This Sunday, live from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, WWE Extreme Rules takes place. Here is a preview for WWE Extreme Rules 2018.
WWE Extreme Rules 2018 Preview
AJ Styles vs Rusev for the WWE Championship
In a more than unusual turn, Rusev will challenge AJ Styles for the WWE Championship this Sunday. It is fair to say that this is almost telling of the creative direction for the company.
With all due respect to Rusev, he is a very popular and more than lovable character. However, this feels like nothing more than a PPV filler. This is because reports have heavily suggested that WWE are more than happy with AJ Styles as WWE Champion. Furthermore, leaked reports suggest he will face Samoa Joe over the course of the summer for the WWE Champion.
Merely only weeks to create any sort of feud, AJ Styles VS Rusev might not exactly be one for the ages. That being said, I am adamant AJ Styles will retain the WWE Championship.
Prediction: AJ Styles to defeat Rusev to retain the WWE Championship.
Roman Reigns vs Bobby Lashley
It could be a tough night for Roman Reigns and Bobby Lashley, as they are set to face off this Sunday. Not expecting the most welcoming reception from the fans in attendance, the prospect of any failure from a high-profile match is very possible.
Two superstars who are capable of delivering solid matches, are truly up against the WWE universe this Sunday. On one hand you have Roman Reigns, who won’t be winning the fans over anytime soon or seemingly ever. On the other hand is Bobby Lashley, and since his return to WWE, he has not had much joy.
Both can do with having a solid match to send punters home happy. I am predicting a Roman Reigns victory this Sunday.
Prediction: Roman Reigns to defeat Bobby Lashley
Dolph Ziggler vs Seth Rollins: 30-minute Iron man Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
This is where the PPV will be most anticipated, two of the best performing WWE superstars on the active roster within the past month squaring off. It has the prospect to be a real contest with fantastic energy.
Seth Rollins is WWE’s top star but yet not in that spotlight. 2018 has been a world-class year for Rollins, as he has performed to the highest level at every PPV and even on Monday Night RAW. Here’s to hoping reports of WWE potentially inserting him in the main even scene are true!
As for Dolph Ziggler, he has been on a great path of retribution. Since moving to RAW in April, he has managed to re-invent another great set of matches which have been a great help to him. Also, his partner Drew McIntrye has been a credit to the show, as he has also showed that potential that has always been.
I am predicting a title retention for Dolph Ziggler this Sunday, in what is sure to be a wonderful contest.
Prediction: Dolph Ziggler to defeat Seth Rollins to retain the WWE Intercontinental Champion.
Carmella vs Asuka for the WWE Smackdown Live! Women’s Championship
It should also be clear that James Ellsworth will be suspended in a shark cage above the ring. Oh boy…
Somehow the Smackdown Live! women’s division has fallen flat on its face. How? well to not fault of their own, but the current feud for the title is a very confusing one.
The return of James Ellsworth is an odd one, as there shall come a time where he shall no longer be an asset. Furthermore, it would have been better for Carmella to defeat Asuka herself, as he needed the credibility which she has been lacking since becoming champion.
As for Asuka, she has not been handled well since losing her first WWE match back at Wrestlemania 34. But now it would appear as if she is on her way to the WWE Smackdown Live! Women’s Championship.
I believe that Asuka will win and claim her first WWE Smackdown Live! Women’s Championship.
Prediction: Asuka to defeat Carmella to become the new WWE Smackdown Live! Women’s Champion.
Braun Strowman vs Kevin Owens: Steel Cage Match
Now with Sami Zayn out of action until 2019, Kevin Owens is going solo on RAW. This Sunday, KO faces Braun Strowman in a Steel Cage match.
A few weeks ago on RAW, these two entertained us wildly, with Strowman and KO having several funny moments during their match and segment. They two underrated stars in a the pile unfortunately.
This may not be the ideal position on the card for the two, but at least we will get to see them on PPV. Here’s to hoping they can find their place to be more positive as we approach WWE Summerslam.
With not too much to say about this bout, I believe Strowman will be victorious.
Prediction: Braun Strowman to defeat Kevin Owens.
Jeff Hardy VS Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE United States Championship
Off the back of a disappointing feud with AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura is aiming for the WWE United States Champion, as he faces Jeff Hardy this Sunday.
In what will be a unique contest between the two, we can expect a lot of hard-hitting and high-flying combination, which will potentially create a thrilling contest. Hopefully this is one of a few bouts between the two.
I believe that Shinsuke Nakamura will win the WWE United States Championship.
Prediction: Shinsuke Nakamura to defeat Jeff Hardy to become new WWE United States Championship.
Finn Balor vs Baron Corbin
“Constable” Baron Corbin will face Finn Balor this Sunday, and yet again, you cannot help but feel bad for Balor, or even both superstars.
It seems as if Balor was never the first WWE Universal Champion, as he still awaits his rematch which is now two years overdue. On the other hand, Baron Corbin has been given an almost entirely new look, but with no real purpose. It’s not the most exciting match, but both are capable of giving us something decent.
I am with a victory for Finn Balor at WWE Extreme Rules.
Prediction: Finn Balor to defeat Baron Corbin.
Alexa Bliss vs Nia Jax: Extreme Rules Match for the WWE RAW Women’s Championship
The only Extreme Rules match at WWE Extreme Rules, as Alexa Bliss defends her WWE RAW Women’s Championship against Nia Jax.
In recent weeks, it has been reported that there is real life heat between Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax. The two are known to be good friends but reports have suggested that might not be the case anymore. So with this in mind, will there be any elements of a shoot this Sunday? well, probably not but it’s okay to think.
It would appear as if WWE are waiting to bring Ronda Rousey back to challenge Alexa Bliss for the WWE RAW Women’s Championship very soon. Thus, I am with a victory for Alexa Bliss.
Prediction: Alexa Bliss to defeat Nia Jax to retain the WWE RAW Women’s Championship.
Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt vs Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel for the WWE RAW Tag Team Championships
Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel are perhaps the most improved superstars of 2018. They shall challenge Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt for the WWE RAW Tag Team Championships this Sunday at Extreme Rules.
The team of Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy has not been as wild as initially thought, but then again they could go on to remain a team for a while, allowing them to become creative, which would be ideal at this point in time.
On the other hand, Dallas and Axel have enjoyed a great few weeks on TV, which is something they both deserve hugely. The duo have been in WWE’s books for years and are worthy of some success.
I am with a title retention for Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt this Sunday at Extreme Rules.
Prediction: Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt to win and retain the WWE RAW Tag Team Champions.
The Bludgeon Brothers vs Team Hell No for the WWE Smackdown Live! Tag Team Championships
Daniel Bryan and Kane are reunited and ready to take on The Bludgeon Brothers for the WWE Smackdown Live! Tag Team Championships this Sunday.
For Daniel Bryan, this is not such a bad move, as he and Kane were a very popular team five years ago. Also, if it means gold for Bryan then YES! YES! YES! However, there is no doubt that Harper and Rowan will provide tough opponents for Bryan and Kane.
I am predicting a victory for Bryan and Kane, which will see them become new WWE Smackdown Live! Tag Team Champions.
Prediction: Daniel Bryan & Kane to win and become new WWE Smackdown Live! Tag Team Champions.