Written by: Kevin Berge (Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
Good guy Roman Reigns doing his best to ignore every word AJ Styles says and typecast him into a role where he can beat him up mercilessly without guilt.
AJ Styles Fails To Convince Roman Reigns That He Will Win on His Own
Overview: AJ Styles came out to set the record straight, explaining how he had always done things his way and earned championships in WWE. He put up a series of tweets on the titantron that upset him as they accused him of using his friendship with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson as a crutch.
Roman Reigns interrupted Styles to make clear he wasn't buying Styles' speech. He put over big winning the WWE Championship then said Styles couldn't win on his own which was why Anderson and Gallows would try to help him on Sunday and The Usos would be there to help Reigns.
Styles and Reigns promised to be in The Club and The Usos' corners tonight for a tag team match which brought out Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows. The Usos ran to the side of Reigns to even the odds. Reigns hit a big right to the jaw of Styles which sent him reeling outside where Anderson and Gallows had to restrain him from getting back in the ring for now.
Analysis: This was a fine segment. Both Reigns and Styles were solid on the mic here even though they were largely recounted the same points as before. We get at this point that Styles is a good guy being forced into a situation that makes him look bad and that Reigns is fully on the anti-Styles bandwagon now.
It would have been more interesting to have Anderson, Gallows, and The Usos talk instead as a new angle to the feud. This segment also set up nothing here as the tag team match between The Usos and The Club was already set, and we all knew Styles and Reigns would be involved. Nothing here was accomplished.
Roman Reigns interrupted Styles to make clear he wasn't buying Styles' speech. He put over big winning the WWE Championship then said Styles couldn't win on his own which was why Anderson and Gallows would try to help him on Sunday and The Usos would be there to help Reigns.
Styles and Reigns promised to be in The Club and The Usos' corners tonight for a tag team match which brought out Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows. The Usos ran to the side of Reigns to even the odds. Reigns hit a big right to the jaw of Styles which sent him reeling outside where Anderson and Gallows had to restrain him from getting back in the ring for now.
Analysis: This was a fine segment. Both Reigns and Styles were solid on the mic here even though they were largely recounted the same points as before. We get at this point that Styles is a good guy being forced into a situation that makes him look bad and that Reigns is fully on the anti-Styles bandwagon now.
It would have been more interesting to have Anderson, Gallows, and The Usos talk instead as a new angle to the feud. This segment also set up nothing here as the tag team match between The Usos and The Club was already set, and we all knew Styles and Reigns would be involved. Nothing here was accomplished.
Kevin Owens has reached new levels of villainy by denying the fans a chance to see Cesaro and Sami Zayn go at it again.
Sami Zayn vs. Cesaro Goes to a No Contest; Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens def. The Miz and Cesaro
Overview: Sami Zayn and Cesaro ran the ropes quickly to run right into a powerslam by Cesaro for two. Zayn sent Cesaro reeling outside with a hurricanrana then went for a suicide dive which Cesaro ducked, causing Sami to rebound back into the ring.
On commentary, Owens and The Miz began arguing immediately as they watched the match. KO decided to get up and leave but ended up assaulting Miz to begin a brawl that sent all four fighting into the ring, causing the referee to throw out the match.
Shane McMahon came out and made a tag match of Owens and Miz against Zayn and Cesaro. Stephanie came out and changed the match to Miz and Cesaro against Owens and Zayn with Owens not allowed to walk out on Sami as he'd lose his spot in the Intercontinental Championship match on Sunday if he did.
Owens locked Cesaro in a headlock but got thrown into the ropes and took a lariat. He almost took a Cesaro giant swing with Owens getting to the ropes then slapping Zayn to tag him in. Sami locked in an armbar, but Cesaro reversed it into an arm drag and an arm bar. Zayn fought back but got thrown into the corner and took an uppercut.
Miz tagged himself in and suplexed Sami for two. Owens sneaked in a tag just as Zayn reversed Miz's pressure and hit a slam. Owens ran in with a running senton. Owens let Zayn tag back in only for him to get distracted by Maryse and take a forearm off the apron to the floor.
Cesaro seemed frustrated with Miz's tactics in dominating Zayn with Cesaro forcing a tag in against Sami after Miz hit a diving double axe handle. Cesaro hit his own axe handle off the top for two to show he was better. Miz tagged in and hit a running boot. When he got distracted by knocking Owens off the apron, Zayn nearly turned the Skull Crushing Finale into a roll up for two.
Miz accidentally sent Zayn into a tag for Owens who got the hot tag rolling. He knocked Cesaro off the apron then went rolling against Miz, hitting a diving dropkick for two. Cesaro got a quick tag on Miz to save his partner and went on his own roll with uppercuts and a dropkick.
