WWE Extreme Rules 2013 will be remembered by me for some of the strangest booking in recent memory. If you watched the show and are still wondering how a guy who walked away from a Last Man Standing Match isn’t the new champion, you aren’t alone.

John Cena retained the WWE championship or so I think in a Last Man Standing Match against Ryback in one of the weirdest finishes I can remember seeing on a WWE event in ages. The story here was Cena’s injured ankle which the announcers brought up several times throughout the match. The match was probably worlds better than you expected if you haven’t seen it. These two guys broke a lot of tables and kept the action moving for most of the bout. Both guys hit power bombs for near falls. There were certainly a couple of questionable moments in the match that will probably make it on a future Botchmania video. The match got a little corny as it hit the halfway mark. Nobody sold a thing to the point that it just got ridiculous. They’d hit each other with everything and get back up a few seconds later. One of the things that was also a bit odd is that they really put over this ankle injury yet Ryback barley worked on it. They fought in the crowd at one point, although at a safe distance from fans. Ryback actually pulled off a piece of the barricade/wall and hit Cena with it. Cena miraculously recovered in record time and caught Ryback in a sleeper hold. Cena jumped off a level and put Ryback through a table on the floor. Cena proceeded to use a fire extinguisher on Ryback. Cena went for the A.A. on the stage but Ryback picked him up and speared him through the wall. Both guys were seen down in the back and unconscious. The fans booed it and rightfully so. Ryback got up and limped while Cena was stretchered out with a neck brace.

The sad part about all of this is that these guys were having a hell of a match until it hit the floor. Once they hit the floor it just got a bit too cartoonish for my tastes. What is even stranger here is that this was a Last Man Standing Match and Ryback limped off yet he wasn’t announced as the winner. It makes no sense to me. Hey the finish is fine but why would you do it in a Last Man Standing Match unless both guys are going to get stretchered out? I don’t see how Ryback can’t be recognized as WWE champion by the rules of the match. Who knows? I guess you could say that neither guy got up at the count of ten but the image of one guy walking out and the other stretchered said something different. Believe it or not they never gave an official result.

Brock Lesnar went 2-1 on Triple H at Extreme Rules. Triple H attacked Lesnar as he was walking to the ring. Lesnar did a spot where he hurt his knee. He told Heyman through the cage that he hurt his knee. Hunter immediately went to work on it. I found this kind of odd to work a knee injury a match after they just worked an injury angle. I also found it kind of odd that they would have their monster showing that kind of vulnerability. Talk about a strangely booked show. Heyman told Lesnar to “shake it off.” Hunter brutalized Lesnar’s knee with the chair. The announcers certainly went out of their way to give Lesnar sympathy, setting up the babyface turn. Heyman came into the cage at one point and was pedigreed. Hunter pedigreed Brock immediately thereafter who kicked out at 2 ½ for a near finish.  One odd spot saw Hunter apply the Sharpshooter onto Brock. I say odd considering all of the negative things that Bret Hart has had to say about Hunter in recent weeks. Hunter got his hands on a sledgehammer and went to use it before Heyman gave Triple H a low blow.  Lesnar wound up using the sledgehammer on Triple H and KO’ing him. Lesnar than F5’d Triple H and pinned him. I must be crazy because I thought this match had old school rules where you can only win by leaving the cage.

It wasn’t a bad match but highly disappointing in regards to how it was built up. It was promoted as an “old school” cage match which to me means blood and brutality. Was it brutal? That is debatable. But to promote the violence of the cage match and not deliver any blood was a bit kind of weak if you ask me.

The Shield had a big night at Extreme Rules. Seth Rollings and Roman Reigns defeated Team Hell No to win the WWE tag team championship while Dean Ambrose defeated Kofi Kingston to win the United States championship. Reigns had Bryan in the torture rack and Rollins came off the top rope with a kneedrop and Reigns pinned Bryan to win the match. It was a real fun match, Tornado style but it was a bit short as was Ambrose’s win. Regarding Ambrose’s win, it should be noted that Ambrose had zero help from the rest of The Shield. Ambrose pinned Kofi with a standing bulldog or a headlock DDT (best way to describe it) after Kingston missed Trouble in Paradise. This was a really good match that opened up hot and stayed hot. JBL put over hard how Kofi could have won the match by count out at one point and rolled Ambrose into the ring. I have no idea if this is the plan but I’d love to see this be the start of a SummerSlam main-event between Ambrose and John Cena for the WWE championship.

