WWE Extreme Rules 2018 review: What we learned, highlights, takeaways, future projections

WWE Championship Match

AJ Styles (c) vs. Rusev

What we learned: On a night where Roman Reigns was thrown in the middle of the card, WWE Champion AJ Styles still can’t get the final match of the night. And yes, I’m aware that I’m still harping on this as I usually do but it has to be a little upsetting. I understand that there’s this Iron Man Match still to come and all of that but come on. If the WWE Championship is supposed to be “the” prize in WWE, then put it on last, especially when you’ve got someone like AJ Styles holding it. And not surprisingly, the AJ Styles vs. Rusev match was the best match all night.

This was a great back and forth affair. The pace was fantastic and both guys got to showcase everything they could do. There really was a time that I thought that Rusev could actually win the WWE Championship on his first try. So many great nearfalls here. Just the overall psychology was great. Styles worked on Rusev’s leg to set up the Calf Crusher and Rusev focused in on Styles’ back, the obvious pain point of the Accolade. The storytelling was so good throughout and the final minutes were wonderful as AJ was able to connect with the 450 and the Phenomenal Forearm. Great show from both men.

What’s next: I think that’s it for Rusev for the moment in challenging for the WWE Championship. It was great to see him get that opportunity and he certainly made the most out of that shot as he certainly did his part in what was the match of the night. But I think that AJ Styles will have something bigger for SummerSlam. I don’t think I’m the only one that’s been waiting for AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe in WWE and that’s the direction that needs to be taken. They planted the seeds for it a while ago and it’s time to revive it. Here’s the kicker though. If Brock does end up coming back, Styles still won’t get the main event.