Cesaro let Owens roll to Zayn to get the tag. Cesaro caught Zayn midair off a diving crossbody, but Miz forced a tag. As Cesaro went for a giant swing, Miz threw him out, went for his own giant swing, and got Skull Crushing Finaled by Cesaro. Owens took out Cesaro then Zayn hit a Helluva Kick on Miz for the win. Afterward, KO superkicked Zayn and forced the ref to raise his hand alone.
Analysis: This feud has been so perfectly built. Everyone in the match is great, and they each have a unique voice and angle in the contest. They also all clearly want the Intercontinental Championship which is quite refreshing. The title has needed a feud like this for a while, and it has been repeatedly stealing the show on Raw.
It was a shame we couldn't get more Cesaro vs. Sami Zayn, but we'll get that match at some point in full on WWE TV again. For now, we got a very interesting tag team match with a great and unique angle that was booked perfectly to make everyone look strong.
Ultimately, it is difficult to call who will win at Extreme Rules which makes this even better. Everyone in the match has a fair shake. If I had to bet on anyone right now though, I'd guess Zayn wins Sunday to add a new wrinkle to KO vs. Zayn as a feud.
On commentary, Owens and The Miz began arguing immediately as they watched the match. KO decided to get up and leave but ended up assaulting Miz to begin a brawl that sent all four fighting into the ring, causing the referee to throw out the match.
Shane McMahon came out and made a tag match of Owens and Miz against Zayn and Cesaro. Stephanie came out and changed the match to Miz and Cesaro against Owens and Zayn with Owens not allowed to walk out on Sami as he'd lose his spot in the Intercontinental Championship match on Sunday if he did.
Owens locked Cesaro in a headlock but got thrown into the ropes and took a lariat. He almost took a Cesaro giant swing with Owens getting to the ropes then slapping Zayn to tag him in. Sami locked in an armbar, but Cesaro reversed it into an arm drag and an arm bar. Zayn fought back but got thrown into the corner and took an uppercut.
Miz tagged himself in and suplexed Sami for two. Owens sneaked in a tag just as Zayn reversed Miz's pressure and hit a slam. Owens ran in with a running senton. Owens let Zayn tag back in only for him to get distracted by Maryse and take a forearm off the apron to the floor.
Cesaro seemed frustrated with Miz's tactics in dominating Zayn with Cesaro forcing a tag in against Sami after Miz hit a diving double axe handle. Cesaro hit his own axe handle off the top for two to show he was better. Miz tagged in and hit a running boot. When he got distracted by knocking Owens off the apron, Zayn nearly turned the Skull Crushing Finale into a roll up for two.
Miz accidentally sent Zayn into a tag for Owens who got the hot tag rolling. He knocked Cesaro off the apron then went rolling against Miz, hitting a diving dropkick for two. Cesaro got a quick tag on Miz to save his partner and went on his own roll with uppercuts and a dropkick.
Cesaro let Owens roll to Zayn to get the tag. Cesaro caught Zayn midair off a diving crossbody, but Miz forced a tag. As Cesaro went for a giant swing, Miz threw him out, went for his own giant swing, and got Skull Crushing Finaled by Cesaro. Owens took out Cesaro then Zayn hit a Helluva Kick on Miz for the win. Afterward, KO superkicked Zayn and forced the ref to raise his hand alone.
Analysis: This feud has been so perfectly built. Everyone in the match is great, and they each have a unique voice and angle in the contest. They also all clearly want the Intercontinental Championship which is quite refreshing. The title has needed a feud like this for a while, and it has been repeatedly stealing the show on Raw.
It was a shame we couldn't get more Cesaro vs. Sami Zayn, but we'll get that match at some point in full on WWE TV again. For now, we got a very interesting tag team match with a great and unique angle that was booked perfectly to make everyone look strong.
Ultimately, it is difficult to call who will win at Extreme Rules which makes this even better. Everyone in the match has a fair shake. If I had to bet on anyone right now though, I'd guess Zayn wins Sunday to add a new wrinkle to KO vs. Zayn as a feud.
Not often has a picture captured less personality and charisma in a single shot.
The Shining Stars def. Local Competitors
Overview: The Shining Stars made their debut as Primo and Epico returned and immediately began making fun of the local talent they would face tonight. They clearly were not impressed by America which did not compare to Puerto Rico, promising to bring their paradise to the ring.
Primo began the match but quickly tagged in Epico who hit a big clothesline and a series of German suplexes followed by a big lariat. After the other local competitor tagged in, he took a double underhook gutbuster. Primo then tagged in, tripped his opponent throat first onto the ropes, then hit a senton through the second rope.
