When considering an overall grade for Sunday's WWE Extreme Rules pay-per-view, it's hard to look past how consistently entertaining the nearly four-hour show was from start to finish. Not only was the 10-match main card booked perfectly with a series of short matches early -- giving way to the more important pairings late -- the 30-minute iron man match between Dolph Ziggler and Seth Rollins received surprised placement as the main event.
But while the good news for Sunday's card is that very little of it was bad, it's hard to look past how little of it was anything more than good. While Extreme Rules continued to move angles along on the build to SummerSlam in late August, it lacked major moments or matches worthy of watching a second time. Outside of the tease from Raw general manager Kurt Angle regarding Brock Lesnar, there was very little that left Monday's episode of Raw feeling must-see.
The show starts at 7 PM EST. The card is as follows...
Andrade "Cien" Almas defeats Sin Cara via pinfall
If the goal of this match was simply to get Almas and manager Zelina Vega over as despicable and opportunistic heels, consider it job well done. Sin Cara rallied late with a series of high spots. He pushed Almas off the top rope, which caused him to hit his back on the apron. Sin Cara then hit a hurricanrana from the top rope onto the floor and followed with a frog splash from the top rope inside the ring. But the pin never happened as Vega distracted the referee by jumping on the apron. Alma's followed with a dropkick, running knees to the face and his hammerlock DDT finisher for the 1-2-3. Nothing too special here outside of classic heel psychology, but it was effective.
SAnitY defeats New Day in Tables Match
The outcome was predictable but the two teams put on a good show. The finish was abrupt as Kofi Kingston and Alexander Wolfe were tied up on the apron, attempting to push the other through the table set up on the floor behind them. Eric Young hit a clothesline off the top rope to put Kingston through the table.
WWE Extreme Rules 2018: Main Show
Raw Tag Team Championship: The B-Team defeats Deleters of Worlds to win the titles
The former members of the Miztourage have completed their redemption. Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas recorded a freak and accidental victory in match didn't excite much except the result.
Kurt Angle issues an ultimatum to Brock Lesnar
In a backstage interview, the Raw general manager said he was sick of Lesnar refusing to defend the title. Angle issued an ultimatum to Lesnar, giving him three options: show up Monday night on Raw, negotiate his next universal championship match or get stripped of the title.
Finn Balor defeats Baron Corbin
They tie up in the center of the ring. Corbin hits an elbow in the corner before applauding and taunting Finn with a 'Too Sweet'. Corbin stomps on Balor as he slowly walks around the ring. Corbin clotheslines Balor in the corner a few times before Balor falls out of the corner into the center of the ring. Corbin bellows that Balor is 'too small.' Corbin locks in a headlock. Finn tries to fight out only for Corbin to slap him away. Balor strikes back with a big punch. He whips Corbin who slides underneath the rope, slides back in, and nails a clothesline for a two count. Corbin stomps on Balor before getting in his face with taunts. Corbin punches Balor in the corner as he stalks him.
Balor evades Corbin enough to get out onto the apron, but he's caught by a right hand as he springs off. Corbin pulls him inside for a two count before locking in a side headlock. Corbin hits a chokeslam backbreaker on Balor for a two count. Corbin tries for the running clothesline again, but Balor hits the slingblade! Corbin hits another clothesline that floors Balor for a two count. Corbin yanks up Balor and drives elbows into his head. He tries for something else, but Balor yanks the legs of Corbin out from underneath before hitting the leaping double foot stomp. Balor dropkicks Corbin into the corner and tries for his finish. Corbin catches him there and pulls him down. He tries for the End of Days, but Balor rolls him up for a three count!
Team Hell No attacked backstage
Bludgeon Brothers attacked Team Hell No backstage- Daniel Bryan was thrown into a garage door, and Kane had his leg crushed with a mallet.
SmackDown Women's Championship: Carmella defeats Asuka to retain the title
Ever since Asuka has lost her winning streak, she can't seem to win anything. James Ellsworth was suspended above the ring in a shark cage for the match. Of course, he didn't stay there long. Asuka assaulted Ellsworth until Carmella pushed her from behind with Asuka hitting her face on the cage. Carmella then stole a victory with a pin. Asuka took out her anger on Ellsworth with numerous Asuka Lock.
