Top 5 matches in WWE Extreme Rules history

This Sunday, WWE presents its sixth annual Extreme Rules pay-per-view live from the Izod Center, East Rutherford, NJ. It looks to be an extremely entertaining crowd given the wrestlers involved as well as the electric New Jersey atmosphere. However, we can't make an accurate analysis of this year's Extreme Rules event without looking back at years past and comparing each of the greatest contests in the pay-per-view's history. Let's take a look back at 5 of the most remarkable matches to take place at the pay-per-view since 2009.

#5 Christian vs. Alberto Del Rio (Ladder Match for the World Heavyweight Title), 2011

In late 2010, Alberto Del Rio viciously attacked Christian and sidelined him from action for five months. Upon his return, Christian reunited with Edge and helped him successfully retain his World Heavyweight Championship against Del Rio in the opening bout at WrestleMania 27. Once Edge abruptly retired from wrestling in April, Christian and Del Rio were placed in a Ladder match at Extreme Rules to determine the new World Heavyweight Champion. After many suspenseful spots and intriguing interference from the likes of Brodus Clay, Ricardo Rodriguez and even the Rated-R Superstar himself, Captain Charisma had finally won the golden prize for the first time in his storied career.

Ratings: ***1/2

#4 Edge vs. Jeff Hardy (Ladder Match for the World Heavyweight Championship)

The long history between Edge and Jeff Hardy cannot be overlooked, as they were also the pioneers of some of the very first Ladder matches in WWE. After Edge escaped Judgement Day unscathed, Hardy was determined to take full advantage of his one last shot when he contended for the World Heavyweight Championship at Extreme Rules. On one edition of SmackDown, Hardy defeated the Rated-R Superstar and was able to pick the stipulation for the rematch himself, where he eventually chose a Ladder Match and rightfully so. Both rivals were very familiar with this environment and made for a very fitting culmination to this broiling rivalry Edge and Hardy brought the best out of each other on this memorable night, where both put it all on the line to deliver a tremendous performance. When Edge accidentally slipped through one of the rungs of the ladder, the Charismatic Enigma took that opportunity to climb up and retrieve the golden prize that was dangling from above.

Ratings: ****

#3 Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan (2/3 Falls Match For The World Heavyweight Championship), 2012

This was a wonderfully booked title match featuring two guys that have developed great chemistry. It took Three years to witness a typical Sheamus-Dbry match.They told a great story with Sheamus using his power while Bryan used his speed to get the advantage a number of times. If you wondered why Bryan is considered one of the best workers in the world I give you that match as evidence. It's probably his best WWE match to that date because it's the first time he was really given a lot of time. Sheamus put on a very good showing too.

Ratings: ****1/4.

#2 Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena: Extreme Rules match, 2012

It was one of the most surreal wrestling matches you will ever see. It was booked more like a fight than a traditional wrestling match, but they told the story very well. Lesnar was the dominant This match did a wonderful job of building up Cena as a fighting babyface. And the crowd cheered him more than you would think. Many of you would say this was the best ever match. Why Because there it was the hype, the intrigue, or just the excitement of seeing Brock back but this worked on every level? People the next match is much better in term of Wrestling Quality and Technichality.

Ratings: ****1/4

#1 CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho, (WWE Title Chicago Street Fight)

This match was special. It's one of the best matches of the year. Their chemistry is amazing. They did such an awesome job of putting together this match with great nearfalls throughout. The crowd was electric for everything they did. It was the kind of match that makes me love the wrestling business. I think what makes their matches so great is their ability to counter signature spots in ways that lead the fans to believe that the match could end on a counter hold. They were able to combine weapons with great wrestling to create a true classic. The match in itself was a great way to end a terrific rivalry. Both men ended up going their separate ways, but this match symbolizes the ability of both men. The well-wrestled violent match was good enough to fight its way into the No.1 Spot on this list.

Ratings: ****1/2