WWE Extreme Rules Review: John Cena taken out on stretcher

In what is becoming a post-WrestleMania tradition, WWE went to the extreme with their latest pay-per-view offering from St. Louis. Several stipulation matches took place to further feuds stemming from WrestleMania and three championships were on the line as all three members of The Shield were looking to claim gold.

Brock Lesnar and Triple H had their rubber match inside a steel cage in the main event while John Cena defended the WWE Championship in a Last Man Standing Match against Ryback. With World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler out with a concussion, former champions Alberto Del Rio and Jack Swagger battled for the next title shot. And The Shield tried to become the new United States and Tag Team Champions.

(1) Chris Jericho d. Fandango

This was a good opener. Fandango missed his top rop leg drop which led to a Walls of Jericho attempt. Fandango made it to the ropes, but later would go up top again and jump right into the Codebreaker as Jericho picked up the win. The Fandango character is growing on me, but I just don't see it having longevity.

(2) Dean Ambrose d. Kofi Kingston to win United States Championship

You had to figure The Shield was winning all the gold at Extreme Rules. Kingston hit the Trouble in Paradise which knocked Ambrose off the apron. Kingston hurried to get Ambrose back in the ring. JBL wondered why Kingston even bothered considering he could keep his title. Once back in, Ambrose barely grabbed the bottom rope during the pin attempt. Kingston missed another Trouble in Paradise and Ambrose capture his first title with a headlock driver. Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, who weren't at ringside, came back out to celebrate.

(3) Sheamus d. Mark Henry in Strap Match

Red and green lights were in each corner to let the crowd know when Sheamus or Henry had touched a turnbuckle. They did the spot where Henry carried Sheamus around as he touched, but didn't realize Sheamus was doing the same. Eventually, Henry figured out and slammed Sheamus. At the end, Sheamus had touched three corners. Henry went picked him up, but Sheamus got out and hit the Brogue kick before getting to the fourth corner. The match was fine. You don't see strap matches that often so it was a fun novelty.

(4) Alberto Del Rio d. Jack Swagger in I Quit Match

With Ziggler out, we got the continuation of a feud no one wanted. Swagger got Del Rio in the Patriot Lock and Rodriguez teased throwing in the towel. He got into it with Coulter who threw in the towel which led to the finish since the referee saw the towel and called it. In a weird spot, another referee ran out to say what happened so the original referee looked at a replay. The match was restarted and Del Rio won with the cross armbreaker. Let's hope Ziggler beats Del Rio quickly after returning so we can all move on.

(5) The Shield d. Team Hell No to win WWE Tag Team Championship

This was held under tornado rules which I totally forgot even while watching the match. Cole mentioned how long Team Hell No had been champions and JBL gave him crap about jinxing them. Sure enough, The Shield took the titles when Reigns got Bryan up in torture rack position and Rollins came off the top with a knee. It's nice that all three members are champions, but it doesn't matter if WWE doesn't make the titles feel important. The Tag Team Titles were built back up thanks to Bryan and Kane so I'm not worried about that, but the US Title needs a purpose.

(6) Randy Orton d. Big Show in Extreme Rules Match

It was better than I thought it would be. Orton tried everything to put Show away including the draping DDT and an RKO on a chair. In the end, Orton resorted to the punt kick to win. The feud appears to be done so now Orton needs to be put back in the main event picture.

(7) Ryback vs John Cena went to No Contest in Last Man Standing Match for WWE Championship

Speaking of better than expected, Cena vs Ryback was a pleasant surprise. They brawled around the ring and out into the crowd. All the big moves were used (AA, Shellshocked, etc). Cena put Ryback through a table and later used a fire extinguisher. The big spot came at the end where, on the stage, Ryback plowed Cena through the lighting set next to the entrance. The match just ended and Cena had to be put on a stretcher while Ryback eventually made it to his feet. I guess at the least Ryback didn't lose and this will continue the feud into WWE Payback.

(8) Brock Lesnar d. Triple H in Steel Cage Match

Right off the bat, Triple H ran out and attacked Lesnar before they got into the cage. Inside, Lesnar ran his knee into the cage and sold it for the rest of the match. Triple H went to work on the knee including a Figure Four. Heyman got in the cage, but took a Pedigree. Triple H hit the Pedigree on Lesnar for two. He grabbed a silver sledgehammer from above the cage. Heyman gave him a low blow. That allowed Lesnar to hit Triple H with the sledgehammer and the F5 to win. It took Triple H a long time to get up. I'm curious to see where things go from here for Lesnar and Triple H.

