WrestlingNerd Presents: WWE Extreme Rules 2012 Rundown

What up wrestling fans, I'm the WrestlingNerd bring you another edition of the Rundown. Today, we rundown WWE Extreme Rules. For those new to this concept, here's how it works. I will talk about every match on the PPV. I will also break it down into who should win, who creative will pick, and I finally throw a prediction for the match. I also write some random stuff on this stuff, but that's pretty common when I'm involved. I personally don't care for my picks and they are really there for s**** and giggles, but people seem to like them. There seems to be a great deal of interest for this event. Without further delay, let's begin. 

Santino vs Miz; US Championship

I'm not sure why I'm talking about this match. Mainly because it's technically not on the ER card. This match will be on the pre-show. I mentioned this in the Raw review this past week, but I'm glad they are doing the pre-shows. It's always nice to get a look at the venue and a match before deciding if you wanted to order it or not. Now that I have said that, what can I really say about this match? This is the definition of taking two guys and putting them in a match without much of a storyline or purpose. I guess you can say the storyline is centered loosely on the fact that John Laurinaitis is on a bit of a power trip. He's doing everything in his power to help his guys get success while trying to break the Team Teddy members. Santino has had the odds against him for weeks, but he manages to slip away every time. I guess Santino is now Mr. Butterfingers. As for the Miz, he hasn't done much since WrestleMania. For a guy picking up the victory for Team Johnny, you would think he would get a little more screen time. Then again, Johnny is a robot and his logic circuits are completely out of whack. It's like he got infected with the Zero Virus from the Megaman X series, except nowhere near as cool. If this match was taking place on the PPV itself, I would think Miz has a great chance to take the title this Sunday. However, since this is gonna be in the pre-show, it seems less likely for a title change to occur. Remember when Miz was the WWE Champion? Neither do I. 

Who should win:

Despite Miz falling in between mid-card/main event/La La land, he doesn't need the US Championship. Miz won't add much to the US title. Unfortunately, I probably upset the people who can't stand Santino as their US Champion. Well, I have this to say. Son a ma gun!!!

Who creative will pick:

This is being shown during the pre-show. Is creative even awake at this point? I would think they would let the local bum determine who will win. I LIKE DONUTS!!!

My final pick:

I have to go with Santino on this one. Since I doubt they would allow for Miz to lose clean, I expect lots of shenanigans or a mistake by Miz. Mr. Butterfingers prevails again. 

Nikki Bella vs Beth Phoenix; Divas Championship

This one got added in at the last moment. In fact, I think it has only been announced on the website. Now, I got to admit that I made a mistake this past week on Raw. I talked about how Beth appeared to have a legit injury during the title match. Well, it turns out that Beth sold the hell out of it. Damn, that was some really good selling by Beth. If only some of the other divas can learn the definition of "sell". Beth really is one of the best Divas they have in the company. Regardless, a couple of things could end up happening at ER. Either Beth puts up a valiant effort since she's still selling the ankle/heel injury. This would, in return, allow for the fans to start cheering for her. She would end up losing, but if they want Beth to turn face, this is the best way to do it. What I think will end up happening is Beth doesn't show up, so it's time for a surprise replacement. Out comes Kharma. She kills both Bellas and becomes the new Divas Champion. I would admit that the surprise element would be present. 

Who should win:

I don't know what to say for this bit, so let's pretend I wrote something. Yeah, I'm being lazy. Don't judge me. 

Who creative will pick:

Creative staff? Oh, they are in the middle of desert at this point. 

My final pick:

If it's Nikki vs Beth, I choose Nikki. If Kharma makes a return and competes, she will take the title. Then again, Nikki can beat Beth AND Kharma could show up to kill her. That's always a possibility. 

Big Show vs Cody Rhodes; IC Championship

There really isn't a whole to say about this match. It's one of those rivalries that has run its course and it really needs to end. Cody and Show worked a pretty decent feud, but they have taken it as far as possible. Not only that, but Cody hasn't been looking so good as of late. Ever since losing to Show at WM, Cody has been on a bit of a losing streak. I personally think Cody is one of the best rising stars in the company, but they need to end it here or else his stock will continue to decrease. I'm still not big on Show (big on Show….GET IT!!!) being the IC title. For some reason, I think the thing that bothers me the most is the IC title is so small when pictured on Show. I almost expect for Show to rip off that gold and start chowing down on some chocolate right before your very eyes. I wonder what would happen afterwords? 

And that would be a realistic response by Show. Anyway, as I'm writing this article, I still have no idea what the Extreme Rules stipulation will be headed into this match. It will probably end up being a "Destroy Cody Rhodes" match. Seems appropriate with what's been happening as of late. 

Who should win:

It's questions like this that can get me in a lot of trouble. I know the internet wants me to say Cody, but I think Cody has moved on from being IC champion and should go after a bigger prize. Then again, I personally want to see someone else be the IC champion outside of Show. Yes, I'm being difficult. At least I'm upfront with it. 

