Monday Night Raw’s second exclusive pay per view after Wrestlemania 33 – WWE Extreme Rules 2017 – has come to an end and what a great show it was. Sure, there were some weak spots with the Women’s Division matches but overall, it was a hell of a lot better than the last pay per view the WWE put out, Backlash.
The Monday Night Raw creative team took some bold decisions with respect to match winners and it paid off with an unpredictable show that swerved everyone with some unexpected results.
Despite the event coming out to a mostly positive reaction, there were some Superstars who came out looking like real winners while some were buried into the realm of losers – possibly forever. It just isn’t possible to make everyone look strong during a high profile event like Extreme Rules was.
So, as we count down the hours for the follow-up episode of Monday Night Raw, let’s take a look at our list of the biggest winners and losers from WWE Extreme Rules 2017:
Loser #4 – Sasha Banks
Sasha Banks deserves much much more than a glorified undercard match with the likes of Rich Swann, Noam Dar, and Alicia Fox. While you may argue that she should be classified a winner since, you know, she won, the match itself did more damage to The Boss’ image.
It was something no one really cared about, and it is a far cry from the days when Banks main event Hell in a Cell inside the steel structure against Charlotte last year. Let’s hope it’s the end of this feud.
Winner #4 – Sheamus and Cesaro
Finally. After weeks of losing to The Hardy Boyz in singles and tag team competition, Sheamus and Cesaro managed to grab a win – and the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships in the process – at Extreme Rules 2017.
The Celtic Warrior and The Swiss Superman put on a pretty good match against Matt and Jeff Hardy and this was an important victory in order to erase the damage of the series of losses they have endured.
Loser #3 – Goldust and R-Truth
It’s a little sad that Goldust and R-Truth weren’t given anything to do during Extreme Rules 2017. This was the perfect stage for them to build on their rivalry and create some buzz. A match on the undercard or a main card segment would have gone a long way in making that work.
With how much filler there is on Raw these days, building this feud would have helped in building interest for the Monday night mid-card.
Winner #3 – Neville and Austin Aries
Neville and Austin Aries put on one of the finest Cruiserweight matches since the division was reinstated following The Cruiserweight Classic. The two tore the house down in a great Submission match with the champion retaining his belt.
While some might argue that his loss should put A Double on the Losers list, I argue that his great performance warrants a place on the Winners list instead. Despite failing to win the title on three straight occasions, he still looks like a real star.
It’s also a treat to see The King of the Cruiserweights extend his reign. He is by far the most impressive performer on the 205 roster.
Loser #2 – Bayley
Bayley’s run as a credible contender on the Monday Night Raw Women’s Division is all but over after Extreme Rules 2017. The Huggable One was completely and utterly squashed by Alexa Bliss and she barely got any sort of offence in.
What’s next from Bayley is anyone’s guess but I highly doubt it can undo the damage this whole feud against Bliss has done to her reputation.
Winner #2 – The Miz
It was quite a surprise that The Miz was able to capture the Intercontinental Championship for the seventh time in his illustrious career at Extreme Rules 2017 and that firmly makes him a winner. It also makes the IC title a winner.
The belt just didn’t feel all that important around Dean Ambrose’s waist and we hope The A-Lister has yet another long run with the gold. Speaking of Dean Ambrose...
Loser #1 – Dean Ambrose
In less than a year, Dean Ambrose has gone from WWE Champion to not even being worthy of holding the Intercontinental Championship. There’s something about his style that just doesn’t excite the crowd as it should.
The Lunatic Fringe’s downward spiral continues and you have to wonder what’s next for the former mouthpiece of The Shield. He’s certainly not doing as well his former partners. Which brings us to...
Winner #1 – Everyone from the Fatal Fiveway match
Every single person from the Fatal Fiveway match looked incredible at Extreme Rules 2017. Samoa Joe was the biggest winner obviously with his unexpected victory and new status as the new Number 1 Contender to the WWE Universal Championship.
But, even the other four men – Bray Wyatt, Finn Balor, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins – all looked really really good despite coming up short and it is an exciting time at the top of the Monday Night Raw roster.
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