In the 2011 WWE Draft, Mysterio was drafted to the Raw brand. On the May 9 episode of "Raw", Mysterio lost a triple threat match to determine the number one contender for the WWE Championship. Following the match, Mysterio was attacked by R-Truth, which led to a match between the two at Over the Limit, which R-Truth won. In May, Mysterio started feuding with CM Punk, with the pair exchanging victories on consecutive episodes of "Raw". The feud culminated in a singles match on June 19 at Capitol Punishment, where Punk emerged victorious. On July 17 at Money in the Bank, Mysterio failed to capture the "Raw" Money in the Bank briefcase, as the match was won by old rival Alberto Del Rio. The following night on "Raw", Mysterio took part in a tournament for the vacant WWE Championship and advanced to the finals. On the July 25 episode of "Raw", Mysterio defeated The Miz in the final to win his first WWE Championship, but he lost the title to John Cena later that night. On the August 15 episode of "Raw", Mysterio received a rematch for the WWE Championship against new champion Alberto Del Rio, but lost via submission. Mysterio suffered an injury in late August. Mysterio returned at the Slammy Awards to present the Superstar of the Year Award to CM Punk.