Extreme Rules

Lore & Background

The event name was established in 2009; however, its theme began with its predecessor, One Night Stand, which was promoted in 2005 and 2006 as an Extreme Championship Wrestling reunion show. In 2007, WWE promoted the show as one of its own regular PPV events but kept the concept of hardcore-based matches. In 2009, WWE renamed One Night Stand as Extreme Rules. The 2009 Extreme Rules event was noted by WWE to be a direct continuation of the One Night Stand chronology; however, the 2010 event was later promoted as only the second event under a new chronology, one that was no longer a direct continuation of the One Night Stand events. Starting in 2010, Extreme Rules was moved from June to late April/early May to replace Backlash as the post-WrestleMania PPV event. For 2013, the event replaced Over the Limit as that year's May PPV. After the reinstated brand extension took effect in mid-2016, the event returned to the June slot of WWE's PPV calendar in 2017 and was held as a Raw-exclusive event. Following WrestleMania 34 in 2018, however, WWE discontinued brand-exclusive PPVs, and Extreme Rules moved to the July slot. For the 2020 edition only, the event was titled The Horror Show at Extreme Rules. The 2021 event was then moved to September, replacing Clash of Champions. The 2022 event was then moved to October, which was the only time the event was held on a Saturday. It would also be the final Extreme Rules as it was replaced by the reinstated Fastlane in 2023 due to the reduction of gimmick events (outside of Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank).

In Their Own Story

The arena lights dimmed, replaced by the harsh glare of spotlights cutting through the smoke. The referee stood in the center ring, his hand raised not to signal a start, but to declare that no rules would apply tonight. Outside the ropes, steel chairs and tables were scattered like ammunition, waiting for the first clash. As the two rivals locked eyes, the crowd roared, knowing that once the bell rang, mercy would be the only thing left on the line.

Reader's Guide

The 2009 Extreme Rules pay-per-view was the inaugural event. It was held on June 7, 2009, at the New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana. The 2010 event introduced the titular Extreme Rules match. The 2022 event was the final Extreme Rules.

Did You Know?

• The term "extreme rules" was originally used by Extreme Championship Wrestling to describe the regulations for all of its matches.
• The 2020 event was titled The Horror Show at Extreme Rules due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The 2022 event was the only Extreme Rules held on a Saturday.
• The 2022 event was the final Extreme Rules, replaced by Fastlane in 2023.