Tagging back in Epico, the Shining Stars hit the Shining Star (which is actually the Total Elimination) for the victory. After the match, Primo and Epico welcomed everyone to come to Puerto Rico.
Analysis: Primo and Epico began with a very similar gimmick as a team to the one they now have. This Shining Stars are almost the same but with an evil tour guide vibe added to make them stand out a bit more. I just can't take this group seriously with so little added to them.
They are still strong in the ring as always, but they didn't fail because of that. They failed because they needed character. Los Matadores made the two corny, but this adds just too little to them. I would be surprised to see The Shining Stars getting into the tag title picture.
Primo began the match but quickly tagged in Epico who hit a big clothesline and a series of German suplexes followed by a big lariat. After the other local competitor tagged in, he took a double underhook gutbuster. Primo then tagged in, tripped his opponent throat first onto the ropes, then hit a senton through the second rope.
Tagging back in Epico, the Shining Stars hit the Shining Star (which is actually the Total Elimination) for the victory. After the match, Primo and Epico welcomed everyone to come to Puerto Rico.
Analysis: Primo and Epico began with a very similar gimmick as a team to the one they now have. This Shining Stars are almost the same but with an evil tour guide vibe added to make them stand out a bit more. I just can't take this group seriously with so little added to them.
They are still strong in the ring as always, but they didn't fail because of that. They failed because they needed character. Los Matadores made the two corny, but this adds just too little to them. I would be surprised to see The Shining Stars getting into the tag title picture.
Clearly when Dean came up with his own match type, he had to deal with some weird bondage fetish.
Dean Ambrose Challenges Chris Jericho to the Asylum Match
Overview: Dean Ambrose refused to be called unstable, but he admitted that, after being trapped in a straitjacket last week, something snapped for him. He now needed to say something to Chris Jericho face to face who he called out. Jericho told Ambrose to immediately apologized for last week for destroying his property.
Ambrose instead challenged Jericho to a match at Extreme Rules, and Chris immediately accepted. Chris also made clear he was as crazy as they come and would certainly destroy Ambrose at Sunday. Ambrose listened on and then showed off the match type for their Extreme Rules clash.
A strange looking steel cage descended to the floor with weapons hanging from the top of it. He called the match the first ever Asylum match where there was absolutely no escape.
Analysis: WWE would like us to believe that a cage match where there's no escape with weapons hanging from the ceiling is new, but this is really just a version of a TNA Lethal Lockdown match. It is weird that WWE suddenly decided to add another cage match type to their repertoire at this point. This is basically Hell in a Cell but more contained.
Still, the concept is solid. It's a match type that actually contains the competitors. There's no escape to win the match or breaking doors or wall to brawl outside. The collection of weapons in this match type though were more than a bit corny even if they fit the build up.
Ultimately, this whole feud has been a bit too bipolar. It's just as often silly as vicious. This Asylum match type should be used to isolate competitors who truly hate one another, but it's hard to tell how much heat there is here when the next level of this feud was destruction of valuable possessions like a jacket and a potted plant.
Ambrose instead challenged Jericho to a match at Extreme Rules, and Chris immediately accepted. Chris also made clear he was as crazy as they come and would certainly destroy Ambrose at Sunday. Ambrose listened on and then showed off the match type for their Extreme Rules clash.
A strange looking steel cage descended to the floor with weapons hanging from the top of it. He called the match the first ever Asylum match where there was absolutely no escape.
Analysis: WWE would like us to believe that a cage match where there's no escape with weapons hanging from the ceiling is new, but this is really just a version of a TNA Lethal Lockdown match. It is weird that WWE suddenly decided to add another cage match type to their repertoire at this point. This is basically Hell in a Cell but more contained.
Still, the concept is solid. It's a match type that actually contains the competitors. There's no escape to win the match or breaking doors or wall to brawl outside. The collection of weapons in this match type though were more than a bit corny even if they fit the build up.
Ultimately, this whole feud has been a bit too bipolar. It's just as often silly as vicious. This Asylum match type should be used to isolate competitors who truly hate one another, but it's hard to tell how much heat there is here when the next level of this feud was destruction of valuable possessions like a jacket and a potted plant.
The new era where the new female talent brought up still think a roll up is a legitimate finisher.
Dana Brooke def. Becky Lynch
Overview: Dana Brooke and Becky Lynch locked up with Brooke backing her into the corner with her superior strength. However, Lynch used her speed to send Dana reeling. Brooke seemed ready to leave, but she caught Lynch off the apron and sent her into the steel barricade.
