The card for tonight’s (Sunday, July 15, 2018) WWE Extreme Rules event has been finalized.
The company has yet to officially announce the main event of this event that takes place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the PPG Paints Arena and will air on the WWE Network but it will most likely be Roman Reigns vs. Bobby Lashley in a singles match.
Other featured matches are AJ Styles defending the WWE Title against Rusev and Alexa Bliss defending the RAW Women’s Title against Nia Jax with Ronda Rousey sitting front row.
The New Day vs. SAnitY in a tables match and Sin Cara vs. Andrade Almas will take place on the pre-show.
As a reminder, We will be providing live play-by-play coverage of this special later tonight.
The Card
– WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Rusev
– Roman Reigns vs. Bobby Lashley
– Steel Cage Match: Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens
– 30-Minute Iron Man Match: Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins
– SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bludgeon Brothers vs. Team Hell No
– Extreme Rules Match: Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax
– SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella vs. Asuka – James Ellsworth in a shark cage
– Raw Tag Team Champions Bray Wyatt & Matt Hardy vs. The B Team
– United States Champion Jeff Hardy vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
– Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin
– Tables Match (Pre-Show): The New Day vs. SAnitY
– Singles Match (Pre-Show): Sin Cara vs. Andrade Almas
What are your thoughts on this card? Sound off in the comment section.
WWE Legend and (until recently) active roster member Goldust has made some rather interesting comments relating to Brock Lesnar and the Universal Title…Dustin Rhodes took to Twitter to claim that “If I were to face Brock Lesnar at Extreme Rules I have no doubt in my mind that I could beat him. #GotLotsofTricks #WontFightFair.”
Rhodes recently held a Q&A on his Twitter account following his successful knee surgery and when asked what he has left to do in his career he simply answered “Win the World title. That’s it. Nothing else.” With the WWE Superstar potentially nearing the end of his career could one final shot at the Universal Title be on the cards?
Goldust hasn’t been seen on Monday Night RAW since May 7th during a brief backstage segment with General Manager Kurt Angle and Jinder Mahal before the Money In The Bank pay-per-view. His last bout took place in a Six-Man Tag Team match where he teamed up with Chad Gable and Zack Ryder to defeat Curt Hawkins, Mike Kanellis and Mojo Rawley at a WWE live event from the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.
Would you like to see Goldie in a match against the Beast? Let us know in the comments.
WWE Pay Per View events have become a lot of things in the last decade including fractured, formulaic and freakin’ long…not to mention fairly predictable. I believe they could go a long way towards fixing this by changing one small aspect of the PPV system: Go back to individual events (outside of the Big Four of Royal Rumble, Wrestlemania, Summerslam and Survivor Series) that aren’t based on a specific ‘gimmick.’
Money In The Bank features Money In The Bank matches. TLC brings us matches featuring Tables, Ladders and Chairs (and Stairs!). Elimination Chamber’s main event is the Elimination Chamber. It becomes so cyclical and boring as an audience, sorry, Universe member, that I can look ahead down the list and know exactly what I’m going to be getting all year. The only interchangeable part is the wrestlers involved.
In 1996, when WWE PPV expanded to more than a handful of shows in a year, every event had it’s own name and it’s own vibe. Over in WCW they would recycle big name events (mainly the ones they inherited from the NWA) but in WWE Wrestlemania was followed by Judgement Day or Backlash, which was followed by Unforgiven or Over The Edge, which led into King of The Ring, Summerslam, etc. These shows (for the most part) were built around Storyline themes as opposed to “one night only until next year unless we want to randomly do it again somewhere” rule changes or gimmick matches.
I understand from a corporate marketing perspective why WWE wants regularly scheduled and heavily branded events. It makes for easy merchandising, top-of-mind awareness, and so on. What it also does though is water-down those themes, gimmick and special matches because they become part of the norm. Seeing the Hell In A Cell cage lower from the ceiling used to cause goosebumps on the flesh of wrestling fans. Now, it just means it’s October.
No better example of this is this weekend’s Extreme Rules event on the WWE Network. It’s a show that’s promoted as “No Rules! Anything Can Happen! Chaos!” While there was certainly a time when an “extreme” match might include barbed wire, fire, bleeding or a crazy spot off a ladder or cage. In the PG Era however, Extreme means that Alexa Bliss finds a Kendo Stick under the ring and there might be a heavily padded table spot. This year there’s an Iron Man match, which is a match so extreme that it has a time limit. I don’t have a problem with any of that, just don’t try and sell it to me as “Extreme.”
(Incidentally, I would love it if “Extreme Rules” meant that the regular rules were just that much more dire. Like, instead of a DQ for outside interference, the interferer would be fed to sharks. Or electrify the title belt in a ladder match. These are also my suggestions for how to improve “American Idol” though)
Bring me back to the days of Mind Games, A Cold Day In Hell, and the Canadian Stampede where I actually believed and looked forward to knowing anything could happen because it wasn’t in the name of the show.
Do you think that WWE should ditch the ‘gimmick’ PPVs/Network Events? Let us know in the comments.
WWE has announced another match that will take place on the Extreme Rules Pre-Show.
That match is Sin Cara vs. Andrade Almas, which is a rematch from this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown Live in Manchester, NH at the SNHU Arena on the USA Network that saw the former NXT Champion pick up the singles victory.
The Extreme Rules pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, July 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the PPG Paints Arena and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets. Both Raw and SmackDown brands will be featured.
Updated Card for Extreme Rules
– WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Rusev
– Roman Reigns vs. Bobby Lashley
– Steel Cage Match: Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens
– 30-Minute Iron Man Match: Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins
– SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bludgeon Brothers vs. Team Hell No
– Extreme Rules Match: Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax
– SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella vs. Asuka – James Ellsworth in a shark cage
– Raw Tag Team Champions Bray Wyatt & Matt Hardy vs. The B Team
– United States Champion Jeff Hardy vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
– Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin
– Tables Match (Pre-Show): The New Day vs. SAnitY
– Singles Match (Pre-Show): Sin Cara vs. Andrade Almas
With several titles on the line, a high-profile Iron Man match and a monstrous Steel Cage Match on the card, it’s difficult to tell which match might be the Main Event of WWE’s Extreme Rules event this Sunday.
Traditionally, the WWE or Universal Title Matches would be considered the most important, and thus end the show. This isn’t always the case though, and according to WrestleVotes reports, rumours say that the Main Event of Extreme Rules will more than likely have nothing to do with a title.
Source says as of Monday, Reigns vs Lashley is scheduled to go last at Extreme Rules. There was (maybe still is) a push to have Rollins vs Ziggler Iron Man in that spot but that’s unlikely. Almost no support for Styles vs Rusev, which says something about that program.
With Brock Lesnar MIA from Extreme Rules, WWE has been pushing the Roman Reigns Vs Bobby Lashley feud as it’s primary story. But, Seth Rollins and Dolph Ziggler’s battles over the Intercontinental title have been red-hot on RAW for the last few weeks.
What’s most telling is that the only Smackdown Live match being allegedly considered is the WWE Title Match between AJ Styles and Rusev. But, as noted in the tweet, it has little to no backstage support.
Which Match do you think should be the Extreme Rules Main Event? Sound off in the Comments!
The weekend is drawing close, and with it comes WWE’s latest joint-brand pay-per-view offering. This Sunday, Extreme Rules emanates from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania at the PPG Paints Arena – the 10th installment of the Extreme event.
Top attractions from RAW include Roman Reigns vs. Bobby Lashley, a 30-minute Iron Man match for the Intercontinental championship and Alexa Bliss defending the RAW Women’s Championship against Nia Jax with Ronda Rousey sitting ringside.
