The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland & Butch) vs. Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci) – Six man good old fashioned Donnybrook match

Background: At Clash at the Castle, Gunther (accompanied by Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci) defeated Sheamus (accompanied by Butch and Ridge Holland) to retain the Intercontinental Championship. Imperium (Gunther, Kaiser, and Vinci) then defeated The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Butch, and Holland) in a six-man tag team match on the following episode of SmackDown. The following week, Butch and Holland won a fatal four-way tag team match, also involving Kaiser and Vinci, to earn a match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship on the next episode, but failed to win the titles due to Imperium interfering. On September 29, a six-man tag team Good Old Fashioned Donnybrook match between the two teams was confirmed to take place at Extreme Rules.

Previous PPV matches: This is a first time six man tag team match involving these six men.

Extreme Rules PPV Record: Sheamus is 4-3, all of the other five men make their Extreme Rules debut tonight.

Match: The Brawling Brutes get a big pop as they make their entrance. Interestingly during their entrance a white rabbit video plays over the top. The bell rings and all six men go at it before it becomes a 3 on 1 on Ludwig Kaiser. Gunther turns the tables for his team and it becomes a 3 on 1 on Sheamus outside the ring. Gunther hits Sheamus with side slam on the bar setup at ringside. This match marks in-ring PPV debuts for Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci. Imperium dominate for a while with Kaiser and Vinci hitting an Imperium bomb (powerbomb/uppercut) on Holland outside the ring. Imperium triple team Butch. There’s a nice triple team tree of woe and double drive-by on Butch. Sheamus takes out Kaiser and Vinci and we get Sheamus and Gunther one on one.

Sheamus takes control with a tilt a whirl slam and 10 beats of the Bodhran on Gunther. It then turns into a three on one on Gunther. Sheamus hits white noise on Gunther and then a brogue kick. Vinci breaks up the cover with a springboard splash. All six men go at it. Sheamus counters a lariott from Gunther and hits the Irish curse backbreaker before locking on the cloverleaf but Kaiser smashes Sheamus with a shillelagh. There’s a stand-off with all six men. The fight goes to the outside where Butch hits a moonsault off a stack of barrels. Gunther hits Sheamus with shellelah and uses it for a lariott for a near fall. Butch and Holland get involved and hold Gunther for Sheamus who hits him with a shillelagh! Butch and Ridge take out Kaiser and Vinci with shillelaghs. Sheamus hits Celtic cross on Gunther through announce desk which takes him out of the match. Butch and Ridge then hold Giovanni Vinci for Sheamus to hit brogue for the win.

Result: The Brawling Brutes win by pinfall.

Review: This was a really fun way to kick off the show. It was chaotic, it was hard-hitting and it was everything I had hoped for and more. Gunther and Sheamus are two men who hit stiffer than most and having their stables involved added the extra element. I really enjoyed this and it may just lead to another match between the two heavyweights down the line.

Rating: 8/10

Liv Morgan (c) vs. Ronda Rousey – Extreme Rules Match for the Smackdown Women’s Championship

Background: At SummerSlam, Liv Morgan defeated Ronda Rousey to controversially retain the SmackDown Women’s Championship; Rousey had Morgan in the armbar submission while Rousey’s shoulders were on the mat and the referee counted a pin but did not see Morgan tap out before the three count. Following the match, an irate Rousey attacked both Morgan and the referee, which resulted in the suspension of Rousey. After her suspension was lifted, Rousey won a fatal five-way elimination match on the September 9 episode of SmackDown, earning a rematch against Morgan for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at Extreme Rules. The following week, Morgan decided that she wanted to defend the title against Rousey in an Extreme Rules match and Rousey accepted.

Previous PPV matches: This is the third PPV match between these two girls, Liv Morgan beat Ronda Rousey in the previous two matches.

Extreme Rules PPV Record: Both girls wrestle at Extreme Rules for the first time tonight.

Match: Liv walks out armed with a baseball bat. It’s all Ronda in the early going, applying submissions. Liv grabs the baseball bat and swings it but Ronda counters and takes the bat before throwing it out of the ring. Ronda goes back to work, applying an ankle lock but Liv gets out of it and hits a running knee. Ronda hits strikes, grabs the baseball bat but Liv sprays a fire extinguisher in her face. Rousey hits Piper’s pit on the outside and then swings the bat into Liv’s ribs. Liv hits an enzeguri and goes to work with the bat. Ronda whips Liv with her judo black belt and then uses the bat but Liv pulls her into ring post. Liv slides a table into the ring and sets it up in the corner. Rousey applies a triangle hold and armbars but Morgan manages to wriggle out. They botch a corner move but hit it the second time which sends Ronda into the ringpost. Liv uses a chair and hits a chair version of code red for a near fall. Liv lays Ronda on table and goes to top before diving off and hitting a senton through the table for a 2 count. Liv hits a powerbomb for a 2 count. Ronda then applies a bicep crusher and uses some broken table for extra leverage, Liv passes out with smile on face which means that Ronda wins the match and the Smackdown Women’s Championship.

Result: Ronda Rousey wins the Smackdown Women’s Championship by technical submission.