Dana got Becky back in the ring and began dominating, but she couldn't keep it up, hitting a series of strikes only to bounce off the ropes into a body slam for two. Brooke failed to keep up the pressure from there, falling right into a Lynch rally with clothesline then a straight forearm into the corner.
She hit the Bexplex for two. Becky got caught in the corner by Dana who went for a Samoan driver. Lynch countered it into a roll up only for Brooke to turn it into a roll up of her own for a surprise three count.
Analysis: Emma was recently injured which unfortunately puts a significant damper on a feud with potential. Now it has become Becky Lynch vs. Dana Brooke which is quite a bit weaker on so many levels. Brooke herself is not ready for a singles career on the main roster, and it shows.
This match was a mess all the way through, and her win felt so unearned. It was almost as if she was given the win just to make sure the feud doesn't end. Lynch needs a rival and a story to work with, but Brooke is not ready for that spotlight. The sooner Becky defeats her clean and moves on, the better.
Dana got Becky back in the ring and began dominating, but she couldn't keep it up, hitting a series of strikes only to bounce off the ropes into a body slam for two. Brooke failed to keep up the pressure from there, falling right into a Lynch rally with clothesline then a straight forearm into the corner.
She hit the Bexplex for two. Becky got caught in the corner by Dana who went for a Samoan driver. Lynch countered it into a roll up only for Brooke to turn it into a roll up of her own for a surprise three count.
Analysis: Emma was recently injured which unfortunately puts a significant damper on a feud with potential. Now it has become Becky Lynch vs. Dana Brooke which is quite a bit weaker on so many levels. Brooke herself is not ready for a singles career on the main roster, and it shows.
This match was a mess all the way through, and her win felt so unearned. It was almost as if she was given the win just to make sure the feud doesn't end. Lynch needs a rival and a story to work with, but Brooke is not ready for that spotlight. The sooner Becky defeats her clean and moves on, the better.
Whoever thought Breezeango was a good choice of name for a tag team needs to get fired. Clearly Breezedango is 100x better.
Breezeango def. The Golden Truth
Overview: Before the match, there was a video package shown of the road to getting to R-Truth and Goldust finally teaming. Truth immediately began beating down on Breeze with Goldust helping the beat down. However, Fandango managed to distract Truth which allowed Breeze to ground him.
Truth fought back and dazed Fandango, forcing both to tag in their partners. Goldust went through the hot tag, taking out both Breeze and Fandango who had to save his partner from a pinfall after a big spinebuster.
Truth threw Fandango out of the ring then went for a scissor kick that hit Goldust instead. Breeze threw Truth out of the ring and covered Goldust for the three count. Afterward, Goldust refused to speak to his partner.
Analysis: I wasn't expecting to enjoy this match, but, while the match was again too short to be remotely good, the segment was solid overall, adding a new wrinkle to the issues between R-Truth and Goldust while also giving Fandango and Tyler Breeze a victory.
I do expect ultimately this is about setting up the Golden Truth as the number two or three tag team in the division, but I am still most interested in the younger heel team. They have so much potential to succeed which probably means they'll lose all contests from this point out.
Truth fought back and dazed Fandango, forcing both to tag in their partners. Goldust went through the hot tag, taking out both Breeze and Fandango who had to save his partner from a pinfall after a big spinebuster.
Truth threw Fandango out of the ring then went for a scissor kick that hit Goldust instead. Breeze threw Truth out of the ring and covered Goldust for the three count. Afterward, Goldust refused to speak to his partner.
Analysis: I wasn't expecting to enjoy this match, but, while the match was again too short to be remotely good, the segment was solid overall, adding a new wrinkle to the issues between R-Truth and Goldust while also giving Fandango and Tyler Breeze a victory.
I do expect ultimately this is about setting up the Golden Truth as the number two or three tag team in the division, but I am still most interested in the younger heel team. They have so much potential to succeed which probably means they'll lose all contests from this point out.
Xavier Woods losing serious nerd street cred by calling his knockoff Tardis a DeLorean.
The New Day Go to a Bygone Era
Overview: The New Day came out to a ring where something was standing in the ring under a giant black curtain. After Big E put over Booty-Os, Kofi asked how he could see the "bygone era" with Xavier Woods revealing his New Day-laurean. Their time machine sent Kofi back to his Jamaican gimmick for a second before they went back further.
They came out in black and white with moustaches as they lamented the loss of smart phones and video games. They wanted to go back, but they were attacked by the Vaudevillains who returned the scene to color and hit Kofi with an assisted neckbreaker. They then threw Woods into the New Day-laurean and hit him with a double powerbomb.