United States Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura defeats Jeff Hardy to win the title
Nakamura delivered a low blow to Hardy before the match has even started. After a weakened Hardy worked back to his feet, Nakamura hit the Kinsasha for the 6-second victory.
Randy Orton then came out for the first time in two months. He stared down Nakamura, but then stomped on Hardy and walked away.
Kevin Owens defeats Braun Strowman in Steel Cage Match
Kevin Owens may have managed to win but it was a painful night for the prizefigher. In one memorable moment, Strowman escaped from being handcuffed to the top rope by ripping himself free and quickly climbing to the top of the cage to catch Owens. Strowman then chokeslammed through a ringside announce table. Owens hit Strowman with the Stone Cold Stunner and gave him a DX chop.
SmackDown Tag Team Championship: Bludgeon Brothers defeat Team Hell No to retain the titles
Bryan was forced to work 1-on-2 for most of the match following the aforementioned backstage attack. He creatively rallied and appeared close to pulling the upset until Rowan pulled Harper out of the ring as Bryan secured in the Yes Lock. Out came a limping Kane in a walking boot and for a brief rally which included a pair of chokeslams. A second Bryan rally had the champions on the ropes again until Rowan saved his teammate again. Bludgeon Brothers then hit a double-team finisher as Harper landed a clothesline off the top rope as Rowan held Bryan up. While the match was far from offensive considering Bryan carried the workload well, the finish didn't necessarily leave the feeling that this feud is headed anywhere interesting. And could it have killed 50-year-old Kane to take the fall in this case? Kane was later written off with a broken ankle.
Bobby Lashley defeats Roman Reigns
The bell sounds as they tie up in the corner. Lashley battles out before hitting a belly-to-back suplex. Lashley hits a northern lights suplex before lifting up Roman. He tries for a German, but Roman battles out. Roman pushes Lashley to the floor. Lashley gets up in the corner before Roman begins hitting punches to the gut. Roman grabs Lashley and throws his head into the top turnbuckle. Roman hits an elbow to Lashley after whipping him into the ropes. Roman chokes Lashley on the first rope. Roman hits the Drive By for the two count. Roman locks in a side headlock as the crowd is tuned out of this match.
Roman throws Lashley out of the ring and begins throwing him into the barricade. The crowd is cheering for Rusev Day. Roman whips Lashley towards the steps, but he leaps up onto them. Roman charges and knocks him off the steps before breaking up the count. Roman sends Lashley into the steel steps. Lashley powers up and hits a big clothesline to floor Reigns. Lashley rolls Roman into the ring. He climbs in and hits a big clothesline. Lashley hits a release belly-to-belly suplex. Lashley hits a running clothesline in the corner, but he's caught by the second one. Roman hits a running clothesline of his own. Roman begins hitting his ten-count clotheslines in the corner. The crowd barely counts along. Roman hits the ropes and gets caught with a scoop slam for a two count!
Lashley picks up Roman who fights back. Roman hits the ropes but catches a crossbody from Bobby that hits weird. Lashley climbs to the top rope. He leaps off for a double axe-handle. Bobby picks up Roman, but Roman lifts him up instead. Roman has him on the shoulders before throwing him right over the top rope and to the floor! Lashley comes into the ring and catches a big leg drop from Roman on the ropes. Roman tries for the Superman punch, but he's caught and sent into the ring for a spinebuster. Lashley lifts up Roman and hits a stalling vertical suplex for a two count! Roman is slow to his feet. Lashley runs towards Roman and catches a Superman punch for a two count. They make their way outside before Lashley hits a big through over the table. They make their way back inside. Lashley climbs to the top rope before getting caught by a Superman punch. He fall down from the top rope. Roman tries for a spear, but Lashley hits one of his own for the three count.
Raw Women's Championship: Alexa Bliss defeats Nia Jax via pinfall to retain the title (Extreme Rules Match)
Ronda Rousey had front-row tickets for this match. Bliss had Mickie James by her side, while Jax was represented by Rousey's friend Natalya. When Bliss and James teamed up on Natalya outside, Rousey jumped the barricade to even the odds. Rousey then gave chase to Bliss, who attempted to run from ringside. But James attacked Rousey with two kendo stick shots to the back. James then attacked Jax with a chair preventing her from hitting her Samoan Drop finisher on Bliss. Bliss hit Jax with a DDT on top of a chair for the pin.