Review: This was a good match. I think the stipulation was right for this match. We saw a side to Liv that we haven’t seen before and I really liked how she passed out with a smile on her face. Ronda Rousey looked like a beast and appeared to turn heel at the end as she berated the fans. Ronda Rousey is the sort of girl that will be featured at Wrestlemania in a title match so I wouldn’t be surprised to see her hold it until then.

Rating: 7/10

Drew McIntyre vs. Karrion Kross – Strap match

Background: In early August, Karrion Kross and his wife Scarlett made their return to WWE and immediately began to target Drew McIntyre. Over the following weeks, Kross continued to attack McIntyre, but he would retreat before McIntyre could retaliate. On the September 23 episode of SmackDown, McIntyre announced that WWE officials granted him a match against Kross at Extreme Rules in a strap match, thus ensuring that Kross could not retreat.

Previous PPV matches: This is a first time PPV match between these two men.

Extreme Rules PPV Record: Drew McIntyre is 1-1, Karrion Kross wrestles at this event for the first time tonight.

Match: Karrion Kross is joined by his wife Scarlett. Drew places the strap around his wrist but Kross refuses to put on the strap, throwing it out of the ring. Scarlett pulls it, distracting Drew which allows Kross to take the early advantage. The fight soon goes to the outside of the ring and they then battle through the crowd and back to ringside but Kross still hasn’t put the strap on. McIntyre hits a unique backbreaker on the apron and then puts the strap on Kross, signalling the bell. A Scarlett distraction gives Kross the advantage again, allowing him to pull Drew into the ringpost three times. Kross works the left shoulder before hitting a face buster into the announce desk and then whipping Drew with the strap as Scarlett screams for more. Kross hits a doomsday Saito suplex. McIntyre fires up with clotheslines and throws. They slug it out and then exchange whips with the strap. Drew hits futureshock and then motions for claymore but Scarlett stands in the way and then sprays pepper spray in his eyes. Kross hits a forearm to the back of the head and then pins Mcintyre for the win.

Result: Karrion Kross wins by pinfall.

Review: This was a decent match. A battle between two heavyweights. I think Karrion Kross needs some clean wins to give him legitimacy instead of winning with so much help form Scarlett. The loss won’t hurt Drew too much and I’m sure it’ll lead to another match down the line.

Rating: 6.5/10

Binaca Belair (c) vs. Bayley – Ladder match for the Raw Women’s Championship

Background: After Bianca Belair retained the Raw Women’s Championship at SummerSlam, she was confronted by a returning Bayley, accompanied by Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky. The trio would dub themselves as Damage Control. At Clash at the Castle, Damage Control defeated Belair’s team in a six-woman tag team match in which Bayley pinned Belair. Due to pinning the champion, Bayley challenged Belair to a ladder match for the Raw Women’s Championship at Extreme Rules and Belair accepted.

Previous PPV matches: Bianca is 2-0 up against Bayley in PPV matches.

Extreme Rules PPV Record: Bianca Belair is 1-0, Bayley is 2-1.

Match: Bayley walks out alone, there’s no sign of Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky. Nikkita Lyons is shown at ringside. Both girls hit the other with cross bodies early on and then leave the ring and grab ladders before setting them up in the ring. The fight goes to the outside where Bayley takes control and then berates a fan. Lots of attempts from Bianca to climb the ladder. Bianca slams Bayley on a ladder and then hits a standing moonsault. Bayley hits a sunset flip powerbomb into a ladder. Bayley sets up a ladder from the ring to the barricade, lays Bianca on it and then hits an elbow drop which doesn’t break the ladder. Bayley needs to be quieter with her instructions to Bianca, the mics are picking her up. Bayley pulls apart her knee pad and runs at Bianca knee-first but Belair moves out of the way and then hits a KOD. Bianca climbs the ladder but out come Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky who pull her down and double team her. Bianca hits a double KOD on both girls which is pretty impressive. Bayley throws Bianca into a ladder and then hits a roseplant before setting up a ladder with Bianca pinned underneath and climbs it but Bianca bench presses the ladder sending Bayley flying off it. Both girls race to the top of the ladder, Bayley uses Bianca’s hair to pull her down but Bianca then whips Bayley with her hair to get her down. Bayley grabs half a ladder but a Bianca hits a KOD and Bayley lands on the ladder. Bianca climbs the ladder and pulls down the title to win.

Result: Binaca Belair retains the Raw Women’s Championship.

Review: This was a decent enough ladder match. Not the best I’ve ever seen but it was perfectly acceptable. The problem with a stipulation like this is that it is a feud ender and leaves it hard for Bayley to come back from. But I do feel this programme could continue. Bianca is a really strong champion but if anyone cound uncrown her right now then it’s Bayley. Decent enough match tonight.

Rating: 6.75/10

Edge vs. Finn Balor – I Quit match

Background: After WrestleMania 38 in April, Edge formed a group with Damian Priest called The Judgment Day; Rhea Ripley later joined the group at WrestleMania Backlash, followed by Finn Bálor, who was defeated in a match by Judgment Day. Bálor would then become the new leader after Judgement Day viciously attacked and turned on Edge. Dominik Mysterio would also later join the group after turning on his father Rey Mysterio and Edge at Clash at the Castle. After weeks of feuding and a brutal attack on Edge by The Judgment Day, Edge returned on the September 26 episode of Raw and challenged Bálor to an “I Quit” match at Extreme Rules and Bálor accepted.