Overall, I think Extreme Rules was better than I thought it would be. We were missing that one great match which could've been the ladder match that was cancelled. Ryback vs Cena and Lesnar vs HHH were good though and it was cool to see The Shield get some gold. I'm sure we'll get some follow up on Cena, Ryback, HHH, and Lesnar on Raw.

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WWE Extreme Rules Preview & Predictions

WrestleMania season is over and now we're at that time of year where WWE usually gets into a funk until SummerSlam. Hopefully that won't be the case in 2013, but we'll see as WWE presents Extreme Rules this Sunday night on pay-per-view from the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.

The main event is a Last Man Standing Match for the WWE Championship between new heel Ryback and champion John Cena. Cena beat The Rock at WrestleMania XXIX to become top dog once again while Ryback turned his back on the fans for a shot at the title.

The real main event though probably ends up being the final meeting between Triple H and Brock Lesnar as they enter a steel cage on Sunday. Lesnar won the first match last year at SummerSlam while Triple H returned the favor at WrestleMania. 

A concussion has kept new World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler off the card, but his two challengers will square off in an I Quit Match to determine the true top contender to his title. It wil be Alberto Del Rio and Jack Swagger in another WrestleMania rematch.

WWE Championship: Last Man Standing Match

Ryback vs John Cena

The storyline makes sense from a logic standpoint, but the execution has gotten worse as time has passed. Ryback, at his low point following a WrestleMania loss to Mark Henry, attacked new WWE Champion and friend John Cena in order to position himself for a shot at the title. The follow-up promo by Ryback summed it all up nicely when he described several times he was attacked by The Shield and Cena was nowhere to be found.

And it would be great if that were the end of the story. Unfortunately, things were ruined by jokester Cena who seemingly downplayed the threat of Ryback as a title challenger even as Cena was being hampered by a heel injury. The announcement of the Last Man Standing stipulation did get one serious Cena face, but that was it. Otherwise it has been lame jokes about Ryback's voice and how he's a whiner. 

Even with Cena's injury and the stipulation, I don't think too many fans buy Ryback defeating Super Cena. And it's WWE's own fault for the way this storyline has played out. They have also booked themselves into a corner because Ryback has lost so much over recent months that he almost has to win or WWE may have cost themselves a main eventer. Last Man Standing gives them a way out of Cena being pinned and he can just win the title back the next month (as much as I hate short title reigns).

Prediction: Ryback

Steel Cage Match

Triple H vs Brock Lesnar

I don't think too many people figured when Brock Lesnar returned to WWE last year that three of his first four matches would be against Triple H. There hasn't been anything wrong with them, but it certainly feels like it's time to move on after the Steel Cage Match at Extreme Rules. 

WWE made way too big of a deal out of Paul Heyman and Lesnar destroying Triple H's crappy pretend office (and even Triple H scoffed at it), but they made up for it with a nice go-home angle at the end of Raw this week. I expect this to end the show with Lesnar winning. It will probably be by escaping the cage too so Triple H doesn't have to be pinned.

Prediction: Brock Lesnar

I Quit Match

Jack Swagger vs Alberto Del Rio

It's really too bad Dolph Ziggler got hurt because the triple threat Ladder Match for the World Heavyweight Title was the match I was looking forward to the most. Instead, we get a WrestleMania rematch of a feud that needs to end. I really like the Jack Swagger/Zeb Coulter act and I'm glad WWE hasn't given up on it. I'm just not sold on Alberto Del Rio as a babyface though. You can tell WWE is putting a square peg in a round hole just so they can have a top latino babyface.

The match itself should be fine. Swagger has been more intense since returning and Del Rio can carry his own, but I just get the feeling that whoever wins will just be losing to Ziggler anyway so WWE can move on to the next program. That's fine with me, but it doesn't make this match all that important.

Prediction: Alberto Del Rio

WWE Tag Team Championship: Tornado Match

The Shield vs Team Hell No

Now that The Shield has beaten every three-man team thrown at them, it's time for them to hold some gold. I was for sure WWE was going to do the Free Bird rule where any of the three members could defend the titles, but Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns are getting the shot here while Dean Ambrose does the solo thing in his quest to win the United States Title.

Daniel Bryan and Kane have done a great job as Tag Team Champions and certainly a better one than I thought when they were first paired up. Kane always works as a partner though and Bryan has come into his own as a character. It's time to move on though. Bryan deserves to be in the title mix and The Shield can hold these belts for a long time.

