WWE Extreme Rules results: Brock Lesnar cashes in, wins Universal championship
Extreme Rules is the last major stop for the WWE before their annual August showcase, SummerSlam. The show emanates from Philadelphia, the birthplace of ECW, and Extreme Rules channels at least a little bit of that energy with a variety of match types that will bring weapons into the equation.
While Raw and SmackDown have been somewhat inconsistent in recent months, recent pay-per-view performances offer hope of ramping up the energy and excitement heading into SummerSlam. The Undertaker will open the pay-per-view in a tag team match, while the Raw and Universal championships will be on the line in an Extreme Rules mixed tag team match that will almost certainly close the show.
Then, there’s the lingering presence of Money in the Bank winner Brock Lesnar and a potential cash-in, and a Kickoff Show that may well offer two of the best matches of the night with the Intercontinental championship and cruiserweight title defended in the hour before the PPV begins.
Matt Wilansky and Sean Coyle will cover the action live throughout the night, with ongoing results, reactions and match grades.
Match in progress
Kofi Kingston’s WWE championship reign has been a successful one with victories over Kevin Owens and Dolph Ziggler following his WrestleMania win over Daniel Bryan. At Extreme Rules, however, Kingston found himself matched up with his most menacing threat yet as the ultra-intense Samoa Joe looked to follow up his two United States championship reigns with his first WWE championship victory.
The match had its moments, but it never shifted into that next gear. Just at the bout was getting going, it abruptly ended with a Trouble in Paradise. WWE championship matches need more time to develop.
Storytelling: 0.50
In-ring execution: 0.50
Match psychology: 0.75
Timing: 0.25
Innovation: 0.50
— Sean Coyle
Kingston began the match with a quick dropkick, but that only angered the larger Joe, who responded with a stiff clothesline, some vicious strikes and kept Kingston on the ground.
Kingston attempted multiple comeback attempts, but was consistently thwarted off by Joe, who limited his opponent’s offense by stomping on his Kingston’s hand which was stuck in between the steel steps on the outside of the ring. He followed that up with a snap power slam and then a power bomb with a beautiful transition into an STF submission.
Out of nowhere, Kingston caught Joe with an S.O.S., but that only kept him down for a two-count. After a failed Trouble in Paradise kick, Joe caught Kingston with the Coquina Clutch. Kingston broke free, but was met with a senton splash immediately upon release.
The champ rebounded minutes later and finally connected with the Trouble in Paradise to send Joe to the canvas for the three count. Kingston’s championship reign continues with a clean victory. Exactly what he needed.
Not much to rate here. Despite the potential for a great match, it lasted mere seconds and was more of a tool to escalate the impending Kevin Owens/Shane McMahon rivalry.
Storytelling: 0.25
In-ring execution: 0.25
Match psychology: 0.00
Timing: 0.00
Innovation: 0.00
— Sean Coyle
Kevin Owens hit a Stunner immediately after the bell rang to earn the victory over Dolph Ziggler in a match that was added to the card Sunday afternoon.
Owens grabbed a mic after the match and continued his verbal attack on Shane McMahon. Their paths seem likely to cross in the coming weeks on SmackDown.
The re-alignment with The Club has given AJ Styles not only a reminder of his past success, but a fresh outlook moving forward. As successful as Styles, a perennial champ, has been since moving over to the WWE, he needed the character overhaul.
Despite the crowd inexplicably falling asleep for the majority of the match, Styles and Ricochet displayed some incredible chemistry and delivered a great match with a memorable second rope Styles Clash as the cherry on top.
Storytelling: 0.75
In-ring execution: 1.00
Match psychology: 0.75
Timing: 0.75
Innovation: 0.75
— Sean Coyle
But with his new direction comes new expectations. In the immediate case, the United States championship was on the line against one of the few earmarked next-generation stars in Ricochet.
Styles & Co. started off quickly thanks to Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows’ assault on the champ before the bell rang, but it was Ricochet’s high-octane offense that would keep him competitive.
