The WWE Extreme Rules 2016 Pay Per View exceeded the expectations of most, playing host to two fantastic matches and one shock return. But because Seth Rollins’ return was so shocking, the booking’s more damaging consequences has been ignored. Here’s WrestleTalk’s Oli Davis with how they could have avoided it.
The closing sequence of Styles vs Reigns at WWE Extreme Rules saw AJ give Roman a Styles Clash on a chair – which was broken up by an Uso – and then AJ snapping and delivering six chair shots to Reigns. But, because Roman could probably kick out of a machete to the head at this point, Reigns jumped up and speared Styles for the win. I swore at the telly, but then Seth Rollins ran in, pedigreed Roman Reigns and held up the title. ‘AJ who?’ my mind asked. That was awesome, what an ending, absolute elation…
…but if you listen closely, beneath all the cheers and woops for Crossfit Jesus’ return, there’s a Georgian accent with an emo haircut mumbling, ‘ah shucks, this is my third big Pay Per View loss in a row.’
At Wrestlemania 32, AJ Styles lost to Chris Jericho clean for absolutely no reason. At Payback, he lost to Roman Reigns in the main event. And now, with Extreme Rules, AJ loses again.
I’m not saying he should win all the time – although that would be pretty cool – I’m arguing that wins and losses do matter. If you keep beating someone, they’re going to become less special over time. So how do we solve a problem like AJ…whilst keeping the cool Rollins stuff?
Let’s rewind to before AJ went for his final Phenomenal Forearm, before Roman speared him for the win. AJ has Reigns beat. The Usos are down, Roman is knocked silly from the Styles Clash and all the chair shots. AJ’s next move is going to win the match. After chucking the chair out of the ring, he turns to go to the ring apron for his Phenomenal Forearm…
…and that’s when Seth Rollins’ music hits.
Crossfit Jesus walks out onto the entrance ramp and the crowd are going crazy. Usually, I think music hitting is a bit staged, but you need its sudden burst of noise to minimise any heat Rollins might get for essentially costing AJ a victory.
‘What the hell are you doing here?’ AJ’s yelling up the entrance ramp. ’That’s my title you’re fighting for,’ screams back Rollins. And then AJ turns around right into Roman’s spear.
Roman looks up at Rollins. He’s mostly bemused, but there’s a little bit of fear there, too. Mainly because Seth looks freaking enormous. Reigns quickly snaps out of it and makes the cover. 1-2-3, Roman retains.
But as soon the ref gives Roman his WWE title, Rollins jumps into the ring.
“That’s mine!” he starts screaming. “I never lost it!” The stare-down goes on forever, the crowd are going nuts. And then Rollins kicks Reigns in the gut, delivers the pedigree and poses with the strap. Copyright logo in the bottom left, fade to black.
Watch the video above to see how this would’ve kept all three men strong, and how WWE could book the feud through to the eventual Seth Rollins vs Roman Reigns match at Summerslam (a bout that’s now at the next Pay Per View).