Analysis: The comedy in this segment was wacky and a bit corny, but I enjoyed it. We've never had something like this in WWE which is rare. I appreciated that WWE let the New Day just do their thing in a situation that many would have fallen apart in. They managed to carry this well.
This also allowed the Vaudevillains to make a clear statement, destroying all of the New Day. It was a bit too one sided though to believe they have a chance at Extreme Rules. At least the feud has overdelivered so far.
They came out in black and white with moustaches as they lamented the loss of smart phones and video games. They wanted to go back, but they were attacked by the Vaudevillains who returned the scene to color and hit Kofi with an assisted neckbreaker. They then threw Woods into the New Day-laurean and hit him with a double powerbomb.
Analysis: The comedy in this segment was wacky and a bit corny, but I enjoyed it. We've never had something like this in WWE which is rare. I appreciated that WWE let the New Day just do their thing in a situation that many would have fallen apart in. They managed to carry this well.
This also allowed the Vaudevillains to make a clear statement, destroying all of the New Day. It was a bit too one sided though to believe they have a chance at Extreme Rules. At least the feud has overdelivered so far.
Some call this 50-50 booking. Others just call it WWE ruining the credibility of another potential powerhouse group.
The Usos def. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson
Overview: Karl Anderson started with Jimmy Uso who grounded Jimmy with a headlock. Jimmy fought out but took a shoulder tackle. Jimmy hit a corkscrew then isolated Anderson in the corner. Jey got the tag and sent Anderson reeling outside with Anderson and Gallows meeting outside to regroup.
Gallows got the tag and took a series of uppercuts from Jey before Gallows hit a series of bodyslams then a series of elbow drops for one. The two heavyweight began stomping on Jey in the corner until Jey got separation and gave Jimmy the hot tag.
Jimmy hit a corkscrew moonsault off the top rope for two then sent Gallows over the top rope. He then hit a jumping forearm off the steel steps. AJ Styles got in Jimmy's face which allowed Gallows to knock down Jimmy outside and gain the advantage again.
Jimmy fought back with a jawbreaker and chops only to take a devastating clothesline for two. Gallows got the tag and unloaded punches on the chest of Jimmy who managed to barely send Gallows to the apron. Anderson got the tag but also got sent outside, allowing Jey to tag in. He hit a suicide dive on Anderson and Gallows then threw Anderson into the barricade.
Back in the ring, Jey hit a diving crossbody for a near fall then a series of strikes into a Samoan drop. He hit an avalanche for a very near fall. Anderson caught Jey with a flying boot on the top rope then went for a superplex which Jey blocked.
Anderson dodged Jey coming off the top but hit a huge spinebuster for two. Anderson tried to splash Jey in the corner only to run right into a superkick which Gallows had to break up the pin for. The Usos then hit simultaneous superkicks on Gallows and Anderson before Jimmy hit a Superfly Splash for the victory.
AJ Styles and Roman Reigns stared each other down until Gallows attacked Reigns from behind. The Usos made the save and began fought Anderson and Gallows to the outside. Styles took the steel chair but ran right into a right hand. Roman took the steel chair and blasted AJ for Gallows and Anderson ran in to save their friend.
While he cleared out Gallows and Anderson with Superman Punches, Styles recovered and hit Reigns with repeated chair shots before hitting a Styles Clash on the chair.
Analysis: This match was the best we've gotten from Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows so far. It was physical and intense with clear chemistry between them and The Usos. It is just a shame that 50-50 booking came into play here with The Usos taking the win this time. The duo does not need losses right now.
Styles and Reigns has finished telling this leg of the story. They can't simply keep selling AJ Styles' potential deceit any longer. I have loved Styles wrestling over using the steel chair, finally making his statement when Reigns pushed him far enough, but there's no more room to stay at this part of the story.
I expect Sunday will be more than a great match. It will finally give us some answers to the questions that have been set up. The build from Payback to Extreme Rules has been a bit slow, and a dramatic shift is needed to pay it all off or keep the feud moving.
Gallows got the tag and took a series of uppercuts from Jey before Gallows hit a series of bodyslams then a series of elbow drops for one. The two heavyweight began stomping on Jey in the corner until Jey got separation and gave Jimmy the hot tag.
Jimmy hit a corkscrew moonsault off the top rope for two then sent Gallows over the top rope. He then hit a jumping forearm off the steel steps. AJ Styles got in Jimmy's face which allowed Gallows to knock down Jimmy outside and gain the advantage again.
Jimmy fought back with a jawbreaker and chops only to take a devastating clothesline for two. Gallows got the tag and unloaded punches on the chest of Jimmy who managed to barely send Gallows to the apron. Anderson got the tag but also got sent outside, allowing Jey to tag in. He hit a suicide dive on Anderson and Gallows then threw Anderson into the barricade.
