WWE Extreme Rules 2016: Hits and Misses.

Extreme Rules was broadcast on Sunday 22^nd, May, 2016.

Spoiler alert: I have also watched the 23/05 episode of RAW. This blog may reference some of those events so please be warned if you haven’t caught up yet.

Extreme Rules Hits

The main event: Roman Reigns retained his WWE Championship against A.J. Styles in an extreme rules match that involved crowd brawling, weapons and interference galore. The result was expected but false-finishes created additional tension and drama. Styles took some hard knocks in defeat and proved why he belongs near the top of the pile. As for Reigns, WWE have evolved him into an aggressive, cocky ass-kicker who isn’t good or bad but simply ‘The Guy’. How will the crowd react when he faces a proper heel?

Seth Rollins returns: We’ll find out when Reigns faces Seth Rollins, who returned from injury to reclaim the title that he never lost in the ring. His post-match pedigree was a genuine surprise that contributed to a strong ending. Their championship bout at Money in the Bank seems too big for the occasion so expect a controversial finish.

Fatal Four Way: Miz retained his Intercontinental Championship against Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and Cesaro. This looked good on paper and it certainly lived up to expectations in the ring with fast action, multi-man spots and cheating by Maryse. Owens and Zayn can continue their feud in the ladder match. Cesaro got a ‘visual tap-out’ against Miz so they can go back to that for a rematch if they wish.

Asylum match: Credit to WWE for trying a new gimmick that successfully enhanced Dean Ambrose’s character because the ‘lunatic fringe’ won a feud for the first time in ages. As for the asylum concept, it was basically a steel cage with weapons but the action was fun, if a little bit stop-start. Ambrose’s cage dive and Jericho’s bump into thumb tacks were top moments. Jericho effectively sold the brutality when he wrestled on RAW covered in plasters and looking like a nicotine patch addict.

Extreme Rules Misses

Women’s Submission: This women’s championship contest was spoiled by another lame ending. Ric Flair was banned from ringside so after Payback’s Montreal Screwjob, a clean finish would’ve been welcomed. Instead of Charlotte or Natalya out-wrestling the other; Dana Brooke dressed up as ‘Nature Boy’, which led to a distraction win for Charlotte. Sasha Banks or another fan favourite will hopefully dethrone her for an effective payoff at SummerSlam.

United States Championship match: Clunky and tedious but I am very happy Kalisto’s run is over because he lacks the credibility or charisma to fill the Hispanic underdog role. Rusev as champion and free from the dreadful League of Nations is where he belongs.

Tag team Championship (result): Entertaining but New Day have been champions since Summerslam last year. They ran out of opponents so fresh teams (Vaudevillians and Enzo/Cass) were promoted from NXT. Vaudevillians hit Whirling Dervish but still lost. If Enzo/Cass don’t win their eventual title shot, New Day may break the 331 day record.

Tornado Tag: Remember when faces got cheered and heels got booed? This tag match between the Uso’s and Gallows/Anderson inverted that traditional template. Decent opener, strange crowd who booed Uso’s for being (stale and) related to Roman Reigns. Modern wrestling, eh?

I’ll be back with another Hits and Misses shortly after Battleground in July.

See you then wrestling fans.

Philip.