Prediction: The Shield

Fandango vs Chris Jericho

Personally, I can't get into the Fandango character, but if anyone can get him on the right track it's Chris Jericho. I just don't see any longevity in a dancing persona. Jericho lost at WrestleMania so I imagine he gets his win back, but I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't either.

Prediction: Chris Jericho

Strap Match

Mark Henry vs Sheamus

This feud came out of nowhere. Henry went from beating Ryback at WrestleMania and having a match with John Cena the next night to randomly attacking Sheamus for no reason. And yet WWE has made Sheamus out to look like the bully somehow. I'm not a big fan of strap matches, but this should be a fine brawl. It really doesn't matter who wins.

Prediction: Sheamus

Extreme Rules Match

Randy Orton vs Big Show

Randy Orton, Sheamus, and Big Show formed an unlikely team that eventually lost to The Shield at WrestleMania. Show knocked out Orton afterwards and their feud has continued into Extreme Rules where they will compete in the event-named stipulation match.

Orton desperately needs a heel turn and return to prominence at the top of the card. Past issues aside, WWE needs all the help it can get in the main event. At this point, Show is an afterthought. Orton should definitely go over here.

Prediction: Randy Orton

United States Championship Match

Dean Ambrose vs Kofi Kingston

It was a surprise addition to the card as it looked like Kofi Kingston would be defending against Big E Langston with the idea that eventually Ziggler, Langston, and AJ would all have titles. Perhaps WWE changed its mind because that distinction may go to The Shield instead. 

Ambrose seems like the initial breakout star of a group where all three could have an impact down the road. I don't see any reason to make this match unless Ambrose was going to win the US Title.

Prediction: Dean Ambrose

Extreme Rules starts with a pre-show match between The Miz and Cody Rhodes. I'll have a review posted after the show (which I will get to watch this time).

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Fantasy Booking: Dolph Ziggler cashes in to become new WWE Champion

Note: For the most part, fantasy updates will consist of monthly pay-per-view reports. However, when a big angle or development is needed between events, I will post about those happenings as well.

John Cena overcame a year filled with adversity and beat The Rock to become the new WWE Champion at WrestleMania XXIX. Unfortunately, his happy ending wouldn't last very long.

Cena competed in the main event of Raw the night after WrestleMania against Mark Henry. Henry was disqualified and continued his attack after the match until Ryback made the save. As Henry and Ryback fought to the backstage area, Dolph Ziggler came out with AJ Lee and Big E Langston.

An excited Ziggler gave his Money in the Bank briefcase to the referee and an impromptu match began against the fallen champion. Cena put up a fight and had Ziggler up for the Attitude Adjustment at one point, but Ziggler slipped out and countered with the Zig Zag for the win.

Raw ended with Ziggler celebrating his first reign as WWE Champion.

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WWE updates Extreme Rules card without Dolph Ziggler

Dolph Ziggler's status for Extreme Rules had been up in the air after suffering a concussion in a match against Jack Swagger. With the pay-per-view less than a week away, WWE couldn't hold out hope any longer. 

It was announced last night on Raw that the Ladder Match for the World Title is now off with Ziggler out of action. Swagger and Alberto Del Rio will instead compete in an I Quit Match to name the No. 1 contender.

Other matches added to the Extreme Rules card include Dean Ambrose vs Kofi Kingston for the United States Title and Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns vs Team Hell No for the Tag Team Titles.

Here is the updated lineup for Sunday:

-Ryback vs John Cena in Last Man Standing Match for WWE Title

-Triple H vs Brock Lesnar in Steel Cage Match

-Jack Swagger vs Alberto Del Rio in I Quit Match

-The Shield vs Team Hell No in Tornado Match for Tag Titles

-Sheamus vs Mark Henry in Strap Match

-Randy Orton vs Big Show in Extreme Rules Match

-Fandango vs Chris Jericho

-Dean Ambrose vs Kofi Kingston for US Title

-The Miz vs Cody Rhodes (Pre-Show)

We will have a full preview of Extreme Rules at the end of the week.

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History of WWE Extreme Rules

Since WWE went to a monthly pay-per-view format, the show after WrestleMania has had some big main events. For over a decade, that event was known as Backlash and included matches like The Rock vs Steve Austin, Triple H vs The Rock, Bill Goldberg vs The Rock, Batista vs The Undertaker, and Edge vs John Cena.

