Extreme Rules 2009 delivered some of the most unforgettable moments in WWE history, and one of the standout matches of the night was the epic showdown between Rey Mysterio and Chris Jericho for the Intercontinental Championship. This high-stakes battle not only showcased two of WWE’s most decorated superstars but also added another chapter to their intense rivalry. With the title on the line, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Who emerged victorious from this war inside the squared circle? Let’s dive into this thrilling encounter.
## The Rivalry: Rey Mysterio vs. Chris Jericho
Rey Mysterio and Chris Jericho had been embroiled in a heated rivalry leading up to Extreme Rules 2009. Mysterio, the defending Intercontinental Champion, had been a fighting champion, taking on all challengers and proving why he was one of the best high-flyers in WWE history. However, Chris Jericho, known for his cunning tactics and arrogance, was determined to dethrone the masked marvel and cement his legacy as one of the greatest Intercontinental Champions of all time.
In the weeks leading up to Extreme Rules, Jericho targeted Mysterio’s signature mask, a symbol of pride and heritage in lucha libre wrestling. Jericho vowed to strip Mysterio of both his title and his identity, making this match even more personal. With both men at the peak of their careers, fans knew they were in for a classic encounter.
## The Match: Extreme Rules Showdown
### The Opening Moments
As the bell rang, the energy in the arena was electric. Mysterio wasted no time using his incredible agility to evade Jericho’s early attacks. The challenger, however, relied on his technical skills and brutal strikes to slow down Mysterio and gain control of the match.
Jericho targeted Mysterio’s midsection, delivering stiff kicks and submission holds to neutralize the high-flyer’s offense. But Mysterio fought back, using his speed and high-risk maneuvers to keep Jericho on his toes. The champion connected with a breathtaking springboard crossbody, sending Jericho crashing to the mat.
### Mid-Match Intensity
The match escalated as both men pulled out all the stops. Jericho attempted to lock in the Walls of Jericho, but Mysterio countered with a hurricanrana. The champion then went for his signature 619, but Jericho showcased his ring awareness by dodging the move and countering with a devastating Codebreaker
With Mysterio dazed, Jericho went for the cover, but the resilient champion kicked out at two. Frustrated, Jericho resorted to more aggressive tactics, ripping at Mysterio’s mask in an attempt to humiliate him. However, Mysterio refused to back down, delivering a jaw-dropping tornado DDT that shifted the momentum in his favor.
### The Controversial Finish
As the match reached its climax, Mysterio set Jericho up for another 619. Just as he swung around the ropes, Jericho countered in a shocking moment—he snatched Mysterio’s mask right off his face The champion, caught off guard, instinctively covered his face, giving Jericho the perfect opening. The challenger quickly rolled up Mysterio and secured the three-count, becoming the new Intercontinental Champion.
The crowd erupted in disbelief as Jericho held the title high, basking in his controversial victory. The ultimate opportunist had outsmarted Mysterio, proving once again why he was one of the most cunning superstars in WWE history.
## Aftermath & Legacy
Jericho’s win at Extreme Rules 2009 marked his ninth Intercontinental Championship reign, further solidifying his place as one of the greatest champions of all time. However, this rivalry was far from over. Mysterio, fueled by the humiliation of losing his mask in such a manner, sought revenge in the following weeks. Their feud culminated in a Mask vs. Title match at The Bash 2009, where Mysterio ultimately reclaimed his honor by defeating Jericho and taking back the championship.
This match remains one of the most memorable Intercontinental Championship bouts in WWE history, showcasing the perfect blend of technical wrestling, high-flying action, and compelling storytelling. It was a testament to the incredible chemistry between Rey Mysterio and Chris Jericho, two of the best to ever step foot in the ring.
## Conclusion
Rey Mysterio vs. Chris Jericho at Extreme Rules 2009 was a masterclass in professional wrestling. From the intense buildup to the controversial ending, this match had everything a WWE fan could ask for. It was a battle of heart versus intelligence, speed versus strategy, and ultimately, Jericho’s cunning won the night.
What did you think of this legendary encounter? Was Jericho’s strategy brilliant or underhanded? Let us know your thoughts on this classic match in the comments below
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