Extreme Rules 2015 Predictions
Now that WrestleMania 31 has come and gone, we have the rest of the year to look forward to. There's a lot to look forward to, including the return of Brock Lesnar and the eventual call-up of some of NXT's best and brightest stars. The first PPV of the post-Mania stretch is Extreme Rules. This PPV typically tends to be pretty good and feature some exciting matches and storylines. Last year, Daniel Bryan had his first-ever (and only) WWE World Heavyweight Championship title defense against Kane in an Extreme Rules Match and The Shield battled Evolution in one of the best six-man tag matches of the year. In 2013, all three members of The Shield walked away with gold while Brock Lesnar and Triple H did battle inside of a steel cage. The year before that, Brock Lesnar made his in-ring return in a bloody brawl against John Cena and Sheamus put his World Heavyweight Championship on the line against Daniel Bryan in a four-star match. In 2011, we saw three new champions (WWE Champion John Cena, World Heavyweight Champion Christian, and United States Champion Kofi Kingston) crowned. You get the point right?
This year's edition is also shaping up to be very exciting. Seth Rollins will be making his first WWE World Heavyweight Championship defense, Daniel Bryan defends the Intercontinental Championship for the first time in his career, and Sheamus has his first PPV match as a heel since 2011. We'll be looking at all of these matches and everything else on the card in this post. Let's get started.
WWE Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Tyson Kidd vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Big E)- The New Day became the #1 Contenders for the tag titles after they beat the Lucha Dragons on Raw. The match as won as a result of some trickery by Xavier Woods. This was a smart move on the part of WWE, as it delays the eventual showdown between the tag champs and the Lucha Dragons. However, it wouldn't surprise me if The New Day actually walked out with the titles. The WWE could even execute a double turn with both teams. It would kick off the show in a major way. However, I don't see that happening. Though it would be a great way of getting The New Day major heat (which they sorely need), I don't see it happening. Winners: Cesaro & Tyson Kidd
United States Champion John Cena vs. Rusev (Russian Chain Match)- This rivalry (which started in January), has been really good. Their match at Fastlane was the best of Rusev's career and they've had some excellent segments. This match should be a brawl that will see both men pushed to their limits. I think Cena wins here, to keep his US title run going. Thanks to his Open Challenges, he's had a really good reign so far, and I see that continuing. I know some fans were worried about Rusev losing steam once this rivalry ends, but I don't see that happening. Remember, Vince McMahon loves him some monster heels. The Bulgarian Brute will be just fine. Winner: John Cena
Dolph Ziggler vs. Sheamus (Kiss Me Arse Match)- First of all, was there no other stipulation besides a Kiss Me Arse Match? It just sounds stupid. Couldn't we just have had a regular match? Nonetheless, this should be a good match, as both men (especially Ziggler) are great workers. Sheamus has been absolutely great as a heel character and should get the win here in order to build some momentum for his eventual feud with Daniel Bryan over the IC title. Winner: Sheamus
Neville vs. Bad News Barrett- This match was announced earlier today when it was announced that Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan would not be able to compete at the PPV. Instead, the #1 Contender for the title was placed in a match against Neville, the newest singles star on the roster. Will the title be on the line? It might be, as it looks like Bryan will be on the IR list for a while. I could also see The Authority stripping Bryan of the title tomorrow on Raw, as that would make for good ratings. Also, since this match is on the pre-show, it seems unlikely a major title change would occur. Even if the title is not on the line, it should be an exciting match. There might be a time constraint (the tag team title match is also on the pre-show), but it should be fun. I think Neville wins, as there is no way he should lose his first PPV match. Barrett might be the #1 Contender for the second-most prestigious title in professional wrestling, but he isn't booked like it. Winner: Neville