On the SmackDown side, we’ve got WWE Champion AJ Styles defending against Rusev and Shinsuke Nakamura challenging Jeff Hardy for the United States Championship.
Several esteemed members of the SEScoops writing team have assembled for this ’roundtable predictions’ feature. Below, Ian Carey, Jeff Moss Andrew Ravens provide expert analysis and predictions WWE Extreme Rules 2018.
Hit up the comments section to let us know what you think of our staff predictions and share your own.
WWE Extreme Rules 2018 Card
A.J. Styles vs. Rusev (WWE Title)
Roman Reigns vs. Bobby Lashley
Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax (RAW Women’s Title)
Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt vs. The B-Team (RAW Tag Titles)
Carmella vs. Asuka (SD! Live Women’s Title)
The Bludgeon Brothers vs. Team Hell No (SD! Live Tag Titles)
Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins (WWE I-C Title)
Jeff Hardy vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (WWE U.S. Title)
Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens (Steel Cage)
Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin
WWE EXTREME RULES 2018 STAFF PREDICTIONS
WWE Championship A.J. Styles (C) vs. Rusev
Jeff Moss: Please, oh, please let this be RUSEV DAY! I have nothing against AJ Styles, he’s one of the best in the world. But I have to say, his time as champ has been dry turkey with no gravy. He’s a perfectly cromulent champion, but it’s time for some new blood. Rusev has made something from nothing with Rusev Day and if we can put the belt on Bray Wyatt for no reason, then Rusev surely deserves some time at the top. Rusev wins and goes on to feud with Big E so that I can hear him say “PHOOEY” to pancakes every week. (Prediction: Rusev)
Andrew Ravens: This might be the easiest and clear-cut pick on this entire card. There’s no reason to have Styles drop the strap at this event especially to Rusev, despite him being a fan favorite. Styles’ run as WWE Champion has been incredible and eventually he’ll lose it but if he didn’t lose it to a top guy like Shinsuke Nakamura over the last few months, it doesn’t make sense to put the strap on Rusev, who has only been pushed as a top star as of late and for such a short amount of time. Also, with SummerSlam right around the corner, it would make more sense for Styles to drop it next month instead of a B-show. Styles retains. (Prediction: A.J. Styles)
Ian Carey: As much as I’d love to say Sunday could be the day Rusev wins his first world championship, I don’t see it happening. They will have a great match, perhaps one capable of showing Vince McMahon Rusev should be a world champion someday but Styles will win. The real question is who Styles will defend against at SummerSlam. Samoa Joe strikes me as someone who could fill that role. (Prediction: A.J. Styles)
CONSENSUS: A.J. Styles (2-1)
Roman Reigns vs. Bobby Lashley
Jeff Moss: I’m going to go out on a limb and say the wet, muscley guy with little-to-no personality is going to win this match. (Flips Coin) So, Booby Lashley. Seriously though, since this match has absolutely no stakes to it, I say Lashey takes it. It’ll build him up a bit and make him look strong to the audience who doesn’t remember 10 years ago. What’s the worst that could happen to Roman by losing? People boo him? (Prediction: Bobby Lashley)
Andrew Ravens: Reigns is the likely favorite to win this match. Obviously, he still the top guy for them right now. It doesn’t make much sense to have Lashley go over in this match considering that SummerSlam is right around the corner. If Brock Lesnar is going to wrestle next month, then common sense would tell you that Reigns would be his opponent for the Universal Title. Unless plans have changed, Reigns goes over and faces Lesnar at SummerSlam. (Prediction: Roman Reigns)
Ian Carey: Reigns is evidently still being built for Lesnar. This is the case despite the fact that Reigns has now dropped 2 straight matches to him. Unless WWE randomly decides they want to build Bobby Lashley to be a monster, I don’t see them having him beat Roman. I also don’t think WWE sees much in Lashley, at least that is what their booking of him says. (Prediction: Roman Reigns)
CONSENSUS: Roman Reigns (2-1)
RAW Women’s Championship (Ronda Rousey At Ringside) Alexa Bliss (C) vs. Nia Jax
Jeff Moss: Alexa Bliss is time and time again one of the best Heels on RAW. She lies, she cheats, she makes you love to hate her and she does whatever she can to hold onto that title. I’d expect her to retain here, possibly by DQ when Ronda Rousey remembers she works for WWE and jumps the barrier to lay waste to Bliss, Mickie James, Jax, Nattie and just for the heck of it, Liv Morgan. (Prediction: Alexa Bliss)
Andrew Ravens: This is a bridge gap between now and SummerSlam as the WWE continues to build towards a match with Bliss and Ronda Rousey that will likely go down at SummerSlam. Jax had a nice run with the title, but now the focus has shifted towards Bliss once again. Bliss retains. (Prediction: Alexa Bliss)
Ian Carey: I have to imagine Alexa Bliss is winning this match leading to a match with Ronda Rousey at SummerSlam. With Rousey sitting ringside, the winner of this match is her likely next opponent. WWE has already done Rousey vs Jax (which was great!) and Bliss has more natural heat than Jax does, so she’s the logical pick to face Rousey at SummerSlam. (Prediction: Alexa Bliss)
CONSENSUS: Alexa Bliss (3-0)
RAW Tag-Team Championships Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt (C) vs. The B-Team
Jeff Moss: The Deleters of Worlds started off hot as hell via the madness of The Ultimate Deletion. They’ve cooled considerably since, especially given Bray Wyatt’s recent driving troubles. The B-Team takes the belts here to complete their improbable rise to the middle, and then they are called to the Hardy compound for a rematch. WONDERFUL!! (Prediction: The B-Team)
Andrew Ravens: There’s no question who goes over in this match considering that Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel have been presented as comedy players in this feud. It appears that WWE is setting up a program that will see Hardy and Wyatt feud with The Revival at SummerSlam. Thus, this match at Extreme Rules is a one-off. Wyatt and Hardy retain. (Prediction: Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt)
Ian Carey: I imagine this match will likely lead into the next Final Deletion style event. It’s not outside the realm of possibility that the B-Team win the titles here so that Hardy and Wyatt can take them back either at SummerSlam or at the Hardy Family Compound. Still, I think Hardy and Wyatt are a safer pick. (Prediction: Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt)
CONSENSUS: Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt (2-1)
SmackDown Live Women’s Championship Carmella (C) vs. Asuka
Jeff Moss: In a perfect world, Auska would climb into the ring, kick James Ellsworth in the face so hard his balls become a new chin and then make some kind of decorative hat out of what’s left of Carmella. That said, this feels like a strange time to put the title on Auska when we know how dominant she can be. So I’d expect some more tomfoolery with Ellsworth will allow Carmella to slink away with the title and we’ll have one more match at Summerslam (Prediction: Carmella)
Andrew Ravens: An interesting match that could see either star win and it would make sense. Asuka has gotten the better of Carmella on television, which historically would have Carmella go over on the PPV. However, if WWE wants this feud to continue, then they would need Carmella to chase Asuka. I don’t see a title change here but rather at SummerSlam. Carmella retains. (Prediction: Carmella)
Ian Carey: James Ellsworth will be hanging above the ring in a shark cage for this match. While this should seemingly prevent him from interfering in the match, the opposite is usually the case. Asuka should win and take the title here but she won’t. She’s not Vince’s top-female in the division, that honor goes to Charlotte Flair. I’m predicting Carmella wins again due to help from Ellsworth and then moves on to face Charlotte at SummerSlam. (Prediction: Carmella)
CONSENSUS: Carmella (3-0)
SmackDown Live Tag-Team Championships The Bludgeon Brothers (C) vs. Team Hell No
