It’s time for my WWE Extreme Rules predictions:
John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar (Extreme Rules Match)
I’m not sure what makes an Extreme Rules match any different from a no-DQ match, and as no one on TV has explained what exactly an Extreme Rules match entails, I’m pretty sure that most casual fans will have no idea what this means.
There is only one way that this match can go, and that is with a convincing win for Brock Lesnar. Of course, they could give the win to Cena, but this would be incredibly short-sighted. Based on WWE’s track-record over the last few years however, this is a distinct possibility.
I am working on the theory that Cena is going to be on a losing streak in order for his character to become more serious while still remaining a babyface. Though everything is currently pointing to a double turn by Cena and Brock, I just can’t see this happening. I can see another big match that Cena will lose, perhaps against another outsider like Batista or JBL (though I can’t see the latter returning any time soon).
Brock to win.
World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan (2-out-of-3 Falls Match)
This is a very difficult one to call because I’m sure that the audience’s reaction to Bryan since Mania has damaged the push of Sheamus. Are WWE going to run with it in the way that they did Jeff Hardy, or are they going to be in the mindset of letting the audience know how wrong they are, as they did with Ryder?
I find it amusing that WWE went for the record-breaking win with these two (a move which would have added more to the Cody/Big Show feud), only for it to backfire. I’m sure that the writers thought that it would be the perfect way to elevate Sheamus – it didn’t work and the fans turned. I know that personally I was pretty pissed off. Last year I’d paid for the match, only for it to be demoted to the dark match, only to be screwed again. To say I felt a little ripped off is an understatement.
I’m hoping that we’ll get a long, 4 star plus match out of this one. I hope they don’t do two quick pins with Sheamus retaining. Although I can’t see it happening, Bryan was a great champion and I’d love to see him get another run. Of course, this is WWE in 2012, so Sheamus is clearly going to win.
WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho (Chicago Street Fight)
The premise of the whole feud has been lame. I’m not interested in the feud at all, even though the match has the potential to be pretty decent.
If I’ve learnt one thing about sports through this feud, if you want to get a shot at a championship, the best thing to do is to lose clean at the biggest show of the year and then pour alcohol on your opponent. Junior Dos Santos should take heed, if someone pours Bourbon on you, that title shot is as good as signed.
Jericho to win.
Randy Orton vs. Kane (Falls Count Anywhere Match)
Poor Randy Orton. Has Kane ever been in a decent feud? Think about it... he hasn’t, has he? Match should be okay, Orton should be feuding with Bryan at the moment (not Jinder Mahal as they are hinting).
Orton to win.
Intercontinental Champion Big Show vs. Cody Rhodes
Based on the booking, logic would say that Cody has no chance of winning. This is WWE in 2012, so based on his losing streak, Cody will win.
United States Champion Santino Marella vs. The Miz
Poor Miz. The burial continues. Even if he wins, who gives a shit about the US title?
Miz to win.
Divas Champion Nikki Bella vs. Beth Phoenix
The match made on Twitter. Nikki will retain.
Final thoughts
This has the potential for three decent matches. I really want to see Danielson regain the title, after a gruelling back-and-forth match that elevates both guys. I wish Kane would just retire.