Eventually, WWE went with Extreme Rules to follow up on WrestleMania. Most of the matches on the card include hardcore stipulations. This year is no exception with a Last Man Standing Match, Ladder Match, Strap Match, etc. 

Let's take a look at the brief history of WWE Extreme Rules:

WWE Extreme Rules

June 7, 2009

The first Extreme Rules event saw CM Punk cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase after Jeff Hardy beat Edge in a Ladder Match to win the World Heavyweight Title. Punk was a babyface at the time, but this would start a turn to the dark side for the eventual leader of the Straight Edge Society. Batista became the new WWE Champion after he beat Randy Orton in a Steel Cage Match. However, the next night on Raw, Legacy put Batista out of action. 

(1) Kofi Kingston d. William Regal & Matt Hardy & MVP to retain United States Title

(2) Chris Jericho d. Rey Mysterio in No Holds Barred Match to win Intercontinental Title

(3) CM Punk d. Umaga in Samoan Strap Match

(4) Tommy Dreamer d. Christian & Jack Swagger in Hardcore Match to win ECW Title

(5) Vickie Guerrero & Chavo Guerrero d. Santina Marella in Hogpen Match to win Miss WrestleMania

(6) Batista d. Randy Orton in Steel Cage Match to win WWE Title

(7) John Cena d. Big Show in Submission Match

(8) Jeff Hardy d. Edge in Ladder Match to win World Heavyweight Title

(9) CM Punk d. Jeff Hardy to win World Heavyweight Title

WWE Extreme Rules

April 25, 2010

In 2010, the main feud was for the WWE Championship between John Cena and Batista. Cena won the title from Batista at WrestleMania which led to a rematch at Extreme Rules in a Last Man Standing Match. This was the match where Cena won by taping Batista's legs to the ropes. Cena would win again the next month as Batista left WWE. Elsewhere on the card, Edge beat Chris Jericho in a Steel Cage Match and Sheamus won a Street Fight over Triple H.

(1) Hart Dynasty d. ShoMiz & Truth & Wisdom & World's Strongest Tag Team in Gautlet Match

(2) CM Punk d. Rey Mysterio in Hair Match

(3) JTG d. Shad Gaspard in Strap Match

(4) Jack Swagger d. Randy Orton in Extreme Rules Match to retain World Heavyweight Title

(5) Sheamus d. Triple H in Street Fight

(6) Beth Phoenix d. Michelle McCool in Extreme Makeover Match to win Women's Title

(7) Edge d. Chris Jericho in Steel Cage Match

(8) John Cena d. Batista in Last Man Standing Match to retain WWE Title

WWE Extreme Rules

May 1, 2011

The Miz retain the WWE Championship against John Cena at WrestleMania and it led to a triple threat match at Extreme Rules between the two and John Morrison. Cena won the Steel Cage Match and the title. Edge was forced to retire and vacate the World Heavyweight Title. His former partner Christian captured it at Extreme Rules in a Ladder Match against Alberto Del Rio. This was also the last match for Michelle McCool who left WWE after losing to Layla.

(1) Randy Orton d. CM Punk in Last Man Standing Match

(2) Kofi Kingston d. Sheamus in Table Match to win United States Title

(3) Michael Cole & Jack Swagger d. Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler in Country Whipping Match

(4) Rey Mysterio d. Cody Rhodes in Falls Count Anywhere Match

(5) Layla d. Michelle McCool in No DQ/Count Out Loser Leaves Match

(6) Christian d. Alberto Del Rio in Ladder Match to win World Heavyweight Title

(7) Big Show & Kane d. The Corre in Lumberjack Match to retain Tag Team Titles

(8) John Cena d. The Miz & John Morrison in Steel Cage Match to retain WWE Title

WWE Extreme Rules

April 29, 2012

Last year featured the return of Brock Lesnar in a huge main event against John Cena. In one of the more brutal matches you will see in today's WWE, Cena escaped with the win in a move that still seems like a bad decision. Following their match at WrestleMania, CM Punk retained the WWE Title against Chris Jericho in a Chicago Street Fight. 