Neither performer was able to generate sustained momentum early. Ricochet connected with his usual array of aerial assaults, but Styles had a ruthlessness to his demeanor and execution. As dynamic and quick as Ricochet was, Styles managed to slow the pace with forearm punches and Pele kicks.
Ricochet nearly ended the match with a high-flying shooting star, but with Anderson and Gallows interfering, predictably, and with the babyface now lying motionless on the ropes, Styles landed a Styles Clash from the middle rope to secure him the win and his third United States title.
It was the lift Styles needed to get him back on track, even if it comes to the detriment of one of the brightest stars. It’s been kind of a hot-potato existence for the U.S. title lately, and let’s hope Ricochet’s turn again isn’t far away.
The three teams involved in tonight’s SmackDown tag team championship match have brought life to the tag team division on Tuesday nights. Daniel Bryan and Rowan, the champs, deliver week after week both from a promo and work rate perspective, Heavy Machinery has become as lively a duo as we’ve seen in some time and the New Day have maintained their status as the premier team in the company as it pertains to pure entertainment. Who would walk out of Philadelphia atop the SmackDown tag team division?
This match was full of chaos and all three teams shined as a result. Filled with well-timed spots, this was a highly entertaining championship bout.
Storytelling: 0.50
In-ring execution: 0.75
Match psychology: 0.50
Timing: 0.75
Innovation: 1.00
— Sean Coyle
Bryan and Xavier Woods, arguably the two best in-ring performers in the match, kicked things off with some fast-paced athleticism before Bryan tagged Tucker in and from thereon out, frequent tags between all three teams took place.
Bryan and Rowan dominated Woods throughout the majority of the opening sequences, but Woods eventually completed the hot tag to Otis, who took it to Bryan in entertaining fashion, highlighted by his patented caterpillar elbow drop.
Shortly after that, the match began to break down. Big E landed a spear onto Bryan through the ropes to the outside, Otis dove off the ring apron onto both members of the New Day and Rowan and Tucker followed that up with a splash off of the top rope onto Big E and Rowan. Perhaps even more impressive, Big E connected with a superplex to the massive Rowan once the duo made it back into the ring.
The closing sequence saw Bryan land a number of Yes Kicks, then slap Big E in the face a couple times. The offense only fired the big man up and as Bryan attempted a moonsault off of the top rope, Big E caught him in mid air, tagged in Woods, hit the midnight hour and joined the Usos and the New Age Outlaws on the all-time list with their sixth tag team championship reign (four of the SmackDown variety).
The SmackDown tag team division is certainly heating up. Tonight was surely an example of that.
You know what you’re going to get between Bobby Lashley and Braun Strowman: power, athleticism and the occasional wow moment like two weeks ago when Strowman speared Lashley through the LED boards. Still, the issue with both is that neither has a clear trajectory to jump to the next level and compete with Seth Rollins, Brock Lesnar or even Drew McIntyre for that matter.
As expected, this was a brawl and a fun one at that. Last Man Standing matches allow for a gradual build towards a big spot and that’s what we got here. Great effort out of both Strowman and Lashley.
Storytelling: 0.75
In-ring execution: 0.50
Match psychology: 0.75
Timing: 0.50
Innovation: 1.00
— Sean Coyle
Both Lashley and Strowman are worthy of a push, but against each other, the mano-a-mano showdown doesn’t create the buzz it probably should. Would a Last Man Standing match Sunday night change that outlook?
As Michael Cole said on the broadcast, this was not a match for the weak. Neither wasted any time going full throttle, especially Lashley early on, who used steel steps and chairs to clobber Strowman over the barricade, into the crowd and into the concourse. With guards ensuring the fans gave the performers ample room, they continued to pummel each other. It was hardly innovative stuff, but the spots were relentless and the pain was visceral.
Midway through the match, Lashley picked up steam, tossing Strowman over the announcer’s table and then buried him beneath it. Shortly after, Strowman would slingshot Lashley over the international announce row well past the ring barricade.
Back and forth they went. Strowman slugged Lashley over and over, and perhaps delirious or completely out of his mind, Lashley asked for more. Wish granted.
