The main event of Extreme Rules in 2009 was the culmination of a climb back to championship glory for the enigmatic Jeff Hardy. In December of 2008, Hardy defeated Edge and Triple H at Armageddon to win his first WWE Championship. A blood feud with brother Matt, however, would cause that title reign to be short-lived. After wrapping up the program with Matt in April, the SmackDown star turned his attention to World Heavyweight champion Edge, who had recently defeated John Cena to regain the title. At May's Judgment Day, Edge picked up a hard-fought win over Hardy but at Extreme Rules, he would not be able to retain his title in the confines of a basic wrestling match. Instead, two of the greatest Ladder match performers in wrestling history would have the opportunity to prove just why they earned that recognition in a match they helped revolutionize. The title would be hung 15 feet above the ring and the worthy champion would be the man to retrieve it. The tremendously talented competitors wrestled a different ladder match than most had been expecting. They settled for a more brutal and methodical style than a carefree, high-risk one. Ultimately, Hardy was able to make the climb while Edge was trapped in the rungs of the ladder and secure the title. It was a feel-good moment for Hardy, who had undergone so much heartache and drama to start the year and was now atop the mountain on SmackDown. Unfortunately, his stay there would be even shorter than his first.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