(1) Randy Orton d. Kane in Falls Count Anywhere Match

(2) Brodus Clay d. Dolph Ziggler

(3) Cody Rhodes d. Big Show in Table Match to win Intercontinental Title

(4) Sheamus d. Daniel Bryan in 2/3 Falls to retain World Heavyweight Title

(5) Ryback d. Aaron Relic & Jay Hatton

(6) CM Punk d. Chris Jericho in Street Fight to retain WWE Title

(7) Layla d. Nikki Bella to win Divas Title

(8) John Cena d. Brock Lesnar in Extreme Rules Match

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Raw 90: Brock Lesnar destroys The Game's sad office

With less than two weeks to go until Extreme Rules, WWE put on a dud of a Raw episode. There wasn't anything terribly wrong with it, it was just kind of there. Three hours went by (or in my case 90 minutes) and it feels like we're in the same spot as before as we wait for the pay-per-view to get here.

This week the extreme stipulation was revealed for Ryback vs John Cena, Brock Lesnar made a trip to WWE corporate headquarters in Stamford, and Ryback helped in an attack from The Shield (sort of). Here is what went down on the Hulu edition of Raw:

Main Event Stipulation

Raw didn't get off to a good start as John Cena decided to do one of his not funny, cutesy promos. Ryback is not an established top heel so he's made to look like a goof when Cena is making fun of him. At least, by the end of this, Cena looked serious when Ryback chose a Last Man Standing Match as the stipulation for their match at Extreme Rules.

Damien Sandow vs Randy Orton

This match was interesting for several reasons. One, Sandow sang a parody of Orton's theme song to the ring. While this doesn't necessarily fit his character all that fell, it came off better than forcing Antonio Cesaro to yodel. Sandow might be able to pull this off even though I don't see the point of it. After the win, the announcers brought up how Orton has title aspirations and has been on a tear as of late. I take that as a sign that Orton will be back in the title picture soon (whether it be WWE or World) as he should be. The main event needs all the help it can get. Also, in an effort to mix things up I'm guessing, Big Show knocked out Orton while the announcers were talking to the camera. It lends some unpredictability to the show and that's always a good thing.

Alberto Del Rio vs Dolph Ziggler

Zeb Coulter was entertaining on commentary, but with so many people announcing it took away from the match at times. Jack Swagger came out looking the best here thanks to his intense post-match, ladder-wielding attack of everyone - Big E Langston, Ricardo Rodriguez, Ziggler, and Del Rio. I'm probably looking forward to the triple threat ladder match the most at Extreme Rules.

Brock Lesnar's Day Out

I didn't love it or hate it, it was just time filler to me. That's pretty much how I felt about the show overall too. And this was a long segment too which is why there was so much cut out of the 90-minute version. Lesnar looked like a monster as usual, and Heyman was great in his role too, but Triple H brushed it off so why should we care? And that office was ridiculous. Does anyone believe that is how a COO's office would look like in real life? This feud needs to be done.

Sheamus vs Wade Barrett

This match was just a backdrop to the Sheamus vs Mark Henry feud which is sad considering there is more potential in a Sheamus rivalry with Wade Barrett. It would also make the IC Title mean more (at least I think...that title may already be dead). Henry and Sheamus got into it and then all of a sudden Barrett came out. The announcers said "oh yeah, Sheamus is already scheduled to compete against Barrett." How much of an afterthought does Barrett need to be? Sheamus won with the Brogue kick and Henry attacked him with a belt. Cue the strap match at Extreme Rules. And I bet Barrett doesn't even get a match on the show.

Kane vs Ryback

Daniel Bryan wanted a rematch with Ryback, but the title challenger said no. Kane stepped up for his partner which led to this main event. It was about what you'd expect a Ryback vs Kane match to be. Kane went for a move up top and Ryback picked him up for Shellshocked. Is there a rule in WWE that says all champions must except for the WWE Champion? The Shield came out and Ryback bailed. Daniel Bryan and then John Cena ran out to help the fallen Kane. Ryback then went back in with a chair to fend off The Shield, but took out Cena with it as well. 

Ryback looked strong to end the show, but I think the damage has already been done with his character. Cena pointed out at the top how he was a complainer. Add in all the losses that Ryback had last year on pay-per-view (and this year against Mark Henry) and why should anyone consider him a threat to Cena? Because of an injury? Cena played that off too. Don't be surprised if Extreme Rules does a terrible buyrate.

What We Missed:

R-Truth vs Fandango

Kofi Kingston & The Usos vs The Shield

Zack Ryder vs Antonio Cesaro

Kaitlyn & The Funkadactyls vs AJ Lee & Bella Twins

What You Should Watch:

Brock Lesnar's day out (just for the hilarity)

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Fantasy Booking: WWE WrestleMania XXIX

Note: To see how we got here, check out fantasy booking of Royal Rumble and No Way Out.

