Extreme Rules 2014
Live on Pay Per View, Sunday May
4th, from the Izod Centre in East Rutherford, New Jersey, would Extreme Rules
be a worthy pay off for staff, the WWE Network and its new age performers? The
biggest test for WWE was not Extreme Rules, but the WWE Network itself hosting
PPV after going it alone from traditional cable providers. Would a future be
laid down or simply washed out? Let's find out.
Triple Threat
Rob Van Dam Vs Jack Swagger Vs
Antonio Cesaro w/ Paul Heyman
RVD begins the show with his
Rolling Thunder at Jack Swagger who monkey flipped Antonio Cesaro on top
instead. RVD later dropped a powerbomb onto Cesaro to the floor. Cesaro returns
later to swing Swagger stopped mid way by Van Dam.
Antonio slammed Swagger with a
heavy suplex as RVD elsewhere flew the frog splash to nail Swagger. Jack
Swagger became eliminated. That's right. This late triple threat addition was a
elimination from the original Swagger/Cesaro collision. Van Dam uses the guard
rail and lands on Cesaro from the ring apron. Fans chant ECW. Hardly, but fans
are feeling the buzz at this time, which is a comfort to the performers. After
using a trash can slightly in ring, RVD takes to the top for a frog splash once
more. Rob Van Dam missed as Antonio Cesaro won the battle with a powerful
neutralizer. Van Dam continues to use
his exact routine from yesteryear in a smooth and easy going relay. If he
really wants to re-influence his place, he and WWE are going to need to figure
this out with a more current transition.
Handicap
Alexander Rusev w/ Lana Vs
R-Truth and Xavier Woods
If there was ever any doubt that
two could overcome one as odds would have it, allow Extreme Rules to enlighten
you. After an introduction from the ever cherry glazed lipstick lovely Lana, she
absurdly dedicated the match to Russian President Vladimir Putin. There was
simply no need. Ingenious WWE allowed Ruzev to dominate the match and crush the
pair of superstars who became two random jobbers in the evening. Running as a
failed prospect of big men with all muscle mass and no talent, skill or charisma,
Alexander Rusev easily crushed Xavier Woods and R-Truth. Woods, one of WWE's so
called favoured prospects called up months ago, was pummelled into oblivion. We
never saw greatness in Woods, but even if WWE did, a call up to destroy them on
national television was plainly ridiculous.
The new reform of Evolution had a
chat backstage.
Intercontinental Championship
Big E. (c) Vs Bad News Barrett
Quite a lot has occurred in
recent weeks for this. First Langston was re-branded as Big E. after WWE got
bored of the muscle mass prospect. Adding insult to injury, Bigster had to
simply watch a TV screen in the locker-room over two weeks of Raw shows leading
to the PPV. On these shows an Intercontinental tournament was launched and
dragged on so long it was pointless. Leading candidate Cesaro, by fans, was
predictably by this writer, used as a swerve from WWE bigwigs to place Barrett
onto the path of IC glory. The tournament failed to build strong momentum as
intended for this match itself.
Though Big E. has been a huge
liability and careless in his in-ring behaviour WWE once again, likened to
Woods, dropped someone they felt important at the time. Not to say 'we told you
so' (which we did) we wanted to protect these cautions. WWE chose not to think
and placed the path regardless. The result was this disaster of no momentum to
either champion or challenger and a waste of talent presented. Given yet
another senseless push, Bad News Borette held most of the action. Big E. was
allowed a little action in spots to run and support the match. Big E. attempted
the Big Ending backbreaker, but was countered by Bad News Barrett who ran a
botched and non connective forearm fly followed by the Bull Hammer.
Some fans cheered for Barrett
because they were so bored of the IC title in limbo while others had no real
reaction. The basis of change was present. It was not for with Big E. or
Barrett themselves. Therein lies the problem. Barrett's countless repackage and
mid-tier prospects are so dim that not even the IC title can save him from
jobber to future endeavours even if WWE are high on him, for now.
Six man Tag Team
Evolution Vs The Shield
The Evolution refit of Batista,
Triple H and Randy Orton for this very match up was cast in doubt. Will Triple
H's incessant ego drop The Shield a chance to be big names? Is the ego that big
that being off television as a headline performer is so difficult to bear he
will dilute a PPV instead?
