WWE Extreme Rules 2010: Top 10 Moments from a Memorable Event

In two weeks, WWE presents the 2012 edition of Extreme Rules. While there have not been many shows under the banner, its history is very interesting.

Last year, the WWE Universe saw a new World and WWE Champion! For two years, the company decided to keep things logical and simple.

Did that thought process pay off? Let's find out!

10. Extreme Makeover Match

Michelle McCool was the Women's Champion. She had Vickie Guerrero and Layla by her side, but this was not her night!

Beth Phoenix was on a mission to capture gold.

Despite the ridiculous stipulation, Phoenix defeated Michelle. We had a new champion, and I hope to never see this gimmick match return...

9. JTG vs. Shad

Cryme Tyme was broken up.

In 2010, WWE was determined to try to find a new star. Shad and JTG were each given a chance at the solo ranks in the company.

No more teaming together.

I liked Shad (heel) more than JTG (face), but this match was worth a try. For some reason, it was a Strap Match, and the crowd just didn't care.

JTG won in four minutes, and their feud was over.

8. Opening Match

The Miz and Big Show were the reigning tag team champions.

They were set to compete in a gauntlet match. If any team defeated them, they would earn a title match at a later date. Seems simple enough!

The first team to try ShowMiz was John Morrison and R-Truth. Of course, that didn't last long.

The next pair to try out the champs were Mark Henry and MVP. This was a solid team two years ago, but it was never their destiny to win gold here.

The final team was Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith (Hart Dynasty). With Natalya and Bret Hart at ringside, you knew who was winning this one.

Hart Dynasty picked up the victory, and the event witnessed a great moment.

7. Punk vs. Rey

If CM Punk lost, he would have to shave his head.

He would have to shave his head eventually, but it was not for another month. On this night, Punk actually picked up a win over Rey Mysterio.

Thanks to a masked man interfering (Joey Mercury), Punk pinned Mr. 619.

6. Draft

Raw held the annual WWE Draft the night after Extreme Rules.

It was very apparent in the winners and losers at this event: certain talents were being set up for a brand change, while others had no direction.

Just watch the posted video for a few examples...

5. Edge Defeats Jericho

Edge was a face.

Chris Jericho was a heel.

Their long feud was finally going to come to an end. It would take place inside a steel cage, and you would have expected a huge battle.

Well, it was a fine match. However, these two just never delivered the classic they were capable of. Edge picked up the win, and their feud on SmackDown came to an end.

The next night, Jericho and Edge were drafted to Raw. In a shocking twist that only lasted a few months, Edge turned heel to close the night.

4. Jack Swagger

Jack Swagger was the World Champion.

Yes, he was!

WWE knew their "youth movement" needed a huge shock. This was certainly one of those moments. Swagger was being given a chance at the top, and fans didn't know how to react.

Some were happy to see new blood in the main event.

Others wanted new talent to be exposed, just not him.

In the end, the experiment didn't work out. I don't fault anybody. It is just how this business goes. Some risks will pay off, while others will not.

On this night, Jack Swagger defended his gold against Randy Orton. It was a huge test, but both men passed with flying colors.

Swagger beat Orton about as clean as can be, and his title reign continued.

3. Sheamus Destroys HHH

Sheamus vs. Triple H was set to be a street fight. Earlier in the night, Sheamus had attacked The Game backstage, and the damage was already done.

Triple H agreed to do battle, despite his injuries.

Sheamus repeatedly kicked Triple H in the head until he won. Shortly after, the Celtic Warrior won the WWE Championship for the second time.

2. End of the Game

At Extreme Rules 2010, Triple H ended his full-time wrestling schedule for WWE.

He had been inside the squared circle less and less a few years ago, but this night was the finale. It was all over after a few kicks to the head.

He put over Sheamus in a big, big way, and went on to other duties.

For this point forward, it is clear that Triple H will be wrestling very few times a year.

1. Last Man Standing

Who remembers the duct tape?

In a Last Man Standing match, the rules are very clear. With the WWE Championship on the line, John Cena knew what he had to do.

An opponent like Batista would not be an easy win.

Just like their WrestleMania match, John Cena found a way to victory. A month later, Batista was gone and quit the company live on Raw.

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