WWE presented WrestleMania XXIX on Sunday, April 7 from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey where John Cena and The Rock would meet in a rematch from the previous year's WrestleMania. This time, however, it would be for the WWE Championship. The mega card also featured a No Holds Barred Match between Triple H and Brock Lesnar, CM Punk looking to break The Undertaker's unbeaten streak, and the return of the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. 

The announcers were Michael Cole and JBL. A pre-game show was hosted by Scott Stanford with Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler, and Dusty Rhodes. Josh Mathews and Matt Striker handled backstage interviews. Justin Roberts was the ring announcer though Howard Finkel handled main event introductions.

(P) Rhodes Scholars d. Air Truth

Kofi Kingston and R-Truth teamed up to take on Rhodes Scholars in the WrestleMania XXIX pre-show match. Rhodes and Sandow isolated Truth for most of the match until the hot tag to Kingston. Kingston took out both opponents with a dive to the outside. Truth tried to capitalize after Rhodes was sent back into the ring, but was hit with the Cross Rhodes for the loss instead.

(1) Randy Orton won Money in the Bank Ladder Match

The Money in the Bank Ladder Match returned to WrestleMania. This year's participants were Alberto Del Rio, Jack Swagger, Big Show, Antonio Cesaro, The Miz, and Randy Orton. Everyone except Cesaro was a former WWE/World champion. A wild brawl, that saw multiple ladders being used, came down to Swagger and Del Rio. Both men climbed up for the briefcase, but Del Rio was able to knock Swagger down. Show then came out of nowhere and chokeslammed Del Rio off the ladder. As Show slowly climbed up, Orton ran up and connected with the RKO before climbing back up to grab the briefcase.

(2) Ryback d. Mark Henry

Henry targeted Ryback upon his return from injury and it led to the biggest (literally) challenge of Ryback's young career. The two went at it like monster trucks colliding. Henry went for a splash in the corner, but Ryback avoided it. Ryback then hit Shellshocked for the win.

(3) Sheamus d. Wade Barrett to win Intercontinental Championship

Sheamus won a six-pack challenge at No Way Out to earn an Intercontinental Title Match against the champion Barrett who had held the title since December. It was an even, hard-hitting match until the end. Barrett went for Wasteland, but Sheamus fought out and hit White Noise. Sheamus applied the Cloverleaf, but Barrett made it to the ropes. Sheamus setup for the Brogue kick until Barrett escaped to the outside. As Sheamus went after him, Barrett nailed him with the Bullhammer. By the time Barrett got Sheamus back in the ring though, Sheamus kicked out. Barrett argued with the referee and that allowed Sheamus to hit the Brogue kick to become the new champion.

(4) Dolph Ziggler d. Chris Jericho

Ziggler and Jericho had been feuding since SummerSlam. Jericho won that night, but Ziggler next got revenge by beating Jericho the next night on Raw and putting him out of action. Jericho made a surprise return in the Royal Rumble Match to get revenge leading to the fight to end it all at WrestleMania. Ziggler, Mr. Money in the Bank, took the early advantage thanks to interference from AJ Lee. Big E Langston also got into the act which led to him and Lee getting ejected. The distraction led to a lionsault by Jericho. Ziggler got his knees up, but Jericho applied the Walls of Jericho instead. Ziggler eventually made it to the ropes and later connected with a superkick for a near fall. Ziggler couldn't hit the Zig Zag and Jericho went for the Walls of Jericho again. Ziggler rolled Jericho up, however, and held his tights to steal the win.

(5) The Shield d. Team Hell No to win Tag Team Championship

The Shield hadn't lost a match since debuting at the Survivor Series. They had beaten teams comprised of WWE's top stars. After helping CM Punk in his feud with The Undertaker, Team Hell No aided Undertaker which led to a challenge being made for the Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania. It wasn't made known until the match that Ambrose and Rollins would be the ones competing. They isolated Bryan using several double-team moves. Eventually, Bryan made the hot tag to Kane who cleared the ring. Reigns got involved when the action spilled to the outside. He knocked Kane into barricade with a spear and that allowed Rollins and Ambrose to double up on Bryan. Rollins pinned Bryan with the Skywalker (Asai DDT) as The Shield captured the Tag Team Titles.

