7 things that must happen at Extreme Rules
Extreme Rules is this Sunday and, believe it or not, the card actually looks like it could be one of the best of the year, if WWE makes the right moves and gives each match its appropriate time. Extreme Rules is usually a filler event, so its stacked card is a nice surprise. Whether that's an answer to falling ratings, All Elite Wrestling's Fight for the Fallen on the previous night, or other factors, it's a welcome surprise.
Extreme Rules is the final pitstop before SummerSlam. Paul Heyman and Eric Bischoff seem set to take over their respective shows immediately afterwards. The priority here should be shining a spotlight on new stars and ending any "wild card" leftovers before the big event a month from now.
Seth, Becky, Kofi, and Drew Gulak seem certain to retain their titles, but other things are up in the air.
#1 Bayley retains the SmackDown Women's Championship
This is the most prominent "wild card" feud on the show. Why Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross, two Raw superstars, are in a feud with the SmackDown Women's Champion remains unknown, but it hasn't exactly helped the blue brand, and it's already gone on too long, with the title feeling like an afterthought compared to Nikki Cross and Alexa Bliss' unusual alliance.
One can never discount an Alexa Bliss victory because she's such a backstage favourite, though that would throw the blue brand into turmoil when the move to Fox is imminent.
Bayley should win here and then Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross can explore their own story on Raw. It's about time that the "wild card" rule came to an end. It hasn't done anything for ratings and has made both shows significantly worse.