Extreme Rules (2013) was a professional wrestling pay-per-view produced by WWE on May 19, 2013. The show took place at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri, and formed part of WWE's annual post-WrestleMania schedule. As the fifth event under the Extreme Rules name, the card emphasized matches contested under relaxed or unusual regulations.
Overview and format
Extreme Rules is built around the idea that some matches will be held under stipulations that remove or alter standard rules—such as no disqualification, falls-count-anywhere, or specialty cage and ladder matches. The 2013 edition presented a combination of championship contests, personal rivalry matches and bouts that used these distinctive stipulations to heighten drama and risk.
Card composition and match types
- Championship matches featuring top roster talent and title defenses.
- Stipulation bouts where standard rules were modified, creating unpredictable outcomes.
- Grudge matches designed to advance ongoing storylines and set up future events.
Fans and critics often gauge Extreme Rules cards by how well the stipulations are integrated into storylines and by the level of in-ring innovation. Unlike standard televised shows, pay-per-view events like this one are typically longer and structured to showcase high-stakes moments across the roster.
Historically, the Extreme Rules concept evolved from earlier WWE shows that emphasized hardcore-style wrestling. Since its inception, the event has alternated between presenting a few high-profile, heavily stipulation-driven matches and a broader mix that keeps a balance between spectacle and title significance. For more background on the promotion and pay-per-view model see pay-per-view and WWE information pages.