Extreme Rules 2014 Predictions

Well, it's that time again, time for WWE to get extreme. The pay-per-view (excuse me, special event) after WrestleMania usually has two main purposes: tie up 'Mania feuds and show off some match types (such as Extreme Rules or Steel Cage). At this point, there are eight matches announced for the show, including a pre-show match. The goal here is to at least call six matches correctly, but five wouldn't be terrible.

Hornswoggle vs. El Torito- These two little guys will take each other on in the pre-show, in the first ever WeeLC Match, whatever the hell that is. While it's very surprising that this match did not take place at WrestleMania, fans are still grateful they get to see this at all. If this isn't a Match of the Year contender, what is? It is hard to pick a winner however, but it seems like El Torito will emerge victorious. No one really cares about 3MB, and Los Matadores needs the win to stay relevant in the tag team division.

Rob Van Dam vs. Jack Swagger vs. Cesaro- As stated in my previous article, it's rare to see a Triple Threat match with nothing on the line. That's what makes the match so interesting. The match itself will probably be great, as we have three solid in-ring workers competing. In the end, Cesaro will most likely be the last one standing. He's been one of the hottest superstars since WrestleMania, and it wouldn't make sense to end that run.

Paige vs. Tamina- In her second title defense, the youngest Divas champion in history takes on the Warrior Princess. Tamina's had multiple pay-per-view matches for the title while Paige will be making her special event debut. Like Cesaro, Paige is one of the hottest superstars in the WWE in the last month, and it makes no sense for her to lose the title at this point. It's just too soon, she needs to have a reign of at least five to six months.

Daniel Bryan vs. Kane- Bryan will defend his WWE World Heavyweight Championship against his former tag team partner in an Extreme Rules match. The build up to this match has been interesting, especially now that Kane has masked. Look for the match to be brutal, and maybe have some interference from Stephanie McMahon. Even if she does interfere, there's no reason for Bryan to lose. The road to this title reign has been too difficult for him to lose so quickly.

John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt- Wyatt has huge momentum going into this match. This week alone, he won two matches (including a singles win over Sheamus) and chilled Cena to his very bone. After losing at WrestleMania, he seems determined to get the win at Extreme Rules. If he doesn't, it could seriously hurt his character. Two straight losses to John Cena? No, Wyatt has to get the win, and that's why he's the smart pick.

Big E vs. Bad News Barrett- This is one of the most interesting matches on the card, and one that could go either way. On the one hand, you have Big E, who hasn't been a very dominating champion, but has held the title since November. On the other, Barrett is a hot commodity and has the support of the WWE Universe. Giving Barrett the win would boost his stock higher, having Big E win would give him the signature win of his reign so far. Right now, Barrett's hand is heavier.

Alexander Rusev vs. R-Truth and Xavier Woods- Make no mistake about it, this is the easiest match to call. Alexander Rusev will decimate both of his opponents and pick up the win via submission. He's only been in the WWE for a few weeks, there is absolutely no need to have him lose. In fact, he may not lose for another few months.

The Shield vs. Evolution- This six-man tag match will probably be the main event of the evening, and rightfully so. The superstars involved in this match (such as Batista and Roman Reigns) are among the biggest in the company. It should be a great match, and could have some unexpected twists. As to calling the match, it actually may be easier than you think. It was reported that Batista will take some time off to promote his upcoming movie. If he is going to leave after Extreme Rules, it makes no sense for Evolution to win. Instead, by having the Hounds win, they could actually spin Batista's leave of absence into a storyline.

Extreme Rules is looking like it will be a great event. There are some good matches on the card and some good buildup. The only problem: it's not extreme enough. Sure, six-man tag and handicap are unusual, but it would be cooler to see a match along the lines of Submissions Count Anywhere or Falls Count Anywhere. Nonetheless, this special event should be a good one.