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Extreme Rules = Extremely Entertaining

Apr 30, 2012 | 9:15 AM

Typically “Wrestlemania” is the WWE's biggest pay per view of the year, but hands down I feel it failed in comparison to what fans were treated to at “Extreme Rules.” At least two of the matches are contenders for matches of the year, and the Brock Lesnar versus John Cena match far exceeded my expectations.

Here are a few of my favourite highlights

Sheamus versus Daniel Bryan: best two out of three falls for the World Heavyweight Championship.

I cannot say enough good things about this match. It already has my vote for match of the year. Although Sheamus ultimately retained the title, this really could have gone either way. Bryan is on fire right now with the crowd. Sheamus is just as equally over. Together they have amazing chemistry in the ring. I was left wondering though why AJ did not play a role.

CM Punk versus Chris Jericho: Chicago Street Fight for the WWE Championship.

Another amazing match. The Chicago crowd erupted when their hometown hero, CM Punk, retained the title. Some fans will argue this match stole the show. The only reason I preferred the Sheamus/Bryan match is because I am not a fan of the whole sobriety storyline, otherwise this was like watching poetry in motion. Punk and Jericho are both so good, and have done an amazing job with their feud. I hope fans get treated to at least couple more matches before Jericho goes back on tour with FOZZY.

John Cena versus Brock Lesnar match: Extreme Rules match

I found this match very hard to watch. When a match can blur the line between reality and fiction, you have a recipe for something memorable. Within the first minute of this match, blood was gushing from Cena's head, courtesy of Lesnar's elbow. Watching Lesnar attack Cena, you had to question whether he actually had lost control. I honestly thought this match would be the next chapter in Cena's emotional breakdown, but I would be wrong. Cena would overcome the odds and defeat the beast.

I found Cena's comments after the match a little interesting. He alluded to taking a long vacation. He thanked the Chicago crowd for being a great “wrestling crowd.” I am left wondering where he will go from here.

Favorite “bump of the night”: Cody Rhodes being tossed from above Big Show's head to the outside of the ring and through a table.

Nmaxwell@panow.com