'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Believe it or not, I did not mind Extreme Rules too much. I honestly thought that there were more strong moments than weak ones and that more often than not, the show delivered. PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA also boasted a hot crowd, with a tendency for trolling. And therefore, it was one of the stronger WWE pay-per-views I remember.
Follow Sportskeeda for the latest WWE news, rumors and all other wrestling news
Needless to say, I thought there were more 'Bests' than 'Worsts' at Extreme Rules, from start to finish. As always, I'm going to give you a rundown of all that transpired during the course of the exciting show. Be sure to sound off in the comments below.
Like I keep saying, you may have felt very differently from me about the events that transpired during the course of Extreme Rules 2018. Therefore, be sure to sound off even if your opinions don't reflect mine.
So, here's what I thought of Extreme Rules...
#1 Best: Massive upset
I thought Reigns vs. Lashley was a pretty solid match. The crowd tried its best to throw the match off track but the two men in the ring put on an exceptional display of skill. But what threw everyone off was how Bobby Lashley picked up a clean win at the end of the match. After all, it's not often than anyone beats Roman Reigns clean as a whistle.
Does this mean that Bobby Lashley is next in line to face Brock Lesnar? Considering that it seems that Brock Lesnar's days in WWE are numbered, does this mean that Lashley could be the next Universal Champion, ending Brock Lesnar's historic, record setting reign? We don't have to wait long to find out.
It certainly seems like WWE may head in that direction very soon. This is a match that people have wanted for many years now!
#1 Worst: Devaluing the WWE Championship?
Seth Rollins and Dolph Ziggler did end the night with a fantastic contest, for sure. The fact remains however that the Intercontinental Championship is a mid-card championship on RAW. At the same time, the WWE Championship is the top prize on SmackDown Live. The fact that it went on before the Intercontinental Championship match was a tragedy.
It is clear to see that WWE views RAW as the superior brand. It is also clear that AJ Styles' championship doesn't mean much.
#2 Best: Big heel turn?
Shinsuke Nakamura did not get a taste of gold during his program with AJ Styles. He picked up the United States Championship from Jeff Hardy at Extreme Rules, after a low blow. As Nakamura celebrated, a familiar tune was heard. Randy Orton made his return from injury once again.
Only it wasn't the same Randy Orton we all know and love. This was seemingly a heel Randy Orton, who took his ire out on Jeff Hardy with yet another crotch shot. Jeff Hardy will feel pain in the nether regions for a while.
Orton is at his best as a heel. He's also publicly stated that he wants to go heel after WWE turned him babyface some time back.
#2 Worst: No Hulk Hogan
Charly Caruso did mention on the Kickoff that Hulk Hogan was backstage at Extreme Rules. Therefore, I was a little surprised that he wasn't brought out. For a lot of people, this was a major incentive to tune in to the show.
Of course, whether or not he should have been brought back is another topic for another day. The fact that he's been reinstated should have meant that he would make a special Extreme Rules appearance.
#3 Best: A tribute to Mick Foley
Kevin Owens vs. Braun Strowman was a homage to The Attitude Era, from start to finish. Kevin Owens performed a Stunner and then the D-Generation X crotch chop. Braun Strowman hit him with a very Undertaker-like Chokeslam. And then, the big spot of the match happened.
Kevin Owens took the same bump off the top of the cage, that Mick Foley took from atop Hell in a Cell. The was also stretchered out in much the same manner, really. It was quite a fantastic tribute.
#3 Worst: The end of Asuka's push?
Asuka may have the longest undefeated streak in modern day sports entertainment by a fair margin. She may also be the winner of the first Women's Royal Rumble. However, she's lost in consecutive matches to Carmella. And this has just taken some of the sheen away.
I don't mind WWE booking their champion Carmella strongly. But somehow, I really did feel that Asuka needed this win more!
#4 Best/worst: The B Team
Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas are both solid wrestlers. I don't know if the B Team gimmick has any serious legs, to be honest. Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt at the very least had well-defined characters. Who knows if they will be as successful.
But I'm willing to give them a chance. Join me for the 'Best and Worst' of RAW in twenty four hours to gauge how they'll fare. Until the next time, keep praying to The Goddess.
Send us news tips at [email protected]
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
