WWE Extreme Rules 2018: 5 Takeaways

Photo Credit: WWE.com

Rusev is the Real Deal

Extreme Rules also saw Rusev getting his first match for a top WWE Title, and I think to say he delivered is an understatement. Rusev not only delivered, but he was the star of this match in my opinion, and that’s saying a lot when he’s standing across the ring from AJ Styles. I think mostly everyone expected that Rusev would not win this match, but even with that, I was still very intrigued to see how Rusev would perform, and he did not disappoint.

The thing that Rusev did so well throughout this match was his selling. When AJ was on offense, working on Rusev’s leg, you could feel it. When Rusev was trying to lock in the accolade, but couldn’t get the full leverage on it because of the injured leg, you could feel it. And most importantly, when it felt like Rusev was just moments away from beating AJ Styles and becoming WWE Champion for the first time, he made you feel like it was happening.

Although Rusev is not WWE Champion right now, this match sent a message: Rusev is ready. You can put him in whatever role you want, but if you put him at the top, he will rise to the occasion.