In a dare-devil move, Strowman picked Lashley up over his shoulder and powerslammed him from a balcony onto the floor. It seemed like neither competitor would walk away as the referee’s count continued, but Strowman made it to his feet while Lashley lay incapacitated.
This was a far better match than anyone could have expected. Both Strowman and Lashley put their well-being at risk. Now let’s see what’s next.
The key component to the Bayley/Alexa Bliss rivalry has been Nikki Cross. Cross, who has been by Bliss’ side for weeks has been doing much of the five-time women’s champ’s dirty work and earned Bliss a spot in this match by defeating Bayley. She also earned the right to name a stipulation for the match by winning a beat the clock challenge on Raw this past week.
The most impressive aspect of this match was the solid team work displayed by Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross. Their psychology game worked well. The overall product left a bit to be desired, though.
Storytelling: 0.50
In-ring execution: 0.50
Match psychology: 0.75
Timing: 0.25
Innovation: 0.50
— Sean Coyle
Cross’ stipulation was to insert herself into the match, making it a 2-on-1 handicap match for the title. If Bliss and Cross won, they’d be considered the first co-SmackDown women’s champions in history.
Cross and Bliss made frequent tags to begin the match, utilizing the numbers game effectively, but Bayley held her own and remained on the offense, that was until Bliss shoved her off of the ring apron onto the steel steps. From there, the duo of Cross and Bliss dominated.
Bayley caught fire late in the match, which saw her successfully nail Cross with a suicide dive in between the middle and bottom rope and impressively lock in duel submissions on both Cross and Bliss at the same time.
The finish saw Bayley get her knees up as Bliss attempted Twisted Bliss from the top rope. Bayley followed that up by countering a Cross top rope attack, and set her up for an elbow drop. Bayley connected and pinned Cross to retain her title.
The story coming out of this match will be how the Cross/Bliss relationship will be impacted by the loss. Will Bliss blame Cross for costing her a potential win? Will Cross take a darker turn and look to avenge the loss? We’ll find out more in the upcoming weeks.
Back on television for the first time since mid-April, Aleister Black has been rebranded a little more sadistic, perhaps a little more psychotic, than during the time he spent teaming up with Ricochet. Perhaps the wait was worth it, as Black hasn’t really had a chance to shine as a singles competitor since being called up to the main roster.
There was a lot to like in this match — strength, balance, mat wrestling, but the striking sequences stood out more than anything. Here’s hoping that there’s more matches between these two to come.
Storytelling: 0.50
In-ring execution: 0.75
Match psychology: 0.75
Timing: 0.75
Innovation: 0.75
— Sean Coyle
Unfortunately, his opponent Sunday night, Cesaro, while an all-around talent, isn’t exactly the level of star power to elevate Black to the next level, but the pairing did create solid chemistry and an exciting dynamic in their in-ring work and psychology.
Black struck Cesaro early with a couple devastating moves, first a moonsault, then a double knee takedown. But Cesaro is a veteran, a capable one, who countered Black’s offense with a vicious diving uppercut and then later tossed Black up like a baseball before slugging him with an uppercut for a two-count.
While Cesaro leveraged his fists, Black utilized his lethal kicks, including a roundhouse to the head of the Swiss Cyborg that would lay him out for good.
Not surprisingly, Black walked away from this bout with a win, one that signals not only his return, but the addition of a big-time player who should compete for titles on both brands and be one of the top names in the business for the foreseeable future.
WWE fans have long considered the Usos and the Revival the two best tag teams in the company — and for good reason. The Usos are as dynamic an offensive team as there is and the Revival effectively utilize old school heel tag team mentality. While the build to this match has been lacking a bit, there’s no denying the match’s potential inside the ropes.
This was a classic tag team wrestling match between two stylistically different teams. The styles meshed well together, though, and the final product was enjoyable.
Storytelling: 0.75
In-ring execution: 0.75
Match psychology: 0.75
Timing: 0.75
Innovation: 0.50
— Sean Coyle
After some impressive mat wrestling by Jey Uso and Scott Dawson to begin the match, both teams traded advantages by way of effective double-team attacks, highlighted by a double planchas by the Usos over the top rope onto both members of the Revival.
