WWE Extreme Rules 2017: Predicting Odds for Main Event Match’s Stars
Credit: WWE.com
Finn Balor
Balor only made his WWE return one month ago on the Raw after WrestleMania 33, being away for over seven months with a shoulder injury. This occurred during Balor’s first WWE PPV match at SummerSlam 2016, winning the inaugural Universal Championship bout.
One night later, the Demon King had to relinquish the title, ending his reign at just 24 hours. It was disappointing to see someone who had just been called up from NXT, defeat Reigns and win a brand-new title go down that quickly. However, it set up big things for his return in April.
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It looked like Balor would feud with Wyatt, as they had two program-creating interactions on Raw. Strowman’s injury changed everything, though, so these two now have not gone face-to-face since the No. 1 Contenders Match for the Intercontinental Championship. It does leave Balor in the Universal Championship picture, though, as well as the best chance of winning.
If WWE wants to have a satisfying blow-off to the notion of “Balor never lost the title,” then he needs an opportunity – even if it results in a pinfall loss. That would come at Great Balls of Fire, in a unique matchup with Lesnar. It’s not tailor-made, with there being a stark difference in height and weight between these two Superstars. That may mean the match is a brutal one for Balor, who may get tossed around the ring like a rag doll.
What also goes in Balor’s favor is WWE can begin telling a story of his redemption for the title. He can go to war with Lesnar at Great Balls of Fire, but win via disqualification or lose by referee stoppage. That can lead to a rematch at SummerSlam, with the former NJPW star getting a No Disqualifications Match to ensure there will be a pinfall or submission finish. He can work the crowd, gunning for the Universal Championship at the place he won it in 2016 (the Barclays Center). It would attempt to bring things full-circle, potentially creating a redeeming moment.
Odds of winning: The favorite to win
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Who will we see walk out of Extreme Rules as the No. 1 Contender?