Some of the PWP Nation staff make their picks for WWE Extreme Rules 2019!
The annual WWE Extreme Rules event is live tonight and hopefully things go smoother than the last few weeks of WWE television. Feuds will culminate in “extreme” fashion and a few of us with PWPNation.com have come together to give our personal predictions for tonight’s event.
Here’s who is making the picks:
- Jay Alletto: Owner & Founder of PWPNation.com
- Eron Ramadanov: Editor-in-Chief
- Caden Moran: Staff writer
- John “JCD” Dimiceli: Staff writer
- Doug Turrington: PWP contributor
Now, let’s get to the picks!
Drew Gulak vs. Tony Nese (WWE Cruiserweight Championship match)
Jay: Drew Gulak
Can’t turn on Gulak now! Give the man a real run with the Cruiserweight Championship. He’s an incredible wrestler & brings a different look to the entire division. Gulak wins in a WAR with Nese.
Eron: Drew Gulak
Say what you will about this pay-per-view, but we cannot deny the match quality that we’re going to have on the show and here’s another match that should make that statement true. I suspect both of these guys to come out looking to prove something and putting on a show. I don’t see Gulak’s title reign coming to an end quite yet, so I think he goes over.
Caden: Drew Gulak
Drew Gulak is a new man, so his reign should continue here. I expect a fantastic technical wrestling affair that leads to Gulak picking up the win.
John: Drew Gulak
No reason for Gulak not to retain in his first defense.
Doug: Drew Gulak
I’m slacking on my 205 Live viewings still, but I love me some Drew Gulak. It’s way too soon for him to be dropping the belt. Should be a top contender for match of the night in the ring, but one of the more predictable matches, more than likely. Then again, there’s no one I’d rather see on a war path, than a scorned and enraged Gulak.
The Revival vs. The Usos (Raw Tag Team Championship match)
Jay: The Revival
The Revival has a new t-shirt! WWE can’t afford to stop their momentum. This could be a sleeper for match of the night. While The Uso’s have cemented themselves as a legendary force in tag team wrestling, The Revival’s story is just getting started. Give me Dash & Dawson for the win!
Eron: The Revival
Whenever these two teams get in a ring with each other, they can usually piece a great match together. I expect no different here. I’d say keeping the titles on The Revival would be best for right now, and build up to a win for the Usos down the line.
Caden: The Revival
This match should be an absolute clinic if given the time. I expect The Revival to pull out a win which will lead to The Usos claiming the gold at SummerSlam.
John: The Revival
I’m going the Revival to retain the title and actually win the match.
Doug: The Revival
I’m a little sad to see The Revival not sticking around more with Shane and Drew. Anyway, this is another match of the night candidate, as these two are some of the best teams on the planet. The Revival need a match and a defense against a team like The Usos to really put them over as legit in-ring threats. I’m talking, we need some circa-NXT Revival stuff here, which will automatically help The Usos look strong in defeat.
The New Day vs. Rowan & Bryan vs. Heavy Machinery (Smackdown Tag Team Championship match)
Jay: Bryan & Rowan
Bryan & Rowan have been MONEY as Tag Team Champions. They are elevating a previously stagnant division with their excellent work in the ring & on the microphone. I don’t see any reason why Bryan should lose here.
Eron: Bryan & Rowan
I think it’s time Heavy Machinery get crowned as champions on WWE television, but much like some others on the show, I’m not sure if now is the right time. I think what Bryan is doing with these titles right now is pure gold, and unlike his WWE title run, I don’t see this reign getting cut short.
Caden: Bryan & Rowan
Heavy Machinery should be the ones to dethrone the champions, but not yet. Daniel Bryan has been on a roll and with Rowan at his side, they have become unstoppable. I say continue the reign, build up the machine boys a little more and then give them the moment.
John: Bryan & Rowan
I expect Bryan and Rowan to retain here, pinning either Otis or Tucker so maybe New Day/Bryan & Rowan is the SummerSlam Tag Title Match.
Doug: Bryan & Rowan
Ooooh yeeeeah, Tucky, this match should be a lot of fun. “The New” Daniel Bryan is still over with me, so I think they should still run with the belts for just a bit longer. The New Day could win, because that’s always a chance, but Heavy Machinery need a bit more steam I think. Have them take out New Day, just to have Bryan and Rowan steal it from them at the last minute. Then you can think about having them feud until SummerSlam and maybe drop them to Heavy Machinery or someone else there.
Aleister Black vs. Cesaro
Jay: Aleister Black
After all of the build-up, Aleister Black will win this match. I think it will be a match or the night contender for sure!
Eron: Aleister Black
THIS MATCH IS GOING TO BE SICK…. if given time. Nothing more really to say. Black goes over.
Caden: Aleister Black
I. Can. Not. Wait. This match will steal the show and Black will pull out the win. However, I do wish Cesaro gets a push following this match.
