Former friends face off

This Monday, Aug. 12, just six days before SummerSlam, the deeply bitter and personal rivalry between CM Punk and Paul Heyman ratchets up to the next level when the former friends fight one-on-one on Raw!

The unexpected, first-time-ever contest was proposed by Heyman himself on the Aug. 5 episode of Raw after his ferocious client Brock Lesnar again attacked and decimated Punk, this time after The Second City Saint’s intense match with another of Heyman’s protégés, Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel.

Watch: Heyman’s challenge to Punk |  “The Best in the World” vs. Axel

With his much-anticipated  “Best vs. Beast” SummerSlam battle against Lesnar looming, could Punk be walking into a trap on Raw? As much as he would love to get his hands on Heyman, the five-time World Champion surely must know that the New Yorker has too much intelligence — and survival instinct — to actually face him in a fair fight. Or, does he? WWE.com looks at the “tape of the tape” between Punk and Heyman.

CM Punk

A SummerSlam match is made between CM Punk and Brock Lesnar.

Height: 6'2"
Weight: 218 lbs.
From: Chicago, Ill.
Signature Moves: GTS (Go to Sleep); Anaconda Vise

As a WWE fan-favorite, the longest-reigning WWE Champion of the modern era and one of the most hard-nosed and hard-headed Superstars to ever step in the squared circle, the inimitable Punk is largely a known commodity.

Watch: The rise of CM Punk |  The Best’s hottest SummerSlam matches

Although Lesnar’s vicious attacks in recent weeks have resulted in bone-rattling F-5s, The Best in the World has refused to back down from his SummerSlam opponent, repeatedly showing the uncompromising toughness that he has become known for. It’s not The Beast Incarnate who Punk is scheduled to face on Raw Monday, though.

One has to like Punk’s chances in any physical confrontation with Heyman, as the double-crossing legal adviser has needed bailouts from Lesnar and Axel every time he’s been cornered or attacked by his former friend. Those highly dangerous Superstars, however, are potentially Heyman’s greatest strength heading into this “one-on-one” match with Punk.

Paul Heyman

Paul Heyman engages in a war of words with his former client and friend, CM Punk.

Height: 5'11"
Weight: 232 lbs.
From: Scarsdale, N.Y.
Signature Moves: Taking legal action; running away; calling for help

As owner of ECW, former SmackDown General Manager, former Raw color commentator and adviser to countless decorated “Heyman Guys” over his extensive career, Heyman has worn many hats. One thing he is not known for, though, is fighting his own battles.

Watch: Who is Paul Heyman? |  When “Heyman Guys” collide

Luckily for WWE’s “mad scientist,” he has not only The Beast on his side but also the impressive Intercontinental Champion. With those two often waiting in the wings, Heyman rarely, if ever, has had to stand alone in the squared circle. It is unclear if it will be a different story on Monday.

Whether or not he has backup, the fast-talking, double-crossing New Yorker is well-known for employing dirty tactics, as he showed with his betrayal of Punk at Money in the Bank. In short, The Second City Savior should underestimate his former friend at his own peril.

Does Heyman indeed have some tricks up his sleeve? If so, will Punk even make it to SummerSlam? Or, will The Best in the World get his coveted revenge before he battles The Beast at The Biggest Party of the Summer? Tune in to Raw on Monday, Aug. 12, at 8/7 CT on USA.