Who creative will pick:

Creative is probably starting to check in, but they still don't care. Let's ask "Dashing" Cody Rhodes what he thinks?

Uhhhhhhhhhh……I really don't know how to respond to that. 

My final pick:

All signs are pointing to Show, so I gotta go with the giant to retain the title. 

Kane vs Randy Orton; Falls Count Anywhere match

A storyline that has gotten a little more intriguing after WM. I'm not sure if this is how some of you fell about this storyline, but I fell this rivalry started to get interesting when Kane went out of his way to take out Randy's father, "Cowboy" Bob Orton. I think it raised the sakes of the rivalry. It seems that this feud was thrown together for the sake of WM (with a storyline that's at least passable), but the two have at least turned it into something semi-interesting. I know some people are not really interested in this feud or the matches. I know that Kane is on his last legs, but I think he's done pretty well in the two matches with Randy. With this being FCA, it won't focus on wrestling quality. This will simply be a fight. I do wonder how well they can put this match together. The elements are there for it to get brutal, but they will only go so far in this day in age. Like the Cody/Show rivalry, I don't expect this rivalry to continue. It started to heat up when Kane went into his bag of tricks, but there really isn't any reason for this to continue…..Unless they have a plot twist in mind. Yeah, I don't have a lot to say with this one either. 

Who should win:

The face normally wins the last match. The storyline is set up for Randy to avenge his father. Yeah, I'm sure Randy won't subject to that…

……Or maybe he would?

Who creative will pick:

Creative staff will probably now start to care. They probably want to end this rivalry, so it's time for the good guy to get his. Yes, Randy is the good guy…..Even thought that can throw some people off. 

My final pick:

I think this is an easy one. I pick Randy to end this rivalry. I hope they can put on a decent match. 

Sheamus vs Daniel Bryan; Two out of Three falls match for WHC

I would hope that with this being a 2 out of 3 falls match, it will be given the proper amount of screen time. I talked about this in my WM 28 review, but I was disappointed that it ended up being a 18 second match. In a strange way, the 18 second lost has done wonders for Bryan. The guy was picking up a cult following with his M. Bison impression and I think his character has gotten better during this time frame. I've said this for months, but Bryan is really getting comfortable with his heel character. He really thinks he's the best thing on this planet, but he's a nerd in so many ways. He also blames others for his misfortunes. He broke up with AJ because he thought the kiss she wanted at WM was bad luck and wished she wasn't even born. For a nerd, he has a really bad attitude. Then again, that's what makes him awesome. Since people have been supporting Bryan, some have thought if WWE would turn him face. I really hope this isn't the case. Bryan always seemed awkward as a face. As a bad guy, he feels comfortable. He's also over-the-top. Hell, you have to be over-the-top if you're having an orgy every week on WWE programming. As for Sheamus, his character has remained the same since winning the WHC. The only difference is Sheamus is in a bit of hot water with Laurinaitis. You almost wonder who gets more screen time, Hogan or Johnny? Then again, that's another topic for another day. Sheamus is on probation for attacking a referee in the Alberto Del Rio match. I hope we get the match that we missed out on at WM. If they pull the WM stunt again, I don't know what I'll do. 

Who should win:

Even though Bryan is quickly becoming my favorite character on this show, Sheamus should get the victory. I hope they still use Bryan after this match. Fans definitely want to see him. Unfortunately, the WHC situation might be getting worse since Del Rio is next in-line for a world title match. Ricardo Rodriguez is really gonna have to up the shenanigans in order to help that rivalry. Ricardo really is the best part of Del Rio. Del Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii*checks watch*iiiiiiiiiiiiiiioooooooooooooooooooo. 

Who creative will pick:

Creative will do one of two things. Either Sheamus wins two matches right away or it will go down to the final fall. Other than that, I think creative has Sheamus in mind. 

My final pick:

Bryan might be saying "Yes", but I'm saying "No"…

Sheamus to retain the WHC. 

CM Punk vs Chris Jericho; Chicago Street Fight for the WWE Championship

So, I still want to know what separates a Chicago Street Fight from a normal street fight. Oh well, it's not important. Ever since WM, Jericho has gotten even deeper with this alcohol thing. He has poured alcohol on Punk and even tried to get him stripped of the title. Then again, it lead to the best sobriety test ever. It was wrestling logic, but it was funny. Because of Jericho's mind-games, Punk has vowed to go in that dark place Jericho has sent him and he will use it to beat the crap out of him. I know some people have not enjoyed how this storyline has gone about, but I'm enjoying it. It's not very clear if this rivalry will end at ER. There's the chance that Jericho wins the title and we get one more match. Um, let me try that again. ONE MORE MATCH!!! Yeah, but the storyline is set up for Punk to overcome his demons and defeat Jericho. There's always the possibility that Punk is so obsessed with revenge that it clouds his judgment, thus leading him to make a mistake and lose the match. This match can go either way at the present time. Once again, I don't have a whole lot to say about this match. I think it's because the match happened at WM and I already talked about this match in the WM rundown. In fact, I think that's why most of the rundown has been short. Extreme Rules should be called WrestleMania 2.0. 

