It’s a brave new world out there in the Reality Era of the WWE, which had its official kickoff at Wrestlemania XXX. The backlash of the event is now WWE Extreme Rules, coming to you from the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. New Jersey is a perfect location for an Extreme Rules event with its close ties to Extreme Championship Wrestling. It’s good to mention that the Pay Per View is not really a Pay Per View. You have to watch it exclusively on WWE Network. Kickoff begins at 7:30PM ET. Writers include Aaron Wrotkowski, James Carlucci, Shawn Wilken, Adam Contant, Jeff DeHaan and Phillipa Hopwood.
Extreme Rules Pre-Show Kick-Off
Weelc Match
El Torito vs. Hornswoggle
Winner:
Phillipa, Jeff, James, Adam and Shawn: El Torito
Aaron: Hornswoggle
Thoughts by Aaron Wrotkowski: I want to take little bit of time to remind everyone that despite Evan Bourne, Tyson Kidd, Kofi Kingston, Rey Mysterio, Adrian Neville, Sami Zayn and the former Samuray Del Sol all employed by the WWE, we’re getting a small person match on the kick off. That’s not to take away from the talent of El Torito, but even with the WWE turning a corner recently on an amped up level of wrestling talent throughout the roster, we don’t any one of the many junior heavyweight/cruiserweights on the roster that could blow the crowd away. We get the only two small people on the roster. What a kick off. Hornswoggle wins because whatever.
2-on-1 Handicap Match
R-Truth and Xavier Woods vs. Alex Rusev
Winner(s):
Phillipa, Jeff, James, Aaron, Adam and Shawn: Rusev
Thoughts by Adam Contant: It seems like every time WWE hands the LWOS Wrestling team a predictable outcome, we fail miserably, so although I am leery of repeating our past mistakes, I’m going to bet on the odds and choose Alexander Rusev. To WWE’s credit, they have made Rusev look vulnerable at times in the build up, which is important to make his victory seem more than just a squash. I feel bad that Xavier Woods is in this situation, but I am comforted knowing his charisma and talent will get him where he needs to be eventually.
WWE Intercontinental Championship
Bad News Barrett vs. Big E (c)
Winner:
Phillipa, Jeff, James, Adam and Shawn: Bad News Barrett
Aaron: Big E
Thoughts by Phillipa Hopwood: We saw a new side to Big E on Friday when he attacked Titus and I think Titus might get involved in this one but part of me is holding onto the hope of a second British WWE Champion.
WWE Divas Championship
Tamina Snuka vs. Paige (c)
Winner:
Phillipa, Jeff, James, Aaron and Shawn: Paige
Adam: Tamina
Thoughts by Jeff DeHaan: Part of me wants to say Tamina. She’s bigger, stronger, and has been with WWE longer than the new Divas Champion. There would certainly be no shame in Paige losing to a woman as intimidating as Tamina, but I’m going with Paige retaining. Who knows, we may even see a return from AJ Lee.
Triple Threat Match
Jack Swagger vs. Cesaro vs. Rob Van Dam
Winner:
Phillipa: Jack Swagger
Jeff, James and Adam: Rob Van Dam
Aaron and Shawn: Cesaro
Thoughts by Shawn Wilken: I haven’t been a huge fan of the inclusion of Rob Van Dam into the storyline of Cesaro vs. Swagger. At first glance, it appeared as though the WWE had nothing for RVD so they sort of just shoved him in there to create more animosity between Cesaro and Swagger. The more I review the situation, the more I understand the importance of a victory over someone like RVD. Cesaro beats Swagger, nothing really special. It’s to be expected, to say the least. To beat both RVD, a superstar with credibility and a history, along with Swagger in the same match? That victory could become the kick-start Cesaro needs to get his singles career on the map.
Steel Cage Match
John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt
Winner:
Phillipa, Jeff, James, Adam and Shawn: Bray Wyatt
Aaron: John Cena
Thoughts by Aaron Wrotkowski: I’m sure that’s probably the least popular choice on the Internet to go with here, but it really feels to me like Bray Wyatt wins more in a loss than he does in a victory. If John Cena snaps, shows his rage and brutalizes Wyatt in the ring, it doesn’t matter if he walks out winning the match. Bray Wyatt got in his head. If Bray simply leaves him beaten, he only won a match.
The Shield vs. Evolution
Winners:
Phillipa, James, Aaron and Shawn: The Shield
Jeff and Adam: Evolution
Which wrestler gets the victory:
Phillipa, James, Aaron and Shawn: Roman Reigns
Jeff: Triple H
Adam: Randy Orton
Which wrestler takes the pin:
Phillipa: Triple H
Jeff: Roman Reigns
James and Aaron: Batista
Adam: Dean Ambrose
Shawn: Randy Orton
Thoughts by Adam Contant: Leading into this match, both teams have looked strong, but The Shield have been built up as an unstoppable force, which in my opinion will lead to a bigger impact when they lose to Evolution. Evolution needs this win after the month they’ve had, and winning here will not slow down The Shiled at all, in fact, it may just elevate them by giving them a reason to go after The Animal, The Game, and The Viper. There is a strong possibility of some outside interference or rule breaking leading to victory, but at the end of the day, Evolution will pass by the Shield.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Kane vs. Daniel Bryan (c)
Winner:
Phillipa, Jeff, James, Aaron, Adam and Shawn: Daniel Bryan
Thoughts by James Carlucci: While it’s somewhat disappointing that Bryan isn’t the featured bout on this show, the optimist in me is happy that at least it’s all but guaranteed that he’ll retains the title. These two have a storied history that this feud hasn’t really taken advantage of, but Bryan is still the best worker in the company and deliver a solid enough affair.
Watch WWE Extreme Rules on WWE Network, kick off at 7:30PM EST. See you tonight.
Photo on WWE.com by John Giamundo
Feel free to comment below, and follow the site @lastwordonsport. Also follow @AaronWrotkowski, @AdamContant, @DeHaanoffate, @LWOSCarlucci, @CrimsonSkorpion and @Dstokie01 on the Last Word on Sports Wrestling team.
Interested in writing for LWOS? We are looking for enthusiastic, talented writers to join our wrestling writing team. Visit our “Write for Us” page for very easy details in how you can get started today!
For the latest in sports injury news, see our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