WWE Championship: AJ Styles defeasts Rusev via pinfall to retain the title
There wasn't any doubt. WWE's most prestigious title didn't get main event status. Styles and Rusev combined for an entertaining match. Aiden English made his presence felt late as he removed the top turnbuckle pad behind the referee's back. But as Rusev attempted to apply the Accolade, Styles countered and Rusev ended up hitting the exposed steel face first. Styles hit his Phenomenal Forearm to defend his title.
Intercontinental Championship: Dolph Ziggler beats Seth Rollins 5-4 in sudden death to retain the title (30-Minute Iron Man Match)
Rollins and Ziggler produced a fun and entertaining match. The two performers traded seven falls over the first 15 minutes of the match. Drew McIntyre, meanwhile, brutally beat up Rollins outside the ring before hitting a Claymore and getting ejected by the referee. Ziggler led 4-3 as the final 15 minutes of the match saw the pace slow. However, with just under three minutes to go, Rollins slingshot Ziggler into the corner and rolled him up to make it 4-4. Both men failed to make another pinfall as time ran out.
Kurt Angle came out to announce the match would continue in sudden death. McIntyre reappeared to distract Rollins and Ziggler hit a ZigZag to win the match.
But while the good news for Sunday's card is that very little of it was bad, it's hard to look past how little of it was anything more than good. While Extreme Rules continued to move angles along on the build to SummerSlam in late August, it lacked major moments or matches worthy of watching a second time. Outside of the tease from Raw general manager Kurt Angle regarding Brock Lesnar, there was very little that left Monday's episode of Raw feeling must-see.
The show starts at 7 PM EST. The card is as follows...
- Roman Reigns vs. Bobby Lashley
- WWE Championship: AJ Styles (c) vs. Rusev
- 30-Minute Ironman Match for Intercontinental Championship: Dolph Ziggler (c) w/ Drew McIntyre vs. Seth Rollins
- Steel Cage Match: Kevin Owens vs. Braun Strowman
- United States Championship: Jeff Hardy (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
- SmackDown Tag Team Championships: Bludgeon Brothers (c) vs. Team Hell NO!
- Raw Women's Championship: Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Nia Jax
- SmackDown Women's Championship: Carmella (c) vs. Asuka [James Ellsworth is suspended in a shark cage above the ring]
- Raw Tag Team Championship: Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt vs. The B Team
- Finn Balor vs. Constable Baron Corbin
Andrade "Cien" Almas defeats Sin Cara via pinfall
If the goal of this match was simply to get Almas and manager Zelina Vega over as despicable and opportunistic heels, consider it job well done. Sin Cara rallied late with a series of high spots. He pushed Almas off the top rope, which caused him to hit his back on the apron. Sin Cara then hit a hurricanrana from the top rope onto the floor and followed with a frog splash from the top rope inside the ring. But the pin never happened as Vega distracted the referee by jumping on the apron. Alma's followed with a dropkick, running knees to the face and his hammerlock DDT finisher for the 1-2-3. Nothing too special here outside of classic heel psychology, but it was effective.
SAnitY defeats New Day in Tables Match
The outcome was predictable but the two teams put on a good show. The finish was abrupt as Kofi Kingston and Alexander Wolfe were tied up on the apron, attempting to push the other through the table set up on the floor behind them. Eric Young hit a clothesline off the top rope to put Kingston through the table.
WWE Extreme Rules 2018: Main Show
Raw Tag Team Championship: The B-Team defeats Deleters of Worlds to win the titles
The former members of the Miztourage have completed their redemption. Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas recorded a freak and accidental victory in match didn't excite much except the result.
Kurt Angle issues an ultimatum to Brock Lesnar
In a backstage interview, the Raw general manager said he was sick of Lesnar refusing to defend the title. Angle issued an ultimatum to Lesnar, giving him three options: show up Monday night on Raw, negotiate his next universal championship match or get stripped of the title.
