WWE History: 5 greatest storylines of the PG Era

On July 22nd, 2008, WWE ushered in a new era, when they released a statement announcing that their programming was going to be family-friendly, moving forward.

This moment marked the beginning of The PG Era, which meant that we wouldn't be getting blood, curses, and anything else that wasn't deemed fit for families. The PG Era was immediately criticized by longtime fans of the product but to no avail.

The product was toned down heavily, and it ended up affecting storylines as well as matches on a consistent basis, but that doesn't mean that the era didn't have its moments.

The WWE Universe got a plethora of intriguing storylines out of the PG Era, some of which are being discussed here in vivid detail. Let's take a stroll down memory lane and look at 5 of the greatest storylines of the PG Era.

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#5 Michaels vs Jericho

Jericho and Michaels in the ring

At SummerSlam 2008, Michaels shocked the wrestling world by announcing his retirement. Chris Jericho interrupted Michales and his wife and ended up punching her in the face.

The next night on Raw, Michaels stated that he is coming out of retirement to teach a lesson to Jericho. At Unforgiven, Michaels beat the tar out of Jericho in an Unsanctioned match, forcing the referee to award the win to The Heart Break Kid.

The next month, Jericho managed to defeat Shawn in a ladder match, retaining his World Heavyweight Title. The rivalry came to an end and Michaels went on to feud with JBL.

Michaels and Jericho showed incredible chemistry throughout the feud and the fans were heavily invested in it. Shawn's beatdown of Jericho at Unforgiven is still regarded as being one of the most disturbing visuals of the PG Era.

#4 Punk vs Hardy

Punk retaining his title

At Extreme Rules 2009, Punk cashed in his Money In The Bank briefcase on Jeff Hardy, who had just defeated Edge to win the World Heavyweight Title. This turned the fans on Punk, and he instantly gained heel heat.

Punk and Hardy kicked off a long program, with Punk referencing Jeff's history with substance abuse, compared to his straight edge lifestyle. These references injected a much-needed adrenaline shot of reality into the storyline, making it one of the best angles of the year.

Punk came out on top at the end of the rivalry, when he defeated Hardy in a steel cage match on an episode of SmackDown, kicking Jeff out of the company as per the stipulation of the match. The feud was a major factor in turning Punk into one of the most hated heels in the company.

#3 Michaels' retirement

Michaels' final address to the crowd

When 2010 rolled around, Shawn Michaels came out and announced that he wanted another shot at The Undertaker's undefeated streak at WrestleMania 26. The Deadman had already defeated Michaels at the previous year's 'Mania, in possibly the greatest match of all time.

Shawn suddenly became obsessed with The Undertaker and showed a dark side of himself when he was eliminated from the Royal Rumble match. He came back inside the ring and super-kicked everyone in his path.

Michaels finally cost The Undertaker his World Title at Elimination Chamber, forcing The Phenom to accept his challenge. Taker agreed to the match, with the stipulation being that a loss would result in Michaels' career coming to an end.

The Undertaker emerged victorious again, leaving the WWE Universe stunned. Michaels thanked the fans one last time and rode off into the sunset, in one of the most heartbreaking endings to a 'Mania.

#2 The Nexus

The Nexus delivering a promo

On an episode of Monday Night Raw, John Cena and CM Punk faced off in the main event. Suddenly, a group of NXT rookies invaded the show, leading to a beatdown for the ages. The Nexus proceeded to beat Cena and Punk to a pulp.

Daniel Bryan choked ring announcer, Justin Roberts, with his tie, and the group didn't spare the commentators either.

This beatdown kicked off a rivalry that reinvigorated fan interest in the product, with Nexus facing Team WWE at SummerSlam 2010. Following the loss at the PPV, Nexus soon fizzled out, but the months leading to SummerSlam were must-watch TV and one of the most interesting programmings WWE had produced in a long time.

Wade Barrett, the leader of The Nexus, failed to win the WWE Title from Cena and was soon relegated to the mid-card.

#1 Ric Flair's retirement

Batista and Flair during his retirement ceremony

Heading to WrestleMania 24, Vince McMahon gave an ultimatum to Ric Flair, stating that the next match he loses would be his final match in WWE. Flair began his retirement program with victories over the likes of Mr. Kennedy and MVP. Finally, Flair announced that he wanted Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania.

Michaels first refused, not wanting to be the man to retire the legendary Superstar, but consistent pleas from Flair forced him to reconsider and agree to the match. Flair was inducted into the Hall of Fame the night before 'Mania and went on to deliver a classic against Michaels at The Show of Shows.

Michaels delivered a Sweet Chin Music to score the pin and retire Flair. A legendary career had come to an end.

The next night on Raw, Flair got the greatest send-off in the history of this business, when the entire Raw roster, Flair's family, friends, and Vince McMahon himself gave him a standing ovation in one of the greatest endings to Monday Night Raw.