WWE: Extreme Rules is set to take place from The Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on 5/22/2016.
Pre-Show:
Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler (no DQ)
It’s a shame that two athletes the caliber of these men seem to be floundering with each passing month. It’s the role that Dolph seems to play sadly and I’m at least hoping that Corbin will be able to transition into a meaningful title situation following this match, but I have my doubts. Nevertheless, I have Corbin picking up the victory here with the End Of Days for the W and the trip to the pay window.
Prediction: Baron Corbin
Extreme Rules:
US Title Match:
Kalisto (c) vs. Rusev
Kalisto is so very talented. Sadly, it doesn’t seem that the writing staff in many situations, is the same way. The fact of the matter is, they can’t seem to take the champ to the next level and for all the work John Cena did, elevating, or as I call it “Nakamura-ing”, the secondary title to relevance, it seems that the smart decision would be to put the belt back on Rusev. Rusev is a decent hand in the ring and with Lana back at his side, it seems that him taking the belt and heading back into a meaningful program with the soon to return former champion makes good business sense.
Prediction: Rusev wins the US Title
Texas Tornado Tag Match:
The Usos vs. Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows
I dig the Usos in the ring, but I’ll dig even further for the Club because you can’t bring mega talented uber heels into the fed, jam them up with 50/50 booking and expect them to play a major role in the main event scene at this and future PPV’s, and NOT have them come away with a decisive victory. This HAS to be a solid victory for the Club.
Prediction: Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows
Women’s Title Submission Match (Ric Flair Banned From Ringside):
Charlotte (c) vs. Natalya
It’s been really cool seeing Natalya in the title picture for longer then a cup of coffee, but the beverage settles and the champion comes away with a submission victory, looking stronger and further distancing herself from the needed support of her legendary father. Sasha Banks and a major title change looms on the horizon, but not tonight.
Prediction: Charlotte retains the title
Tag Team Title Match:
The New Day(c) vs. The Vaudevillains
I’ve been quite surprised how well Gotch and English have been booked in this situation. I figured they were going to get The Ascension treatment and fans of Superstars would have an opportunity to see this tandem featured frequently, but despite what I believe will be a quality interaction between these two teams, Gallows and Anderson seem to be the only team that will be able to pry the belts away from the red-hot champions.
Prediction: The New Day retain the titles.
Intercontinental Title Fatal Four Way Match:
The Miz (w/ Maryse) (c) vs. Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens vs. Cesaro
This is one that I am very much looking forward too. This is going to be an amazing match between four men that can get it done in the ring. There are a great many that aren’t fans of The Miz, I am not one of them. He plays the heel role to a “T” and with Maryse at his side, it is working quite well. Owens is destined for bigger things and he is my pick to win Money In The Bank at the moment. Cesaro could be the dark horse well and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him walk out with the strap here. Zayn will probably take the fall as it will only further his story line with Owens heading into Money In The Bank, but I’ll make the bold prediction here, albeit one I might get wrong, and I’ll say that the champ retains for another month. Unless he’s in the MITB match itself, I don’t expect him to hold the title much longer, but he will tonight.
Prediction: The Miz retains the title
Asylum Cage Match:
Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho
If they book this properly and let these two men go, the winner will be fans of the sport. I’d love to see some juice flowing here, even in the PG era, I don’t wanna see a mop or a potted plant decide the finish. If they don’t want to keep this going, I could very well see Ambrose walking away with this one, but this seems to be the sort of match that is a conclusion in and of itself. Having said that, Ambrose isn’t hurt by a loss in this situation and will be favorite in the MITB match itself depending on how they play it. Jericho has a few months left to entertain fans and winning in a match that isn’t his specialty seems to be the norm. Let’s go with that result for now.
Prediction: Chris Jericho
World Title Extreme Rules Match:
Roman Reigns (c) vs. AJ Styles
I don’t think anybody expects AJ to walk out with the belt, even as I would be pleasantly surprised to see that happen as a fan of AJ. Boos or not, Roman Reigns can work, and in a match of this magnitude, these two will fire on all cylinders. There are a number of ways this plays out. One option has the boring finish with interference backfiring and a clean finish. Option two has AJ losing due to the Club turning on him and aligning with Roman. I don’t see that happening either. Option three has AJ turning into a full fledged heel and joining the Club with a shocking title change. I also don’t see that happening. The fourth option is the most interesting and it presents options five, six and seven. The Club cost AJ the match and we find out that Finn Balor was the mastermind all along. That would get a HUGE thumbs up and that’s how I’d book it. The Club cost AJ the match and we find out that Seth Rollins is the mastermind. I’m cool with that too. The shocking final option has John Cena returning as a heel and leading the Club to dizzying new heights, but I doubt that happens. Either way, I am very intrigued with that main event match and I still will take the safe route and say that The Roman Empire continues on.
Prediction: Roman Reigns retains the title.
