The Year WWE Changed Forever

When Randy Orton became a menace to society. When The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels gave us the greatest match in WrestleMania history. When Big Show chokeslammed John Cena to the shadow realm. When Jeff Hardy’s sudden exit broke everybody’s heart. When Chris Jericho unmasked Rey Mysterio. When CM Punk became the most hated man on SmackDown. And these are just some of the things that happened during the crazy year of 2009. Most wrestling fans hate this year because they remember 2009 as the year WWE fully transitioned into the PG era. However, despite the PG restrictions, 2009 was filled with personal rivalries, shocking title changes, and career-defining performances that fans still rewatch to this day. So what made 2009 so special yet so underrated? What were the matches, feuds, and moments that defined WWE's dive in the PG era? Let's rewind the clock and relive the chaos of WWE in 2009.