Back in the ring, Jey hit a diving crossbody for a near fall then a series of strikes into a Samoan drop. He hit an avalanche for a very near fall. Anderson caught Jey with a flying boot on the top rope then went for a superplex which Jey blocked.
Anderson dodged Jey coming off the top but hit a huge spinebuster for two. Anderson tried to splash Jey in the corner only to run right into a superkick which Gallows had to break up the pin for. The Usos then hit simultaneous superkicks on Gallows and Anderson before Jimmy hit a Superfly Splash for the victory.
AJ Styles and Roman Reigns stared each other down until Gallows attacked Reigns from behind. The Usos made the save and began fought Anderson and Gallows to the outside. Styles took the steel chair but ran right into a right hand. Roman took the steel chair and blasted AJ for Gallows and Anderson ran in to save their friend.
While he cleared out Gallows and Anderson with Superman Punches, Styles recovered and hit Reigns with repeated chair shots before hitting a Styles Clash on the chair.
Analysis: This match was the best we've gotten from Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows so far. It was physical and intense with clear chemistry between them and The Usos. It is just a shame that 50-50 booking came into play here with The Usos taking the win this time. The duo does not need losses right now.
Styles and Reigns has finished telling this leg of the story. They can't simply keep selling AJ Styles' potential deceit any longer. I have loved Styles wrestling over using the steel chair, finally making his statement when Reigns pushed him far enough, but there's no more room to stay at this part of the story.
I expect Sunday will be more than a great match. It will finally give us some answers to the questions that have been set up. The build from Payback to Extreme Rules has been a bit slow, and a dramatic shift is needed to pay it all off or keep the feud moving.
A reminder that The Dudley Boyz' whole gimmick is still that they are no longer defined by using tables.
Colin Cassidy def. D-Von Dudley
Overview: Big Cass made fun of The Dudley Boyz before his match, but his SAWFT chant was interrupted by The Dudley Boyz. D-Von made clear he was wrestling Cass, but he got immediately rolled over. With the help of Bubba pulling out a table though, Cass got distracted and was taken out by D-Von.
D-Von's strikes sent Cass to the mat, but Bubba made the mistake of getting on the apron to insult Cass. D-Von almost ran right into Bubba, and, when he stopped, he accidentally let Bubba take a big boot. Cass then hit the East River Crossing on D-Von for the victory. Afterward, he made sure to call The Dudley Boyz SAWFT.
Analysis: This was an interesting continuation of last week's Big Cass push. He made The Dudley Boyz look silly which seems unnecessary, but he certainly put over Cass big. He is much better in the ring than on the mic, so it would be nice to have him speaking less and wrestling more to put him over.
His promo this week was noticeably awkward in how he spoke with almost no conviction on his face. While he delivers the lines well, it's almost unnerving to watch him speak with such dead eye speech. If he becomes the star WWE wants him to be, he has to improve on his acting.
D-Von's strikes sent Cass to the mat, but Bubba made the mistake of getting on the apron to insult Cass. D-Von almost ran right into Bubba, and, when he stopped, he accidentally let Bubba take a big boot. Cass then hit the East River Crossing on D-Von for the victory. Afterward, he made sure to call The Dudley Boyz SAWFT.
Analysis: This was an interesting continuation of last week's Big Cass push. He made The Dudley Boyz look silly which seems unnecessary, but he certainly put over Cass big. He is much better in the ring than on the mic, so it would be nice to have him speaking less and wrestling more to put him over.
His promo this week was noticeably awkward in how he spoke with almost no conviction on his face. While he delivers the lines well, it's almost unnerving to watch him speak with such dead eye speech. If he becomes the star WWE wants him to be, he has to improve on his acting.
You can see in Alberto Del Rio's eyes just how much he loves being WWE's beat down luchadors guy again.
Alberto Del Rio def. Kalisto
Overview: Alberto Del Rio began quickly dominating Kalisto with kicks. Kalisto finally gained some momentum with a hurricanrana. He then sent Del Rio to the apron then to the floor to set up a hurricanrana off the apron. However, Del Rio caught him and pendulum threw him into the steel barricade.
Kalisto fought out of a chinlock but ran right into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Del Rio hit a diving axe handle off the second rope. Backstage, it was shown that Sin Cara was watching the match only to be attacked Rusev. Del Rio forced Kalisto to watch the beatdown on the titantron.
Kalisto fought back with a kick and a dropkick but missed a shoulder tackle, going shoulder first into the steel post. Del Rio trapped Kalisto on the second rope and struck him repeatedly then went for the double foot stomp. ADR though took too long and was tripped on the top turnbuckle.
