WWE Extreme Rules 2012 Results: CM Punk Defeats Chris Jericho to Retain Title

With a wild win over Chris Jericho at Extreme Rules 2012, CM Punk has successfully defended his WWE title in his hometown of Chicago.

Even with the WWE’s pension for forcing superstars to lose in their hometowns, Punk overcame and was lucky enough to be a winner in match that made both men look great. If you love technical matches with excellent storytelling, this satisfied every fiber of your being.

Rumors have swirled about how long Jericho would remain in WWE, but the loss appears to validate a statement the rock star made to Revolver Magazine that he will be leaving before SummerSlam.

What It Means

While a Jericho win would have signaled the feud would be part of a trilogy that ended with Punk winning back his title at SummerSlam, this loss shows that the end of this feud is upon us.

Jericho has already come clean about his desire to get back out with his band Fozzy, so maybe he can work a small program right before he leaves. A spat with Daniel Bryan would be great.

As for Punk, it reaffirms the belief that WWE may really be buying into the sensation that is CM Punk. It’s almost impossible for them to respect a man who built his name in another company, but they seem to be OK with it for right now.

What’s Next

After another big win in his hometown, the next step for CM Punk may be the most important of his career. As a face, no one wants him to become Super Cena.

Bleacher Report’s own WWE insider Justin LaBar was the first to report that Lord Tensai’s next feud would be against CM Punk, but now the likelihood of that looks undeniable.

While fans may try to complain about how this feud may go, the truth is that Tensai is a great worker, and this could be a memorable David vs. Goliath battle. Both men can make a match great, but the fans have to buy in.

So stop being stuck up!

For the latest episode of Ring Rust Radio featuring ECW legends New Jack and “Franchise” Shane Douglas and all the 2012 WWE Extreme Rules talk you could want, catch it here! (Some language NSFW).

Check back for more on the World Wrestling Entertainment as it comes, and visit Bleacher Report’s Wrestling Page to get your fill of WWE/TNA. For more wrestling talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics you just can’t miss (some language NSFW).

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