15 Best World Heavyweight Championship Matches in WWE History

#3 Jeff Hardy(c) vs CM Punk - TLC Match (Summerslam 2009)

2009 was undoubtedly the best year for the World Heavyweight Title. From the stunning matches between John Cena and Edge in the first few months to the re-ignition of the acclaimed rivalry between Undertaker and Batista in the last few months, World Heavyweight Title reached the pinnacle of its 12-year history in 2009.

But, neither of this would have been possible without the best ever feud for that title - Hardy v Punk.

A rivalry between a red hot babyface and a hated villain is probably the best scenario for WWE. Punk's Money in the Bank cash in over Hardy at Money in the Bank, and his subsequent slow-burning heel turn and his straight edge lifestyle turned him into a hated villain, while Hardy was easily the biggest babyface at that time.

After two World title matches, the second of which saw Hardy regain the title, a grudge match, was scheduled between the two for Summerslam 2009.

Given the main event slot ahead of Cena-Orton and DX-Legacy matches, the two took full advantage of the opportunity given to them and wrestled one of the best TLC matches in recent memories.

Tables were shattered, ladders were bent, chairs were crushed and bodies were sacrificed in this instant classic. After 21 full minutes, Punk put the penultimate nail in Hardy's WWE career as he knocked him down and unhooked the title belt.

Oh, and The Undertaker returned and chokeslammed Punk. So, Happy Ending for everyone.