10 Surprisingly Violent PG Era WWE Matches
1. John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar (Extreme Rules 2012)
By far one of the most violent matches of the entire 'PG' Era thus far, John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar from the Extreme Rules 2012 Pay-Per-View stood out like a sore thumb at the time, and it remains the closest WWE have come during their child-friendly tenure to breaking their own rules since 2008. It couldn't have been any other way, admittedly, Lesnar and Cena had to beat the snot out of one another to make the bout feel special.
'Special' would be the word, because both guys bled during the hardcore match, fought under the same rules as the show title, 'Extreme' ones. It wasn't so much the involvement of weapons such as steel chair, the ring steps or steel chains that made it so barbaric, even the punches and kicks administered by both guys felt meaty.
Brock Lesnar has been a revelation since returning to the company with which he made his name, but John Cena should be handed a hell of a lot of credit for effectively agreeing to be hammered by the former UFC Heavyweight Champion, who was fresh off smacking people around for real. The danger in this one felt obvious, which made it all the more exciting.
What other matches during the 'PG' Era surprised you with their violent content? Do you agree with the choices listed here? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments section below!