The Miz def. Cody Rhodes (Pre-Show)

ST. LOUIS — The Miz may have been away for several weeks shooting a movie, but he showed the WWE Universe that he hasn’t lost a step inside the ring, defeating Cody Rhodes during the Extreme Rules Pre-Show Sunday night.

In a match that clearly set an exciting, extreme tone for the evening ahead, The Awesome One trapped Rhodes in the Figure-Four Leglock, forcing the second-generation Superstar to tap out.

The two former Intercontinental Champions wasted no time butting heads after the opening bell, trading holds back and forth at a frenetic pace. Rhodes was able to slow things down and tried to take the wind out of The Awesome One, using his legs to squeeze the air out of Miz’s lungs.

Watch highlights from the match |  Action-packed photos

The mustachioed Superstar continued to focus his attack on Miz’s midsection, but the capacity crowd inside St. Louis’ Scottrade Center showed their supported for The Awesome One, and all but willed him back on the offensive.

Although The Miz regained control late in the bout, Rhodes nearly ended the match with the Cross Rhodes on several occasions. That set off a tangle that ended with Rhodes trapped in the submission hold passed down to Miz by WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair. Stuck in the center of the ring, Rhodes had no choice but to tap out.

Watch: What's next for The Miz?

The Awesome One’s victory marks his second consecutive Pre-Show win. He previously defeated Wade Barrett for the Intercontinental Title during the prelude to WrestleMania 29. Surely, The Miz will look to channel this momentum into championship contention again.