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With a pretty fun Backlash event in the books, we are gearing towards the next WWE pay-per-view. Extreme Rules is set to take place in five weeks' time, promising a unique night of action like no other. Over the past decade in WWE, there have been several gimmick matches on every Extreme Rules pay-per-view.
While some have had more stipulations than others, this year's show could feature a variety of them. Various feuds in WWE today have been set up nicely for a grand conclusion on the one night of the year where there are no rules.
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And with the cinematic approach WWE has been taking in the past few months, we could be in for one of the most extreme and creative pay-per-views in recent history. If even a few of these matches happen, Extreme Rules could be a great show.
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Here are five exciting gimmick matches likely to happen at Extreme Rules 2020.
#5 Bayley and Sasha Banks vs Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross (Tornado Match for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship)
The long-drawn saga between Bayley and Sasha Banks rolls on, with the two best friends retaining the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship at Backlash. But with their impending break-up on the way, we could see Sasha and Bayley's reign end in the coming month.
And with no other babyface tag team strong enough to dethrone the Champions, Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross are likely to remain in the picture. The two teams could have a fun tornado tag team match at Extreme Rules, where anything goes.
And with all four women legal to be in the ring at the same time, we may even see some miscommunication between Bayley and Sasha Banks that would lead to the eventual downfall of their title reign and ultimately, their friendship.
This would go a long way in giving the Women's Tag Titles some prestige, while moving the Sasha and Bayley angle forward in a logical and progressive way.
#4 Asuka vs Nia Jax (Steel Cage Match for the RAW Women's Championship)
The RAW Women's Championship match at Backlash between Asuka and Nia Jax ended in a disappointing double count-out, which means that this feud will continue into Extreme Rules. Meanwhile, Charlotte Flair is also in the equation at the top of the Red brand's female division.
However, it seems like WWE may hold off on a full-blown program between Asuka and Charlotte until SummerSlam comes around. And with the double count-out between the Empress of Tomorrow and Nia Jax, the two titans could clash inside a Steel Cage.
The cage match is one of WWE's most trusted gimmick matches and has been frequently used at Extreme Rules pay-per-views in the past. The cage fits this angle perfectly as a solution to a non-finish at Backlash, as well as a way to keep Charlotte from interfering in an Asuka vs Jax rematch.
Asuka has had some great matches with Nia Jax, particularly the ones in the lead-up to WrestleMania 34. A Steel Cage Match at Extreme Rules would be another solid installment in their series.
#3 Jeff Hardy vs Sheamus (Falls Count Anywhere Match)
The issue between Jeff Hardy and Sheamus has been personal, with the Charismatic Enigma's real-life issues with alcoholism being the focal point of the story. We got a questionable segment - to say the least - which involved urine on SmackDown as well, illustrating the lengths WWE is going with this feud. And Extreme Rules will likely provide a major finish to it.
The match that Hardy and Sheamus had at Backlash was incredibly stiff, with the Celtic Warrior looking particularly impressive. The two of them are now tied at one win apiece, setting the stage for a violent blowoff match at Extreme Rules.
This is where WWE should get creative. With the rising tensions between Hardy and Sheamus, the two should engage in an all-out brawl that isn't confined to the ring, or even the arena. The two of them should have a Falls Count Anywhere Match at Extreme Rules. This could be the cinematic match of the night.
Going in and around the Performance Center like the Street Profits and Viking Raiders did at Backlash, in a more serious and urgent way, would make for a thrilling feud-ender with Jeff Hardy getting his hand raised. It would also resemble his match with Umaga at One Night Stand back in 2008.
#2 Drew McIntyre vs Bobby Lashley (Extreme Rules Match for the WWE Championship)
The WWE Championship match between Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley at Backlash was undoubtedly great, but it could get even better if it happens at Extreme Rules. While it was a titanic battle of power and strategy, the finish left a lot to be desired.
Lana came to the ring to argue a clear 2-count, inadvertently distracting her on-screen husband for him to lose the match. It's fair to say that Lashley and MVP were not happy about this at all. And we could see them go on a warpath on RAW, eventually earning a rematch with the Scottish Terminator.
McIntyre and Lashley have incredible chemistry, so with no distractions from Lana and no rules in place, they could have a fight for the ages at Extreme Rules. It would be even more physical and brutal than their Backlash match, which was a brawl in its own right.
If Drew McIntyre faces Bobby Lashley in an Extreme Rules Match, or any form of No Holds Barred stipulation, get excited. There is something genuinely exciting about two physical specimens fighting it out, especially if there are weapons involved.
#1 AJ Styles vs Daniel Bryan (60-minute Iron Man Match for the Intercontinental Championship)
On last week's episode of SmackDown, AJ Styles defeated Daniel Bryan to win his first Intercontinental Championship. It was a fantastic contest, lasting close to 40 minutes. There were no finishers as well, until the end of the match. It was a wrestling masterclass from two geniuses in the ring. How do WWE improve on that for Extreme Rules?
Simple, give them 60 minutes.
WWE has already put on some extremely long matches recently, with Styles vs Bryan and the classic between Edge and Randy Orton at Backlash. It wouldn't be unlikely for the Intercontinental Title to be contested for in an hour-long Iron Man Match at Extreme Rules.
This Friday, The Phenomenal One is set to have a Championship presentation and has even invited Bryan to be a part of it. This could be where the 4-time WWE Champion challenges AJ to such a grueling contest for Extreme Rules, to find out once and for all who truly is the best wrestler in the world.
The match would undoubtedly be a classic, provided there are a right amount of falls throughout its duration along with the nail-biting action Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles are capable of. Drew Gulak helping Bryan to train for this match would be great content as well.
With these matches, Extreme Rules would surely be a belter of a pay-per-view.