Who should win:

I'm a big Punk fan, but I want to see Jericho get this one. Just because I think they can really pull out all the stops in the final encounter. Then again, this match can be the final encounter. Regardless, I'm sure they will find a way to make their match stand out. They are just that good. 

Who creative will pick:

If they want the rivalry to continue, Jericho would need to steal this one. It's possible to get one more match between the two and have Punk the victor, but it makes more sense for Jericho to win this time around. Then again, creative also knows when Jericho is gonna be taking another break from the company…..Despite the dirt sheets saying otherwise. 

My final pick:

I've gone back and forth with this one for a while, but I'm sticking with Punk to retain the championship. Jericho can certainly win, but I think the Best in the World will take this one. And I'm not basing that decision because this is Punk's hometown. Lots of people lose in their hometown, so Punk isn't immune to the hometown curse. NOBODY!!!

John Cena vs Brock Lesnar; Extreme Rules match

The storyline here is pretty simple to follow. Cena has been feeling a little down since he lost to the Rock at WM. In fact, he's been feeling green. Am I right? 

I REGRET NOTHING!!! Anyway, Cena seems to have lost his confidence/mojo since WM. He has struggled against opponents he normally wouldn't have too much trouble with. Not only that, but Laurinaitis doesn't like Cena. He wants to break him and declare a new face of the WWE. In order to crush Cena, he brings in Lesnar. Brock is simple a wrecking machine. The guy just wants to beat people up and doesn't seem to care about the fans, the wrestlers, and even the WWE itself. Brock has sure made himself to be a God in the company, but I guess that's the idea. Cena finally got the full picture when Edge showed up and tried to get Cena to open his eyes and realize that he can't allow himself to lose. With Brock acting like a douche and Cena trying to find himself, this storyline has it set up for you to support Cena. Now, I know many people don't want to support Cena since they want to see him lose. I think one of these three things will end up happening. Either Cena will win in his normal fashion. Thus, Cena goes back to what he used to do. If they did that, I would be very disappointed to say the least. You can keep Cena as a face, but try something a little different as opposed to going back to the common Cena formula. I do get tired of seeing that smile on Cena's face from week-to-week. Seriously, that can get a little annoying. I respect Cena, but it does get tiring seeing this act over and over again. The second thought I had was Cena winning, but still having a character tweak. We saw Cena come out to his old chain on Raw, so it might be a sign that Cena will go back to his roots. I don't think Cena will completely go back to the rapper gimmick, but he can use it once in a while to further his new character. I would like to see Cena come out with some attitude or aggression since the smiling Cena is really getting old. STOP SMILING!!! The other idea is for Cena to lose to Brock, but for Cena to finally unleash the anger and frustration that has been building up for some time. That's right, folks. Cena might actually show signs of turning heel. Then again, what would really tell a good story is by having Cena lose, but don't bring him on television for a while. When I say a while, I mean keep him off TV for months. Really start to play into casual fans' head that Cena really has lost his confidence. Then BAM!!! Cena returns and the fans are happy to see him back. That's when he does the coward thing and attacks the good guy. If Punk is still the champion when that happens, Cena would take out Punk. That's when Cena can tell the fans to shove it and let the heel run commence. I think it was be awesome since it would build up suspense for the WWE. Then again, I have a hard time thinking WWE would do this sort of thing. They don't like to keep active wrestlers on the shelf for too long. Still, I think this would be a great idea, but only if they are willing to invest the proper time to make this work. "Time" is the keyword here. 

Who should win:

I'm split on this. I can see the arguments for why Cena needs to lose, but also see the arguments for why Cena needs to win. We have already established that if Brock destroys Cena, he will probably end up in TNA with Hulk Hogan, Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy, and anyone else Brock killed while working for WWE. 

No…..NO…..NOOOO…..NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!…………Okay, I'm done. 

Who creative will pick:

Creative has already told me who will win. The winner of the match will be…….

Well, I can't wait till that happens. 

My final pick:

I have a hard time thinking Cena will lose two PPVs in a row. At the same time, it's a very strong possibility. This is a tough one, so I will have to flip a coin. I guess I'm going with Cena. 

That's gonna do it for the Extreme Rules Rundown. Overall, I think the PPV has a lot of potential. I think this can be one of the better PPVs. It will be a challenge to top WM 28, but it could happen. It will be interesting to see what ends up happening. Tell me what YOU think will end up happening at ER or what are your expectations for the show? I always like hearing back from you. I will see you guys and girls on the next WrestlingNerd show. See you next time.