The Complete History of the WWE Championship - Part 16

Alberto Del Rio (August 14, 2011 - September 18, 2011)

Alberto Del Rio: Cashed in Money in the Bank to become WWE Champion

Alberto Del Rio had won the Money in the Bank Ladder Match on July 17, 2011 and had attempted to cash in his contract that same night on CM Punk following Punk's title victory over John Cena in the headline bout of the Money in the Bank pay per view.

He had failed. A swift kick to the temple had ended his hopes.

However, four weeks later at SummerSlam, Del Rio's luck would change. After Punk was laid out by Kevin Nash, Del Rio swooped in and pinned Punk to become WWE Champion for the first time.

After Punk segued into a feud with Nash and his buddy, Triple H, former champion John Cena stepped in to challenge Del Rio at Night of Champions on September 18, 2011. In his first pay per view title defence, Del Rio was defeated by Cena.

His reign had lasted less than five weeks. However, Del Rio's time in the WWE Championship picture was not over and he would challenge for the belt again a few weeks later inside Hell in a Cell.

Del Rio's luck would change in that bout, too.

Stick around, because Part 17 will be here before you know it! Thanks for reading.

Follow Sportskeeda Wrestling and Sportskeeda MMA on Twitter for all the latest news about WWE and UFC. Do not miss out!