John: Aleister Black
Black wins a hard hitting potential show stealer
Doug: Aleister Black
Besides Walter White, Cesaro is the one who knocks. Five-year-old TV show references— I got ‘em. This has mid-card, show-stealing slobber knocker written all over it. Cesaro is getting a bit of a reboot right now, but Black is the obvious priority here. It’ll be good to see and hear his epic entrance again, right before these two in-ring generals clash. Predictable, but match of the night candidate here.
Bobby Lashley vs. Braun Strowman (Last Man Standing match)
Jay: Braun Strowman
Braun Strowman, who has been out nursing his injury from the crazy explosion on RAW, will return to decimate Bobby Lashley. Braun will be victorious & I expect a MAJOR planned spot that will keep Bobby down for the 10.
Eron: Braun Strowman
For what I thought this feud was going to be, they have done a good job of keeping me interested and making both guys seem like legitimate badasses. However, I don’t see Bobby Lashley coming out on top here. Braun Strowman has found himself in a rut and has lost a lot of his popularity. I think this win could put him back on the right track, if that track even exists anymore.
Caden: Braun Strowman
I’m with John. Due to the rumors that new Executive Director of Raw Paul Heyman wants to rebuild Strowman, I see him getting the dominant win here.
John: Braun Strowman
With reports coming out that Paul Heyman wants Braun booked as a monster I’d fully expect Braun to win and probably even dominate.
Doug: Braun Strowman
After Braun threw Lashley “in reverse,” the world had another viral Strowman moment on their hands, complete with Corey Graves saying, “holy shit” on PG WWE programming. Lashley came back a week later, while Strowman remained out of action. Lashley should dominate early and Strowman will pull out a victory after another monstrous act.
Bayley vs. Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross (Smackdown Women’s Championship match)
Jay: Bliss & Cross
This has been a confusing tale of friends who could possibly turn enemies. I see a more sadistic side of Nikki Cross coming through & WWE moving forward with “co-women’s” champions. Give me Bliss & Cross.
Eron: Bayley
This match is probably the one I’m least looking forward to, and the build up to it hasn’t helped one bit. Cross looks like a loser, Bliss has been absent (in body and spirit, of no fault to her own) and Bayley‘s booking hasn’t elevated her enough for me to care. Bayley will probably retain, with the help of a… friend.
Caden: Bayley
I’m tempted to go against the champion, but I just can’t. I don’t know what the end game is here, but let’s hope there is a decent payoff. Regardless, Bayley will win.
John: Bayley
Bayley retains as the match will be more about a Nikki/Alexa miscue rather than a Sasha Banks return.
Doug: Bayley
I have a lot of mixed feelings about this storyline. Nikki Cross being half psycho, half starry-eyed rookie is a weird dynamic. The music and entrance don’t match the person we see backstage and in promos. Whether it’s because she’s psycho about protecting Bliss or psycho that Bliss betrays her, I think we need a reason to get the entrance, music and character all back on the same page. With Bliss’ recent health, I’m not sure they want to put the belt on her, but it could happen. Meanwhile, Bayley has momentum as a solo act, finally, but will Sasha Banks come into play?
Ricochet vs. AJ Styles (United States Championship match)
Jay: AJ Styles
Ricochet already picked up a “fluke” win against Styles after a restart. But a short championship run for Ric won’t do him any justice. If WWE is committed to giving The Club a dominate heel run, it is imperative that AJ Styles wins this match. Give me AJ Styles based on the circumstances & Ricochet starting a REAL chase for a championship.
Eron: Ricochet
Easily one of two matches I’m most looking forward to, this has all the makings of a classic. I also believe both these guys have something to prove to themselves and each other, so I expect these two to bring the house down. I wouldn’t be surprised if this opens the show. In the end, I see this match ending in shenanigans, but I doubt it leads to Styles taking the title already. I say Ricochet comes out with his title, this time. Styles can afford this loss, Ricochet needs it more.
Caden: Ricochet
This match could go either way, but I’m going with what my gut tells me. I see Ricochet pulling off the big win here. AJ will be fine with a loss, especially if Gallows & Anderson get involved.
John: No contest
I could see a double DQ or double count out as this feud as well, as AJ’s turn, are in it’s early stages. No need for a title change or a definitive win to happen yet.
Doug: AJ Styles
Are we seeing the beginning of factions coming back into play? In recent years, we’ve had a handful of mini-factions, never getting pushed too strong. I’d love to see that change with a proper push for The Club. It could set up so many things, like Balor Club, a main roster appearance from Undisputed Era and so many other dream team matchups. Still, Ricochet doesn’t need to be forgotten in all of this. Have him drop it after a clear-cut screw job. Then he can find a few running buddies to help him counteract The Club.
