Extreme Rules Report Card

WWE was back with another pay per view in 2020. This time, it was Extreme Rules with a twist of ‘Horror Show’ being added. Enough small talk as we need the WWE Extreme Rules 2020 report card.

WWE Extreme Rules 2020 Report Card: Grades Are In!

Wyatt Swamp Fight: Braun Strowman vs. Bray Wyatt

To conclude a bizarre evening, fans were treated to another cinematic match. This time, Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt battled in a swamp.

Of course, the most insane card ends with pure wackiness. Strowman had to go through his past to meet Wyatt.

There was very little wrestling. Honestly, it felt like Strowman spent most of the time tied to the chair.

We saw someone lit on fire, hallucinations, nearly a drowning and much more. The ending means The Fiend is coming for the title at SummerSlam. Grade: C

Kevin Owens vs. Buddy Murphy

Extreme Rules Report Card

A late addition to the card was Kevin Owens taking on Buddy Murphy. Quite an interesting direction by WWE as there are questions about Rey Mysterio’s future.

If Mysterio is leaving, then Owens takes his place opposite Seth Rollins in the storyline. That seems like the reason for the match.

Murphy was one of the Paul Heyman guys, but those superstars have an uncertain future. Heyman being removed as RAW Executive Director changed several plans.

The match was fine, but I was hoping for more from Murphy. Some trash talk from Owens after the bell is always a nice touch. Grade: B

SmackDown Women’s Championship: Bayley vs. Nikki Cross

Extreme Rules Report Card

The selling point about the match was if Nikki Cross had the confidence. That idea seemed out the window in a matter of minutes.

The longer Bayley is champion, the better heel she becomes. As for Nikki, she is still searching for her first taste of WWE gold.

Despite Nikki and Bayley being the participants, it almost felt like Sasha Banks and Alexa Bliss got more attention. Still, a good outing by Nikki as Bayley’s historic reign continues. Grade: B

RAW Women’s Championship: Asuka vs. Sasha Banks

If Sasha Banks could secure the win, The Boss ‘n’ Hug Connection would make history by having all the gold. Looking at the past, we have seen Asuka and Banks battle several times.

They might have fought before, but they delivered in a hard-hitting contest. Cool German suplex attempt from the top rope.

What a strange sequence at the end with Bayley making the three count because she grabbed the referee’s shirt. The possible title change will likely be clarified come RAW.

The ending caused a great match to lose several points. Grade: B

Eye For An Eye Match: Rey Mysterio vs. Seth Rollins

This is something Vince Russo would be writing for an episode of WCW in 2000. I am have trouble grasping why WWE headed in this direction.

Basically, this was a hardcore match with the only difference being an eye needed to be removed. Rey Mysterio entered the match down an eye, therefore Seth Rollins had an advantage.

The hatred between these two saw Mysterio have to lose an eye. As for an ending, it felt anticlimactic.

The post-match reaction from Rollins could tell another story. Rollins won, but he looked lost as the fans anger spewed out. Grade: B+ 

Extreme Rules Match for the WWE Championship: Drew McIntyre vs. Dolph Ziggler (McIntyre must follow traditional rules and can only win by pinball or submission)

Heading into the WWE Championship, I felt like we would get a ladder match or maybe TLC. Instead, Dolph Ziggler made stacked the odds against his former tag team partner.

The story was if Drew McIntyre can control his temper. With the gimmick attached, plenty of interesting moments from both men.

Overall, it was a good match even though most had McIntyre retaining. It is likely, Randy Orton is next. Grade: B+

Tables Match for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship: New Day vs. Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura

Extreme Rules Report Card

When you do not need to make tags, the match usually goes better. Here, the action was quick and all four men got right to work.

Four talented wrestlers with a classic stipulation added. There is not much wrong with how the match unfolded.

The ending seemed a bit quick and I wish there some close encounters with the tables. Still, a great final spot by the new tag team champions and at least we get some fresh faces with the gold. Grade: A-

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