WWE Extreme Rules: Chris Jericho and the 7 Contenders for the WWE Title

With all things being equal, maybe the WWE will go back to some of its old-school ways and old-school wrestling ways of determining title contenders.

Yes, finding the "hot" wrestler and building a program is great, but there are some times when the arc is created that does not bend the right way and we are left scratching our heads, wondering what the WWE was thinking when they produced this matchup.

We found out a lot last night about the WWE, Brock Lesnar, Chris Jericho and others. We found out that CM Punk is still the "Best in the World" and that Daniel Bryan and Sheamus, although I did not like the match, gave us the best show of the evening.

And when it comes to now determining who is the leading contender for the WWE Title, you have to figure there will be new faces and old. I am going to try and be as even about this as possible, putting wrestlers from Smackdown and Raw on this list.

Hopefully, some of you will agree, and I know for a fact some of you will voice your opinions.

8. Chris Jericho

He had two attempts to capture gold and failed. And in the process, gave us a really bad rendition of Jericho.

Chris Jericho's best days are behind him, but he is still pretty darn good. I was not impressed with the match last night (a mantra I have repeated several times), but still, when you have two great stars in the ring, you have to give the angle a chance.

I did; now let's move on.

Does Jericho have a shot at the title now again? No.

But since he was the top contender, he makes the list.

7. John Cena

This one goes out the door because of Cena's injury, but I love the chemistry between them in the ring.

I guess they have forgotten how good it was and how great the fans loved it when they were battling this time last year.

Cena has moved on without a title, and Punk continues to carry a title but looks more like a mid card wrestler.

That does not sound right, and it shouldn't be that way.

If this match was ever re-created, it would still bring fans to their feet.

6. Santino Marella

I hate adding him to this list, but I have to.

Marella is the United States Champion, and technically, fourth in line in terms of importance in the company.

What a sad state of affairs for the WWE. He is holding a title and winning matches with an awful finishing move.

How cartoonish. Oh wait, this is the WWF, err, WWE.

5. Lord Tensai

At some point, he will get a title shot at someone.

He will be built as a dominant force (he already is), and we will see him face players like Punk, Randy Orton and others.

Tensai hasn't warmed up to the WWE Universe yet, so the next few weeks will truly be his proving ground for success.

Let's see if "Albert" can be better than he once was.

4. The Miz

Here is a thought. The Divas Title was won when a wrestler (Layla) returns from injury and comes out of the back and beats the current title holder.

The WWE crowd is shocked.

Here is another thought. The Miz, after being squashed by corporate, comes from the back and pulls off the victory over CM Punk.

What in the name of Barry Horowitz is going on? But honestly, doesn't that seem logical and would make for great television.

Miz/Punk would be a great feud if it were built right.

3. Mark Henry

We saw the two in a short program before Extreme Rules. Could we see it again?

I like the fact that Henry, although a few rungs down on the ladder, is still a contender for the title and he should be.

Henry is still a menacing man who can bring it and apply punishment. Had he continued his "Hall of Pain" shtick with the World Title, he may still be a champion.

But we all know Daniel Bryan put an end to that.

Still, I like Henry and his chances.

2. Cody Rhodes

He is either going to challenge Sheamus or he needs to come in and take on Punk.

Enough already. The time is now for Cody Rhodes.

Punk/Rhodes is a great matchup, and of course, I can see Punk selling for him like he did for Miz and R-Truth.

Get the match signed already.

1. Brock Lesnar

If he truly is the new face of the WWE like John Laurinaitis, then the face will have to come get the belt.

It will be interesting to see if Lesnar is as dominant with a guy who is not as big and strong as John Cena? It will also be interesting if Cena is injured, just how long it will be before Lesnar sets his sights on holding the WWE Title and becoming "The Face" of this company.

Tonight should shed some light on that. Well, maybe it will.