Last week I took the time to throw out my thoughts on the prospective card for Extreme Rules. Well, a full week has gone by and I can honestly say I was a bit off in terms of how everything would play out.
Since that time we’ve had a concussion end a potential “Match of the Night” contender, another title match come out of left field, and the addition of a pre-show filler bout. With no further ado, let’s dive into my updated thoughts on the card for this Sunday’s PPV.
“I Quit” Match for Number One Contender to the World Heavyweight Championship
Alberto del Rio vs Jack Swagger
We technically saw this already, but in the form of a submission contest. There’s no way Swagger is going over del Rio, especially if Dolph Ziggler remains a heel champion. Word on the street is that the winner will get his title shot on free TV so as not to detour future storylines involving Ziggler. Hopefully that title match winds up on Smackdown to make the show more tolerable for moi.
Last Man Standing Match for the WWE Championship
John Cena vs Ryback
Apparently this feud will continue well past the PPV, so look for Cena to retain in some controversial fashion, a la a double knock out. In this way Ryback can continue to bitch about deserving another shot and Cena’s year-long title chase won’t end with a whimper (though if I had MY way, it most certainly would).
Strap Match
Sheamus vs Mark Henry
Last week I called for a Texas Bullrope match, so I was a bit off. Not that this contest will be any more exciting, mind you. I think Henry gets the win here so he and Sheamus can occupy each other’s time a bit longer.
United States Championship
Kofi Kingston vs Dean Ambrose
Apparently this is partially the reason why Antonio Cesaro dropped the strap; it’s infinitely easier for a face to lose a title to a heel. This was totally unexpected, but I guess it makes sense since The Shield technically shouldn’t have a 3-on-2 advantage in a tag team match. As an aside, Ambrose delivered a sick version of his finisher to Kofi last week, which I’m extremely thankful for because attempting it on Kane and Daniel Bryan made it look ridiculous.
The Miz vs Cody Rhodes
Why is this happening? No one cares. Shouldn’t Miz get his rematch against Wade Barrett?
As far as the rest of the card is concerned, my predictions remain the same. Be sure to check out my picks on Sunday’s Roundtable. Hopefully I take the lead this time!
So long, and thanks for all the fish.