Alberto Del Rio defeated Jack Swagger in an I-Quit Match to become the number one contender. The referee originally awarded the match to Jack Swagger after Zeb threw a towel in and the ref thought it was Del Rio’s. Another referee came out, instant replay was used, and the match was restarted. Del Rio than quickly won with an armbar to earn a title shot at Dolph Ziggler when Ziggler comes back from his concussion.

Chris Jericho also pinned Fandango to open up the show. Fandango came down off the top rope and was nailed with the Code Breaker. This was a solid opener but the big news here to me is Fandango losing. Fandango had some nice momentum coming out of WrestleMania so the loss here was a bit surprising.

I’m not a Fandango fan but finishes like this just make me scratch my head. The WWE caught magic in a bottle last year with Ryback. Why? Because he was undefeated and by the time he got to CM Punk people thought he was something special. Growing up in the 80s watching wrestling the formula was simple. A new guy would come in, he’d go through a few guys and remain undefeated until he fell to the champion. It amazes me that the same guy who watched his father apply that formula for decades can’t commit to anyone. Again this isn’t a rant on beating Fandango because I like Fandango. It’s a rant on the WWE once again failing to give these new guys any steam and build for future title matches.

Full WWE Extreme Rules 2013 Results & Winners…
Brock Lesnar defeated Triple H in a Steel Cage Match
John Cena vs. Ryback in a Last Man Standing Match for WWE championship ended in a no-contest
Sheamus defeated Mark Henry in a Strap Match
Randy Orton defeated Big Show in a No Holds Barred Match
Alberto Del Rio defeated Jack Swagger in an I Quit Match
Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns defeated Daniel Bryan & Kane in a Tornado Match to win the WWE tag team championship
Dean Ambrose defeated Kofi Kingston to win the U.S. title
Chris Jericho defeated Fandango
The Miz defeated Cody Rhodes

WWE: Extreme Rules 2013 DVD

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This week’s WWE Friday Night SmackDown opens up with another waste of time…I mean episode of MizTV. His guests are The Big Show and Randy Orton. Orton makes his way out first, followed by Show. Miz reminds them they’re competing in an Extreme Rules Match and says that, because of their issues at WrestleMania, this will be one of the most anticipated matches at ER. I beg to differ. Ambrose/Kofi and Shield/Hell No! will both be much, much better. Miz asks Show about being laid out by the RKO last week, asking if it’s a preview of ER. Show expected a weasel like Miz to make a statement like that. Orton hit the RKO from behind, like the snake in the grass he is. Orton attacked him at WM and last week. At ER, there are no rules. Show can use anything he wants to rip Orton apart. But he doesn’t need weapons like Orton does. In St. Louis, Orton’s hometown, the last thing anyone will remember will be a TKO instead of an RKO. Orton calls Show’s story interesting and entertaining, but the ending is inaccurate. ER does take place in Orton’s hometown, and he’s not letting Show beat him in front of his city. The reason why they’re at each other’s throats is because Orton made the mistake in trusting Show. The only thing anyone is going to remember at ER is how “The Viper” struck down “The Giant”, and if Show’s not careful, he may just not get back up.

Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter come out. Zeb says ER will be memorable, but only because Swagger will make Alberto Del Rio say “I quit”. Jack Swagger’s America will become a reality, and he will be the new #1 contender for the World title. Now, it’s ADR’s turn to come out, along with Ricardo Rodriguez. He tells Zeb to shut up. Everyone is tired of hearing Zeb talk, so ADR is making it clear that everyone will remember that he will be the new #1 contender when he makes Swagger quit. As for Zeb, ADR is going to send him back wherever he came from so he never sneaks into ADR’s business again.

Now Mark Henry comes out. I smell a 6-man main event. Henry’s heard all of this talking, and what’s going to be remembered is Henry setting world records by pulling semis. They’re going to remember him beating Sheamus like no one else ever has as well. What people will remember is that he’s the strongest man in the world because that’s what he does. Enter Sheamus. He says the Strap Match will be the most memorable when he leaves Henry’s giant carcass battered and bruised. But why wait until Sunday when they can preview the match right now? Sheamus reveals he’s carrying a strap, and he clears the ring of the heels, last whipping Henry.