Jeff Moss: Are Team Hell No going to win these titles? YES! YES! YES! Is every blogger in the wrestlesphere going to make that joke in some way, shape, or form? YES! YES! YES! Truly though, you want to make it seem like Daniel Bryan’s return was more than just a couple of video packages and a feel-good story? Then let’s have him be involved in a story that matters (IE Championships!) The Bludgies have just about run their course and I can’t see them becoming super-interesting in the coming months. So why not let us enjoy two men arguing over which one of them (singular) is the tag team champions (plural)? (Prediction: Team Hell No)
Andrew Ravens: All signs point to Kane turning on Bryan, and that’s unfortunate. It makes no sense for Harper and Rowan to drop the straps here considering the build-up that WWE has invested in them up to this point. Bryan could face Kane at SummerSlam instead of the rumored match with Miz. It also doesn’t make much sense for Bryan and Kane to have a title run for a short amount of time due to the fact that Kane is running for Mayor. Harper and Rowan retain. (Prediction: The Bludgeon Brothers)
Ian Carey: Team Hell No should take the titles here. While Harper and Rowen have gotten a big push with their gimmick makeover, they aren’t the stars Daniel Bryan and Kane are. Putting the tag belts on Team Hell No puts them in a position to have a bigger match with another pair of guys at SummerSlam. It also helps keep Daniel Bryan out of the WWE title picture for awhile and they likely want him chasing the belt when it is held by a heel. (Prediction: Team Hell No)
CONSENSUS: Team Hell No (2-1)
WWE Intercontinental Championship (30-Minute Iron Man Match) Dolph Ziggler (C) vs. Seth Rollins
Jeff Moss: I think Ziggler will win, then win again, then Seth will win, then Ziggler again, then Seth, then Seth with a quick rollup as time expires, leading to extra time where Seth will ultimately get beat up by Drew McIntyre, leading to Ziggler retaining the title. If done right though, this could be the match of the night. It’s all a matter of which versions of these two guys show up. They both have a habit of being red hot or stone cold (no pun intended). (Prediction: Dolph Ziggler)
Andrew Ravens: This will be a classic match and could steal the show. They have already wrestled twice within the last month, and one would think that Rollins gets the title back due to Ziggler going over as of late. However, I could see them extending this program one more month as its been one of the top feuds on RAW. Ziggler goes over with some help from Drew McIntyre. (Prediction: Dolph Ziggler)
Ian Carey: That there has been no stipulation added to prevent Drew McIntyre from interfering seems significant. The likely conclusion to this match then has McIntyre helping Ziggler score the winning fall or somehow holding onto his title. My prediction is it will be a tie or a draw/no contest of some kind, with Ziggler retaining. (Prediction: Dolph Ziggler)
CONSENSUS: Dolph Ziggler (3-0)
WWE United States Championship Jeff Hardy (C) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Jeff Moss: There’s two things I want from Jeff Hardy: 1.) To be as weird as Matt. 2.) Not to die. It’s been long rumoured that Hardy is working hurt and at 562 years of age, that’s not shocking. Nakamura needs something right now besides rap-metal and being a loveable foreign prankster, so the US title could be a good way to take him to the next level so he can become that jerk we all loved in Japan and we can get a REAL AJ/Nak feud. Also it gives Hardy enough time to heal, rise up and usurp Bray Wyatt as BROTHER NERO! (Prediction: Shinsuke Nakamura)
Andrew Ravens: WWE has a few options here with Hardy retaining or Nakamura getting his first title reign on the main roster. I have Nakamura winning due to him needing a big win after several losses to AJ Styles over the past few months. They could always set up a rematch at SummerSlam. (Prediction: Shinsuke Nakamura)
Ian Carey: Nakamura failed several times in a row to take the WWE title from Jinder Mahal in 2017. Then he failed multiple times to win the WWE title from AJ Styles this year. If Nakamura doesn’t beat Jeff Hardy to win the US title then they might as well give him back to NJPW so others can enjoy his work. (Prediction: Shinsuke Nakamura)
CONSENSUS: Shinsuke Nakamura (3-0)
Steel Cage Match Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens
Jeff Moss: This is the one I’m looking forward to the most. Who wouldn’t want to watch Braun Strowman ragdoll someone around a steel cage? I’m kind of sad that it has to be Kevin Owens getting ragdolled, but then again, no one gets beat up by Braun Strowman like Kevin Owens. As long as the match doesn’t end in another toilet, I’ll be happy. (Prediction: Braun Strowman)
Andrew Ravens: The build-up to this match has focused on Strowman getting the better of Owens. By looking at how the WWE has booked programs in the past, Owens should get the win in this match. However, Vince McMahon is obviously a big fan of Strowman. Just look at how he has been booked. Strowman goes over in a crushing and dominating victory. (Prediction: Braun Strowman)
Ian Carey: Whatever WWE has planned for Braun Strowman, it’s big. He’s the “Monster in the Bank” and that briefcase will guarantee him a match against either Brock or Roman. He will be built up as unstoppable until then. Kevin Owens has re-signed with the company under a long-term deal. His role is to get people like Strowman over. (Prediction: Braun Strowman)
CONSENSUS: Braun Strowman (3-0)
Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin
Jeff Moss: Oh geez… Finn… buddy. What happened? I think this made-for-the-kickoff-show encounter will leave us all asking one vital question: Who are these people and what are they doing here? Finn has gone from killer demon cosplayer to smiley-dude-who-has-a-cool shirt, and Baron Corbin has gone from Baron Corbin… to Baron Corbin, but in a vest and (somehow) less hair. Truly there are no winners in this match, but for the sake of this article, the winner will be Finn. (Prediction: Finn Balor)
Andrew Ravens: Either one of these stars could go over, and I don’t think fans are as invested in this feud as WWE officials are at this point. Corbin goes over with a cheap win to keep the feud alive. (Prediction: Baron Corbin)
Ian Carey: It is entirely possible that Corbin wins this match. Vince McMahon has always like Corbin on account of he’s tall. That he is now in a position of authority on Raw might indicate Vince has rekindled his love for him. Vince likes Finn too but has failed to give him a big push since coming back from the injury that cost him the Universal Championship. Still, it seems as though Finn is a much bigger star and heading into SummerSlam that means something. (Prediction: Finn Balor)
CONSENSUS: Finn Balor (2-1)
What do you think of our WWE Backlash 2018 predictions? Let us know by sounding off in the Comments section.
The early betting odds for the WWE Extreme Rules PPV have been released.
Some of the more notable odds include AJ Styles favored to retain his WWE Title over Rusev at -415 to +295, Braun Strowman favored at -245 to beat Kevin Owens at +175, and Roman Reigns favored at -155 to beat Bobby Lashley at +115.
The Extreme Rules pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, July 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the PPG Paints Arena and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets. Both Raw and SmackDown brands will be featured. As a reminder – indicates the favorites while + means the underdog.
The Odds
WWE Championship: AJ Styles (c) -415 vs Rusev +295
Steel Cage Match: Braun Strowman -245 vs Kevin Owens +175
Roman Reigns -155 vs Bobby Lashley +115
Raw Women’s Championship (Extreme Rules Match) : Alexa Bliss(c) -365 vs Nia Jax +255
United States Championship: Jeff Hardy(c) +120 vs Shinsuke Nakamura -160
Raw Tag Team Championship: Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt(c) -150 vs The B-Team +110
Smackdown Women’s Championship: Carmella(c) +120 vs Asuka -160
Intercontinental Championship (30-Minute Iron Man Match) : Dolph Ziggler(c) -190 vs Seth Rollins +150
Smackdown Tag Team Championship: The Bludgeon Brothers(c) +105 vs Team Hell No -145
Finn Balor -140 vs Baron Corbin +100
What are your thoughts on these early betting odds? Sound off in the comment section.
WWE has made a minor change to one title match at the upcoming Extreme Rules PPV event.
