Six matches are set for Extreme Rules, some rematches from Wrestlemania and some slight variations from 'Mania matches. Here is a preview.
Michelle McCool vs. Layla (Loser Leaves WWE Match)
After a long partnership that saw these two become the hottest act in the Divas division, the team has dissolved over the past few weeks. Not even couples therapy could save them. The stipulation came out of nowhere after a catfight this past week on Smackdown. Look for another catfight to break out here with lots of hair pulling and rolling around on the floor. With Layla turning face, I would expect her to get a push here while McCool takes some time off.
Prediction: Layla
Michael Cole & Jack Swagger vs. Jerry "The King" Lawler & Jim Ross (Tag Team Country Whippin' Match)
Poor Swagger has gone from world champion to feuding with announcers over the past year. The Cole/Lawler match at 'Mania dragged on way too long and saw Cole get way too much offense in. Lawler should have won convincingly and the feud should have ended there. Instead we get a tag match here with J.R. and Swagger thrown in. Hopefully Cole will get the whippin' he has coming and the feud will finally be put to bed.
Prediction: Jerry "The King" Lawler & Jim Ross
Cody Rhodes vs. Rey Mysterio (Falls Count Anywhere Match)
Rhodes is an up-and-coming star in WWE. Although he defeated Mysterio at 'Mania he still wasn't satisfied and is determined to make him pay for ruining his "dashing" good looks. After fighting up the aisles a couple weeks ago the logical progression was this type of match. To comply, they will surely fight all over the arena here and use whatever props they can get their hands on as weapons. In the end, Rhodes is in the midst of a push, while Mysterio is getting a fresh start on Raw, so Rhodes should pull this one out in the end.
Prediction: Cody Rhodes
C.M. Punk vs. Randy Orton (Last Man Standing Match)
Despite Punk having Nexus on his side, Orton has been one step ahead of him in this feud. He defeated Punk at 'Mania and has generallly gotten the upper hand. As for this match, look for a lot of long eight and nine counts to build up the drama throughout the match. It should get pretty hardcore with one or both likely going through tables. In the end, Punk needs the win more and a loss shouldn't hurt Orton too much as he is getting a fresh start on Smackdown.
Prediction: C.M. Punk
The Miz vs. John Morrison vs. John Cena (Triple Threat Steel Cage WWE Title Match)
Morrison's presence should certainly spice up this match as he is one of the most exciting and innovative in-ring performers in WWE. He's great in these type of matches where he can use props (the cage) to pull off some great feats of athleticism. Look for him and Cena to work together for a while before turning on each other and truly making it every man for himself. This match should make for some strange bedfellows at times and should be action packed. Should have a hot crowd as well, as is usually the case in Cena matches. Look for R-Truth to cost Morrison the match, furthering that feud. That leaves Cena and the Miz, and if they want to continue that feud, the best way to go is to have the Miz retain.
Prediction: The Miz
Alberto Del Rio vs. Christian (Ladder Match for the WWE Title)
In a quirky sort of way, we are guaranteed to see a first-time world champion in this match, no matter who wins. This rivalry began months ago when Del Rio injured Christian and put him on the shelf. Christian was able to gain a measure of revenge by beating Del Rio twice on Smackdown and even assist Edge in retaining the title at 'Mania. Speaking of Edge, his unfortunate retirement could be the best thing that happens to Christian as it gives him a chance to elevate to the main event level, something that has eluded him in his career. This should be the match of the night as Del Rio is a great athlete and should adapt well to a ladder match while Christian is one of the greatest ladder match performers of all time. In the end with Del Rio moving to Raw, logic dictates that Christian will come out on top here, keeping the tilte on Smackdown. A Christan win would be fitting in so many ways. After paying his dues over the years he would finally be getting rewarded and it would be like he was grabbing the torch from his buddy Edge. A Tampa native (transplanted from Toronto) he would also be doing it in his hometown in front of all his peeps. This will be a true feel-good moment.
Prediction: Christian
Frank Leal - I have a B.A. from Rutgers University. I always enjoyed writing papers and articles, especially about sports. I took a sports writing ...
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