WWE Extreme Rules Matches and Predictions

The Hardy Boyz vs. Sheamus and Cesaro (Raw Tag Team Championship, Steel Cage)

Matt and Jeff Hardy have done more than their share to bring the "extreme" to WWE. Known for their high-flying ladder matches and death defying antics, the tag legends will have to fight to maintain that legacy in the New Era. So far they've successfully defended their Raw tag division belts against the previous champions Sheamus and Cesaro in both team and singles matches, winning the right to set the stipulations for their upcoming rematch at Extreme Rules. Surprisingly they chose to forego tables, ladders, and chairs, instead opting to settle the score in a steel cage match.

Prediction: Hardys retain, unless losing can "Break" them

Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley (Women's Championship, Kendo Stick on a Pole)

It's been a year of historic firsts for the WWE Women's Division. Ever since Sasha Banks and Charlotte Flair broke the steel-cage ceiling as the first women to main event a PPV at Hell in a Cell, the stakes have gotten more extreme for female competitors. Current Raw Women's champ Alexa Bliss (the first to hold both the belt across both brands) has been breaking out the kendo stick at every opportunity lately. With the hardcore weapon suspended from a pole in this match, will she beat the underdog babyface Bayley to the implement of punishment?

Prediction: Alexa wins, either as result of Bayley's injury or interference from Mickie James

Roman Reigns vs. Finn Balor vs. Seth Rollins vs. Bray Wyatt vs. Samoa Joe (No. 1 Contender's Fatal 5-Way Match)

With Braun Strowman rumored to be out for up to six months and universal champion Brock Lesnar in need of a challenger at Great Balls of Fire, this match has been set to determine Strowman's replacement as the number one contender for the Universal Championship Title. Each participant has their claim to that belt, and after the past weeks of build-up and in-ring previews, this could still be anyone's match.

While the camera and script seem to favor Bray Wyatt, Lesnar's own advocate Paul Heyman recently touted Finn Balor as the "most intriguing" challenger, and no mere underdog. While certainly a formidable foe, Samoa Joe may still be too fresh for the top of the card. And it's rumored that the WWE may be putting off Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar's meeting until next year's WrestleMania, putting him in the IC Belt challenge until then as a future undisputed champion.

Prediction: Finn Balor or Seth Rollins, preventing major injury

Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz (Intercontinental Championship, No Champion's Advantage)

Continuing a long-time rivalry that's now crossed brands, this match should be fairly predictable. Ambrose being stripped of his champion's advantage -- the ability to retain the title via disqualification -- gives Miz a chance to swipe the belt in an underhanded manner.

Prediction: The Miz wins by disqualification or interference

Neville vs. Austin Aries (Cruiserweight Championship, Submission Match)

With this possibly being Aries' last chance at the championship while it's around Neville's waist, it may finally be time for a title change. But will the recent NXT transfer Aries take the belt from the self-proclaimed "king of the cruiserweights," or will we see one of their protégés (TJP, Gentleman Jack Gallagher) rise to that challenge further down the line instead?

Prediction: Ss much as we'd like to see Aries win, Neville will likely retain his throne and title.

Kickoff Show Predictions

Goldust vs. R-Truth:
A heel turn and vicious attack by Goldust just three weeks before the PPV make it seem like this is headed for the Extreme Rules kickoff show.
Prediction: Goldust

Sasha Banks vs. Alicia Fox:
Each has a win head-to-head, making a match at Extreme Rules an obvious booking. The only question is if there will be any special stipulation or ringside accompaniment, such as Noam Dar.
Prediction: Sasha Banks

Enzo Amore & Big Cass
vs. Apollo Crews & Titus O'Neil:
The Titus Brand has been gaining momentum, and WWE is unlikely to keep Enzo & Cass off of a pay-per-view, even if Enzo arrives by ambulance or in a full body-cast.
Prediction: Enzo & Cass