WWE Extreme Rules: Greatest Moments in the History of the PPV

The Extreme Rules pay-per-view has provided an action-packed evening every year. With the incarnation of the PG era, going "extreme" now simply describes adding stipulations to matches. Since this is the night where the WWE Universe should accept the greatest amount of brutality throughout the year, the matches usually add more excitement and intensity.

Since its inception in 2009, the Extreme Rules pay-per-view events as a whole has been surprisingly good. Outside of the Country Whipping and Handicap Hog Pen matches, we've seen a total of eight title changes, and overall high impact matches.

With the Extreme Rules pay-per-view event approaching, here are the greatest moments in Extreme Rules history.

5. Tommy Dreamer Wins ECW Championship

As the last active member of the original ECW, Tommy Dreamer was on a quest to win the coveted ECW Championship in 2009. His only previous title reign lasted for a total of 30 minutes, as he defeated Tazz to win it, but lost it to Justin Credible on the same night.

Tommy Dreamer opted to end his 20 year wrestling career if he did not win this match at Extreme Rules vs. Jack Swagger and then-champion Christian.

Defying all odds, he pinned Jack Swagger to become ECW Champion for the second time, in a very heart-felt and emotional victory.

4. CM Punk Cashes in the Money in the Bank Briefcase

In a shocking turn of events, CM Punk decided to cash in his second Money in the Bank suitcase at Extreme Rules 2009. CM Punk had previously competed in and won a hard-fought Samoan Strap match against Umaga, and seemed to be physically exhausted when the match was over.

At the end of the evening, Jeff Hardy defeated Edge in an amazing ladder match to become World Heavyweight Champion. CM Punk comes out, cashes in his briefcase, and defeats Jeff Hardy minutes later to claim his second World Heavyweight Championship.

This would start his career as an established heel in the WWE, as he would later become the leader of both the Straight Edge Society and the New Nexus.

Moreover, he has solidified his career as a main-event babyface, being the current WWE Champion.

3. Jericho Wins His Record Ninth IC Title

In one of the greatest feuds of 2009, Chris Jericho and Rey Mysterio gave the WWE Universe a series of stellar matches on SmackDown and pay-per-views. Their feud intensified every week, and each time the payoff did not disappoint.

At Extreme Rules, Chris Jericho wisely removed the mask of Rey Mysterio, causing him to cover his face and be defeated by a roll-up pin. This made Jericho the Intercontinental Champion for a record ninth time. 

Jericho broke his own record with that win, as the closet reigns are held by Rob Van Dam and Jeff Jarrett, each with a total of six. The closest Superstars on the active roster are Kofi Kingston and Christian, each with three reigns.

2. Christian Wins World Heavyweight Championship

As one of the greatest teams of the Attitude Era, Edge and Christian became World Tag Team Champions a total of seven times. They still hold the prestige of being the team with the most TLC victories.

As the team split, Edge began to receive a bigger push, receiving multiple world championship reigns, and Christian eagerly waited for that big break to be a World Champion. His moment came at the 2011 Extreme Rules event.

After the abrupt and surprising announcement of Edge's retirement, Christian stepped in to become the top contender for the vacant World Heavyweight Championship along with Alberto Del Rio.

Christian defeated Del Rio in a ladder match and achieved his life-long dream by becoming the World Heavyweight Champion, followed by a very emotional celebration with Edge.

1. John Cena Announces Death of Osama Bin Laden

At Extreme Rules 2011, John Cena defeated then-champion the Miz and John Morrison in a triple threat steel cage match to become WWE Champion for the record tenth time. Shortly after his victory, he stands on the commentator's table to make an announcement.

However, this wasn't just any announcement, but an announcement that would change the course of United States history.

Osama Bin Laden had been captured and compromised.

Regardless of loving or hating John Cena as a WWE Superstar, every American citizen and supporter quickly suspended themselves from the world of professional wrestling, and celebrated collectively this amazing victory for the United States of America.

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