WWE Extreme Rules is almost upon us. The one night per year where WWE goes extreme. The landscape of WWE changed a fair bit at its last PPV, SummerSlam, and the landscape of wrestling, in general, has changed even more drastically since then. It will be interesting to see how WWE builds on its last big show, and more importantly, how it uses this stage to react to some pretty major work on AEW's part.
As always, Extreme Rules will be available to watch live via the WWE Network, or the WWE Network on Peacock for those of you watching in the US. The main show will begin at 8 pm EST, with the kickoff show starting an hour earlier. Extreme Rules will take place on September 26, 2021, airing live from the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
RELATED: WWE Teases The Return Of Finn Balor's Demon King
Roman Reigns vs. "The Demon" Finn Balor for the Universal Championship
Finn Balor was supposed to get a Universal Title at SummerSlam. However, John Cena showing up and signing a contract that wasn't intended for him put a stop to that. Balor got the title shot he was owed on SmackDown, however, an attack before the match by The Usos made it an unfair fight. Not to mention the low blow Reigns needed to get the job done. That's why Balor will be getting another shot at Extreme Rules, and this time he'll be facing Reigns as The Demon
As Reigns walked away from that match, WWE very subtly teased that he may have awoken The Demon King. The following week, Balor showed up to SmackDown in his full Demon body paint, staring down the champ. Regardless, Reigns will be winning this one so he can go on to face Brock Lesnar in Saudi Arabia next month, so let's hope this isn't where The Demon re-debuts
Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair for the SmackDown Women's Championship
Becky Lynch returned after more than a year away from WWE last month at SummerSlam. It wasn't the return many expected, though. The Man took Sasha Banks' place in a title match versus Bianca Belair and won the championship in what was effectively a squash match. The EST of WWE has been trying to get a rematch against Lynch ever since, with The Man rejecting her challenges every week. That all changes at Extreme Rules where Belair will get the chance to redeem herself.
Unfortunately for Belair and her fans, it seems unlikely that the former champ will win the title for a second time at Extreme Rules. WWE didn't have Lynch win the title back within seconds of returning just so she can lose it again on a second-tier PPV a month later. Lynch to win this one with both women moving on to different opponents once the show is over.
Charlotte Flair vs. Alexa Bliss for the Raw Women's Championship
The road to breaking Ric Flair's World Title record is naturally paved with a lot of reigns for Charlotte Flair. This current run, which began at SummerSlam, is number 12. The Queen has moved away from the women she beat for the title though and faces something far scarier at Extreme Rules. An Alexa Bliss who still hasn't managed to shake the effect of Bray Wyatt even though he has been released.
This match is a tricky one to call. WWE has been having Flair lose the title quickly so that she can win it back and move closer to her dad's record. Some of these reigns actually need to last though otherwsie breaking that record will mean very little. Flair to win this one and actually remain champion for longer than a few weeks.
Damian Priest vs. Sheamus vs. Jeff Hardy for the United States Championship
WWE is getting some heavy criticism right now for doing too many rematches, especially on Raw. However, there's usually an exception to the rule, and this match between Damian Priest and Sheamus might be it. Rematches aren't so bad if the matches being repeated are actually good. The bouts involving these two have been heavy-hitters and good to watch. Having it again at Extreme Rules with the US Title on the line actually makes sense. Plus, adding Jeff Hardy into the mix will almost definitely improve the formula.
It's also a great way to keep building Priest without pushing him up to the next level which he isn't necessarily ready for yet. The US Champ to retain in this one with Sheamus Hardy moving on, possibly even to SmackDown if there really is going to be a draft soon.
The Usos vs. Street Profits for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships
The Bloodline is making a lot of enemies for themselves. Not only does that mean Reigns has a queue of people waiting to challenge for the Universal Title, but it also means The Usos are having to take on all comers for their SmackDown Tag Team Championships. The next challengers for their matching crowns will be Street Profits.
Street Profits have fallen off the radar a little recently and it seems unlikely that they will be winning titles again anytime soon. Especially since The Usos appear to have also rekindled their rivalry with New Day. Since there's a chance Jimmy and Jey face New Day at Survivor Series, the odds of them remaining champions at Extreme Rules are high.
Liv Morgan vs. Carmella
It feels as if fans have been lobbying for Liv Morgan to get a bigger and prolonged spotlight forever. Morgan is now the only remaining member of The Riott Squad left in WWE, which must mean the company thinks she has a future. Perhaps the start of that future will show itself when Morgan faces off against Carmella at Extreme Rules.
This match sort of came out of nowhere, and it's a little odd that WWE is having it go down on a PPV. However, it's a women's match without a title involved on a major show, so that's a win in itself. As for who will win the actual match, you'd think it'd be Morgan, but history shows WWE loves Carmella which might mean she nicks a win.
NEXT: CM Punk Has Bad News For Anyone Hoping To See AJ Lee Return