Divas Champion Nikki Bella vs. Naomi- Naomi has replaced Paige, who is off shooting a movie. Both competitors in this match are heel, but Nikki is more of a face. She hasn't fully completed her turn yet, and it could happen today. Naomi on the other hand, has been pretty good as a heel. She delivered a vicious beating to Paige and her heel side has been shown in the ring. I'm picking the title change, as there's no reason for Nikki to keep the belt. Having Naomi as the Divas champ would be a lot better, as it sets up new rivalries, such as her against Brie Bella or Emma. Winner and New Divas Champion: Naomi
Roman Reigns vs. Big Show (Last Man Standing Match)- I know most people aren't really excited for this match, but it could be exciting. These two powerful superstars could have a violent brawl that keeps on moving all over the place. Look for the finish to be interesting. As for the winner: it's going to be Reigns. The Authority is too worried about Seth Rollins to really worry about this match. Also, Reigns needs to pick up a win here after getting pinned by Rollins at 'Mania last month. If he loses, Reigns's credibility as a main event superstar will be hurt. Winner: Roman Reigns
Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper (Chicago Street Fight)- Personally, this is the match I'm most looking forward to. The Chicago crowd should be hyped for this and these two unhinged competitors should have an entertaining and wild brawl. This has the potential to be one of the best matches of the year. These are two elite workers who are not afraid of getting hurt and have great movesets. The build-up yo this match has been simple: Harper powerbombed Ambrose through a ladder and Ambrose sought revenge; no promos necessary. I pick Ambrose to go over here, as he really needs a win. He hasn't won a PPV match since Payback last June when he teamed with The Shield. This Harper rivalry seems like just a placeholder for Ambrose, who has bigger things to worry about. Winner: Dean Ambrose
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins vs. Randy Orton (Steel Cage Match, RKO Banned)- This should be an exciting match, as these are two very talented competitors. Even with the RKO banned, Orton should deliver some punishing blows to the champ. Rollins's explosive aerial offense will make for some exciting visuals. Kane will be the Guardian of the Gate (what kind of name is that?), which means he will control the door. Many people are predicting a face turn for Kane, but that would mean Orton would win, and that's not going to happen. Rollins needs to have a good strong reign that lasts a number of months. Having him lose the title right away would be pointless. But could Kane turn face? Possibly, as he could then feud with Rollins and Big Show. Rollins could then retire the Big Red Machine. But even if that happens, Rollins is walking away from Extreme Rules with the title. Winner: Seth Rollins
I want to end this article with a personal note. Last year's edition of Extreme Rules was the first PPV I covered for The Wrestling Examiner. Since then, this blog has grown exponentially. I would like to thank everyone for reading, commenting, and sharing the posts. It really means a lot to me and motivates me to keep writing. Thank you very much and enjoy the show.
This year's edition is also shaping up to be very exciting. Seth Rollins will be making his first WWE World Heavyweight Championship defense, Daniel Bryan defends the Intercontinental Championship for the first time in his career, and Sheamus has his first PPV match as a heel since 2011. We'll be looking at all of these matches and everything else on the card in this post. Let's get started.