The Undertaker & Roman Reigns vs. Shane McMahon & Drew McIntyre (No Holds Barred match)
Jay: Taker & Roman
The Undertaker is said to have a big match planned for SummerSlam & a loss here would do him no justice. I wouldn’t be shocked to somehow see Undertaker vs. Reigns 2 come out of this story, but I would prefer Taker be used to help elevate Drew McIntyre.
Eron: Shane & Drew
This match has a lot of potential to either be a really good match or an absolute dumpster fire. The true savior is the no disqualification stipulation. I suspect Roman Reigns to do most of the heavy lifting for his team, and the same goes for Drew McIntyre. As for Taker & Shane, they’ll probably stay out of the way for the first half of the match, and by the end of it, do something that will threaten one or both of their careers (or what’s left of them). In the end, I think Shane and Drew go over here as I believe this could be a possible set up for Reigns vs. Taker ll. I’d prefer to see Taker & Roman pick up the victory here, as it could set up a Taker/Drew feud on Monday Night RAW the following night.
Caden: Taker & Roman
Again, this is another match that could go either way. However, I just don’t see the team of The Undertaker and Roman Reigns losing. They even have a T-shirt!
John: Taker & Roman
I expect Taker & Roman to win with Taker pinning Shane. I wouldn’t be surprised if seeds for Undertaker/McIntyre are planted here.
Doug: Taker & Roman
The Deadman needs to pick up some steam after that stinker with Goldberg. McMahon and McIntyre have dominated a lot of TV time and have been booked strong, so I’d really like to see Undertaker pin Shane. Then McIntyre can challenge the Deadman 1-on-1 for SummerSlam (and hopefully go over.) Pretty please, Vince.
Kofi Kingston vs. Samoa Joe (WWE Championship match)
Jay: Kofi Kingston
Unless Kofi Kingston is actually seriously injured, I don’t see how taking the strap off of him now would benefit anyone; outside of Samoa Joe. Again, I think the Brock Lesnar factor is looming here with the possibility of being the champion to forge ahead on the Smackdown side of things into the Fall season for FOX. My official pick is Kofi Kingston.
Eron: Kofi Kingston
It’s an absolute crime that Samoa Joe hasn’t been given a world title run thus far in his WWE stint. Regardless, I think Joe’s run is on the horizon, but I don’t see it starting on Sunday. I think this feud continues, and Joe eventually walking away from this as WWE Champion. But on Sunday, Kingston doesn’t beat Samoa Joe, but survives.
Caden: Samoa Joe
It’s time. Kofi has had a phenomenal run with the title, but with his injury I can see Joe pulling off a career-defining win. Joe needs a win here. If Kofi is to retain, I hope it is due to shenanigans or the champion escaping.
John: Samoa Joe
Samoa Joe wins the WWE Title. That’s right. If there was ever a time to play the “Kofi got caught on the wrong night,” it’s here. Between Joe making Kofi pass out on Raw a few weeks ago and Kofi’s recent back injury, there’s no better time to do a shock title change. Joe would be the perfect guy to do it with and it would be one of those moments where the crowd goes quiet in shock.
Doug: Samoa Joe
I hear rumblings that Kofi may have a nagging injury? Don’t know the validity of that rumor, but a very large portion of my heart wants Samoa Joe to win. I’ve enjoyed “Kofimania”, but I think if it’s going to continue, I need Kofi to start chasing it again. Samoa Joe is long overdue for the WWE Championship. I’m picking Kofi, but I think I’d like to be wrong.
Becky Lynch & Seth Rollins vs. Baron Corbin & Lacey Evans (Extreme Rules Winners Take All match)
Jay: Rollins & Lynch
There is a 0% chance that Corbin & Evans win this match due to SummerSlam looming. The only possible scenario with that SummerSlam intangible is a possible Brock Lesnar cash-in. WWE needs a marquee match at SummerSlam & Lesnar could factor into that equation.
Eron: Rollins & Lynch
For all our sakes, please let this be the last we see of these four together. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been more sick of a feud than this one. For me, it has absolutely no juice whatsoever. I don’t see any universe in where Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch drop of their titles. I don’t see a world in where Baron Corbin and Lacey Evans are your world champions of the respective divisions. That is all.
Caden: Rollins & Lynch
This doesn’t warrant an explanation. I am sick of this feud and I am honestly sick of all four of these competitors. Rollins and Lynch will retain and hopefully the happy couple move on to do their own things.
John: Rollins & Lynch
Fully expect Rollins and Becky to win here. For what it’s worth I do no expect Brock Lesnar to cash in here.
Doug: Rollins & Lynch
I am a Corbin fan. I don’t hate Evans and fully understand why they are both being pushed and encourage it. But, good lord, not like this. Please not like this. The thoughts of the aftermath and all the relationship stuff that will most likely be built into it… yeah, no thanks. I don’t buy a couple having on-screen beef when I know they both go home and are cool with each other, but we shall see.
Extreme Rules is sure to be a fun night of action. Let us know who you think will walk out victorious!
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