Strictly speaking the title was still on Punk during the match, even though he wasnt in it.
The concept of the match was kinda like a fatal four way (with five people) whereby anyone could be pinned for the title to change hands.
The only difference here was that there was a time limit, so it wasnt as simple as "a single pin wins the match".
Even though they would list anyone who made a pin during the match, as the "current" champion, the title didnt really change hands, so whoever was champ before the match started, was still the actual champion throughout the match until the final bell, then whoever got the final pin, would be the champion.
That basically meant, the champion didnt even have to be in the match, but was then obviously assured of losing the belt.
I have heard no rumours of Punk being really injured prior to the PPV, so my guess is that they are just setting up a Punk/Orton feud!
Its a pretty lame way for a belt to change hands really, and a pretty lame way for Punk to end his title run, but you would assume that they will play it up just like they have done with guys like Edge and Batista, who had to relinquish the title after an injury, so they could then say they were never beaten for the title.
At least the title went to someone decent, but it still seems like a pretty hollow title win the way it played out.
Doesnt really give Jericho any credibility as champion!
