Top 5 WWE Extreme Rules PPV Matches

WWE continues to build the storylines and card for the April 29 Extreme Rules PPV event. At the 2012 event, wrestlers like Brock Lesnar and John Cena will battle in chaotic, stipulation-filled environments. In the short history of the Extreme Rules PPV, there have been five memorable matches that stole the show and helped build the tradition that is known today.

Jeff Hardy vs. Edge - Ladder Match

There have been dozens of ladder matches in the WWE and the top performers in them usually include Jeff Hardy or Edge. These two met at the 2009 Extreme Rules PPV in a singles ladder match for the World Heavyweight Championship.

Just like their other ladder matches, both wrestlers put everything on the line. In an intense battle, Hardy finally got the advantage when he trapped Edge in the ladder and grabbed the World Heavyweight Championship. Just minutes after the match, CM Punk came to the ring, cashed in his Money in the Bank contract and defeated Hardy for the title in a huge twist ending.

CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio -Hair Match

Wrestlemania 26 featured the battle between Mysterio and CM Punk, but their feud would continue one month later at the Extreme Rules PPV. This time if Punk lost he would have to have his head shaved. The stipulation brought the best out in both wrestlers as they delivered another classic match. Punk managed to get the win, but it would only extend their feud for the next couple of months.

Edge vs. Chris Jericho - Steel Cage Match

The 2010 Extreme Rules featured several extended feuds from Wrestlemania, but one of the most intense was between Edge and Chris Jericho. The object of a steel cage match was to escape, but both wrestlers passed on that to stay inside and torment each other more. Jericho had the upper-hand on Edge for a lot of the match, but Edge hit his spear finisher to finally get a win over Jericho.

Christian vs. Alberto Del Rio - Ladder Match

The ladder match between Alberto Del Rio and Christian wasn't the most violent or compelling in WWE history, but it had the perfect amount of drama and surprise to be one of the best. Edge was forced to retire from the WWE after Wrestlemania XXVII. This left the World Heavyweight Championship vacant. Edge's best friend Christian stepped in and fought his rival Del Rio.

After Brodus Clay interfered, it looked like Christian would lose until Edge literally pulled into the arena. He distracted Del Rio, Christian grabbed the title and won his first World Heavyweight Championship.

John Cena vs. The Miz vs. John Morrison - Steel Cage Match

John Morrison got the ultimate opportunity to show his main event skills during the 2011 Extreme Rules PPV. He would compete with Wrestlemania XXVII competitors The Miz and John Cena for the WWE title in a steel cage match.

The triple threat component added a lot of non-stop action to the match, including some great in-ring psychology as wrestlers tried to escape. Just as John Morrison was about to win, R-Truth interfered and left The Miz and Cena to do battle. Cena hit the Attitude Adjustment off the top rope, pinned The Miz and won the WWE Championship again.

Alan Donahue is a lifelong fan of the WWE. He has written hundreds of wrestling articles and his favorite Superstars include CM Punk, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Macho Man Randy Savage.

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