The Shield began clearing house
as Evolution then took control. Ambrose was used as whopping boy by Triple H
and Co. until he managed a comeback enough to tag in Roman Reigns. Reigns fell
to a pedigree but kicked out. So much for a new star in the making. He kicked
out of an RKO, performed well by both Orton and Reigns. This one then went into
the crowd with fighting. Ooh, how novel. The crowd getting some 'Extreme'
action.
Seth Rollins was then required
for the flying spot. He launched from the stands onto Orton and HHH, which was
perfectly done by The trio's superglue Rollins.
Reigns flew the superman punch
onto Batista in the ring during the frucous smashing Batista of Evolution as
Reigns picked up the victory for The Shield.
Steel Cage
Bray Wyatt w/ Erick Rowan and
Luke Harper Vs John Cena
After their weird encounter at
Wrestlemania last month, would this match for Wyatt raise the profile after a
loss previously when the big stage could have presented such glorious opportunity?
Over with crowd, Wyatt began
strong. Cena countered in typical fashion, but met by Rowan upon an escape
attempt. The Wyatt's await on yet another attempt for a Cena escape, who
clearly did not learn from the first try. Cena's extreme over-animation in character,
mannerisms and in-ring action just screams stupidity. Fans are not that stupid.
They are fed up with it.
Cena tries a pin which Bray kicks
out of. Cena reaches the door now. Again, clever thinking Cena is met by Rowan
and Harper who halt the escape. Harper predictably enters the cage. Cena lands
an Attitude Adjustment from the top rope failing as Harper saves his family
member.
As Cena mounts a chance to escape
(again) the lights go out. The sound of a lone child signing "He's got the
Whole World in his hands" sounds from a muffled microphone. Distracted and
confused John Cena misplaces his faith and is nailed by Bray Wyatt with Sister
Abigail to land a clean pinfall victory.
Divas Championship
Paige (c) Vs Tamina
Tamina was allowed huge momtuem
and dominance over Paige fromthe beginning. After winnning the diva's title in
a random encounter with AJ on the post-Wrestlemania Raw, fluke champion Paige
has been booked with jobbers to lead to her match this evening. Taking on the
likes of Aksana, Alicia Fox, Aksana and alaicia Fox, with a dash of Rosa Mendes
thrown in, Paige is nothing more than a flunkie. Paige's interactions were
sloppy and inaccurate.
Called up by Triple H's desperate
ego trying to prove to WWE up top he can run the show, is pathetic. With his
failed stars Sin Cara and Kharma, both of whcih are gone from WWE, HHH is
desperate to have a name on TV he can say was his great forward thinking. With
his clutches tightly squeezing the skill out of NXT call ups, HHH saw an
oppotunity. Picking a fan favouirte who put in a few average performances with
a very sprse roster in NXT for fan cheer, HHH has actually cost himself his
reputation tenfold.
What makes for NXT success doesn't
equate to WWE stardom. Alexander Rusev, Xavier Woods, Bo Dallas (wherever he
is) among others prove WWE's mismanagement is costing them a real chance. All
to say, 'I did this' because WWE are getting fairly clueless, though not as
clueless as TNA, granted. If it can't
think of ideas, hire this writer despite your pride costing you everytime.
"There is no-one who can do what I can do" Argue all you like, this
is a fact.
Tamina was predictable defeated
by fluke champ and inexperience mainstage diva Paige. What a waste. Fans want
to know when is the point WWE will actually value anything ever again. Will
Triple H's re-re-launch of the Diva's division after dropping the tag division
since his mates are not champ be ever fruitful? Hmm.
WWE World Heavyweight
Championship
Daniel Bryan (c) Vs Kane
After finally gaining the heavyweight
gold, Daniel Bryan took his first defence against Kane. The 5 foot 8 superstar
who has a different look to WWE and the audience whom respect it took place in
WWE's annual new age, past Wrestlemania PPV block. Does this remind you of
anyone who had the World title at this stage years prior under all the exact
requirements? Expect a loss before Summerslam.
Kane began with a Singapore cane onslaught
of Bryan. The re-heated fire breathen Kane provided excellent competition for
Bryan. Re-masked and as dangerous as ever, Kane battered the champ in a show of
understanding. Bryan changed pace with a tornado DDT off the announce table
outside.
