Expect to see an abundance of chairs, tables, and possibly sledgehammers this Sunday, as the WWE gets extreme during its annual Extreme Rules pay-per-view. There are eight matches scheduled in total, with Daniel Bryan making his first title defense against former tag team partner Kane and Evolution vs. the Shield serving as the headlining matches. Without further ado, here are our predictions for this Sunday’s event.
WeeLC Match: El Torito vs. Hornswoggle (Pre-Show)
Michael Hicks: For once there is a match on the pre-show that actually feels like a pre-show match. 3MB finally got their first win in forever last week, so I’m thinking Hornswoggle wins this one after moving out of the way of a diving El Torito, allowing him to crash through a table in a match that should at least be slightly entertaining.
Winner: Hornswoggle
Adrian Fylonenko: Surprisingly, El Torito vs. Hornswoggle in the midget version of a TLC match has promise. This bout is either going to be highly entertaining, or dreadfully awful. There is no room in between. I assume that El Torito and Hornswoggle will be accompanied by their “friends” and I have no doubt that they will be involved in the match in some way shape or form.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see step ladders instead of traditional ladders, and plastic children’s table chairs instead of steel chairs, but when it is all said and done, El Torito, with the help of Los Matadores will stand….tall. I’m guessing this match will be by pin-fall only considering there is no championship on the line.
El Torito wins after hitting a top rope 450 Splash. You watch.
Winner: El Torito
Handicap Match: R-Truth and Xavier Woods vs. Alexander Rusev
Michael: Rusev has been destroying Truth and Woods in recent weeks. There’s absolutely no way he loses this one, as it would only make him look weak, even if it is a handicap match. I’d love to see them give Rusev a few minutes to show what he can do in front of a PPV audience. Unfortunately, I predict that Rusev takes this one in a 3-minute squash match.
Winner: Alexander Rusev
Adrian: This could be a pretty decent handicap match if it’s given enough time. Truth and Woods can be entertaining in the ring, but the WWE Universe hasn’t been able to see their stuff in quite some time – due to the fact that they are generally fed to guys like Bray Wyatt and yes, Rusev. However, in a 2-on-1 situation, there is a lot of room to entertain.
The outcome will always remain the same. Rusev come, Rusev crush, Rusev win, Rusev leave. Alexander Rusev hasn’t wrestled a match on WWE TV that has lasted longer than three minutes, so let’s see what this dude can do in the squared circle.
Winner: Alexander Rusev
Jack Swagger vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Cesaro
Michael: This should definitely be one of the more entertaining matches of the night, as there’s a decent build between the three and they should all work well together. This match could have been entertaining with some sort of stipulation, but what can you do? It seemed like Cesaro was going to win the IC Title tournament before losing to RVD in the semifinals and a win here will serve as his consolation prize. I expect Heyman to get involved in this one to possibly to start an ongoing feud between Cesaro and RVD.
Winner: Cesaro
Adrian: With Bray Wyatt vs. John Cena and Evolution vs. Shield on the card, I’m picking this Triple Threat bout to be the (I’m coming atcha like a) dark horse match of the night. We all know it definitely has potential, given the superstars involved and the managers that will be at ring-side. However, I agree with what Chris Jericho said on his most recent podcast. In that it’s very strange to see a Triple Threat match taking place with absolutely nothing on the line except for bragging rights.
Cesaro is the newest Paul Heyman guy and it’s a phenomenal move for both parties. Cesaro is over, getting better on the mic and is one of the more consistently entertaining performers in the ring and Paul Heyman is one of the greatest wrestling managers/characters of all time. The Swiss Superman is the next big thing in WWE and the only way I can see him losing is if Creative wants to continue a Cesaro/Heyman vs. Swagger/Colter feud. If that’s the case then I’d give the win to RVD, so I am a bit hesitant to pick a winner.
But, since I must, I will go with my gut and give the win to Cesaro, who will pin Swagger after hitting the Neutralizer. Cesaro pinning RVD could happen too, but I think that Mr. 420 is in the bout to enhance it. He will neither pin, nor be pinned.
Winner: Cesaro
Intercontinental Championship Match: Big E vs. Bad News Barrett
Michael: Big E’s title run has become a bit stale and Bad News Barrett has gotten a decent push since returning with his new gimmick. Barrett will take this one clean after hitting the Bull Hammer Elbow, which will not only bring a bit of prestige back to the title, but begin his ascent to the main event level of the company.
Winner: Bad News Barrett
Adrian: I don’t know about you, but I love me some Bad News Barrett. I’ve been a big fan of Barrett’s for quite some time and finally, the Brit is connecting with the crowd and getting a big push. In the past three weeks, Barrett has defeated Dolph Ziggler, Sheamus and RVD to earn an Intercontinental Title shot against Big E at Extreme Rules. That has to be Barrett’s most successful month of wrestling in the past three years.
Unfortunately, Big E has been quiet. Too quiet. It seems like fans have forgotten about him and he is the damn IC champion! WWE has a habit of Barrett needs to continue his momentum and win the Intercontinental Title from Big E. He’s had to look and the talent to be great and now he has the fan support. Look out for Bad News Barrett!
Winner: Bad News Barrett