After the commercials, lo and behold, Teddy Long comes out. He announces that he’s ready for Extreme Rules, and he’s making a 6-man main event. I, for one, am shocked.

MATCH 1: Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins (w/Dean Ambrose) vs. The Usos (Jey and Jimmy)
Rollins and Jimmy start the match with Jimmy on the attack. Jey tags in and throws Rollins into a boot from his brother. Jey hits a forearm off the ropes, but Rollins applies a side headlock. Reigns makes a blind tag, blocks a hip toss and hits a clothesline. Reigns stops Jey in the corner, then whips him. Jey blocks a charge and hits a running hip bump. Jimmy intercepts Rollins, and they brawl on the floor. Jey mule kicks Reigns, but he ducks a jumping side kick and hits a spear for the 3.

WINNERS: Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. After the match, The Shield gang-attacks Jey until Kofi Kingston hits the ring. They beat him down and throw him to the outside. Kofi comes back in and clears the ring with a chair.

We see Teddy Long with The Miz in the back, and he tells Miz he’s been missed. Damien Sandow enters the office and says they’d all be better off if Miz had never returned, so people could bask in the glory of a host instead of an ignoramus like Miz. Sandow offers his own talk show segment. Long says he’ll consider it, but right now, he needs to show Long what he can do in the ring tonight against The Miz. You’re welcome.

MATCH 2: Tons of Funk (Brodus Clay and Sweet T, w/The Funkadactyls) vs. The Prime-Time Players (Titus O’Neil and Darren Young)
Clay and Young start the match with Clay on offense. He assaults Young in the corner with right hands and forearms. T tags in, and he hits a combination sidewalk slam/inverted bulldog with Clay. Young rolls to the floor, and T follows, throwing him back in the ring. Titus comes off the apron with a clothesline on T, which allows Young to throw him back in the ring and begin an assault. Titus tags in, hurls Young into T, then nails a clothesline. Titus hits some shoulder thrusts in the corner, then taunts the crowd as he walks to the opposite one. He misses a 3-point stance, and T tags in Clay. Young tags in and runs into a pair of clotheslines, followed by an exploder suplex. Young lands near the corner, where he receives an avalanche. Clay hits a running powerslam for 2 as Titus breaks up the pin. T boots him, and the faces sandwich Young before hitting a double Ah, Funk It! for 3.

WINNERS: Tons of Funk.

MATCH 3: Chris Jericho vs. Antonio Cesaro
Lock-up, and Cesaro backs Jericho into the corner. Jericho shoves him off and applies a side headlock. Cesaro throws him into the ropes and hits a shoulderblock. Another lock-up, and Jericho turns it into a hammerlock before hitting some chops and a dropkick. We get a cut-away video of Fandango and Summer Rae, and she’s pretending she hurt her ankle again. The both of them laugh. Okay, then. A match is still going on, so let’s get back to it. Cesaro rolls to the floor off an Irish whip, avoiding a clothesline in the process. Cesaro fights Jericho through the ropes before hitting a European uppercut. Cesaro hits some knife-edge chops in the corner and sends Jericho into the opposite. Jericho blocks a charge and hits a middle rope missile dropkick before hitting a seated one to the back and a seated one to the side of the head. Cesaro rolls to the apron and tries to suplex Jericho to the floor. He nails a forearm to the face, but Jericho kicks him as he gets back in, then knocks him to the floor with an inside-out dropkick. Commercials.

Back from the break, Cesaro has Jericho in a rear chinlock. Jericho elbows out, ducks a clothesline and locks in a backslide for 2. Cesaro pops up with a clothesline for 2 of his own before applying another rear chinlock. Jericho gets back to his feet, but Cesaro keeps the hold locked in. Jericho eventually breaks out and shoulders Cesaro down twice before getting sent to the apron. Jericho lands on his feet, goes up top and hits a double axe handle. Cesaro ducks a clothesline and goes back to the chinlock. Jericho counters into a Walls, but Cesaro boots him off. Jericho boots him in the face and goes for the Lionsault, but Cesaro blocks it with his knees and hits a double stomp for 2. Cesaro pounds Jericho in the face with forearm shots, then pulls him up by his ears for a slap to the face. Jericho escapes a corner whip and hits a step-up enziguri for 2. Briefly Jericho’s finisher, BTW. Jericho punts Cesaro in the ribs before running into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for 2. Cesaro goes back to the rear chinlock, then releases it before calling for the Neutralizer. Jericho counters into the Walls, but Cesaro twists out. Jericho boots him in the corner, then goes up top, and jumps off right into a Very European Uppercut for 2. Cesaro slaps him in the back of the head a few times before going for the deadlift gutwrench suplex. Jericho grabs his leg on the way down and counters into the Walls of Jericho for the submission.

