Welcome one and all to my preview and predictions blog for this weekends "RAW" exclusive live special "Extreme Rules"
This is a real mixed bag of a card. I think it's one of the stronger "RAW" cards this year, especially since the main event was perhaps thrown together a little due to the injury of Braun Strowman. As always if you have any comments or observations to make leave a comment below or follow me on social media by clicking one of the links on the right hand side of the page. The running order and pre show match has yet to be determined so I will talk about the matches in no particular order.
1. Rich Swann and Sasha Banks Vs. Noam Dar And Alicia Fox: This match, in my opinion, might be the pre show match. I feel that this match is beneficial to all involved as it allows all involved the exposure on a live special that they deserve. Noam Dar and Rich Swann has been pushed back from the forefront of "205 Live" in recent times; that's not to say that both men haven't been having a great series of matches with each other. I feel that these two are just on the cusp of doing big things in the "WWE" as both have engaging and entertaining characters. The "RAW" women's division has gone through a bit of a change since the "Superstar Shake Up" with Sasha Banks being pushed away from the main event picture. Whilst many think that would hurt her career a little, I feel that a change can allow for more aspects of a character to be exposed. Alicia Fox has also benefited from her recent storyline with Dar as this is her first match on a live special in recent memory. This match will be entertaining enough and I think that Banks and Swann will come out on top.
2. WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dean Ambrose (C) Vs. The Miz: the "RAW" championship dynamic is a little puzzling. Whilst the Universal Champion is AWOL I would think the logical thing to do was to push the Intercontinental Championship into the spotlight and making it a main event match in absence of the Universal Championship. "Smackdown Live" have done this with the US Championship even without the absence of the "WWE" championship by making Kevin Owens the Heel to beat. "RAW" has failed to do this, instead we are lumbered with yet another match in the Ambrose Vs. Miz series that seems to have dragged on. I feel that it has become a little stale and should have been injected with another opponent, Finn Balor or Bray Wyatt, to make it a little more interesting. The stipulation of this match makes it slightly more exciting, forcing the "Unstable" Dean Ambrose to follow the rules. However will this "Loose Canon" be able to cope ? not well but, I think when the refs back is turned he'll break those pesky rules to retain.
3. RAW Tag Team Championship Steel Cage Match: The Hardy Boyz (C) Vs. Sheamus And Cesaro: This match has been built incredibly well. I love Sheamus and Cesaro finally bonding as a team as bad guys who have been spoiling the Hardy Boyz return home. I would say that whilst it is early days for the heel run for "Shesaro" I would be tempted to make them more un likeable. I still love the team despite me being told I should hate them and they still get a great audience reaction. The Hardy Boyz have been having a great run since their return despite not being allowed to become "Broken" I feel this is probably the best for them as a team, however if rumour is to be believed, their run as a team may be short lived and singles runs may come sooner rather than later. Whilst it would be a shame to see this happen, I would more than welcome the ever entertaining "Version 1" or "Charismatic Enigma" gimmicks return. I think we may see a title change with "Shesaro" starting their second run as "Raw" tag team champions.
4. WWE Cruiserweight Championship Submission Match: Neville (C) Vs. Austin Aries: To say that both of these men are having the best runs of their "WWE" careers would be an understatement. Neville has completely reinvented himself since his return from injury less than a year ago. I feel he was the key player that "205 Live" was missing from the beginning; an already established WWE Superstar" that could help build a brand new, seemingly tailor made, division. the same could be said for Austin Aries. I was extremely excited when Aries entered the "WWE" as I felt that he was under utilised and under valued in his final run in "Impact Wrestling". The one risk I feel with these two is that their constant series of matches may become a little stale. I would think that this series of matches may come to an end this Sunday with Aries finally getting the "WWE" Cruiserweight Championship. I think the "Submission" match rules suit both as Neville has done incredibly well changing his style since his return, allowing for a more methodical approach separating himself from the assumed style of the Crusierweight Division.
5. RAW Women's Championship Kendo Stick On A Pole Match: Alexa Bliss (C) Vs Bayley: I get that "Extreme Rules" is the order of the day but, why does "WWE" feel the need to make what could be one of the matches of the night a silly "WCW" style gimmick match ? Alexa Bliss and Bayley have really benefited from being given more time and exposure on "RAW" recently. It's no secret that I feel that the "Women's Revolution" has done incredible things for all of the women in the "WWE" however, Alexa Bliss has done a great job going from the forgettable nice girl to one of the best heels on "RAW" injecting a sarcasm into her bad girl character. I feel a little sorry for Bayley. She has been sold to the "WWE" audience as a female version of 1980's Hulk Hogan, child friendly and just so detestably happy. The way the match has been sold it is make or break for Bayley. Given the write writing she could prove there is more to her character this Sunday by becoming extreme. With that being said I fully expect Alexa to retain as I don't see "WWE" ending her popular run just yet.
6. Fatal 5 Way Extreme Rules Match: Seth Rollins Vs. Roman Reigns Vs. Bray Wyatt Vs. Finn Balor Vs. Samoa Joe: Being sold as the match that could "Change the New Era Forever" is a tall order but, if any match could do such a thing it's this one. With the unfortunate injury of Braun Strowman the audience has been given an "all star game" of a main event. It really is hard to pick a winner for this one as all of the men involved have their up sides, even Roman Reigns. The build for this match has been done incredibly well despite the little time given to the changing plans for Reigns Vs. Strowman. This match is a number one contenders match that I am more excited for than the outcome, I think it's a terrible idea to have a champion that is only around part time. I appreciate that this is probably an unpopular opinion but, I don't care. I think as a fan I would like to see Bray Wyatt come out on top and I feel that he would be able to give Brockkkkk the best match.
As always thanks for reading and enjoy "Extreme Rule"
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