Previous PPV matches: This is a first ever match between these two men.

Extreme Rules PPV Record: Edge is 1-1, Finn Balor is 1-2.

Match: Finn comes out without the rest of Judgment Day to a new version of his old entrance music, wearing a black mask similar to pinhead. Edge takes control early. Balor gets back into it by targeting the left knee of Edge with strikes and a figure four but Edge won’t quit. Balor beats Edge’s head off the announce desk but Edge still won’t quit. Edge pushes Finn into the ringpost and then forces him through the barricade. Edge takes the fight into the crowd where he hits a big suplex and then attacks Finn with a hockey stick. The two men fight up the stairs and back down again before returning to ringside. Finn attacks Edge repeatedly with a chair and Edge still refuses to quit. Edge sends Finn into a chair and both men are down. It’s Edge’s turn to use the chair and he targets Finns left knee. Edge applies an Edge-ucator. Damien Priest runs out but Edge takes him out. Edge then spears Finn off the apron, taking out Priest and Dominik Mysterio in the process. Edge motions for a spear but Rhea Ripley appears in the corner and handcuffs Edge to the top rope.

It turns into a three on one with Damien Priest and Dominik Mysterio helping Finn beat down Edge. Balor uses a kendo stick until Rey Mysterio comes out to help out Edge. Dominik lays out his father and beats the hell out of him on the outside with some excellent commentary from Michael Cole. Beth Phoenix then makes the save, laying out Balor and Priest with a kendo stick. We then get the showdown between Beth and Rhea Ripley who exchange lefts and rights and a spear from Phoenix. Beth unlocks Edges handcuffs and Edge spears Priest and then kicks Dominik in the crotch! Finn Balor hits a sling blade but Edge takes him down with three spears! Edge calls for a chair and Beth obliged. Edge breaks a bar off the chair and looks for a cross face but Rhea takes out Beth with brass knuckles. Priest hits Edge with south of heaven and Finn hits coup de gras three times. Edge still won’t quit. As Judgment Day hold Edge in place, Rhea sets Beth up for a con-chair-to which causes Edge to say I Quit! Finn Balor wins! Rhea then hits the con-chair-to anyway! Great psychology.

Result: Finn Balor wins.

Review: This was a really good match. I loved the psychology and the latter part of this match was really well done. This has to be leading up to a mixed tag team match involving Beth and Rhea. Beth Phoenix vs. Rhea Ripley is definitely a dream match in itself. But this was really good. I didn’t see the finish coming which is rare these days. Definitely a lot more fire in this rivalry, I look forward to seeing where it goes.

Rating: 8.25/10

Matt Riddle v Seth Rollins – Fight Pit match with Daniel Cormier as special guest referee

Background: At Clash at the Castle, Seth “Freakin” Rollins defeated Matt Riddle. During Rollins’ match for the United States Championship on the September 19 episode of Raw, Riddle distracted Rollins, costing him the title. Later that episode, Riddle challenged Rollins to a Fight Pit match at Extreme Rules and Rollins accepted. On October 1, it was revealed that UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier would be the special guest referee for the match.

Previous PPV matches: This is a second PPV match between these two men, Seth Rollins won the previous match.

Extreme Rules PPV Record: Seth Rollins is 5-3, Matt Riddle wrestles at this event for the first time tonight.

Match: Bron Breakker is shown at ringside. Seth Rollins becomes the first man to main event 5 different Extreme Rules events. Rollins has a look of Rob Van Dam about him tonight. Riddle hits strikes in a cagey start to the match. Daniel Cormier looks to break up a scrap and Riddle shoves him out of the way. Cormier then throws Riddle off Rollins which allows Rollins to take control. Cormier checks on Riddle at one point and Seth shoves him out of the way. DC then gets in Seth’s face and tells him not to touch him again. Rollins lays in some strikes of his own, a suplex into the fence and then a frog splash. Riddle hits an RKO.

The two men exchange strikes, Riddle looks for another RKO but Seth counters and hits a stomp. Cormier is slow to start his count and Riddle makes it to his feet. Rollins climbs up to the platform above and Riddle follows. The two men go at it on the platform, Rollins powerbombs Riddle into the side of the platform. Seth hits a pedigree onto the platform and then looks for a stomp but Riddle counters and hits an RKO. Rollins drops down to the ring below but Riddle dives off the top of the pit with a bro-ton! Riddle applies a triangle and despite Rollins best efforts to get out of it, he’s stuck in the hold and taps out!

Result: Matt Riddle wins by submission.

Review: This was a fun match. I quite like the fight pit. Matt Riddle gets the win which is the right call. They now have one win. piece on PPV so I wouldn’t be surprised to see a rubber match between the two. This match was all about strikes and submissions. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Daniel Cormier in a WWE ring again. Good main event tonight.

Rating: 7/10