(6) The Undertaker d. CM Punk

After having his 434-day reign as WWE Champion end, Punk was looking to end The Undertaker's undefeated WrestleMania streak. It didn't take long before the action went outside as Undertaker punished Punk after being slapped in the face. Taker took Punk out with a leg drop through the announce table. Back in the ring, Punk used Old School to disrespect Undertaker once again. Paul Heyman got involved and the distraction allowed Punk to hit the Savage elbow for two. Punk went for the GTS, but Undertaker reversed it into a chokeslam for two. Back outside, Punk avoided the Last Ride and put Undertaker through the Spanish announce table with another elbow drop. Undertaker just barely made it back in the ring before the ten count. After kicking out of each other's submissions and finishers (including Hell's Gate, Anaconda Vise, GTS, and Tombstone), Undertaker finally put Punk away with a second Tombstone to keep his streak intact.

(7) Triple H d. Brock Lesnar in No Holds Barred Match

Lesnar beat HHH at SummerSlam and broke his arm in the process. HHH came back wanting revenge leading up to WrestleMania. The stipulation was added that if HHH lost again, he would be forced to retire. Paul Heyman and Shawn Michaels were in their respective corners. It was a No Holds Barred Match so everything was allowed. Lesnar was in control from the start as he battered HHH at ringside. Michaels got involved and took the F5. HHH came back and hit Lesnar with a chair before connecting with the Pedigree. HHH got the sledgehammer, but Lesnar avoided it and hit the F5. Lesnar hit HHH with the ring steps and then applied the Kimura. Lesnar got on the top rope for leverage and HHH was able to slam him down. HHH went for his own Kimura and, as Heyman entered the ring with a chair, Michaels delivered Sweet Chin Music. Lesnar broke free after slamming HHH on the ring steps repeatedly. On the third attempt, HHH countered with a DDT on the steps. HHH followed with a sledgehammer shot to the head and a Pedigree on the ring steps for good measure to win the match.

(8) John Cena d. The Rock to win WWE Championship

Rock beat Cena at last year's WrestleMania and it led to a down year for Cena. Rock returned at the Royal Rumble and unseated CM Punk as WWE Champion. On the same night, Cena won the Royal Rumble Match and cemented the rematch at WrestleMania for the WWE Title. The match was even at the start. Rock applied the Sharpshooter, but fought out and countered with a slam. He went for Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Rock popped up and hit Cena with a DDT. Rock went for the Rock Bottom, but Cena avoided it and applied the STF. Later, Cena hit the FKS again. Rock would hit the Rock Bottom for two. He would also kick out of an AA by Cena. Rock hit another Rock Bottom and setup for the People's Elbow. He taunted Cena with the "You can't see me" gesture and Cena hit another AA. After trading finishers, Cena finally hit one last AA to win the WWE Title. Cena celebrated with the title as Rock went around ringside thanking fans and family. The final scene was Cena and Rock on the ramp saluting each other as fireworks went off.

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Stipluation added to WWE Extreme Rules main event

WWE's next pay-per-view offering is Extreme Rules which usually means the top matches have some kind of stipulation added.

The third meeting between between Brock Lesnar and Triple H will be a Steel Cage Match. When Dolph Ziggler defends his newly-won World Heavyweight Title against Jack Swagger and Alberto Del Rio it will be in a Ladder Match. It also appears that Mark Henry vs Sheamus could be a Strap Match.

On Monday Night Raw this week we learned that the main event will get a stipulation of its own. Ryback will now challenge John Cena for the WWE Championship in a Last Man Standing Match. With Cena nursing an injury, a Last Man Standing stipulation could be a way to get the belt on Ryback without Cena taking the pinfall.

WWE Extreme Rules is scheduled for May 19 from the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.

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Match of the Week: Antonio Cesaro vs Kofi Kingston

This may not be an every week feature, but with all the great matches WWE had this week between Raw, Main Event, and SmackDown, I thought it would be fun to pick a winner.

There are several candidates for WWE Match of the Week. On Raw there was Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton which was solid despite no doubt in the outcome. It also had an awesome finish where Orton hit the RKO as Rhodes came off the turnbuckle looking for the Beautiful Disaster kick.

Kofi Kingston had two great performances. He had another entertaining match on Raw against World Champion Dolph Ziggler. It led to a probable feud with Big E Langston for the US Title. Then, Kingston topped it with his rematch against former champion Antonio Cesaro on Main Event. Cesaro had a great superplex spot in a match ultimately won by Kingston via the Trouble in Paradise kick.

