WWE's Extreme Rules Pay-Per-View, formerly known as One Night Stand, is the one night a year where every match is contested under extreme rules. This year's event was full of twists and turns - here's a look at the results.
Kofi Kingston Retains The United States Championship
In a fast-paced Fatal Four Way Match to open the show, Kofi Kingston pinned William Regal to maintain his grip on the United States Championship. A solid match with several impressive moments, the match suffered from the short shrift given to it on the card. At only seven minutes long, it needed more time if the competitors were to truly impress.
Jericho Unmasks Mysterio And Steals His Title
Chris Jericho became the Intercontinental Champion for an unprecedented ninth time, in typically devious fashion. After an outstanding match featuring a particularly special use of an Argentine backbreaker by Jericho in mockery of Mysterio's lucha libre background, Jericho countered Mysterio's attempt at a 619 by ripping off his mask, leaving Mysterio hiding his face on the mat, and vulnerable to Jericho's roll-up. Look for a Mask vs Title Match somewhere down the line.
Punk Takes Umaga Down...And Out Of WWE!
CM Punk's Samoan Strap Match with Umaga was an innovative and surprisingly entertaining encounter ending with a victory for the Straightedge Superstar, but that was not the real issue at hand here. Umaga's defeat was followed on Monday by his release from WWE, a move that was even less anticipated than the release of Mr. Kennedy last week. One can only speculate as to the reasons for his departure.
Tommy Dreamer Gets His Moment
In the Triple Threat Hardcore Rules Match for the ECW Championship, Tommy Dreamer's career was on the line. Many expected him to bow out of WWE with a defeat, but Dreamer delivered the goods and captured one final title win with a DDT on Jack Swagger. He may vacate the title on this week's ECW, however, so it remains to be seen how much this win will mean in the grand scheme of things.
'Santina' Regains The 'Miss WrestleMania' Crown
In an utterly ridiculous Handicap Hog Pen Match, 'Santina' Marella triumphed over the team of Vickie and Chavo Guerrero. This match was an absolute televisual abomination, and it is an insult to WWE fans that Vince McMahon believes they would consider this entertainment.
Batista Gets One Over On Orton
Randy Orton's unspectacular WWE Championship reign came to an end at the hands of Batista, as The Animal pinned him inside a Steel Cage to win the title. Amid speculation that Batista is carrying an injury, however, we may see another title change sooner rather than later. The match itself was short, and relatively uninteresting - part for the course on Monday Night Raw in recent weeks.
Cena Makes Big Show Tap Out
In an unnecessarily drawn-out Submission Match, John Cena managed to pull off what WWE would like fans to believe was the 'impossible' in getting the Big Show to tap out. With some help from the ropes - briefly, before Big Show's leg slipped loose and the TV cameras had to find a desperate cover-up - Cena managed to put Show in the STF for the win, in all likelihood ending their feud.
Edge And Hardy Steal The Show
This Ladder Match between two of the greatest risk-takers of all time was sure to deliver, and it did not disappoint. A stunningly inventive encounter that was worthy of the main event slot, the match featured a number of alarmingly dangerous but highly entertaining spots, including Jeff's death defying leap from a huge ladder onto the belts themselves. Hardy took the title, ending Edge's ninth world title reign, but the night was not to end there.
CM Punk Cashes In 'Money In The Bank'
In a move sure to split opinion among fans, CM Punk then capitalised on Hardy's vulnerability and cashed in his 'Money In The Bank' briefcase and won the World Heavyweight Championship for the second time. This may be the start of a heel turn for Punk, which could be an exciting and interesting move - whatever happens in the coming weeks on SmackDown, this was a real curveball for most fans, who were expecting neither Punk nor Hardy to walk out as champion, but Edge.
For a look at WWE's previous Pay-Per-View event, Judgment Day, click here.
