WWE Extreme Rules BreakDownZ: No Stakes Needed

Triple Z discusses Extreme Rules and how the event has potential to be great fun but has no stakes. 

WWE is currently in a downward spiral. Since the big news of the FOX deal, WWE has resorted to lazily booking and even sometimes repeating the same exact segments. Is WWE struggling to center RAW around a superstar? The usual John Cena and Brock Lesnar storylines have been absent for the summer. I've been saying this for awhile but RAW lacks the depth necessary to carry a three hour show. Reason why SmackDown can have the inferior roster is because it is the shorter show, and they can fully maximize their great talent. Even if you used SmackDown's current roster on RAW it would be a better show by far. 

Now we get to Extreme Rules. A gimmick event that was originated basically out of WWE's version of ECW. So each match should have a gimmick right? Most do but some don't which in most cases is all good. Why can't we have nice things though? Just let every match be a gimmick. That's what this night is all about. 
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Andrade "Cien" Almas VS Sin Cara

Andrade "Cien" Almas being on the Kickoff show is quite confusing. Even if his match is against Sin Cara shouldn't you highlight him on the main card? This could be one of the downsides of co-branded events. Less opportunity for the new fresh from NXT guys to get over. 

Almas is being groomed for greatness. Especially with Zelina Vega at his side. I think WWE's big feud of 2019 will be Daniel Bryan feuding with Andrade "Cien" Almas over the WWE Championship. There is high hopes for Almas. So he's going to take the win here. 

Winner: Andrade "Cien" Almas

The New Day VS SAnity (Tables Match) 

Once again, how in the world is this not on the main card? The New Day getting bumped to Kickoff? This is a highly anticipated match and I don't know why it's not being hyped much larger. I'm expecting SAnity to destroy The New Day in this first contest. 

Winner: SAnity

Finn Balor VS Baron Corbin

Even though Finn Balor is a former WWE Universal Champion. How in the world does this match make the main card? "Constable" is unbearable to watch. Corbin was sent to RAW without a purpose. He shaved his head, and once again we have a weird authority figure lurking on RAW. Finn is falling down the ranks, and this feud will further his downfall. Honestly I feel Vince doesn't want Balor to succeed yet. So I have to go with Corbin in this one.

Winner: Baron Corbin

Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt VS B-Team

Curtis Axel is the most resilient performer on the roster. Give Axel and Bo the straps even if they end up losing them on Monday. 

Winners: The B Team

Carmella VS Asuka

This match has a goofy stipulation. Carmella has proved she can walk the walk. Yet I feel WWE is anxious to finally give Asuka a title again. Now that the streak mystique is gone. Asuka can finally ascend to the top of SmackDown Live without criticisms of a undefeated streak. Carmella and Ellsworth will move on to another feud. 

Winner: Asuka

Alexa Bliss VS Nia Jax (Extreme Rules Match)

There will be a lot of moving parts in this match. We of course have Nia Jax trying to win back the title from Alexa Bliss. Ronda Rousey will be sitting ringside. Mickie James, who has become very close to Alexa Bliss, will interfere in this Extreme Rules match. All this chaos favors Alexa Bliss. SummerSlam we need the payoff of Ronda Rousey VS Alexa Bliss and this is the only way to make it happen.

Winner: Alexa Bliss

Jeff Hardy VS Shinsuke Nakamura

This is a fascinating dream match. Jeff Hardy will battle Shinsuke Nakamura. This will be a mix of styles and could be one of the finer matches of the night. I actually see Shinsuke Nakamura winning here. 

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura

Dolph Ziggler VS Seth Rollins (Iron Man Match)

Dolph Ziggler has somehow rejuvenated his career on Monday Night RAW. That is a startling accomplishment considering how hard it is to gain momentum on RAW. Yet the duo of Ziggler and McIntyre somehow works. Ziggler has been enthralling in his feud with Rollins. Not to mention Seth Rollins has been performing at an all time high. The Iron Man match should deliver. Sometimes a Iron Man match can become a snoozefest. With a reborn Dolph Ziggler and a impeccable Seth Rollins this looks to be one of the cornerstones of this card. 

Winner: Dolph Ziggler

Bludgeon Brothers VS Team Hell No

Team Hell No is not going to have a glorious reunion. WWE will use Daniel Bryan in a singles program for SummerSlam. Kane has to probably go do mayor stuff. Bludgeon Brothers are going to squeak by.

P.S. PLEASE DO NOT START A KANE VS DANIEL BRYAN FEUD. 

Winners: Bludgeon Brothers

Braun Strowman VS Kevin Owens

Braun. That is all. 

Winner: Braun Strowman

Roman Reigns VS Bobby Lashley

This feud benefits Roman Reigns. Although I think Bobby Lashley needs this victory on Sunday to catapult his return to new heights. Lashley would be a dream opponent for Brock Lesnar. Will Brock Lesnar depart after SummerSlam to go back to the UFC full time? Doubtful. If WWE offers a extension (of truly any kind). Brock would be stupid to turn down the money. Even if the deal ends up around 2 years for $24 million you take that money. Even if WWE gives him significantly less you TAKE that money. I'm sure he will compete in both WWE and UFC. Which leaves WWE in a terrible situation for SummerSlam. Whoever wins this bout at Extreme Rules will be the contender for Brock Lesnar. Then WWE has to decide if Reigns or Lashely beats Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam despite Lesnar having a UFC Heavyweight Championship match in 2019. Does WWE hold off, and wait for Lesnar to possibly win the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Which would further expand the aura that comes with Brock Lesnar. Or will WWE spare their audience the pain of not having a champion for months on end. 

WWE's decision will be very interesting. Also will WWE move on from Brock Lesnar? Do they care to pay him that much anymore? A lot of intriguing subjects to take place before SummerSlam. For now, we have Reigns and Lashley as the big time fight. WWE can't be blind and deaf. Despite his vast improvements, it is time to send Bobby Lashley in the ring with Brock Lesnar. 

Winner: Bobby Lashley

AJ Styles VS Rusev

This one truly can go either way. To me this feels like a "filler" match for AJ Styles. Although WWE could capitalize on the "Rusev Day" love. Once again Rusev is the prime example that organically building talent helps them get over. The funnier, realer Rusev alongside a singing Aiden English is more over with the fans then a overly-dramatic Russian/Bulgarian heel that rides on a tank. Sometimes when WWE forces talent on the audience they reject it. When talent grows naturally they start to accept it. That was what happened with Rusev. Styles right now is probably at a crossroads. He just got past a long feud with Shinsuke Nakamura. Whatever he does next should be compelling. Maybe this match exceeds expectations, and we get a good rivalry. Let's play it safe and have AJ win. 

Winner: AJ Styles


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