NECKBREAKER OFF THE TOP ROPE!!!! THE B-TEAM ARE THE NEW WWE RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!!!! @TheBoDallas @RealCurtisAxel #ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/kIhKDe6u5e— Italo Santana 🇧🇷 (@BulletClubItal) July 15, 2018
Finn Balor defeats Baron Corbin
They tie up in the center of the ring. Corbin hits an elbow in the corner before applauding and taunting Finn with a 'Too Sweet'. Corbin stomps on Balor as he slowly walks around the ring. Corbin clotheslines Balor in the corner a few times before Balor falls out of the corner into the center of the ring. Corbin bellows that Balor is 'too small.' Corbin locks in a headlock. Finn tries to fight out only for Corbin to slap him away. Balor strikes back with a big punch. He whips Corbin who slides underneath the rope, slides back in, and nails a clothesline for a two count. Corbin stomps on Balor before getting in his face with taunts. Corbin punches Balor in the corner as he stalks him.
Balor evades Corbin enough to get out onto the apron, but he's caught by a right hand as he springs off. Corbin pulls him inside for a two count before locking in a side headlock. Corbin hits a chokeslam backbreaker on Balor for a two count. Corbin tries for the running clothesline again, but Balor hits the slingblade! Corbin hits another clothesline that floors Balor for a two count. Corbin yanks up Balor and drives elbows into his head. He tries for something else, but Balor yanks the legs of Corbin out from underneath before hitting the leaping double foot stomp. Balor dropkicks Corbin into the corner and tries for his finish. Corbin catches him there and pulls him down. He tries for the End of Days, but Balor rolls him up for a three count!
Team Hell No attacked backstage
Bludgeon Brothers attacked Team Hell No backstage- Daniel Bryan was thrown into a garage door, and Kane had his leg crushed with a mallet.
SmackDown Women's Championship: Carmella defeats Asuka to retain the title
Ever since Asuka has lost her winning streak, she can't seem to win anything. James Ellsworth was suspended above the ring in a shark cage for the match. Of course, he didn't stay there long. Asuka assaulted Ellsworth until Carmella pushed her from behind with Asuka hitting her face on the cage. Carmella then stole a victory with a pin. Asuka took out her anger on Ellsworth with numerous Asuka Lock.
.@CarmellaWWE RETAINS THE WWE SMACKDOWN LIVE WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!! #ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/TecbkIncyG— Italo Santana 🇧🇷 (@BulletClubItal) July 15, 2018
United States Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura defeats Jeff Hardy to win the title
Nakamura delivered a low blow to Hardy before the match has even started. After a weakened Hardy worked back to his feet, Nakamura hit the Kinsasha for the 6-second victory.
Randy Orton then came out for the first time in two months. He stared down Nakamura, but then stomped on Hardy and walked away.
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 16, 2018
Kevin Owens defeats Braun Strowman in Steel Cage Match
Kevin Owens may have managed to win but it was a painful night for the prizefigher. In one memorable moment, Strowman escaped from being handcuffed to the top rope by ripping himself free and quickly climbing to the top of the cage to catch Owens. Strowman then chokeslammed through a ringside announce table. Owens hit Strowman with the Stone Cold Stunner and gave him a DX chop.
CHOKESLAM FROM THE TOP OF THE STEEL CAGE THROUGH THE ANNOUCE TABLE!!!!! @BraunStrowman #ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/i3Vmkh8HM0— Italo Santana 🇧🇷 (@BulletClubItal) July 16, 2018
SmackDown Tag Team Championship: Bludgeon Brothers defeat Team Hell No to retain the titles
Bryan was forced to work 1-on-2 for most of the match following the aforementioned backstage attack. He creatively rallied and appeared close to pulling the upset until Rowan pulled Harper out of the ring as Bryan secured in the Yes Lock. Out came a limping Kane in a walking boot and for a brief rally which included a pair of chokeslams. A second Bryan rally had the champions on the ropes again until Rowan saved his teammate again. Bludgeon Brothers then hit a double-team finisher as Harper landed a clothesline off the top rope as Rowan held Bryan up. While the match was far from offensive considering Bryan carried the workload well, the finish didn't necessarily leave the feeling that this feud is headed anywhere interesting. And could it have killed 50-year-old Kane to take the fall in this case? Kane was later written off with a broken ankle.