WINNER: Chris Jericho. Great match with a great finish. Poor Antonio Cesaro, though. He deserves so much better. Anyway, as Jericho is celebrating, Fandango’s music hits, and Summer Rae dances her way onto the stage. Fandango tries to attack from behind, but Jericho sees him coming and tackles him, hitting a few punches before Fandango bails. Cesaro gets back up and tries to go after Jericho, running right into a Codebreaker in the process.

MATCH 4: Damien Sandow vs. The Miz
Cody Rhodes is on color commentary, as he’s facing Miz in the dark match at ER. Lock-up to start, and Miz applies a side headlock. Sandow counters out, and Miz applies it once again, right into a hip throw. Sandow gets back up and backs Miz into a corner for some shoulder thrusts before he stomps Miz down. Miz escapes a corner whip and hits a clothesline. Miz sends Sandow into the corner, but runs into an elbow. He ducks a clothesline and goes for one of his own, but Sandow bails to the floor. Miz meets him outside with a double axe handle from the apron. Sandow is rolled back in, and he kicks Miz as he tries to climb back in. Rhodes leaves the announce desk, grabs a mic and tells the audience to show respect for Sandow. In the ring, Sandow hits a suplex, drops his kneepad and hits a jumping kneedrop for 2. We get a cut-away featuring Wade Barrett, who is apparently doing an interview in the back. In the ring, Miz fights back with punches before being triped into the ropes. Sandow hits a knee to the back, then follows up with some kneelifts and a side-Russian legsweep. The Cobito Aquiet connects for 2, and now Sandow is applying a rear chinlock. Miz fights out, ducks some rights and hits some lefts. Forearm off the ropes by Miz, followed by a running kneelift and a running boot. Hanging clothesline in the corner, and now Miz goes up top for a double axe handle. Why are so many wrestlers using that all of a sudden. Miz calls for the figure-4, but Rhodes distracts him on the apron. Miz knocks him down and Sandow goes for a back suplex. Miz flips out, takes Sandow down and applies the figure-4. Sandow taps.

WINNER: The Miz.

MATCH 5: Aksana vs. WWE Divas Champion Kaitlyn (non-title)
Before the match, we see a video from earlier today featuring Kaitlyn and Natalya talking, and someone delivers some flowers to Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn starts the match with a waistlock takedown right into a front chancery. Kaitlyn turns it into a snap suplex for 2 before applying an arm wringer. Aksana fights out with forearms before Kaitlyn runs through her with a shoulderblock. She calls for the inverted DDT, but Aksana backs her into the corner before whipping her down to the mat. She catapults Kaitlyn into the top rope, then drives her knee into Kaitlyn’s back before applying a rear chinlock. Kaitlyn begins to fight out until Aksana whips her back down. Aksana lands some kicks to the ribs before hitting a side-Russian legsweep. She crawls around the ring for whatever reason, then kicks Kaitlyn in the face for 2. Aksana goes back to the rear chinlock, driving her knee into the back as well. Kaitlyn powers out, but runs into a kick. Aksana forearms her down, then applies an over-the-shoulder backbreaker. Kaitlyn escapes and runs through Aksana with a spear for 3.

WINNER: Kaitlyn. Decent for a divas match, especially considering one of the contestants was Aksana. Decent spear by Kaitlyn, too.