On the SmackDown side, Daniel Bryan got an actual good performance out of Ryback which is certainly an achievement. Bryan utilized several kicks early on to slow down Ryback. Bryan also connected with a dive through the ropes. Ryback's power was too much, however, as he took the win with Shellshocked on his road to meeting John Cena for the WWE Title at Extreme Rules.

There can only be one winner so I'm going with Kofi Kingston vs Antonio Cesaro for the US Title on WWE Main Event. Here is a clip via the WWE YouTube Channel.

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Raw 90: Injured Cena competes against The Shield

Monday Night Raw was in Columbus this past Monday night and I finally got a chance to watch the Hulu Plus version this weekend. 

An injured John Cena still competed against The Shield, but Ryback didn't. And we got some great action in Rhodes vs Orton and Kingston vs Ziggler.

Extreme Rules is only two weeks away so WWE needs to announce the rest of the card aside from the top three matches. Here is what I saw compared to the entire Raw show:

Big E Langston vs Ricardo Rodriguez vs Zeb Coulter

It wasn't as bad as it sounds. WWE doesn't do this kind of thing often so it was a fun little segment. Having Rodriguez pin Coulter gave Del Rio the ability to pick the stipulation for Extreme Rules. It will be a triple threat ladder match for the World Title.

John Cena Make-A-Wish Segment

John Cena gets a lot of heat for being the face of the company, but having him grant wishes for three kids on Raw was a cool sight. Cena brought out three boys who had the wish of being on Raw. They had a fun exchange where each kid picked a nickname. The crowd was respectful too which helped. WWE didn't do anything sleazy either by having The Shield or some heel come out. All in all, it was a time those kids will never forget and it showed what kind of work Cena does outside the company.

Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton

There were several great matches on WWE TV this week and it kicked off with Rhodes vs Orton. It's sad to think of where these three are now compared to when Legacy was a group, but I still hold out hope that Orton will be back in the main event picture where he's desperately needed and that Rhodes (and even DiBiase) will have more substantial roles in the future. This was a solid match, given plenty of time, with an awesome finish. Rhodes came off the turnbuckle for a Beautiful Disaster kick right into the RKO.

Naomi vs Nikki Bella

I'm surprised this made Hulu though WWE really wants to hype the new Total Divas show for the summer. Until some of the NXT Divas start getting the call, this is the state of the Divas division in WWE. The Bellas pulled the usual switch, but this time all it took for the referee to reverse the decision was Naomi complaining about it.

The Shield Hypes Their Hit List

I've said before that The Shield will be one of the reasons why WWE won't suffer the same letdown as last year's post-WrestleMania period. As long as they are booked strong, The Shield will continue to be the hottest act in WWE. This promo was a good reminder about the destruction they have caused so far with attacks of stars like Ryback, Sheamus, Big Show, John Cena, and The Undertaker.

Ryback Changes Main Event

The original Raw main event was supposed to be John Cena & Ryback vs The Shield. Ryback changed his tune, however, when it was revealed that Cena injured his foot during the European tour. Several backstage segments took place throughout the show including Ryback telling Vickie Guerrero about not wanting to compete, Team Hell No being told about it, and Cena demanding to still wrestle.

Kofi Kingston vs Dolph Ziggler

These two have wrestled a million times, but it never gets old. Kingston and Ziggler had their usual good, athletic match. Langston and Ziggler were taken out by a Kingston dive at one point. That led to the post-match situation where, after Ziggler won with the Zig Zag, Langston hit the Big Ending twice on Kingston. This should lead to a US Title match at the PPV.

John Cena & Team Hell No vs The Shield

Cena had his foot taped and didn't really get involved heavily until the end. Kane looked for retribution against Dean Ambrose by taking the match outside. It backfired though as Ambrose gave Kane a DDT on the floor. The finish came when Cena had Rollins up for the AA, but had trouble with his foot which led to a Reigns spear for the win. As The Shield celebrated another big victory, Ryback was on the stage watching (it was thought he had left).

Luckily, watching the Hulu version got me out of a terrible Tug of War segment and a dance contest involving The Great Khali. This is what three hours of Raw gets you as opposed to, you know, underutilized talent appearing on the show.

What We Missed:

Zack Ryder vs Jack Swagger

Tug of War Challenge

Antonio Cesaro vs Alberto Del Rio

Fandango Dance Contest

What You Should Watch:

Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton

Kofi Kingston vs Dolph Ziggler

John Cena & Team Hell No vs The Shield

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