10 BEST WWE Extreme Rules PPV matches

In honor of this year’s WWE premium live event, Extreme Rules, emanating live in Philadelphia on Saturday, October 8th. We at Wrestlebuddy name our top 10 best Extreme Rules matches. 

Extreme Ties & History:

See, professional wrestling maintains numerous sub-genres like anything regarding pop-culture entertainment. There was a man named Paul Heyman who had this vision for wrestling. He discerned from traditional philosophies in a sense. Heyman recreated athletic lawlessness within the art form. Hardcore wrestling existed long before ECW, but one could utilize an evil genius. Because Extreme Championship Wrestling produced a cult-like following inside smaller emanate buildings. Fans were involved more than ever. “ The City of Brotherly Love “ was quite the opposite concerning their unique wrestling brand.

After Vince McMahon bought ECW in 2001, Their loyalists felt abandoned by the mainstream scene until WWE agreed to revive this once dying phenomenon. ECW had reawakened for a special pay-per-view spectacular titled ECW One Night Stand & this reunion show culminated live inside the Hammerstein Ball Room via Manhattan, New York. July 12, 05 lives on in wrestling history & reminds everyone of ECW’s polarizing presence.

Why is this significant? I thought the article highlighted WWE Extreme Rules & trust us, it does. Regarding newer audiences to understand the Extreme concept. One must study its violent history so that appreciation ensues.

WWE knew without ECW, something dangerous was predominantly missing. What can wrestlers face, or which ones are willing to brave these chaotic-themed encounters? One Night Stand gave life to Extreme Rules! Its forerunner carved out a painful path, thus replacing the PPV circa 2009 & in 2010, any ECW affiliation would be separate from Extreme Rules.

Let’s list-The Top 10!!!

1. John Cena fights Brock Lesnar – Extreme Rules Match: (Chicago 2012)

Storytelling also confirmed why this match ranks highly on anyone’s list. Brock made his return to WWE. The Beast desired legitimate change against another notable superstar John Cena. Cena remarked about Lesnar’s selfishness. Both OVW standouts clashed inside the ring at Extreme Rules (2012) in Chicago. The Rock defeated Cena at WrestleMania 28. Cena looked to slay a menacing opposition. 

Lesnar possessed that amateur & MMA background. He took advantage of Cena’s weaknesses. I don’t recall viewing a match in wrestling where a wrestler bled so quickly at the beginning. Cena tried discontinuing Lesnar’s assault, but Brock continued dominance. Cena hung on the ring post following being chained while Brock punished him. The author of Thuganomics nailed “ The Beast Incarnate” with a chained fist. Cena F-U to Brock on steel stairs for the win!

2. Edge faces Jeff Hardy-World Championship Ladder Match: (2009 Tampa) 

Jim Ross stated ( paraphrasing) Edge & Jeff Hardy are two of the greatest Ladder Matches wrestlers. 1999 Tag-Team Ladder match at No Mercy launched both men’s careers. Two WWE Extremists if you will engage in battle. Hardy gained the upper hand momentarily. The Rated R Superstar abruptly changed this. Ladders pay dividends in an environment like what fans anticipated. Hardy is a professional risk taker. Edge doesn’t mind sacrificing his body as well. 

Opportunist describes Edge’s offensive methods. Hardy hurts himself in the process of affecting his opponent’s progress. A Sharpshooter with Jeff inside that intimidating ladder. Hardy’s drop-kicking Edge & ladder was unreal. Twist of Fate keeps Edge away for now. They continue to fight & Jeff counters the spear by applying a Twist of Fate off the ladders. Edge got caught up in the structure that allowed Hardy to retrieve the Title. Later, CM Punk cashed in his Money in the Bank contract & won the Championship away from Hardy! 

3. No. 1 Contender’s Extreme Rules Fatal 5-Way Match: Finn Balor versus Samoa Joe versus Bray Wyatt versus Seth Rollins versus Roman Reigns (2016) 

Lesnar was the Universal Champion, and Balor represented legacy as the inaugural Universal Champion! Four superstars who built WWE’s future. Arguably, wrestling’s three best of a modern generation are Seth Rollins, Finn Balor, & Samoa Joe. I liked how rivalries connect all competitors. Wyatt & Reigns battle & Joe faces Rollins. Balor targets Roman. Realistic fantasy matchups consist of this bout. Bray & Reigns exemplify brawling, and Joe personifies Technical ability. Rollins & Finn exhibit both high-risk & fundamental strategies. Most multiple-layered contests get difficult to articulate in-ring stories. Unlikely alliances form combined with imminent betrayal. Samoa Joe prevails by submission on Balor.

4. Triple Threat World Championship Steel Cage Match: The Miz (C) versus John Cena versus John Morrison (Tampa 2011) 

The Miz attempts to escape from danger as it concerns Morrison & Cena. Miz Mreyed upon his challengers. Each wrestler impressively engaged fans throughout every duration. Cena inserted intrigue with high-risk execution. Morrison invents creative wrestling artistry & hardcore style aids Morrison. These kinds of matchups offer uncommon allegiances among adversaries. Steel always defeats flesh & the cage never forgives the body. Magnificent athletic proficiency is featured here. R-Truth attacked Morrison & Cena. An FU from the top rope secured victory for John Cena & 10-time WWE Champion! 