SmackDown Live General Manager Paige has announced that James Ellsworth would be placed in a shark cage during the SmackDown Women’s Title match between champion Carmella and Asuka at this upcoming event.
As seen on this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown Live in Manchester, NH at the SNHU Arena on the USA Network, Asuka was able to beat Ellsworth in a lumberjack match.
The Extreme Rules pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, July 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the PPG Paints Arena and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets. Both Raw and SmackDown brands will be featured.
Updated Card for Extreme Rules
– WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Rusev – Roman Reigns vs. Bobby Lashley – Steel Cage Match: Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens – 30-Minute Iron Man Match: Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins – SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bludgeon Brothers vs. Team Hell No – Extreme Rules Match: Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax – SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella vs. Asuka – James Ellsworth in a shark cage – Raw Tag Team Champions Bray Wyatt & Matt Hardy vs. The B Team – United States Champion Jeff Hardy vs. Shinsuke Nakamura – Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin – Tables Match (Pre-Show): The New Day vs. SAnitY
WWE has announced the match that will take place on the Extreme Rules Pre-Show.
WWE SmackDown Live General Manager Paige revealed on her official Twitter account that The New Day would battle SAnitY in a table match on the kickoff show.
The Extreme Rules pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, July 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the PPG Paints Arena and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets. Both Raw and SmackDown brands will be featured.
Updated Card for Extreme Rules
– WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Rusev
– Roman Reigns vs. Bobby Lashley
– Steel Cage Match: Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens
– 30-Minute Iron Man Match: Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins
– SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bludgeon Brothers vs. Team Hell No
– Extreme Rules Match: Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax
– SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella vs. Asuka
– Raw Tag Team Champions Bray Wyatt & Matt Hardy vs. The B Team
– United States Champion Jeff Hardy vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
– Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin
– Tables Match (Pre-Show): The New Day vs. SAnitY
What are your thoughts on WWE announcing this match? Should this match be positioned on the pre-show or does it deserve to be on the main card? Be on the lookout for our Extreme Rules Staff Predictions coming this Thursday.
WWE has confirmed another big match for Sunday’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view. As announced on Raw, Kevin Owens will take on Braun Strowman. The match will be held inside a steel cage, a scary prospect for the 34-year old Canadian Superstar.
There are now 10 matches confirmed for thee show (full card below), including 3 stipulation matches.
Extreme Rules takes this Sunday, July 15th from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the PPG Paints Arena. The dual-brand pay-per-view will air live on the WWE Network.
Updated Card for Extreme Rules
– WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Rusev
– Roman Reigns vs. Bobby Lashley
– Steel Cage Match: Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens
– 30-Minute Iron Man Match: Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins
– SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bludgeon Brothers vs. Team Hell No
– Extreme Rules Match: Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax
– SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella vs. Asuka
– Raw Tag Team Champions Bray Wyatt & Matt Hardy vs. The B Team
– United States Champion Jeff Hardy vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
– Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin
Be on the lookout for our Extreme Rules Staff Predictions coming this Thursday.
WWE will hold their next pay-per-view event, Extreme Rules, on Sunday, July 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the PPG Paints Arena on the WWE Network. The main event for this show has yet to be announced but it will likely be Bobby Lashley vs. Roman Reigns in a singles match.
After Extreme Rules goes off the air on the streaming service of the sports entertainment company, WWE will air a post-show at 10:30 PM EST. Here is the synopsis:
“Renee Young and Superstar guests catch up with your favorite Superstars and recap all the action from WWE Extreme Rules!”
Kane’s Returns
With former WWE Champion Kane back on WWE television for a reunion with Daniel Bryan as they prepare to challenge Luke Harper and Erick Rowan for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships at Extreme Rules, WWE’s YouTube channel has uploaded this video of his Top 10 greatest returns, which you can watch here:
What are your thoughts on WWE pairing Kane and Bryan back together? Sound off in the comment section.
A new match has been officially announced for the upcoming WWE Extreme Rules PPV event.
On Thursday, the WWE sent out a video through their social media accounts of Cathy Kelley revealing that Baron Corbin would take on Finn Balor in a singles match. The two superstars have been exchanging words all this week on Twitter.
The Extreme Rules pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, July 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the PPG Paints Arena and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets. Both Raw and SmackDown brands will be featured.
WWE has announced a new match for the Extreme Rules PPV.
Jeff Hardy will defend the United States Title against Shinsuke Nakamura. If you recall, this match was supposed to happen last week on SmackDown Live but was nixed after it was revealed that Nakamura was bitten in the leg by a police dog the night before that show.
Nakamura has not wrestled since then and is on crutches with an expected timetable for his in-ring return to be less than two weeks.
The Extreme Rules pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, July 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the PPG Paints Arena and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets. Both Raw and SmackDown brands will be featured.
The WWE Raw Women’s Championship match set to take place at Extreme Rules was spiced up with the Extreme Rules stipulation yesterday, and the challenger Nia Jax has some thoughts about it that she shared on her Twitter:
It isn’t about just about winning the #Raw Women’s Championship back. It’s about putting an end to this. An #ExtremeRules Match means I can use ANY means to make you pay for what you’ve done. This ends the #MomentOfBliss.
Cody Rhodes revealed on Twitter that Deonna Purrazzo will not be making an appearance at the All In event after he was asked who she was going to face. Deonna Purrazzo is currently signed to WWE’s developmental territory NXT.
Click here for more news on the All In event.
Deonna is unable to do All In. We love her. She’s phenomenal. She’s kicking ass/breaking arms no matter where you see her.
WWE has made a change to a top match at the Extreme Rules PPV.
The sports entertainment company announced a few weeks ago that Nia Jax would challenge Alexa Bliss for the RAW Women’s Title at this event.
As seen on this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW in Sioux Falls, SD at the Denny Sanford Premier Center on the USA Network, it was revealed that this contest has been turned into an Extreme Rules Match.
The Extreme Rules pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, July 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the PPG Paints Arena and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets. Both Raw and SmackDown brands will be featured.
A big match has been officially announced for the upcoming WWE Extreme Rules PPV event.
RAW General manager Kurt Angle announced on Monday afternoon that Dolph Ziggler would defense the Intercontinental Title against Seth Rollins in a 30-minute Iron Man Match at this pay-per-view event.
If you recall, Ziggler won the title from Rollins two weeks ago on RAW and they wrestled last week for the strap that ended in a DQ finish.
The Extreme Rules pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, July 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the PPG Paints Arena and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets. Both Raw and SmackDown brands will be featured.
WWE has announced a new title match for the upcoming Extreme Rules pay-per-view event.
As seen on this week’s episode of SmackDown Live in Ontario, CA at the Citizens Business Bank Arena on the USA Network, SmackDown General Manager Paige announced that Carmella would defend her SmackDown Women’s Title against Asuka at this event.
The Extreme Rules pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, July 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the PPG Paints Arena and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets. Both Raw and SmackDown brands will be featured.
WWE is set to hold its Extreme Rules pay-per-view (PPV) from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on July 15th. It will be the final PPV before SummerSlam in August.
Currently AJ Styles is set to defend his WWE Title against Rusev at the event, and last night on RAW a bout between Roman Reigns and Bobby Lashley was teased as well. It seems that another match is also set to take place at the event – but this one will be inside a Steel Cage.
According to the PPG Paints Arena website, Kevin Owens and Braun Strowman are being advertised to go one-on-one inside a Steel Cage at the event. Owens and Strowman have had their share of issues on RAW for the past few weeks.
Last night on RAW Strowman partnered up with Owens to defeat the team of Finn Balor and Baron Corbin. After the match Strowman chased Owens out of the arena and destroyed his car in the parking lot.
The card is still “subject to change” but it’s interesting to see that the PPG Paints Arena is advertising this match to happen.
