As WWE moves into its post-SummerSlam phase, it will hold Extreme Rules on Sept. 26 in Columbus, Ohio. The event is known for featuring several gimmick matches along no holds barred lines and the 2021 edition of the event is likely to be no different.
Several matches are already confirmed for the event, including the return of Finn Balor’s demon persona as he faces Roman Reigns for the universal championship. Also, Bianca Belair will look to get even with Becky Lynch just one month after losing the SmackDown women’s championship in less than 30 seconds at SummerSlam.
The card is still very much in development, but we do know four title matches that are currently set for the card. Let’s take a look at what we know — and what we expect — at WWE Extreme Rules.
WWE Extreme Rules matches
Universal Championship — Roman Reigns (c) vs. Finn Balor: Reigns picked up a typically questionable win over Balor on SmackDown, a win that led Balor to become “The Demon” for the first time in years. The walls feel like they’re starting to close in on Reigns. Not only is he now faced with the tall task of defending his championship against Balor’s more difficult form, but Brock Lesnar recently returned and has had his sights set on the universal champion.
SmackDown Women’s Championship — Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bianca Belair: Lynch made her long-awaited return at SummerSlam, taking less than 30 seconds to beat Belair and win the title. The situation was entirely unsatisfying and a rematch was the only thing that made sense. Fans are hoping for a real match between the two and one that brings out the best in two very talented performers.
Raw Women’s Championship — Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Alexa Bliss: Flair has finally moved past her issues with Rhea Ripley and Nikki A.S.H., with that pair spinning off into their own tag team. Bliss won a match to become No. 1 contender, finally moving her high-profile character as a sort of witch with a haunted doll into the title picture. Bliss’ matches run the risk of drifting into the absurd — she recently won a match because her doll winked at Doudrop — but Flair and Bliss have shown great chemistry in straight wrestling matches in the past.
United States Championship — Damian Priest (c) vs. Sheamus: Priest won the title from Sheamus at SummerSlam and has been a fighting champion since, offering up several open challenges. That’s very counter to Sheamus’ use of his title reign, where he refused to defend the title unless absolutely necessary. Now, Sheamus gets the rematch after defeating Drew McIntyre in a match to determine Priest’s PPV opponent.
WWE Extreme Rules predictions
WWE Championship — Big E (c) vs. Bobby Lashley: Big E cashed in the Money in the Bank contract on Raw, beating Lashley just moments after Lashley survived a challenge from Randy Orton. Given Lashley was injured when Big E cashed in, it’s easy to see that situation played up for why Lashley should get a rematch at the pay-per-view. Lashley still doesn’t have his issues with Goldberg sorted out and at a PPV where rules are largely out the window, it figures likely that Goldberg could play into the finish.
Women’s Tag Team Championship — Natalya & Tamina (c) vs. Rhea Ripley & Nikki A.S.H.: Natalya and Tamina have made a habit of losing in non-title situations since becoming champions. That has included several losses both to Ripley and Nikki as a team and in singles competition. That is WWE’s go-to move to set up tag title matches, so figure this one to end up on the card.
Drew McIntyre vs. Jinder Mahal: McIntyre hasn’t had much going on in recent months beyond his issues with Mahal, Veer and Shanky. It feels like finally blowing that rivalry off with some sort of gimmick match at Extreme Rules would make sense as one of the show’s few non-title bouts.