The Revival recovered and slowed the pace, executing some pristine heel work, including a spot we don’t see too often anymore when they pulled the referee from witnessing a completed tag by the Usos.
The hot tag was eventually made and the pace quickened, but it wasn’t enough for the Usos. The closing sequence saw Dash Wilder pull Jey Uso out of the ring, connect with a blind tag to Dawson and hit Jimmy Uso with a shatter machine for the win.
The bout was a gleaming example of how good these two teams are when they get a sufficient amount of time to tell a story in the ring. This is what tag team wrestling is all about.
In one sense, the opening match of Extreme Rules felt a little like an all-star game. Two all-time icons in Roman Reigns and The Undertaker, who ostensibly teamed up with each other because of who they are — not what they have done together — to take on two of the top heels today.
While this was an unconventional choice to open the show, it was a chaotically entertaining tag team match. The Undertaker looked great and the crowd was very much into it – rightfully so.
Storytelling: 0.75
In-ring execution: 0.75
Match psychology: 0.75
Timing: 0.75
Innovation: 0.75
— Sean Coyle
But in another sense, there is plenty of recent history here, and for Reigns in particular, no competitors have been more a thorn in his side than Shane McMahon and Drew McIntyre. Outside of the undeniable star power and generating buzz, how would a tag match advance this storyline in any meaningful way outside of provoking an already rowdy crowd at the Wells Fargo Center?
The Undertaker, who was kicking off a match for only the third time in 171 pay-per-views, received a deafening pop has he walked toward the ring and an even bigger one once he finally set foot in the ring. He wasted little time, unloading on McMahon, who looked helpless into the ring, as did McIntyre.
Eventually, as Taker chased McMahon down the aisle with a steel chair, McIntyre got the upper hand on Reigns in a slow and methodical manner.
With eyes on a cleared announce table, Undertaker would try to take advantage of the No Holds Barred stipulation, but as he went to put McMahon through it, Elias came to ring and smacked Undertaker with a guitar. McIntyre then nailed a Claymore Kick on both Reigns and Undertaker.
McMahon took advantage of the momentum change, diving off the top rope and dropping an elbow onto Undertaker who was lying on the announcer’s table. McMahon, McIntyre and Elias continued their assault, utilizing the no-disqualification to their advantage. They dragged Undertaker back into the ring, placed a garbage can on the Deadman and McMahon struck him with a coast-to-coast.
But somehow, Undertaker was hardly down and out. In his iconic nature, Undertaker popped back up, cleaned house, and with help from Reigns, he’d finish off McMahon with a Tombstone for the win. It was his 98th career pay-per-view victory, the most all-time. Together, they exulted in their win, as the crowd cheered the result. They stood face to face momentarily, but Reigns ultimately ceded the ring and let Taker celebrate alone one more time.
While they didn’t get enough time to produce the classic match they’re capable of, this was a good match that did its job of warming the crowd up.
Storytelling: 0.50
In-ring execution: 0.75
Match psychology: 0.50
Timing: 0.50
Innovation: 0.75
— Sean Coyle
At last month’s Stoping Grounds event, Tony Nese, Drew Gulak and Akira Tozawa arguably stole the show with their kickoff show Cruiserweight championship match. It was a tough act to follow for Nese and Gulak tonight, but they delivered a solid match that saw Gulak retain the championship he won at Stomping Grounds. The era of Gulak continues.
In the opening kickoff show match of the night, Shinsuke Nakamura picked up right where he left off on SmackDown Live last week with his second straight dominant victory over Finn Balor. This time, however, the Intercontinental championship was on the line.
The match was designed to illustrate the dominance of Shinsuke Nakamura upon his return to WWE TV. Mission accomplished. While we’ll probably see more competitive matches out of these two in the future, this was a solid chapter to their story.
Storytelling: 0.75
In-ring execution: 0.75
Match psychology: 0.50
Timing: 0.50
Innovation: 0.50
— Sean Coyle
Balor’s title reign, which began at WrestleMania 35, ends at 98 days while Nakamura’s first reign with the title is just beginning. The reemergence of Nakamura has officially begun