A new title match has been officially announced for Extreme Rules.
The sports entertainment company has revealed that Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy would defend the RAW Tag Team Titles against Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas at the Extreme Rules PPV.
If you recall, The B-Team earned this title opportunity and the right to call themselves the #1 contenders after winning a Battle Royal on RAW a few weeks ago.
The Extreme Rules pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, July 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the PPG Paints Arena and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets. Both Raw and SmackDown brands will be featured.
WWE has made a change to a big match at Extreme Rules.
Just last week, RAW General Manager Kurt Angle revealed that there will be a multi-man match to crown the new #1 contender for the Universal Title, which is currently being held by Brock Lesnar, at Extreme Rules. At the time, Roman Reigns and Bobby Lashley were the only ones confirmed for this match at the upcoming event.
As seen on this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW in San Diego, CA at the Valley View Casino Center on the USA Network, Angle revealed that this upcoming multi-man match at Extreme Rules had been nixed due to a snag in the contract for Lesnar’s next title defense.
It was then announced that Lashley will take on Reigns in a singles match at Extreme Rules.
The Extreme Rules pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, July 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the PPG Paints Arena and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets. Both Raw and SmackDown brands will be featured.
A new #1 contender for the WWE Title was crowned on SmackDown Live.
Rusev beat Big E, Daniel Bryan, The Miz, and Samoa Joe in a Gauntlet Match on this week’s episode of SmackDown Live in Toledo, OH at the Huntington Center on the USA Network.
This match ended up serving as the main event of this episode, which was the post-Money in the Bank show for the blue brand.
As a result of this win, Rusev will now challenge AJ Styles for the WWE Title at the upcoming Extreme Rules pay-per-view event that takes place on Sunday, July 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the PPG Paints Arena and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets.
The Card
– Multi-Man Match to Determine New #1 Contender for WWE Universal Title: Roman Reigns vs. Bobby Lashley vs. More Superstars TBA
WWE has officially announced the first match that will be taking place at the upcoming Extreme Rules PPV.
As seen on this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW in Grand Rapids, MI at the Van Andel Arena on the USA Network, RAW General Manager Kurt Angle announced that Alexa Bliss would make her first title defense as RAW Women’s Champion against Nia Jax.
As noted, Ronda Rousey beat Jax by DQ in a WWE RAW Women’s Championship match at Sunday’s WWE Money in the Bank pay-per-view event once Bliss attacked Rousey to cause the DQ. After the match, Bliss continued the beat down on Rousey and then attacked Jax where she would cash-in her MITB contract to win the title.
The Extreme Rules pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, July 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the PPG Paints Arena and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets. Both Raw and SmackDown brands will be featured.
As noted, local ads going around for this upcoming event are now pushing AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Roman Reigns vs. Jinder Mahal, and Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz as well as the Pittsburgh debut of Rousey. Keep in mind that the WWE has yet to announce these matches.
What are your thoughts on this match being announced? Sound off in the comment section.
There are new matches being advertised for the upcoming WWE Extreme Rules PPV.
The pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, July 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the PPG Paints Arena and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional PPV outlets. Both Raw and SmackDown brands will be featured.
Several weeks ago it was revealed that the PPG Paints was advertising Daniel Bryan vs. Big Cass in a singles match as well as Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley vs. Jinder Mahal, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn in a six-man tag team match.
However, Dave Meltzer and Justin LaBar have noted that fans have sent in word that the local ads going around for this upcoming event are now pushing AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Reigns vs. Mahal, and Bryan vs. The Miz as well as the Pittsburgh debut of Ronda Rousey.
It should be noted that plans change all the time and that the sports entertainment company will start announcing matches for Extreme Rules next week on television.
Bryan is slated to wrestle Big Cass at Money in the Bank. Also booked for this weekend’s pay-per-view event are Reigns vs. Mahal and Rousey challenging Nia Jax for the RAW Women’s Title.
Styles is also slated to defend the WWE Title against Nakamura in a Last Man Standing Match this Sunday night.
What are your thoughts on these matches? Sound off in the comment section.
Money in the Bank is WWE’s next pay-per-view offering (and still several weeks away), but the official website for Pittsburgh’s PPG Paints Arena is advertising two matches for July’s Extreme Rules event.
Plans could certainly change by the time Extreme Rules takes place on July 15th, but the PPG Paints Arena site lists the following matches for the event:
Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley vs. Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn Jinder Mahal.
Daniel Bryan vs. Big Cass
Extreme Rules was first introduced back in 2009, making this year the 10th installment. As the name implies, the events typically feature multiple stipulations matches involving weapons and no disqualifications.
The main event of last year’s show saw Samoa Joe defeat Seth Rollins, Finn Balor, Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt in a Fatal 5-Way Extreme Rules match to determine the #1 contender for the WWE Universal Championship. Joe would go on to face Brock Lesnar at Great Balls of Fire, with Lesnar retaining in a hard fought match.
Kalisto defeated Apollo Crews in a solid match. Titus O’Neil got up on the ring apron and started arguing with Crews. Kalisto took advantage and hit the Salida del Sol on Crews for the victory. The crowd was surprisingly hyped for this match. Hopefully that energy continues throughout the night.
Intercontinental Championship Match: Dean Ambrose (c) vs The Miz (Ambrose Loses Title If Disqualified)
Ambrose started out the match in control and applied a Chin Lock. The Miz fought out of it but Ambrose knocked him to the mat. The two Superstars locked up in the center of the ring and Ambrose once again got to the upper-hand. Ambrose beat the hell out The Miz in the corner until the referee broke it up. The Miz shouted at the referee to disqualify Ambrose but the referee wasn’t having it. Ambrose Clotheslined Miz out of the ring and followed it up with a Suicide Dive.
Ambrose continued to assault Miz and slammed him into the barricade. Dean then drove Miz into the ring apron and rolled back into the ring to break up the referee’s count. Ambrose then grabbed a chair and the referee got in his face. The Miz capitalized on the distracted and booted Ambrose in the chest. Maryse distracted the referee and Miz grabbed the chair. Ambrose knocked the chair out of Miz’s hands and the action returned to the ring.
The referee once again shouted at Ambrose because he wouldn’t stop attacking Miz while he was leaning against the ropes. Miz once again capitalized and spiked Ambrose’s head off the ring apron with a DDT. The Miz slowed the match down and applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring. Dean battled out of the hold and connected with a flurry of right hands. Ambrose went for the Lunatic Lariat but Miz was ready and connected with a Neckbreaker for a two count.
Miz connected with a knee that knocked Ambrose to the mat and followed it up with a boot to the face for a two count. Miz yanked Ambrose to the mat by his hair and then punched him in the face a few times. The Miz then posed in the ring as Maryse applauded ringside. Miz hit three Dropkicks on Ambrose in the corner and then knocked Ambrose to the mat with a Clothesline.
The Miz had an intense look on his face as he ascended to the top rope. Ambrose groggily stumbled around in the ring and Miz attempted to leap onto him. Ambrose countered the aerial attack with a kick to the chest and then knocked Miz out of the ring. Ambrose climbed to the top rope and connected with an elbow onto Miz outside the ring. The referee started counting as both Superstars were on the floor outside the ring. Ambrose was the first to his feet and rolled Miz back into the ring at the count of eight.
Ambrose hit a Clothesline and followed it up with a Fisherman’s Suplex for a two count. Both Superstars got back to their feet and Ambrose went for a Bulldog but Miz countered and knocked Ambrose to the mat. Miz attempted a kick but Ambrose avoided it and rolled Miz up for a two count. Ambrose then planted Miz with a swinging Neckbreaker for a two count. Dean once again climbed to the top rope but Miz charged at him and Ambrose jumped back to the mat. Ambrose tweaked his knee and Miz focused his attack on the injury.