WWE Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Tyson Kidd vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Big E)- The New Day became the #1 Contenders for the tag titles after they beat the Lucha Dragons on Raw. The match as won as a result of some trickery by Xavier Woods. This was a smart move on the part of WWE, as it delays the eventual showdown between the tag champs and the Lucha Dragons. However, it wouldn't surprise me if The New Day actually walked out with the titles. The WWE could even execute a double turn with both teams. It would kick off the show in a major way. However, I don't see that happening. Though it would be a great way of getting The New Day major heat (which they sorely need), I don't see it happening. Winners: Cesaro & Tyson Kidd
United States Champion John Cena vs. Rusev (Russian Chain Match)- This rivalry (which started in January), has been really good. Their match at Fastlane was the best of Rusev's career and they've had some excellent segments. This match should be a brawl that will see both men pushed to their limits. I think Cena wins here, to keep his US title run going. Thanks to his Open Challenges, he's had a really good reign so far, and I see that continuing. I know some fans were worried about Rusev losing steam once this rivalry ends, but I don't see that happening. Remember, Vince McMahon loves him some monster heels. The Bulgarian Brute will be just fine. Winner: John Cena
Dolph Ziggler vs. Sheamus (Kiss Me Arse Match)- First of all, was there no other stipulation besides a Kiss Me Arse Match? It just sounds stupid. Couldn't we just have had a regular match? Nonetheless, this should be a good match, as both men (especially Ziggler) are great workers. Sheamus has been absolutely great as a heel character and should get the win here in order to build some momentum for his eventual feud with Daniel Bryan over the IC title. Winner: Sheamus
Neville vs. Bad News Barrett- This match was announced earlier today when it was announced that Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan would not be able to compete at the PPV. Instead, the #1 Contender for the title was placed in a match against Neville, the newest singles star on the roster. Will the title be on the line? It might be, as it looks like Bryan will be on the IR list for a while. I could also see The Authority stripping Bryan of the title tomorrow on Raw, as that would make for good ratings. Also, since this match is on the pre-show, it seems unlikely a major title change would occur. Even if the title is not on the line, it should be an exciting match. There might be a time constraint (the tag team title match is also on the pre-show), but it should be fun. I think Neville wins, as there is no way he should lose his first PPV match. Barrett might be the #1 Contender for the second-most prestigious title in professional wrestling, but he isn't booked like it. Winner: Neville
Divas Champion Nikki Bella vs. Naomi- Naomi has replaced Paige, who is off shooting a movie. Both competitors in this match are heel, but Nikki is more of a face. She hasn't fully completed her turn yet, and it could happen today. Naomi on the other hand, has been pretty good as a heel. She delivered a vicious beating to Paige and her heel side has been shown in the ring. I'm picking the title change, as there's no reason for Nikki to keep the belt. Having Naomi as the Divas champ would be a lot better, as it sets up new rivalries, such as her against Brie Bella or Emma. Winner and New Divas Champion: Naomi
Roman Reigns vs. Big Show (Last Man Standing Match)- I know most people aren't really excited for this match, but it could be exciting. These two powerful superstars could have a violent brawl that keeps on moving all over the place. Look for the finish to be interesting. As for the winner: it's going to be Reigns. The Authority is too worried about Seth Rollins to really worry about this match. Also, Reigns needs to pick up a win here after getting pinned by Rollins at 'Mania last month. If he loses, Reigns's credibility as a main event superstar will be hurt. Winner: Roman Reigns
Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper (Chicago Street Fight)- Personally, this is the match I'm most looking forward to. The Chicago crowd should be hyped for this and these two unhinged competitors should have an entertaining and wild brawl. This has the potential to be one of the best matches of the year. These are two elite workers who are not afraid of getting hurt and have great movesets. The build-up yo this match has been simple: Harper powerbombed Ambrose through a ladder and Ambrose sought revenge; no promos necessary. I pick Ambrose to go over here, as he really needs a win. He hasn't won a PPV match since Payback last June when he teamed with The Shield. This Harper rivalry seems like just a placeholder for Ambrose, who has bigger things to worry about. Winner: Dean Ambrose
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins vs. Randy Orton (Steel Cage Match, RKO Banned)- This should be an exciting match, as these are two very talented competitors. Even with the RKO banned, Orton should deliver some punishing blows to the champ. Rollins's explosive aerial offense will make for some exciting visuals. Kane will be the Guardian of the Gate (what kind of name is that?), which means he will control the door. Many people are predicting a face turn for Kane, but that would mean Orton would win, and that's not going to happen. Rollins needs to have a good strong reign that lasts a number of months. Having him lose the title right away would be pointless. But could Kane turn face? Possibly, as he could then feud with Rollins and Big Show. Rollins could then retire the Big Red Machine. But even if that happens, Rollins is walking away from Extreme Rules with the title. Winner: Seth Rollins
I want to end this article with a personal note. Last year's edition of Extreme Rules was the first PPV I covered for The Wrestling Examiner. Since then, this blog has grown exponentially. I would like to thank everyone for reading, commenting, and sharing the posts. It really means a lot to me and motivates me to keep writing. Thank you very much and enjoy the show.
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