Thoughts on TNA Lockdown and WWE Extreme Rules

WWE Extreme Rules

Speaking of the same exact thing… It’s Extreme Rules time again! There are a LOT of people down on this PPV because it is in its very nature a replay show, but it has actually become one of my favorite events. At Extreme Rules, all the feuds from WrestleMania will be on display yet again, but without all the pomp-and-circumstance that goes along with the biggest event in sport’s entertainment. The matches may be tweaked in subtle ways, but the card is largely the same, and many people find it insulting that they have to fork out another $40-50 to see the same show. I’m really looking forward to Extreme Rules. All of the feuds going into WrestleMania had tremendous build and great anticipation, but the matches always play second-fiddle to the entrances, celebrity appearances, and backstage segments. That’s where Extreme Rules has the potential to be exciting! Here’s a few reasons why you should be looking forward to WWE Extreme Rules:

– John Cena and the Miz weren’t given nearly enough time or consideration to pull off a classic title match at WrestleMania. Everyone, including the champion and contender, were waiting for the Rock to come out and take control of the situation. It was predictable and a let down for everyone looking forward to the Miz getting a solid victory at the biggest stage of the year. They now have a chance to make all that right.

– With the World Heavyweight title being defended in a ladder match, we are guaranteed to have a new first-time champion. With Edge’s retirement behind us, it’s more clear why Alberto del Rio didn’t get the win at WrestleMania, but it’s making a lot of fans question whether or not they’ll pull the trigger on him at all. Christian or del Rio? That’s a tough question for a lot of people, but either way the landscape of Smackdown is about to change dramatically.

– Yes, R-Truth screwed up and called out the wrong city a few months ago. I think it’s about time we all got over it, and gave a potentially great talent another chance. Apparently, the WWE thinks the same way, because Truth has found himself in a title match with John Cena and the Miz. It’s even more impressive that he was chosen over John Morrison, Dolph Ziggler, and Randy Orton… I’ve always thought Ron Killings has the perfect look, and if he’s allowed to drop the rapping gimmick I think he’d be ready for the main event. Nobody expects him to win the title, but it’s great to see the WWE giving an unexpected talent the chance to prove himself.

– Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes II. Another great match between these two is almost guaranteed, and if the Dashing One can topple the master of the 619 twice…I think that’ll be a very good indication of how the WWE plans to use Rhodes in the future.

– Dolph Ziggler and John Morrison are two amazing talents that could put on one hell of a singles match. Nothing has been confirmed, and they could always ruin it by including Vickie Guerrero in the match, but if they play their cards right, you could have a show-stealer on your hands.

– Will Sin Cara have a match at Extreme Rules? Will he challenge Sheamus for the United States championship? Word has it that people backstage in WWE are quickly frowning on Sin Cara. If you ask me, any discontent the WWE has on him is their own fault. They brought him in with very little time to train him with other WWE Superstars. He’s a great, athletic talent, but nobody on the roster knows how to work with him. If Mysterio wasn’t already entwined in a feud, or if Chavo was relevant at all, you could put them together for a fantastic bout. But you can’t expect him to hit every move and sell every bump when he’s never had to work the WWE style before. The worst thing they could possibly do right now is give up on a high profile draw before he even has the chance to prove himself. Give it time…

– One more chance to destroy Michael Cole. Please WWE, keep this simple. Don’t let it drag on again, and don’t try to swerve us with another Cole victory. Have Swagger make the turn on Cole and leave him to Lawler for the beat down we’ve all been waiting for, for the better part of a year!  

Extreme Rules has a lot of potential. At the very least it will have much more action than WrestleMania, and the outcome of the event may shine light on the direction of the WWE going forward. There are a lot of mid-card talents with their futures riding on the line. Will the Miz retain his title? Will Christian or del Rio walk out with their first World title? What does the future hold for R-Truth, Cody Rhodes, John Morrison, and Dolph Ziggler? And what will be the fate of the most hated announcer in WWE history? We’ll find out in two weeks at Extreme Rules, but while we’re waiting I strongly suggest checking out WWE Tough Enough if you haven’t already. It has constantly been the best part of the WWE line-up since its debut, and it only shows signs of getting better as people go home and competition intensifies.

Please continue sending your comments to MikeKillam@gmail.com. Also, I’ve been having a lot of fun with my new account on Twitter, so if you’re not already following me @KilleReview, you need to be!

TRENDING