Miz applied the Figure Four in the middle of the ring and Ambrose writhed in pain. Ambrose fought through the pain and slowly made his way to the bottom rope.The crowd cheered as Ambrose grabbed the bottom rope and the hold was broken. Ambrose tried to get back to his feet but his injured left leg gave out. Miz once again went for the Figure Four but Ambrose countered it into a roll up for a two count. Ambrose returned to the top rope but Miz swept out his feet and Dean landed crotch-first on the top turnbuckle.
Miz went for a Superplex but Ambrose blocked it and punched Miz in the chest. Dean then connected with three headbutts and went for a Powerbomb off the top rope. Miz removed the top turnbuckle pad during the sequence. Ambrose went to slam Miz’s head into the exposed turnbuckle but caught himself before he went through with it. Miz connected with a knee to Dean’s face for a two count. Miz hit a few Yes! Kicks as the crowd chanted along with every strike.
Miz went for another kick but Ambrose caught him and locked in the Figure Four in the middle of the ring. Miz battled his way to the bottom rope and the hold was broken. Miz went for a quick Skull Crushing Finale but Ambrose avoided it and hobbled his way to a Lunatic Lariat. Both Ambrose and Miz almost ran into Maryse on the ring apron. Miz knocked Ambrose to the mat and instructed Maryse to slap him. Maryse slapped Miz in hopes that the referee would disqualify The Miz. The referee didn’t buy it and kicked out Maryse.
Maryse wouldn’t leave and the referee started shouting at her. The Miz then threw Ambrose into the referee and knocked him out of the ring. Ambrose pleaded with the referee to not disqualify him as the ref made his way to the timekeeper’s area. The Miz then creeped up behind Ambrose and planted him with a Skull Crushing Finale. The referee then rolled back into the ring and counted to three.
Winner & New Intercontinental Champion: The Miz
Reaction: The interactions with the referee throughout this match got annoying but this match was much more entertaining than I thought it would be. The Miz is now a 7-time Intercontinental Champion and Extreme Rules is off to a good start.
Bayley was interviewed backstage about her Kendo Stick On A Pole match against Alexa Bliss. Bayley poked fun at Alexa’s horrible “This Is Your Life” segment on last week’s episode of RAW. Bayley stated that she has been studying for this match by watching Sandman and Steve Blackman. Bayley also said that she saw Wonder Woman and felt inspired. Bayley then stated that she is ready to do whatever it takes to recapture the RAW Women’s Championship.
Sasha Banks and Alicia Fox started out the match. Alicia immediately tagged in Dar which meant that Swann had to get in the ring. Dar charged at Swann in the corner and Swann avoided him. Dar then ran over to Fox and hugged her on the ring apron. Fox and Banks then battled in the ring and traded punches. Sasha locked in the Bank Statement quickly but Dar dragged Fox’s leg to the bottom rope and the hold was broken. Fox then connected with a kick to Sasha’s face for a two count.
Fox then danced in the ring and mocked Rich Swann. The crowd chanted “lets go Sasha” as Fox hit a Backbreaker for a two count. Fox then applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring as the crowd once again got behind Banks. Sasha batted to her feet and connected with an elbow to Fox’s face. Alicia went for a kick on Sasha in the corner but Banks got out of the way.
Swann and Dar then got back in the ring and Swann knocked Dar to the mat. Swann then flipped and connected with a kick to the back of Dar’s neck for a two count. Dar went for a roll-up but Swann kicked out at two. Both Superstars traded punches in the middle of the ring. Swann connected with a spinning kick and both Superstars fell to the mat. Alicia Fox and Sasha Banks started battling outside the ring. Sasha slammed Fox into ring apron as Dar launched Swann into the barricade outside the ring. Sasha Banks climbed to the top rope and hit Double Knees onto Noam Dar. Swann then rolled Dar into the ring and climbed up to the top rope and hit a Phoenix Splash for the victory.
After the match, Sasha Banks and Rich Swann danced around in the ring.
Winners: Rich Swann & Sasha Banks
Reaction: I’m glad this match was quick because I honestly had zero interest in it. One can only hope that this marks the end of this feud.
Elias Samson strummed his guitar in the ring and performed a song. Samson demanded that the crowd hold their applause until after he is finished performing. Samson then performed a song that bashed the city of Baltimore and the crowd in attendance.
Reaction: I thought there was going to be a filler match here but that wasn’t the case. It was just a random performance by Elias Samson and that was it.
RAW Women’s Championship Kendo Stick On A Pole Match: Alexa Bliss (c) vs Bayley
Alexa Bliss folded her arms and then instructed Bayley to climb up the turnbuckle to grab the kendo stick. Bayley obliged and Alexa Bliss knocked her to the mat. Bayley battled to her feet and bounced Alexa’s head off the top turnbuckle. Alexa knocked Bayley out of the ring and started climbing the turnbuckle. Bayley joined Alexa on the turnbuckle and Bayley grabbed the kendo stick. Bayley then dropped the kendo stick in the ring and both Superstars fell to the floor outside the ring.
Alexa went for the kendo stick but Bayley cut her off and slammed her into the barricade. Bayley then hit a Belly to Back Suplex on the floor outside the ring. Bayley then got in the ring and grabbed the kendo stick. Bayley chased Alexa around with the kendo stick. Bayley backed Alexa up into the corner and went to hit her and Alexa tackled her. Alexa then grabbed the kendo stick and struck Bayley in the back several times. The camera cut to a small child who seemed to be devastated.
Alexa went for another shot with the kendo stick but Bayley grabbed her and connected with the Bayley to Belly. The kendo stick was propped up in the corner and Alexa shoved Bayley into it. Alexa then hit Bayley with the kendo stick and hit a DDT for the victory.
Winner & Still RAW Women’s Champion: Alexa Bliss
Reaction: I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I thought this match absolutely sucked. It had an awful build up and the match fell completely fell flat. I guess the takeaway from this match is that Bayley can’t get extreme? I have no idea. This feud ultimately damaged both Bayley and Alexa Bliss. Bayley’s character has been buried since joining the main roster and that is a shame. I thought WWE gave her the Women’s Championship way to early and didn’t build her up enough as an underdog.
Alexa Bliss was excellent on SmackDown and was one of the main reasons to watch that show every week. She took a hit because she was wrapped up in one of the worst promos everyone has seen in a long time last week on RAW. This wasn’t just a bad match, it was a total failure of a feud. I hope that WWE figures out a way to build Bayley back up because she should be much more popular on the main roster than she is right now. Alexa Bliss deserves to be the champion. However, if WWE is going to keep putting on garbage feuds like this, it simply does not matter how charismatic the person is that is holding the title. Bayley and Alexa Bliss can put on much better matches than this. The WWE Universe has seen both of them perform at a high level. The stipulation, the feud and the nauseating promos resulted in this feud being an unforgettable disaster.
RAW Tag Team Championship Steel Cage Match: The Hardy Boyz (c) vs Sheamus & Cesaro
Everyone tried to escape the cage early. Matt Hardy grabbed Cesaro as he straddled the top of the cage. Matt brought him back into the ring and applied a Chin Lock. Jeff connected with a Leg Drop to the midsection of Sheamus and then Clotheslined him onto the ring apron. Cesaro fought out of the Chin Lock and launched Matt into the steel cage. Sheamus then hit an Irish Curse Backbreaker to Jeff and then launched him into the steel surrounding the ring.
Sheamus and Cesaro teamed up to throw Matt into the cage. Sheamus and Cesaro tried to climb the cage but Matt and Jeff dragged them down. All four Superstars were standing on the ropes and battling to climb up the cage. Matt and Jeff knocked Sheamus and Cesaro to the mat and followed it up by bouncing their heads off the cage. Matt and Jeff connected with Dropkicks onto both Sheamus and Cesaro.
