This year’s edition of Extreme Rules had major implications for the Raw Brand as the majority of matches were title matches. The Fatal Five Way number contender match main event set up things for the return of Brock Lesnar next month at Great Balls of Fire. Let’s dive in.
Intercontinental Title Match (stipulation match): Dean Ambrose (c) vs. the Miz
This was the official kickoff match for the night. As usual, The Miz lagged in the early going after unsuccessful failing to build momentum after his usual attempts to play mind games. The tactic was practical given the stipulation factor. Dean did come back after The Miz rallied back, albeit by questionable means in some junctures. Maryse, as usual, proved to be a game changer. She and Miz conned the ref after she slapped Miz under his orders. This caused a distraction which interrupted the match, which gave a respite to the Miz to set up another distraction. This one led to the ref and Dean arguing, which led to him getting ambushed by The Miz for a Skull crushing Finale and the win. The Reunion Tour begins again. Sigh…..
Winner: The Miz
Sasha Banks and Rich Swann vs. Alicia Fox and Noam Dar
205 Live was represented first by this intergender tag match. This feud has been somewhat of a bright spot for the flagging Cruiserweight Division, as well as a new platform for Sasha. She seems to have become afterthought in light of the conclusion of her feud with Charlotte. This match provided needed limelight for the Boss. The match featured the energy expected of such a heated feud. Sasha provided one of the most hardcore moments of the night when she landed a double knee drop on Noam Dar. Rich Swann finished off and won the match by pin fall.
Winners: Rich Swann & Sasha Banks
Intermission: Elias Sampson
Despite no one asking, Elias came out and cursed the city of Baltimore with a song. Auditory sodomy can now be added to the litany of crimes committed in Baltimore.
Raw Women’s Title Match (kendo stick on a pole): Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Bayley
The Nice Girl vs. Bad Girl debate came to a head here. The Huggable One has shown time and again that she has the talent and heart to compete but her competitive ruthlessness has been questioned. Alexa mocked her at the beginning of the match by daring her to go for the kendo stick but attacked her from behind. Alexa temporary subdued Bayley but she rallied as Little Miss Bliss struggled to reach the stick in what was arguably the comedic moment of the night. Bayley got the stick but hesitated to use it on Alexa. That ultimately proved to be the worse giveaway since the acquisition of Manhattan as Alexa showed no such compunctions and beat Bayley with the stick to soften her up for a DDT to retain the belt.
Winner: Alexa Bliss
Raw Tag Team Title Match (steel cage): Hardy Boyz (c) vs. Cesaro and Sheamus
This match was nail-biting affair. Team Extreme entered the match as the favorites due to their experience but Cesaro and Sheamus had the power and versatility advantage (mainly in Cesaro). The match could only be won by a team whose feet both exited the cage simultaneously. The clause could be detrimental because it could leave a teammate isolated to be ganged up on. The Hardyz seemed poised to retain yet again due to their savvy and offense but Matt wound up alone and was expectedly doubled teamed. Jeff intervened and nearly snatched victory from the jaws of the defeat but Cesaro and Sheamus got to the floor just a second or so earlier to win the belts. This feud should still have some legs.
Winners: Cesaro & Sheamus
Cruiserweight Title Match (submission rules): Neville (c) vs. Austin Aries
This feud has picked up recent weeks with Austin Aries getting Neville to tap out to the Rings of Saturn twice leading up to Extreme Rules. The match was a high-octane affair as usual. It’s a shame that the cruiserweight division is underappreciated but such is life. The athleticism of both talents was evident though the entire match as neither could quite put away the other. Neville especially impressed by dragging Austin out of the ring when it would’ve been more efficient to simply grab the rope to break the submission. Neville won by hitting Austin with a Red Arrow to his back after he softened it up on the outside after Austin missed a dive on him from the ring. A good match overall with a clean finish.
Winner: Neville
Fatal Five Way Number One Contender Match: Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Samoa Joe, Bray Wyatt, Finn Baylor
Just before the match, it was announced that Brock Lesnar would face the winner of this match next month at Great Balls of Fire. This match also marked the official pay per view return of Finn Balor and he had his usual giant pop from the crowd. In fact, it was rumored by more than a few that he would win the match. The match was a brawl for the most part in the beginning. For a time, Roman Reigns stood unscathed and disengaged as everyone fought each other, as they were feuding. Eventually, Samoa Joe and Bray Wyatt temporarily joined forces and ran roughshod over everyone else. Finn Balor did take command of the match after being dominated for a stretch. It looked as though he would live up to expectations and wind up facing Lesnar but Samoa Joe attacked him and choked him out for the submission. Great Balls of Fire should be a brutal affair with he and Brock facing off.
Winner: Samoa Joe
