It seems like just yesterday, Money In the Bank took place. Now we have come to tonight's event, Extreme Rules. Personally, I think they should scrap this Pay-Per-View from the calendar. There really aren't too many matches that would register as extreme and many of these gimmick matches should really only take place if the feud calls for it. For instance, as entertaining as I'm sure it will be, I don't think we need Braun/Owens in a steel cage. Besides, there are a lot more limitations on these kinds of matches these days; not that that's a bad thing! Anyway, let's get to it!
KICK-OFF
Six-Man Tag Team Tables Match - The New Day vs. Sanity
The first match on the Kick-Off show features Sanity's first PPV appearance on the main roster. During The New Day's pancake eating contest, chaos emerged, as Sanity attacked them, leading to this match. The New Day are so established that a loss will not hurt them. I'm pretty sure the chaotic trio is taking the win here. Eric Young has been a mainstay in professional wrestling for quite a while so you already know what to expect from him. The first time Sanity appeared together, I wasn't into it. I thought Young was better than that. Eventually, Killian Dane and Alexander Wolfe changed my mind about them, especially at War Games last year. That said, I'm taking Sanity for the victory.
Sin Cara vs. Andrade "Cien" Almas
When Almas debuted on Smackdown, alongside Zelina Vega, he immediately targeted an old Mexican acquaintance in Sin Cara. On a recent episode of Smackdown, Almas defeated Sin Cara and now we have the rematch. As much as it's possible for Sin Cara to take back the win so the two can have a rubber match, I'm pretty sure Almas will prevail yet again and move up the card slightly. This is absolutely fine for his first Smackdown feud but I think this will be short-lived. As for what may come next for Almas, we'll have to wait and see and hope there is a plan for him since coming from NXT.
Steel Cage Match - Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens
I mentioned this match earlier, thinking the feud doesn't necessitate a steel cage, but I don't want that to come off as a complaint whatsoever. The feud between the two has been very entertaining thus far. It's funny because no matter how much Owens seems to get away with whenever he mentions Stephanie McMahon's name to Kurt Angle, he hasn't been able to get the better of the Monster Among Men. With Sami Zayn out with an injury, I don't really see any way for Owens to get the victory. The only way in my opinion is for Triple H to interfere. After all, two years ago, Triple H practically handed the Universal Championship to him. Also, at last year's Survivor Series, Braun felt slighted when Hunter took credit for both surviving, and promptly destroyed him afterward. My official pick, however, is Braun, or should I say, Mr. Monster In the Bank!
Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin
As if we didn't already have enough authority figures on Raw, Corbin has been appointed as the Constable. Even though this may be Corbin's most entertaining stint yet, I still find him to be a black hole of charisma and unfortunately, even with a talent like Balor in there, I just can't get into it. I almost feel this match should be on the Kick-Off show, also because it's the least relevant of the enormous amount of matches on the card. Since this situation is brand new for Corbin, I'm sticking with him for the win.
Raw Tag Team Titles - Deleters of Worlds vs. The B Team
Since the Greatest Royal Rumble event in April, Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt have been the Raw Tag Team Champions and have gelled quite well as a team. Now new contenders have arisen, in the form of Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas, who named themselves The B Team, assuring people that the B stands for best. Fortunately for them, they've been undefeated since The Miz left for Smackdown, In fact, the former Miztourage have arguably done better without The Miz then with him. The B Team have also managed to fight back with mind games, imitating Hardy and Wyatt. It's actually quite amazing how much Bo resembles when Bray, his real-life brother. I think the wins stop here, as Matt and Bray will retain the Titles tonight. Should another match take place after this, it wouldn't surprise me to
see the B team taking a dip in the "Lake of Reincarnation" and reemerge as Woken Warriors. And it will be...WONDERFUL!!!
Smackdown Tag Team Titles: Bludgeon Brothers vs. Team Hell No
There's no need to adjust your eyes because you read that right. Daniel Bryan and Kane have reunited and now they are number one contenders. Bryan made his triumphant return to the ring at Wrestle Mania and has since been on a role. He lasted the longest in the Greatest Royal Rumble at over 70 minutes, and has mostly won matches. Bryan's problem with The Miz still remains and he has been a thorn in Bryan's side lately. In fact, it was The Miz that instigated the attacks on Bryan by the Bludgeon Brothers. Much to the dismay of The Miz, Kane has come to the rescue of his former partner and of course, they hugged it out. As cool as it would be for Team Hell No to get another run as Tag Team Champions, I'm going with Harper and Rowan here, with or without help from The Miz. It's also because Kane is running for Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee. It's entirely possible WWE may go with the Bryan/Miz program at SummerSlam, because I agree with Bryan in that I don't have faith that the story can be told all the way to next year's WrestleMania.