Jeff connected with Poetry in Motion onto Sheamus and Cesaro on opposite sides of the ring. Matt and Jeff tried to climb up the cage but were quickly joined by Sheamus and Cesaro. Sheamus and Cesaro Powerbombed Jeff off the cage and Matt Hardy connected with an Elbow Drop onto Cesaro. Matt then climbed the cage and reached the top. Cesaro got back to his feet and grabbed Matt’s leg and brought him back into the ring.
Sheamus then brought Matt down and hit a rolling Senton. Sheamus tried to escape through the door of the cage but Matt prevented him. Cesaro then stomped on Matt and tried to escape through the door but Matt was able to prevent him. Sheamus and Cesaro then picked Matt up and launched him face-first into the cage. Jeff Hardy scaled the cage on the opposite side of the ring but Cesaro was able to grab his leg.
Cesaro then tried to escape but Jeff prevented him. Sheamus knocked down Matt and went for a Brogue Kick to Jeff but missed. Matt then planted Sheamus with a Tornado DDT. Matt and Jeff tried to escape but Sheamus and Cesaro met them at the top. Jeff kicked Cesaro off of him and escaped the cage. Matt Hardy was knocked back in the ring but connected with a Side Effect onto both Sheamus and Cesaro.
Matt then climbed to the top of the cage but Cesaro grabbed him. Jeff then scaled the cage outside the ring and a tug of war broke out. Cesaro headbutted Jeff off the cage and Matt Hardy was brought back into the ring via double team Razor’s Edge. Jeff slammed the steel cage door onto Cesaro’s head but got a Brogue Kick to the face for his troubles. The steel door then bounced off Jeff’s head and Jeff fell to the floor outside the ring.
Back in the ring, Matt connected with a Twist of Fate onto Sheamus. Matt then slammed Cesaro to the mat and once again climbed the cage. Cesaro caught him at the top and connected with an uppercut. Sheamus then planted Matt Hardy with the White Noise off the top rope. Jeff Hardy then removed his shirt and climbed back up the cage from outside the ring. Jeff stood at the top of the steel cage and leaped off and hit the Whisper in the Wind onto both Sheamus and Cesaro.
The crowd chanted “this is awesome” as all four Superstars got to their feet. Cesaro and Sheamus climbed out of the cage as Matt tried to drag Jeff out of the ring through the steel cage door. Sheamus and Cesaro wound up hitting the floor first and won the match.
Winners & New RAW Tag Team Champions: Sheamus & Cesaro
Reaction: I was looking forward to this match and I thought it delivered. It started out slow but turned into absolute chaos towards the end. I find it amazing that Jeff Hardy is still willing to put his body on the line the way he does. He is just a tremendous athlete. This was easily the match of the night so far in my opinion.
Cruiserweight Championship Submission Match: Neville (c) vs Austin Aries
Neville targeted the injured left knee of Aries to start off the match. Neville then locked in an Arm Bar but Aries battled out of it. Neville then rolled out the ring and shouted at the crowd. Aries laid across the top rope and waited for Neville to get back in the ring. Aries and Neville locked up and Neville went for Arie’s knee again. Aries blocked it and slapped Neville in the back. Neville then drove Aries into the corner and hit him in the midsection.
Aries connected with an elbow and followed it up with a Senton. Aries went for the Last Chancery but Neville rolled out of the ring again. Aries followed him out there and launched Neville into the barricade a couple of times. Aries picked up Neville onto his shoulders and dropped him face-first off the ring apron. Aries rolled Neville into the ring and Neville once again escaped to the outside.
Aries climbed to the top turnbuckle and leaped onto Neville. Aries came up hobbling after he landed on his injured knee. Aries rolled Neville into the ring and hopped up onto the ring apron. Neville then got to his feet and kicked Aries in the knee as he was entering the ring through the ropes. Neville then slowed the match down and attacked Aries’ knee.
Neville charged at Aries but Austin connected with an elbow and then a chop to Neville’s chest. Aries then hit three Shinbreakers in a row and then launched Neville over his back and Neville fell to the mat. Aries went for the Discus Fivearm but Neville blocked it. Neville then connected with a Dropkick to Aries’ knee and Aries fell to the floor outside the ring. Aries appeared to hurt his shoulder while falling out of the ring and Neville attacked it.
Neville brought Aries back into the ring and stomped on his shoulder. Neville then taunted the crowd and connected with a kick to Aries’ shoulder. Neville climbed to the top turnbuckle and went to leap onto to Aries but Austin was ready. Aries knocked Neville to the mat and applied the Figure Four in the center of the ring. Neville rolled through but Aries maintained the hold. Neville was able to reach the bottom rope and the hold was broken.
Aries limped back to his feet but Neville threw him to the ring apron. Aries grabbed Neville and connected with a Neckbreaker onto the second rope. Aries climbed to the top rope and went for a Crossbody but Neville dodged it. Neville then locked in the Rings of Saturn in the middle of the ring. Aries battled through and got his foot on the bottom rope. The crowd was apparently bored and booed that the match didn’t end.
Neville went for the Rings of Saturn but Aries countered it into a Rings of Saturn of his own. Neville got out of the hold and connected with a Superkick. Both Superstars were on the top turnbuckle and Neville went for a Superplex but Aries fought him off and knocked him to the mat. Neville got right back up joined Aries again on the turnbuckle. Aries connected with a Sunset Flip Powerbomb and applied the Last Chancery but Neville rolled out of the ring. Aries didn’t break the hold and applied the Last Chancery outside the ring. Neville tapped out but the match cannot end outside the ring.
Aries connected with a Discus Fivearm while Neville was on the ring apron and knocked him out of the ring. Aries then went for a Suicide Dive but Neville dodged it and Aries landed on the floor. Neville rolled Aries into the ring and climbed back to the top rope. Neville hit a Red Arrow onto the back of Aries and then locked in the Rings of Saturn for the victory.
Winner & Still Cruiserweight Champion: Neville
Reaction: I felt bad for Aries and Neville because they put on a hell of a match. The crowd flat out rejected the match and didn’t provide the energy that the match deserved. I also find the Cruiserweight division boring right now, but that shouldn’t prevent an audience for acknowledging two Superstars busting their ass in the ring. I am surprised that Aries didn’t win the title here. Neville has now defeated Aries three times in a row in Cruiserweight Championship matches at WWE PPVs. 205 Live and the Cruiserweight division hasn’t gained any popularity since it debuted. I just assumed that giving Aries a run with the title would be worth a shot, just to see if would breath some life into the division. Neville is a great heel champion, but I thought it was time to change things up. Apparently I was wrong and things will just remain the same. I honestly do not understand that logic when hardly anyone is watching 205 Live on the WWE Network.
Fatal 5-Way Match To Determine #1 Contender For The Universal Championship: Finn Balor vs Samoa Joe vs Seth Rollins vs Bray Wyatt vs Roman Reigns
The match started out with everyone brawling as Roman Reigns stood and observed. Balor, Wyatt, Rollins and Joe battled outside the ring as Reigns paced around in the ring. Bray Wyatt got back in the ring and had a stare down with Reigns. Wyatt went for a punch but Reigns blocked it and smacked him in the face. Reigns lifted Bray up onto his shoulders and dropped him with a Samoan Drop. Samoa Joe went at Reigns but suffered the same fate as he was greeted with a Samoan Drop.
Finn Balor got into the ring and was sent into the corner by Reigns. Roman connected with a right hand and knocked Balor to the ring apron. Rollins then got into the ring and circled Reigns. Wyatt and Joe then charged at Reigns and beat him down in the corner. Wyatt then drove Reigns’ shoulder into the ring post and then went after Rollins. Joe threw Rollins out of the ring and went for a Suicide Dive but Rollins avoided it and then hit a Suicide Dive of his own onto Joe.