The pair took the fight
backstage. Ooh. An Extreme Rules thriller every year. After turning the tables
on Kane, Bryan however made it memorable, at least for now, using a forklift
truck. Wheeling Kane back to the ring on the vehicle front, Bryan lands a
headbutt. Kane kicks out. A near fall chokeslam returned to Bryan in retaliation.
Bryan uses chair attacks and kendo sticks on the monster before placing the
YES! Lock on him. Kane smashes Bryan through a outside stacked table. The
monster proceeds to lit a table on fire for Daniel to fly through. Kane is
misplaced by Daniel Bryan's skill and Bryan puts Kane through the fiery wood
instead. Daniel Bryan follows up with the running knee attack for the win.
PPV Rating - 5/10
Men/Women of their matches - Antonio
Cesaro, R-Truth, Big E., Seth Rollins, Bray Wyatt, Tamina, Daniel Bryan
Man/Woman of the PPV -Daniel
Bryan
The Swiss sensation of beefcake
galore is not growing as WWE intended. Their start/stop treatment is costly at
the highest level. Even as a Max Waltham Paul Heyman guy, Antonio Cesaro could
well be doomed at this point. Favouring Wade Barrett over Cesaro proves WWE
have no idea, even if Cesaro should not be Intercontinental champion.
Barrett as champion, with yet
another useless gimmick to try to prove he can make it before WWE finally concede
defeat is laughable. It makes the company look entirely stupid, really clueless
and very biased. What level of hope is there when it also discredits its own
title? WWE need to find real challengers not one word gimmicks that offer no interest
whatsoever.
The Shield are on a course of
slow burner which we suggested as praise. WWE, however, are unsure how to
develop them all whilst keeping the battle ticking over. Stuck in the '80's is
clearly hurting the future now.
Tamina should have grabbed the
title at Extreme Rules. When WWE are going to boost this aggressive, clever and
powerful diva is anyone's guess. People, especially with diva's matches, have
low interest and a flunkie champion on a handshake victory will not encapsulate
the audience. She needs to be dropped, pronto. Do it now. This will only ever
continue your problems. Why would you need such problems unnecessarily?
In the case of Wyatt, it was too
little, too late. Wyatt's win was needed at Wrestlemania. Merchandise seller
John Cena remains WWE's problem. There is nothing wrong with selling
merchandise, but affecting the product from moving forward to a future is
wasteful. Anything Wyatt does with Cena over the coming months is not fully momentous,
because the culmination at 'Mania was needed to win. Cena, however, has few
opponents to battle with. Tired and dated, Cena is losing stride as much as
every challenger he fights. The drawing board with WWE must be assessed in
order to re-structure the way forward. It is simple. WWE just don't know what
to do, so will revert to the past. The result is the present, never a future.
Daniel Bryan is booked as champ.
He'll keep it though to the Summer, so WWE need to get on with making real
contenders to his title, to validify the heavyweight reign as important,
powerful and meaningful after a year in the making with last year's up and down
coming of age story.
WWE are really trying to make new stars, that much is clear.
Their lack of understanding how to do it, who to place and in what light is
making WWE look ridiculous. With it, fans lose interest, even if they continue
to watch as standard than be fully engaged. Fans in the Wrestlemania arena were
bored during The Undertaker's match, which is shambolic that this legend was resigned
to nothingness.
WWE's future is currently lit. We are officially in the
underachievers era. The one's that WWE failed to launch correctly have now been
placed. In their placings they either are useless or have been used as fodder whilst
as champion. That is simply ludicrous. WWE is low on stock. It needs to
seriously think about its way forward than simply assume it will be okay.
For WWE, its over reliance on the
personal thrill of the WWE Network is reducing its quality. Never to be outdone
by anyone, Vince McMahon will want the network to become a roaring success.
With already so much money wasted on the network, WWE should have stuck with
financing its future with training, new hires and backstage business growers. Fans
already disgruntled at the shabby transmissions of choppy and delay features,
the WWE's Network is something that may be around from those up top, but the
fans will not be encouraged to support it, nor passionately get behind it to
boost its popularity. Can it before it grows too problematic. Don't get in
'over your heads' as the company got in a flurry with streaming giant Netflix,
as noted by WWE's head office. You're Welcome.
© Max Waltham 05th May 2014
