WWE Extreme Rules 2019: Preview and predictions

Last Man Standing Match

Braun Strowman vs. Bobby Lashley

This certainly won’t be the prettiest match at Extreme Rules but an old-fashioned fight between two big guys could still be a lot of fun. Braun Strowman and Bobby Lashley made quite the scene a couple of weeks ago on Monday Night Raw during their falls count anywhere match as both went crashing through the stage set into the electrical section and were taken away in separate ambulances. The announce team and even some of the other wrestlers really played up the injuries sustained, which gave it somewhat of a real feel.

While Strowman hasn’t been seen since, Lashley showed up on Monday night and squashed a returning Rey Mysterio, an interesting choice. Last man standing matches have the tendency to be a little slow with all the counts, but there could be a couple of big spots in here to make it fun.

Prediction: Logic here would usually say that since Strowman got the worst of the injuries that he’ll come back and overcome the odds to win. I’m going to go with Bobby Lashley here. Braun has been knocked down the card in 2019 and he’s going down even further here. That Lashley win seemed to look more like a statement and I think Paul Heyman likes him and wants to move him up towards a Universal Championship shot down the line. Strowman might be the smart pick here but we’re going with Big Bob.

No Holds Barred Match

The Undertaker & Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre & Shane McMahon

We’ve now come to the portion of the preview where I get to complain about Shane McMahon. This really is getting out of control and there’s now just so many people involved. The Miz doesn’t seem to want to be done with him. A seemingly-babyface Kevin Owens is now thrown in there (that fiery promo about McMahon’s TV time was fantastic) as well.

But this is supposed to be about the return of The Undertaker, right? Listen, I like The Deadman just as much as the next guy but someone please tell me why we’re supposed to be jacked up about him teaming with Roman Reigns outside of ratings and revenue? Sure, it’s cool to see the past Superstars and the new generation together but I just don’t think I’m as excited as everyone else seems to be.

What I do like is that The Undertaker apparently handpicked Drew McIntyre as someone he wants to work with and that this may all be part of a big build for the two to go at it at WrestleMania next year. This match will be what it will be and will probably go on way too long. But hey, at least Goldberg isn’t involved, right?

Prediction: The no holds barred stipulation likely means that we’re going to see all of the other people who have been part of this thing. Elias will probably be around. Owens will show up, which then might bring Ziggler into it. The Miz could pop in. So this is going to get a little crazy. I don’t understand why Shane can’t lose a big match right now and it’s going to be devastating to once again watch McIntyre take the pinfall loss. But maybe we get surprised and McMahon actually loses and goes away (not likely). Either way, the call is Roman and ‘Taker for the win.

Aleister Black vs. Cesaro

I thought it would be Randy Orton revealed as the one knocking on Aleister Black’s door but as it turns out, it was the Swiss Superman. Fun fact: Did you know that this is Cesaro’s first singles match on pay-per-view since 2016? And it should be a good one. These are two very athletic big men and their styles should match up perfectly. This is Black’s first match on TV in a while and putting him in with a veteran like Cesaro is a smart move. While I’m afraid that this match won’t get a ton of time with such a big card, this has show-stealing potential.

Prediction: With all of this build, there’s absolutely no way that Black doesn’t walk away with a victory here but Cesaro should give him all he can handle.