CHOKESLAM FROM THE TOP OF THE STEEL CAGE THROUGH THE ANNOUCE TABLE!!!!! @BraunStrowman #ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/i3Vmkh8HM0— Italo Santana 🇧🇷 (@BulletClubItal) July 16, 2018
Bobby Lashley defeats Roman Reigns
The bell sounds as they tie up in the corner. Lashley battles out before hitting a belly-to-back suplex. Lashley hits a northern lights suplex before lifting up Roman. He tries for a German, but Roman battles out. Roman pushes Lashley to the floor. Lashley gets up in the corner before Roman begins hitting punches to the gut. Roman grabs Lashley and throws his head into the top turnbuckle. Roman hits an elbow to Lashley after whipping him into the ropes. Roman chokes Lashley on the first rope. Roman hits the Drive By for the two count. Roman locks in a side headlock as the crowd is tuned out of this match.
— WrestlinGifs (@WrestlinGifs) July 16, 2018
Roman throws Lashley out of the ring and begins throwing him into the barricade. The crowd is cheering for Rusev Day. Roman whips Lashley towards the steps, but he leaps up onto them. Roman charges and knocks him off the steps before breaking up the count. Roman sends Lashley into the steel steps. Lashley powers up and hits a big clothesline to floor Reigns. Lashley rolls Roman into the ring. He climbs in and hits a big clothesline. Lashley hits a release belly-to-belly suplex. Lashley hits a running clothesline in the corner, but he's caught by the second one. Roman hits a running clothesline of his own. Roman begins hitting his ten-count clotheslines in the corner. The crowd barely counts along. Roman hits the ropes and gets caught with a scoop slam for a two count!
Lashley picks up Roman who fights back. Roman hits the ropes but catches a crossbody from Bobby that hits weird. Lashley climbs to the top rope. He leaps off for a double axe-handle. Bobby picks up Roman, but Roman lifts him up instead. Roman has him on the shoulders before throwing him right over the top rope and to the floor! Lashley comes into the ring and catches a big leg drop from Roman on the ropes. Roman tries for the Superman punch, but he's caught and sent into the ring for a spinebuster. Lashley lifts up Roman and hits a stalling vertical suplex for a two count! Roman is slow to his feet. Lashley runs towards Roman and catches a Superman punch for a two count. They make their way outside before Lashley hits a big through over the table. They make their way back inside. Lashley climbs to the top rope before getting caught by a Superman punch. He fall down from the top rope. Roman tries for a spear, but Lashley hits one of his own for the three count.
Raw Women's Championship: Alexa Bliss defeats Nia Jax via pinfall to retain the title (Extreme Rules Match)
Ronda Rousey had front-row tickets for this match. Bliss had Mickie James by her side, while Jax was represented by Rousey's friend Natalya. When Bliss and James teamed up on Natalya outside, Rousey jumped the barricade to even the odds. Rousey then gave chase to Bliss, who attempted to run from ringside. But James attacked Rousey with two kendo stick shots to the back. James then attacked Jax with a chair preventing her from hitting her Samoan Drop finisher on Bliss. Bliss hit Jax with a DDT on top of a chair for the pin.
WWE Championship: AJ Styles defeasts Rusev via pinfall to retain the title
There wasn't any doubt. WWE's most prestigious title didn't get main event status. Styles and Rusev combined for an entertaining match. Aiden English made his presence felt late as he removed the top turnbuckle pad behind the referee's back. But as Rusev attempted to apply the Accolade, Styles countered and Rusev ended up hitting the exposed steel face first. Styles hit his Phenomenal Forearm to defend his title.
PHENOMENAL FOREARM!!!! @AJStylesOrg RETAINS THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP!!! #ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/8ErpNDRmp5— Italo Santana 🇧🇷 (@BulletClubItal) July 16, 2018
Intercontinental Championship: Dolph Ziggler beats Seth Rollins 5-4 in sudden death to retain the title (30-Minute Iron Man Match)
Rollins and Ziggler produced a fun and entertaining match. The two performers traded seven falls over the first 15 minutes of the match. Drew McIntyre, meanwhile, brutally beat up Rollins outside the ring before hitting a Claymore and getting ejected by the referee. Ziggler led 4-3 as the final 15 minutes of the match saw the pace slow. However, with just under three minutes to go, Rollins slingshot Ziggler into the corner and rolled him up to make it 4-4. Both men failed to make another pinfall as time ran out.
Kurt Angle came out to announce the match would continue in sudden death. McIntyre reappeared to distract Rollins and Ziggler hit a ZigZag to win the match.
— Italo Santana 🇧🇷 (@BulletClubItal) July 16, 2018
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