Kalisto then hit a frankensteiner. He hit a dropkick then corkscrew followed by a spike DDT as Rusev came out with Cara and threw him into the steel post. Kalisto got distracted and took a backstabber for the loss. Afterward, Rusev hit a big heel kick on Kalisto and locked him in The Accolade.
Analysis: I am sold on the Kalisto and Rusev feud now. While I don't think Kalisto or Rusev need to be losing right now, last week's loss for Rusev was great impetus to fuel this feud. He is not just after gold anymore. He wants to embarrass and hurt Kalisto which helps make this a match worth seeing.
No, Del Rio didn't need to beat Kalisto here, but Kalisto lost by heavy distraction in a way that was well done. He watched his friend suffer, and he couldn't keep fighting the match fair. Now Kalisto will have his own fuel to avenge his friend plus this loss while also defended his title.
Kalisto fought out of a chinlock but ran right into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Del Rio hit a diving axe handle off the second rope. Backstage, it was shown that Sin Cara was watching the match only to be attacked Rusev. Del Rio forced Kalisto to watch the beatdown on the titantron.
Kalisto fought back with a kick and a dropkick but missed a shoulder tackle, going shoulder first into the steel post. Del Rio trapped Kalisto on the second rope and struck him repeatedly then went for the double foot stomp. ADR though took too long and was tripped on the top turnbuckle.
Kalisto then hit a frankensteiner. He hit a dropkick then corkscrew followed by a spike DDT as Rusev came out with Cara and threw him into the steel post. Kalisto got distracted and took a backstabber for the loss. Afterward, Rusev hit a big heel kick on Kalisto and locked him in The Accolade.
Analysis: I am sold on the Kalisto and Rusev feud now. While I don't think Kalisto or Rusev need to be losing right now, last week's loss for Rusev was great impetus to fuel this feud. He is not just after gold anymore. He wants to embarrass and hurt Kalisto which helps make this a match worth seeing.
No, Del Rio didn't need to beat Kalisto here, but Kalisto lost by heavy distraction in a way that was well done. He watched his friend suffer, and he couldn't keep fighting the match fair. Now Kalisto will have his own fuel to avenge his friend plus this loss while also defended his title.
Somehow this Women's Championship main event segment has become a Shane McMahon vs. Ric Flair tease segment.
Natalya Makes Her Claim to the WWE Women's Championship Clear While Ric Flair is Dragged Off
Overview: Shane and Stephanie McMahon were in the ring to introduce the competitors in the Women's Championship match at Extreme Rules. Ric Flair though came out and made his introduction for his daughter Charlotte. Charlotte seemed ready to sign the contract and walk out, but Shane then introduced Natalya.
Natalya asked Charlotte where the woman who beat her in NXT had gone, feeling disappointed she now needed her father for everything. Charlotte made clear that she knew she was worshipped as a Flair, and she would certainly make Natalya submit at Extreme Rules.
When Charlotte looked over the contract, she noticed that her father even getting close to the ring on Sunday would cause Charlotte to lose her championship. Charlotte was forced to sign the contract for the match, and Ric Flair then went off, nearly attacking Shane but getting slapped by Stephanie and dragged out.
Natalya then planted Charlotte and locked her in the Sharpshooter until she tapped out in the middle of the ring. The night ended with Charlotte retreating while Natalya held the WWE Women's Championship high.
Analysis: It was cool to see WWE not having just one story dominate the main events of Raw. By having the women main event, they let three unique matches come Extreme Rules each get a main event spotlight. That said, this was not the right way to sell the Women's Championship match as a top three contest.
The contract signing was a mess that ended up being all about crazy Ric Flair. Charlotte and Natalya are not great promos, and it showed here as they just could not add anything more to their feud that wasn't already there. They just repeated themselves until Ric's story came into play.
If they had wanted the women to get their main event, last week's Charlotte vs. Paige match would have been more appropriate for the spotlight as it played to the women's strengths and was mostly not about Flair but Charlotte's fear of losing.
With Natalya on commentary in that match last week, we also got an extra element to the feud that was completely forgotten here. Natalya has made clear she doesn't believe Charlotte can win without Ric anymore, but what happens if she does? How would losing on Sunday affect Natalya? It's the most interesting angle here yet was ignored in the big main event for the two.
Natalya asked Charlotte where the woman who beat her in NXT had gone, feeling disappointed she now needed her father for everything. Charlotte made clear that she knew she was worshipped as a Flair, and she would certainly make Natalya submit at Extreme Rules.
