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It's pay-per-view time once again! Extreme Rules may not have the same level of buzz that SummerSlam will, but the fact of the matter is that it's the last pit-stop on the way to the largest show of the Summer, and therefore WWE will have to ensure that they put their best foot forward.
Also, bear in mind that a new era begins soon after Extreme Rules with Bischoff and Heyman assuming their positions. Therefore, the way that everything lines up at the end of Extreme Rules will influence WWE programming in the coming weeks.
Therefore, what WWE cannot afford to do is make these 5 mistakes. If they do, it could have long-term repercussions and could drive viewers away from what could be a glorious new time for WWE.
In any case, here are five mistakes that WWE should not make at WWE Extreme Rules
#5 Not having Samoa Joe become the WWE Champion
Listen, I'm a big fan of Kofi Kingston and I thought that his WrestleMania storyline was absolutely top class.
But the fact of the matter is that Samoa Joe has come out on the losing end on more than one occasion, on bigger stages. To establish him as a dominant, believable heel, he needs to rack up a few big victories at least.
Whether it is clean or even through underhanded means, I think we should go into the Bischoff era with Samoa Joe as the face of SmackDown Live. We've all seen how passionate and fiery he can be when the situation demands it. We could see a very long feud between Joe and Kofi, if the title changes hands.
You don't want to have Samoa Joe lose too much momentum, in my opinion. He's a valuable asset who's not been used right.
#4 Taking the titles off Rollins and Lynch
Putting the RAW Women's Championship on Lacey Evans would be a mistake at this stage. But more importantly, making Baron Corbin the WWE Universal Champion would really be the worst thing that WWE could do at this point in time. It would drive a lot of viewers away.
WWE fans always complain about the fact that the company does not listen to their wishes and demands. They finally have a Universal Champion that they believe in, that they root for, in Seth Rollins. A long reign is needed to wipe out the bitter taste that Brock Lesnar left with his reign.
Even Becky Lynch was red-hot before WrestleMania 35 but seems to have cooled down after her feud with Lacey Evans. The worst thing that WWE could do is put the title around Evans' waist, because good as she is, she isn't ready to be the Champion.
#3 Having Aleister Black lose his big re-debut match
Sure, the main roster audience may already be familiar with Aleister Black from the time that he spent teaming up with Ricochet. But honestly, while his partner has ascended the ranks as the United States Champion, Black has lost a lot of momentum only appearing in backstage appearances.
Black needs to win his match against Cesaro at Extreme Rules. Some of you may argue that Cesaro needs the big win too, and I'd agree with you but he needs to bide his time for a while.
Even if Cesaro comes out on the losing end in this match, it could kickstart a feud where the two men could trade wins over the coming weeks. Both men are exemplary workers and it would help them both immensely.
Under no circumstances should Black come out on the losing end of this titanic clash, in my opinion.
#2 Not having Kevin Owens appear at the show
Kevin Owens is on fire after the pipe bomb that he cut on the WWE Universe the other day, that sent the internet into overdrive mode. He spoke a lot of truths albeit in a worked shoot format, aimed at his boss, Shane McMahon. He doesn't have a match at Extreme Rules and this is not a very good idea at all.
Owens is absolutely on fire right now, and to keep the buzz going he needs to run in during the Shane McMahon & Drew McIntyre match against Roman Reigns and the legendary Undertaker. Owens has the chance to become the CM Punk of the current era if he is booked right.
Maybe a match will be added to the card at the very last minute, in any case. Let's hope that he has a chance to tussle with Dolph Ziggler.
#1 Having Ricochet lose the United States Championship to Styles
Honestly, the fact of the matter is that AJ Styles is my favorite wrestler, maybe of all time. I've been a fan of his since his WCW days and would love for him to be a US Champion again.
But I've also come to the realization that Ricochet is the hot new thing, who reminds me a lot of Styles from his younger days and the need of the hour is to keep him strong. And to have him drop the United States Championship at this stage wouldn't really be a very wise decision.
AJ Styles is so over that he doesn't necessarily need a Championship to get a pop from the WWE Universe. Ricochet is the new sensation in WWE and could do with a little more momentum.
In any case, I think Vince McMahon agrees with me on this count, at least.
