioned words, Mr. McMahon agreed to take a “calculated risk” and reinstate Punk under one condition: If Punk manages to leave Chicago with the championship, Cena will be fired on the spot.

Weeks prior, after defeating his longtime nemesis Rey Mysterio at Capitol Punishment, The Second City Savior performed what he called“the most honest thing the WWE Universe has ever seen” by vehemently demanding a WWE Title Match with The Champ at the second annual Money in the Bank event. Instead, Punk was placed in a Triple Threat Match to determine the No. 1 contender in which he defeated Alberto Del Rio and Rey Mysterio. The New Nexus leader then revealed that his WWE contract will expire on the same night as his WWE Title bout in the Windy City, vowing to end his career in WWE as its champion. (WATCH | PHOTOS)

Never truly seeing eye to eye, Cena and Punk have clashed numerous times in the past, but this collision will prove to be their most bombastic encounter yet, with massive implications on the future of WWE. With Cenation behind him, can The Champ overcome the calculating Punk in his hometown? Or will The Second City Savior leave Chicago - and WWE - with the WWE Championship and end Cena's career? To find out, tune in to WWE Money in the Bank, July 17, only on pay-per-view.