5. Christian battles Alberto Del Rio -World Championship Ladder Match ( Tampa 2011)

The storyline focused on Edge’s emotional real-life retirement. Christian had experience with Ladder matches. One fact about Del Rio, he is the nephew of legendary Lucha-Libre star Mil Mascaras. The WWE Universe supported Christian. Del Rio showed pose in attacking his opponent. Ladders can reverse game planning, & these wrestlers grasped that point. Their war depicted an agonizing picture. Brodus Clay interferes & attacks Christian. Edge distracts Del Rio, and Christian ascends to the top of the ladder. New World Heavyweight Champion Christian!

6. Roman Reigns (C) against AJ Styles WWE Championship Extreme Rules Match (Newark, NJ 2016)

They went Extreme, “ The Phenomenal One” faced World Champion Roman Reigns. People weren’t thrilled with “ The Big Dog! “ AJ’s quick offense combatted the larger competitor & familiar rival. Nobody does Smashmouth punishment like Roman. Excellent illustrations of a smaller wrestler versus a big wrestler describing speed against power. Both fought through crowds & Styles, giving Reigns an impeccable “ Phenomenal Forearm” off the stage. Roman sent AJ crashing through WWE’s broadcast table. Styles was relentless as he regained momentum until Reigns threw the number one contender into a barricade & another table. Anderson & Gallows brutalize Reigns. Uso’s help takes out Styles & his allies. The Champ kicked out of Styles’ finisher-” Styles Clash! “ Jimmy & Jey assisted Reigns’ survival after AJ executes the Styles Clash again. If someone wants to throw a steel chair party like AJ, then never fear; Roman will spear him. Still World Champion Roman Reigns.

7. WWE SmackDown Women’s Title Match Becky Lynch defends against Bianca Belair- ( Columbus, OH, 2021) 

Becky Lynch shocked observers everywhere when she re-emerged at SummerSlam 2021 & embarrassed “ The EST of WWE” Bianca Belair by winning the SmackDown Women’s Title in memorizing fashion. Belair vowed payback opposite “ Big Time Becks! “ This specific feud was incredible. All their epic conflicts enamored audiences globally. After weeks of face-offs, the time for talking was over. Lynch tried fooling Bianca until the challenger upstaged her. Becky approaches struggles more scientifically, whereas Belair resorts to strength & athletic skills. Lynch’s demeanor expresses frustration. Disarmer looked to finish off Bianca. The return of Sasha Banks spoiled that & beat up both ladies. Lynch retains the belt as a result of the DQ.

8. Randy Orton defends opposite Batista/ WWE Championship Steel Cage Match ( 2009 New Orleans)

Legacy trapped Ric Flair inside the cage. Orton destroyed “ The Nature Boy. “ Batista desired revenge against his former Evolution teammate. Extreme Rules seemed appropriate & The Viper made it personal. Randy also injured Mr. McMahon & Triple H. One of the profession’s greatest villainous wrestlers is Randy Orton. The intensity appeared on “ The Animal’s “ face. Randy tried evading Batista. Wrestling matches or fights resonate more emotionally when two men portray disdain for each other on camera. Batista controlled the Champ early, and Orton wanted an escape route. This third-generation wrestler is cunning. If you like physicality, Orton & Batista delivered that. Batista bomb by The Animal, New Champion Batista.

9. Sheamus faced Daniel Bryan 2 out of 3 Falls WWE World Title Match-( Chicago 2012)

Daniel Bryan is Wrestling’s technical work of art. The Irish brawler inhibited his sizable will on this prodigy. Bryan wore down the Champion. He kept his nemesis grounded. The Celtic Warrior used power as he stopped any fundamental defense & offense from Daniel Bryan. A great challenger had a conserved intrusion versus the Champion. Bryan scored the first fall via DQ, & fast-forward to when Sheamus landed a Bro-Kick with Sheamus retaining. 

10. Intercontinental Title Fatal 4-Way Match-The Miz versus Cesaro versus Sami Zayn versus Kevin Owens ( Newark, NJ 2016 ) 

I’ll mention again that I appreciate angles persisting in varied match scenarios. Zayn kicks Owens, and Cesaro uppercuts Miz. It informs spectators of animosity existing there. Miz is the IC title-holder. Cesaro has extraordinary athletic talent. Zayn was elusive, and Owens’ aggression excelled tremendously. Cesaro kicks out of the Skull Crushing Finale. Miz tapped out after The Swiss Superman locked in the Sharpshooter. Miz tapped out behind the referee’s back due to Maryse’s distraction. Miz pins Cesaro & retains the Intercontinental Title.

I want to thank the Wrestlebuddy team for their incredible help with this article. Let us know if you’re excited about WWE Extreme Rules this year.

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