MATCH 6: Alberto Del Rio, Sheamus and Randy Orton (w/Ricardo Rodriguez) vs.
Jack Swagger, Mark Henry and The Big Show (w/Zeb Colter)
Swagger and ADR start the match with a lock-up. Swagger goes into a side headlock before shouldering ADR off the ropes. Crisscross ends in a hip toss by ADR. ADR lands a kick to the spine for 2. ADR kicks Swagger in the corner, then hits a step-up enziguri. Orton tags in and stomps Swagger’s hand before hitting a European uppercut. Orton with the corner punches, hitting all ten. Swagger comes back with a chopblock off an Irish whip, then DDTs the leg. Orton gets back up and hits a dropkick before tagging in ADR, who hits a drop toe-hold for 2. Swagger rolls to the apron, and ADR pulls him through the ropes for some forearms to the back and a Backstabber. Swagger rolls to the floor, and ADR hits a suicide dive. ADR rolls Swagger back into the ring and goes up top. Swagger meets him with a belly-to-belly suplex. Kurt Angle will accuse him of stealing on Twitter in no time. Show tags in stands on ADR’s back. He hits an open-hand chop in the corner before throwing ADR into the buckles. Swagger tags back in and hits some kneelifts. Henry in for the first time, and he headbutts ADR repeatedly. Swagger back in, and ADR blocks a charge before hitting a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Show back in, and he stops a tag with an elbow drop. Bodyslam by Show as we go to commercials.

Back from the break, ADR boots Swagger away. Swagger misses a corner charge, going shoulder-first into the ring post. Show tags in, and he pulls ADR away from his corner, once again preventing a tag. Show goes for the Alley-Oop, but ADR counters with a hurricanrana. Sheamus tags in, hits a pair of Irish Hammers, a running shoulder thrust and a running kneelift. He goes up for the Battering Ram, but Show sees it coming. Sheamus rolls through and charges at Show, running into a goozle. Sheamus escapes the chokeslam and hits White Noise. He calls for the Brogue Kick, but gets distracted by Henry. He knocks Henry down and goes for the Kick, but Show blocks it and hits a chokeslam for 2. Swagger back in, and he drops a pair of elbows before hitting a bodyslam and a running legdrop for 1. Swagger applies a front chancery, but Sheamus fights out and hits a rolling fireman’s carry slam. Henry tags in, and he stomps Sheamus in the back, preventing a tag. He clubs Sheamus across the back of the neck before foot-choking him. Show back in, and Sheamus tries to fight back with rights before running into a shoulderblock. Show walks across Sheamus’ stomach, then ties him in the ropes for some open-hand chops and a body blow. Swagger in, and he hits a series of kneelifts in the corner before hitting a short-arm clothesline. Swagger Bomb connects for 2. Swagger goes for it again, but Sheamus gets back up and electric chairs Swagger. Orton tags in, and he hits the 3.0, followed by 3 of the 4 Moves of Boredom. Henry comes in and hits Orton with a standing avalanche as Show clotheslines Sheamus to the floor. ADR lands a step-up enziguri on Henry on the apron, and outside, Sheamus blasts Show with a Brogue Kick. In the ring, Swagger ducks another step-up from ADR and goes for the Patriot Lock. Orton comes back in and lands an RKO on Swagger for 3.

WINNERS: Alberto Del Rio, Randy Orton and Sheamus.

End of show.

-Dustin

Dustin Nichols is a freelance writer, and you can keep track of all of his work on his Facebook page, which can be found at www.facebook.com/DustinNicholsWriter. Oh, and if you like bodybuilding, check out his mom’s official site by clicking the banner below:

WWE: Extreme Rules 2013 DVD

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Not looking forward to this week’s episode of Impact. It reportedly got the lowest rating since TNA’s failed “Monday Night Wars, Part 2”, and those were some of the worst episodes ever.

Tupelo, MS again this week for the location. And, shock of shocks, Hulk Hogan is opening the show. He claims he is shocked that Hulkamania is this crazy in Tupelo. He’s also shocked at the way AJ Styles walked away from Sting and Kurt Angle, brothers. But, when he walked away, Angle took the fight to him, brother. So AJ, go ahead and join Aces and Eights if you want, because who cares? Angle is going to keep chasing you to Slammiversary, brother. From his mouth to the fans, it’s official: Angle/AJ at Slammiversary. Speaking of that event, we’re going to have the contract signing for Bully Ray/Sting for the World title. Oh, joy. TNA has been under the microscope as of late, and a man who came and saved the day last week was Abyss. Now, Hulk would like to call Abyss out and shake his hand. Abyss, come on out, brother.