Smackdown Women's Title - Carmella vs. Asuka
Carmella may have actually been ready for Asuka, as she managed to retain her Title due to the return of one James Ellsworth. Since Money In the Bank, the chinless wonder has been a thorn in the side of Asuka. However, Asuka has now had the pleasure of defeating Ellsworth in two matches. He still may be a factor for Carmella but it might be a little harder, as he will be hovering above the ring in a shark cage. Man, does WWE love shark cages! I wouldn't complain if the Empress of Tomorrow emerged as Champion but I'm still going with Carmella retaining because for now, one thing is clear and that is...'Mella is money!
Raw Women's Title - Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax
The story continues with these two, as Alexa executed her best play yet last month at Money In the Bank. She attacked Ronda Rousey during her match with Nia for the Title, causing a disqualification win, yet no Title for Rousey. She then attacked Nia and proceeded to cash in her newly won "Money In the Bank" contract to once again become Champion. With Ronda being suspended for 30 days after her vicious attack on Alexa, as well as Raw GM Kurt Angle, Alexa must now face the consequences of her former best-friend, the Irresistible Force herself. Even though Alexa's buddy Mickie James is sure to be there, Ronda Rousey may show be a factor as well. Even though she still has a few days left on her suspension, nothing stopped her from buying a ticket to show up and watch the show. As for the result, I'm going with Alexa to retain. More important is where we go from here and it's fun to think of all the possibilities in the Raw women's division.
US Title - Jeff Hardy vs, Shinsuke Nakamura
Shinsuke has come off a string of matches against AJ Styles, in his unsuccessful quest to win the WWE Title. Now he has the opportunity to take the US Title from Jeff Hardy. The match itself should be great and had it not been for Nakamura's recent run-in with a dog and its bite, we have have seen the match on Smackdown. I originally chose Hardy to retain tonight but he has had the Title since April and it might be time for Nakamura's first singles Championship since coming to Smackdown.
Intercontinental Title - 30 Minute Iron Man Match - Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins
The night after Rollins' successful Title defense against Elias, he made an open challenge. The Show-Off accepted the challenge and with a little help from running buddy Drew McIntyre, gained his sixth Intercontinental Championship. Once this match's stipulation was made, I already believed it would be the match of the night. With no added stipulation to the WWE Title match and the Universal Championship nowhere to be found, this could possibly close the show. Both are incredible athletes and performers. Rollins absolutely killed it in his Intercontinental Title run and Ziggler is always someone that can be counted on. I'm taking Rollins for the win due to botched interference by McIntyre. After a double-team on Rollins post-match, I see Dean Ambrose returning to even the odds.
Roman Reigns vs. Bobby Lashley
With Brock Lesnar still not around to defend his Universal Championship, this match just seems like filler to me. I'm actually surprised there's no stipulation for this match, considering the pull-apart these two just had on Raw. This match is about respect and bragging rights but I think it might determine Lesnar's SummerSlam opponent and Championship challenger. In my world, Reigns, though I'm fairly indifferent towards him and not a fan of his booking, had already defeated Lesnar back at WrestleMania and is the rightful Universal Champion. That is why I'm going with Roman to win tonight.
WWE Title - AJ Styles vs. Rusev
To the surprise and delight of many, Rusev won a number one contender match and will challenge AJ for the WWE Title tonight. We could be in for a very Happy Rusev Day! Then again, it's never a good idea to count out the Phenomenal One. As happy as I would be for Rusev to win, especially considering how popular he is these days, I still have to go with AJ to retain. After all, rumors stated that Styles is still the Champion due to being on the cover of WWE 2K19 and the game doesn't come out officially until the late Fall. Even so, I probably still would have chosen AJ anyway. I am very behind Rusev and do want to see him one day become WWE Champion but I don't think tonight is his time.
If you have any further thoughts on this topic, let me know in comments. Heck, let us all know on The WAR Report podcast, every Tuesday at 7PM EST on YouTube, brought to you by tagmeadate.com, the first and only dating site for wrestling fans. Go to askthewarreport@gmail.com or #askthewarreport. For TagMeADate members, our Android and Apple apps are vastly approaching so stay tuned!
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