Balor connected with a Dropkick onto Bray and then stomped onto him several times. Balor then stomped on Rollins and Joe as they tried to get back into the ring. Balor bounced off the ropes and flipped onto Joe, Rollins and Wyatt. Reigns then entered the frame and blasted Balor in the face with a right hand. The crowd booed as Roman launched Balor into the barricade and bounced his head off the ring apron.
Bray grabbed Roman’s hair but got a fist in the face for his troubles. Reigns went for the Drive By on Wyatt but Joe hit Roman in the chest and then threw him into the barricade. Wyatt and Joe then shared a laugh as they took turns beating down Reigns. Wyatt and Joe then slung Roman into the steel steps outside the ring. Wyatt then laid on the announce table with a smirk on his face.
Joe and Wyatt then picked up the stairs and bashed Rollins in the face with it. Wyatt and Joe then circled the ring and hit Balor and Reigns with the steps. The crowd cheered as Wyatt and Joe were in control of the match. Joe then kicked Balor, but grew concerned with Wyatt lurking behind him. Bray told Joe to “play it cool” and they continued their alliance to beatdown Balor. Wyatt took a break from assaulting Balor to boot Rollins in the face and then casually stepped on his chest on his way back to the ring.
Back in the ring, Joe and Bray took turns punching and stomping on Finn Balor. Joe and Bray then slapped Balor in the face. Finn fought back but was knocked back down to the mat by Wyatt and Joe. Bray brought Balor back to his feet and punched him in the face. Rollins got back in the ring and hit a Dropkick onto Wyatt. Rollins then slammed Joe’s face into the second turnbuckle. Rollins went for a Suicide Dive onto Wyatt but Bray was ready and punched him in the face. Bray then knocked Reigns back to the floor and hit Rollins with a DDT onto the steel steps.
Joe locked in the Coquina Clutch onto Balor in the ring. Balor got out of it and hit a Double Stomp onto Joe. Wyatt entered the ring toting a steel chair and hit Balor with it. Reigns tried to get back into the ring but was greeted with a chair shot from Wyatt. Bray then hit Balor in the back with a chair, rolled him over and placed the chair across his chest. Samoa Joe then hit a Senton onto Balor and the chair. Joe then placed the chair onto Balor’s chest and Wyatt hit a Senton of his own.
Balor slammed Joe’s face into the chair that was perched up on the turnbuckle. Balor then knocked Wyatt to the ring apron and Reigns hit the Drive By. Reigns then planted Balor with a Powerbomb and leveled Samoa Joe with a Clothesline. Reigns clubbed Bray in the chest several times in the corner. Joe charged at Reigns but Roman got out of the way and Joe slammed into Wyatt. Reigns then booted Joe in the face and knocked Bray to the mat with a Clothesline.
Reigns geared up for a Superman Punch but was dragged out of the ring by Samoa Joe. Wyatt attacked Reigns from behind and slammed Roman onto the announce table that was ringside. The crowd chanted “one more time” as Bray Wyatt climbed to the ring apron. Rollins attacked Wyatt and hit a springboard Clothesline for a two count. Joe charged at Rollins but Seth got his foot up. Rollins then hit a double Blockbuster onto Wyatt and Joe. Rollins tried to pin Bray but Wyatt kicked out at two. Rollins hit a Suicide Dive onto Joe outside the ring and then hit another one onto Joe because Wyatt shoved Joe in the way.
The action returned to the ring and Bray Wyatt connected with a Clothesline to Rollins. Wyatt went for a Suplex but Rollins reversed it into a Falcon Arrow for a two count. Wyatt responded by planting Rollins with a Sister Abigail. Joe broke up the pinfall and started shouting at Wyatt for shoving him in the way of Rollins’ Suicide Dive a few minutes ago. Joe connected with a series of kicks to Wyatt but Bray got the upper-hand and knocked Joe to the mat.
Wyatt went for a Sister Abigail but Joe countered it into the Coquina Clutch. Balor entered the ring with a chair and hit both Joe and Wyatt with it. Balor then hit a Double Stomp onto Wyatt while the chair was across his chest. Balor hit Reigns with a Dropkick and then punted Roman’s head from the ring apron. Finn then sprinted and hit Joe and then Wyatt with a Dropkick that sent them both in the barricade. Finn brought Bray to the announce table and bounced his head off the table a dozen times.
The crowd roared as Balor cleared off an announce table. Balor laid Wyatt across the announce table and pointed to the turnbuckle. Joe tried to apply the Coquina Clutch onto Balor outside the ring but Finn was able to block it. Reigns then hit a massive Spear onto Joe and Balor that sent the three Superstars crashing through the barricade. Rollins then ascended up the turnbuckle and connected with a Frog Splash onto Bray Wyatt through the announce table outside the ring.
The crowd chanted “holy sh**!” and then transitioned into a “this is awesome!” chant as the five Superstars were on the floor. Rollins and Reigns were the first Superstars to their feet. Reigns’ lips and nose were covered with blood as the two Superstars slowly made their way back to the ring. Reigns and Rollins got in each other’s face and Rollins hit a flurry of punches. Reigns halted his momentum with an uppercut. Roman went for a Clothesline but Rollins ducked it and kicked him in the face. Reigns connected with a Superman Punch but Rollins powered out at two.
Reigns got back to his feet as the crowd booed. Reigns screamed and went for the Spear but Rollins countered it into a roll up for a two count. Rollins bounced off the ropes and connected with a kick to Reigns’ face for a two count. Rollins went to the top turnbuckle and hit a Frog Splash onto Reigns for a two count. Rollins once again climbed to the top rope and went for a Phoenix Splash. Reigns got out of the way and Rollins landed on his feet. Wyatt got back in the ring and went for Sister Abigail onto Rollins but Seth avoided it. Rollins was then launched out of the ring.
Wyatt then went for a Sister Abigail onto Reigns but Roman blocked it and hit a Spear. Reigns then leveled Balor with a right hand and geared up for a Spear. Balor was ready for it and hit a Slingblade. Balor then climbed to the top rope and hit a Coupe de Grace onto Reigns. Balor went for the pinfall but Joe got back into the ring and applied the Coquina Clutch. Balor passed out and Samoa Joe won the match.
Winner & #1 Contender For The Universal Championship: Samoa Joe
Reaction: Extreme Rules ended on a high note with a terrific Fatal 5-Way match. This match was close to forty minutes and there wasn’t a dull moment. Samoa Joe and Brock Lesnar sounds like a great match and it will take place at Great Balls of Fire. Overall, Extreme Rules was a solid show. The main-event was the match of the night and the steel cage match was also very entertaining.
Unfortunately, the same issues continue to plague WWE shows. If this PPV had a better build, the matches would have been much more entertaining. Some of the matches tonight were very entertaining, but I think they would have been so much better if their was a storyline to get invested in. The Cruiserweight Championship match is a great example of a match that should have had the crowd on their feet. The crowd simply did not care and it became impossible for Neville and Aries to win them over. Bayley and Alexa Bliss competed in a match that was dead on arrival. The Intercontinental Championship match was also good but the crowd wasn’t all that into it.
I’ve said this word a few times in this post but WWE shows aren’t generating enough energy from the crowd in attendance. The main-event was an example of how much better a match can be when the crowd is engaged. It is hard to get pumped up for a show when you spend weeks struggling to get through episodes of RAW and SmackDown. When that happens, the audience winds up overlooking a great match like the Cruiserweight Championship match tonight at Extreme Rules. To make matters worse, they also had to sit through a terrible Women’s Championship match that had two excellent performers in it. While Extreme Rules ended well, I cannot help but be frustrated with the WWE product in general.