When Charlotte looked over the contract, she noticed that her father even getting close to the ring on Sunday would cause Charlotte to lose her championship. Charlotte was forced to sign the contract for the match, and Ric Flair then went off, nearly attacking Shane but getting slapped by Stephanie and dragged out.
Natalya then planted Charlotte and locked her in the Sharpshooter until she tapped out in the middle of the ring. The night ended with Charlotte retreating while Natalya held the WWE Women's Championship high.
Analysis: It was cool to see WWE not having just one story dominate the main events of Raw. By having the women main event, they let three unique matches come Extreme Rules each get a main event spotlight. That said, this was not the right way to sell the Women's Championship match as a top three contest.
The contract signing was a mess that ended up being all about crazy Ric Flair. Charlotte and Natalya are not great promos, and it showed here as they just could not add anything more to their feud that wasn't already there. They just repeated themselves until Ric's story came into play.
If they had wanted the women to get their main event, last week's Charlotte vs. Paige match would have been more appropriate for the spotlight as it played to the women's strengths and was mostly not about Flair but Charlotte's fear of losing.
With Natalya on commentary in that match last week, we also got an extra element to the feud that was completely forgotten here. Natalya has made clear she doesn't believe Charlotte can win without Ric anymore, but what happens if she does? How would losing on Sunday affect Natalya? It's the most interesting angle here yet was ignored in the big main event for the two.
Chris Jericho's new gimmick is complete. He is now the fashion obsessive egomaniac who wants everyone to worship him. In other words, it's Chris Jericho whenever he tries to make Fozzy relevant.
Final Notes: Renee Young interviewed Chris Jericho outside his locker room, and he made clear he would give Dean Ambrose one more chance to apologize for destroying his "famous" jacket before Ambrose faced major consequences. Stephanie McMahon and Shane McMahon argued backstage about the Asylum match that Shane allowed without consulting Stephanie.
R-Truth found Goldust backstage after their match and convinced him not to give up on their team. He seemed to be ready to walk off, but Fandango and Tyler Breeze found the two and antagonized them. This caused Goldust to reconsider and agree to keep Golden Truth strong.
The crowd in North Carolina this week was exceptionally bad. It's not often a go-home show just sounds so dead. The only guys getting reactions were Shane McMahon, Ric Flair, Chris Jericho, and Roman Reigns (universal boos this week). They seemed more concerned with not getting to see an injured Seth Rollins than investing in any match.
Conclusion: For a go-home show, this was extremely tame. The matches as always were strong. The Usos vs. Anderson and Gallows was quite strong, but the rest of the matches were also solid as a whole. It was just that nothing really evolved tonight.
The promo segments were particularly less than effective. The New Day's silly promo was unique and memorable, but it also felt like a tone setter for the other segments. Both Jericho vs. Ambrose and Charlotte vs. Natalya particularly came off silly rather than affecting.
I have no problem with there being some humor in wrestling, but WWE seems terrible at balancing the humor with the dramatic heat between rivals. Too much of this episode showed that WWE was not taking Extreme Rules seriously. What is usually a night for rivalry to culminate is just a night for a lot of wacky hardcore action this year.
While I am fairly hyped for the PPV with a main event match that could very well be a match of the year contender and two strong matches rivalry contests to complement it, this is not a show WWE seemed to care much about making relevant. That's a real shame.
R-Truth found Goldust backstage after their match and convinced him not to give up on their team. He seemed to be ready to walk off, but Fandango and Tyler Breeze found the two and antagonized them. This caused Goldust to reconsider and agree to keep Golden Truth strong.
The crowd in North Carolina this week was exceptionally bad. It's not often a go-home show just sounds so dead. The only guys getting reactions were Shane McMahon, Ric Flair, Chris Jericho, and Roman Reigns (universal boos this week). They seemed more concerned with not getting to see an injured Seth Rollins than investing in any match.
Conclusion: For a go-home show, this was extremely tame. The matches as always were strong. The Usos vs. Anderson and Gallows was quite strong, but the rest of the matches were also solid as a whole. It was just that nothing really evolved tonight.
The promo segments were particularly less than effective. The New Day's silly promo was unique and memorable, but it also felt like a tone setter for the other segments. Both Jericho vs. Ambrose and Charlotte vs. Natalya particularly came off silly rather than affecting.
I have no problem with there being some humor in wrestling, but WWE seems terrible at balancing the humor with the dramatic heat between rivals. Too much of this episode showed that WWE was not taking Extreme Rules seriously. What is usually a night for rivalry to culminate is just a night for a lot of wacky hardcore action this year.
While I am fairly hyped for the PPV with a main event match that could very well be a match of the year contender and two strong matches rivalry contests to complement it, this is not a show WWE seemed to care much about making relevant. That's a real shame.