This year, Extreme Rules comes at us from what many have dubbed the “birthplace of Extreme”, thanks to Paul Heyman and Extreme Championship Wrestling growing from the corner of Swanson and Ritner (former ticket holder here). Now, we have ourselves an extremely intriguing show from Philly. Basically, any title that is worthwhile is up for grabs on the card this evening. Shinsuke Nakamura will challenge for Finn Balor’s Intercontinental Championship. Both brand tag championships are up for grabs. Bayley defends against Alexa Bliss. We have another classic-in-waiting between US Champ Ricochet and challenger AJ Styles. And, of course, the main attraction, winners take all match with both RAW titles on the line. Also, perhaps the cherry on top? The Undertaker will tag with Roman Reigns this evening. See, we told you it was an intriguing show! So, no more delays, let’s crack open this Nutshell and see what happens!
Best Match of the night:
Man oh man, take your pick!
I admit, I had some doubts and some low expectations for this evening.
You know what is good about low expectations though? They can be easily met or exceeded. Tonight, they were exceeded.
The Undertaker and Roman Reigns worked a great match. It’s my personal choice for best of the evening.
However, if you wanted to go with any of the tag matches? No argument here.
If you wanted to lean on Ricochet and AJ Styles? I’d agree too.
Lots of good matches. Not as many bad-which is a good thing.
Worst match of the night:
I hate to say it…but…the women’s triple threat for the SmackDown title. Maybe worst isn’t fair. The big issues I had here?
The chemistry isn’t great. Not sure this looks good for Bayley long term. And nothing really happened that could have-like a heel turn.
I might have added Owens and Ziggler here, but I suspect WWE is building Owens up…so I assume there was a plan. I hope there was…
Star of the Night
Honestly, a tough call. So many good and strong performances.
My three favorites, for the record:
AJ Styles and Ricochet-another strong United States Championship battle between these two. Ultimately, Styles gets the win and the belt, and that should help keep this new rivalry going into August at least.
And The Undertaker, coming back strong.
Spot of the Night:
I have a lot of love for the top rope Styles Clash. I think it’s a risky move, and taking into account the high risk, that move delivered.
Jobber of the Night:
Dolph Ziggler, hands down.
You simply can’t not be this guy, when you got paid for a night’s work that saw you take more time to get to the ring than to be defeated. A quick stunner at the onset of the match, and Owens was quickly able to score the victory.
Holy Sh** Moment of the Night:
I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that Lynch took a big move from Corbin…but it was still a bit of a surprise
Brock Lesnar successfully cashed in his briefcase too, which is why we have a new Universal Champion too.
Noteworthy Moment:
A bunch of gold changed hands, as we leave Extreme Rules with a few new champs.
Shinsuke Nakamura claimed the Intercontinental Championship.
New Day are new SmackDown Tag Team Champions
AJ Styles is new United States Champion
Brock Lesnar is the new Universal Champion.
WWE had an extremely busy evening.
Overall lowlights:
The weak blue brand women’s title match bummed me. As did no match for The Iiconics.
Overall highlights:
Really, just happy with the majority of the show. Whether Heyman had a lot to do with things improved or not, I don’t really care. Overall, just happy to get a good PPV.
After the final bell:
I was worried tonight’s show wouldn’t live up to the extreme billing-and to be honest, there was not a lot to call extreme. At least, not in the way ECW fans remember.
That said, this show was extremely good from start to finish. The pre-show matches were strong. The special attraction with The Undertaker teaming with Roman was excellent-you could tell ‘Taker wanted to make up for the weak showing in Saudi Arabia.
The tag team title matches were strong.
Both the World Championship match, as well as the winners take all main event, were very good.
Overall, a really good show. SummerSlam, the gauntlet has officially been thrown down.
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