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WWE returns to pay-per-view (PPV) when they storm Columbus, Ohio, on the 26TH of September for Extreme Rules. Let us preview the scheduled matches, give our predictions, and take a sneak peek at the bookmaker’s opening odds to provide us with an insight into the anticipated winners of the night.
Extreme Rules was once the most extreme night in all sports entertainment, but the chair swinging, table smashing, trash can bending night of carnage has converted back into a resemblance of any other C-level events scheduled throughout the year.
In addition, this year’s show will take a step back from the 2020 Extreme Rules, which was titled “The Horror Show at Extreme Rules.” What a difference twelve months has made, the 2020 PPV was headlined by Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman, and nobody could’ve predicted that both men would no longer be with the company a year later.
With that said, this year’s event is turning out to involve some incredible wrestling matchmaking, mostly coming from the main event involving Roman Reigns and Finn Balor and a SmackDown women’s title bout between Bianca Belair and the current champion Becky Lynch. It will be the first televised match The Man has competed in for over twelve months. Whether we’ll actually witness any matches with extreme stipulations is unknown, but there is still time for the WWE to deliver some Extreme Rules. Let’s preview the scheduled bouts and their available odds.
Roman Reigns vs. Finn Balor “The Demon”
(WWE Universal Championship)
It’s disappointing that Finn Balor’s Demon alter-ego is returning for a contest we know he will lose. How do we know this? Well, the WWE has already delivered Roman Reigns next feud in the form of Brock Lesnar.
Brock Lesnar’s two-year absence ended this past week on SmackDown, with The Beast Incarnate issuing a challenge for Roman Reigns Universal Championship. As the Survivor Series is just around the corner (November), it’s hard to envision Reigns dropping the title, despite The Demon’s undefeated record in a WWE ring.
I can envision an interference from the Uso brothers leading to a “surprise” arrival of Brock Lesnar to end the show by igniting the feud between The Tribal Chief and himself. Don’t be surprised If this matchup ends in a DQ, saving Roman Reigns title reign while simultaneously keeping The Demon’s undefeated streak alive.
Bookmakers across multiple android betting apps have released odds for four alternative matches at Extreme Rules. Still, a betting line for Reigns and The Demon is nowhere to be found, which also assists our disqualification prediction.
Reigns vs The Demon Prediction: Either fighter wins by disqualification
Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair
(WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship)
“Big Time Becks” returned as Becky Lynch’s role as a heel returned on last Friday’s episode of SmackDown.
The matchup in place can potentially steal the show as both Lynch and Belair are two of the WWE’s hottest talents. And we believe this feud is just the beginning. This fight will extend the heel role of Becky Lynch by similarly retaining the title to how she won it – unfairly and underhanded.
Becky Lynch is the bookmaker’s favourite at -220 (5/11), with the underdog Bianca Belair holding odds of +160 (8/5).
Becky Lynch vs Bianca Blair Prediction: Becky Lynch by pinfall
Charlotte Flair vs. Alexa Bliss
(WWE Raw Women’s Championship)
WWE’s marketing of Alexa Bliss has undoubtedly boosted her ever-growing fanbase, but when we make in-ring comparisons of these two athletes, there’s no touching The Queen. Sure, the WWE will have you believe that Bliss has a chance of success with her mind games and trickery but dethroning the world’s most incredible women’s wrestler seems unlikely.
Popularity often has jaded in-ring abilities; take John Cena, for example. But let’s face facts, Flair is most likely holding onto that championship for the foreseeable future as you can’t escape the true talent she delivers, week in and week out.
Alexa Bliss -120 (5/6) and Charlotte Flair -120 (5/6) equal odds are providing us with some value; I’ll be glad to take a gamble on Flair for close to even profits.
Charlotte Flair vs Alexa Bliss Prediction: Either fighter wins by disqualification
Big E vs. Randy Orton
(WWE Championship)
We can’t be sure this WWE Championship is still taking place on the show. Orton recently earned a title shot scheduled for Extreme Rules, but then Orton’s championship opportunity was moved to Monday Night Raw. Big E then cashed in his money in the bank contract, defeating Bobby Lashley. While not officially announced, it’s expected Big E will defend the title on the show.
Should the contest occur, It’s hard to believe they’re going to allow Orton to become champion right now. Odds have yet to be released due to the match not officially being announced.
Damian Priest vs. Sheamus
(WWE United States Championship)
Another result that should seem obvious is the Unite States Championship fight between Damian Priest and Sheamus.
The Archery of Infamy defeated Sheamus at SummerSlam; a marquee event doesn’t crown champions for them to lose it at Extreme Rules. In honesty, I think most of us believed that rivalry was put to bed, but here we are – an unnecessary continuation to fill a card called Extreme Rules with no extreme vibe whatsoever.
The excellent news, Sheamus and Priest, know how to wrestle; establishing The Archer of Infamy might work for one last match against The Celtic Warrior while fans are reminded of how talented Sheamus is.
Priest could become a main event stayer, and it looks like the WWE are preparing him for this role, he should take another clean victory this weekend, and the bookmakers agree.
-350 (2/7) odds on Priest imply he’s bound for victory, while a heavy underdog price of +225 on Sheamus is doing the opposite.
Damian Priest vs Sheamus Prediction: Damian Priest to win by pinfall