WWE Extreme Rules 2021 Preview and Predictions

Since being introduced in 2009, the Extreme Rules pay-per-view has carried a reputation of usually being one of the better PPVs of the calendar year. Over the years, the shows have shown moments of brilliance in instances like Brock Lesnar’s return match in 2012 against John Cena or a brilliant AJ Styles vs. Roman Reigns WWE Title bout.

As WWE returns to touring around the world, Extreme Rules will only be the third pay-per-view in front of a live crowd since the company exited the dreadful Thunderdome. The show will emanate live from the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

As the card for this weekend’s show starts to come into its final form, it’s time to predict the results for Extreme Rules 2021.

Damian Priest (c) vs. Sheamus vs. Jeff Hardy – United States Championship match

Damian Priest has been one of the few call-ups from NXT that has succeeded on the main roster. Since making his Raw debut in January, Priest has yet to be pinned or submitted.

While this match should be good if not great, Priest has beaten both Hardy and Sheamus at least once in the past month. This significantly devalues the importance of the match in my eyes, but I fully expect Priest to pick up the win and continue his fun championship run.

Prediction: Damian Priest retains the United States Championship

Liv Morgan vs. Carmella

At the time of writing, there are three women’s matches on this show, which matches the number of men’s matches on the card. WWE deserves major props for this, even if the storylines are bare-bones and as basic as possible.

Morgan being featured on this show is great, especially when she’s in a position for a big win over a former Smackdown Women’s champion. Unfortunately due to the nature of WWE’s booking, I think Carmella will win with help from somebody who she’s recently befriended in Zelina Vega. This will set up a rematch where Morgan hopefully comes out on top.

Prediction: Carmella

The Usos (c) vs. The Street Profits – Smackdown Tag Team Championship match

This match will undoubtedly be one of the better ones of the night, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that I’m confused on why this doesn’t have a stipulation attached to it.

If you’re going to do the “gimmick” PPV’s, I don’t see why you don’t take advantage of it to the fullest extent. Not all matches on the show call for an “Extreme” stipulation, but this tag bout would feel more important with one.

Regardless, I think The Usos will retain and continue dominating Smackdown alongside Universal Champion Roman Reigns.

Prediction: The Usos retain the Smackdown Tag Team Championships

Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Alexa Bliss – Raw Women’s Championship match

I went back and forth against doing this piece just because I knew I would have to talk about this match.

Simply put – This Alexa Bliss stuff is just some of the worst television that I’ve ever seen in my entire 20-year existence. Not just wrestling, but television altogether. I know I’m not the target audience here, but I sometimes have to step back and wonder if the target audience even likes this stuff?

All due respect to both of these women because they’ll probably put on a fine bout, but I could care less about the match or the feud. I want Flair to retain and completely move on from Bliss.

Prediction: Charlotte Flair retains the Raw Women’s Championship

Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bianca Belair – Smackdown Women’s Championship Match

I only have one hope for this match: Please be longer than twenty-six seconds.

Although the decision to squash Belair at Summerslam is still puzzling, I’ve enjoyed the back-and-forth between these two ladies and I expect them to have a fantastic match.

Again though, I’m wondering why there isn’t a stipulation here. This rivalry arguably has the most fire behind it of any match on the card, so attaching some type of stipulation would be appropriate.

If you’re not going to give a stipulation to this match, I’m hoping they at least get 15 minutes and are able to put on a good match and story.

I don’t see Lynch losing the title here, and I can’t think of anybody that is worthy of dethroning “The Man” at the moment either. The upcoming Draft should bring Lynch some new competition and hopefully, a worthy heir will emerge from the reshuffling of the Smackdown Women’s Roster.

Prediction: Becky Lynch retains the Smackdown Women’s Championship

Roman Reigns (c) vs. “The Demon” Finn Balor – Extreme Rules Universal Championship match

It’s uncommon for there to be a WWE PPV where no titles change hands, but I think that’s what Extreme Rules will be.

Roman Reigns will undoubtedly, 100% be winning this match and retaining his championship as he heads into a clash with Brock Lesnar in Saudi Arabia next month.

This is the only match on the card that has a stipulation, and it’s not necessarily a match that needs it? I appreciate the company’s efforts to make it different from Balor and Reigns’ previous clash, but if we’re limiting one match to having this stipulation then I’m still giving it to Belair/Lynch.

Reigns retain here, but I’m not quite sure the direction that Balor goes in afterward.

Prediction: Roman Reigns retains the Universal Championship

Although Extreme Rules is very lacking in the “Extreme” department, the show should be very good in terms of match quality and advancing along some of the biggest storylines in the company. The card only boasts six matches at the moment, which is unusual for a WWE PPV, so I fully expect more bouts to be added as the week goes along.

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