Abyss’ music hits, but he isn’t coming out. How many times is TNA going to do this stupid trick? I swear it happens every couple of weeks. Hulk calls him out once more, and the music once again hits. Instead of Abyss, it’s…well, it’s still Abyss. Just in the Joseph Park gear. Park says he sat at home last week and watched in shock as his “brother” returned to TNA. All this time he’s been looking for Abyss. He can’t believe that Abyss was here. Hulk says he’s not playing, brother. They need Abyss more than ever, and if anyone knows where he is, it’s going to be his brother…

Devon and D’Lo Brown come out through the crowd. Devon says he’s not after Hulk; they want Abyss as well. He stuck his nose in club business. He wasn’t even the legal guy in the match last week. Abyss needs to get out here right now, not this piece of trash (Park). Devon promises that he’s going to take a chunk out of Abyss’ ass. Park asks who Devon thinks he is, talking to Hulk like that. Devon talks about interfering in family business. If it wasn’t for A and E, Park would never have to be looking for his brother. Devon and D’Lo are starting to piss him off. He’s had it with A and E, so let’s do this right now: Devon vs. Park in a match right now. Devon tells him to shut up. He’s the TV Champion. Who did Park ever beat? If he wants a piece, he needs to prove himself first. D’Lo volunteers to kick Park’s ass tonight. Hulk makes the match official, and I die a little more inside. Devon says that’s fine, as he’s got all the belief in the world in D’Lo. But make it clear to Abyss that Devon promises to take a chunk of his ass. Hulk tells him after Park beats D’Lo, he’s going to give Park the green light to tear Devon apart. Testify to that, brother.

AI sees James Storm in the back and asks about last week. Storm silently stares at the floor as we see what happened last week. He simply says, “Watch. Just watch.”

Video for Christian York. He talks about winning Gut Check and possibly getting in the BFG Series.

MATCH 1: Bobby Roode vs. World Tag Team Co-Champion Chavo Guerrero
Roode starts with a headlock into an abdominal stretch. Chavo hip tosses out. Another headlock by Roode, and Chavo fights out before getting shouldered off the ropes. Crisscross ends in a Chavo hip toss. Chavo with a drop toe-hold into a side headlock. Roode sends him into the corner, and Chavo counters with a headscissors that sends Roode to the floor. Roode avoids a plancha, then yanks Chavo to the floor before sending him into the guardrail. Roode breaks the count, then goes back on offense on Chavo before throwing him into the ring. Bodyslam by Roode, followed by a jumping kneedrop for 2. Roode chokes Chavo over the middle rope, then thumbs him in the eye in the corner. Roode hits a snapmare and follows up with a rolling neck snap. They tread punches until Roode knees him. He telegraphs a back body drop, then sends Chavo outside. Chavo lands on his feet on the apron, shoulders Roode and hits a tope con hilo. Spinning headscissors by Chavo, and he looks for a monkey flip in the corner. Roode counters and sets him on the top rope. Chavo boots him and goes for a tornado DDT. Roode throws him off, but runs right into the 3 Amigos. Chavo calls for the frog splash and goes up top, but Roode gets to his feet and sends Chavo to the floor. James Storm walks out at this point, gets in the ring with a mouthful of beer and spits it in Roode’s face.

WINNER VIA DISQUALIFICATION: Bobby Roode. Storm turns the beer bottle around and looks to crack it over Roode’s head, but Roode escapes to the floor before that can happen.

Kurt Angle is on his way out to the ring. He is apparently calling out AJ Styles yet again tonight.

Angle makes his way out and says the A and E thing has been going on for about a year now, and it’s gotten to the point where you can’t trust anyone. Even AJ walked out. Angle never backs down from a fight. When he confronted AJ, AJ walked away so Angle took the fight to him. Hulk granted a match at Slammiversary, and it’s Angle/AJ one more time. But Angle doesn’t want to wait until Slammiversary to kick his ass; he wants to do it right now, so bring it on. Instead of AJ, Mr. Anderson makes his way through the crowd. Anderson says Angle sounds like a woman. He needs to get it through his thick skull that AJ is not his boy, and he’s very proud to tell Angle and all of these idiots here that next Thursday, live from Tampa, FL, everyone will witness the patching in of AJ Styles. And he dares Angle to show up. He’s going to get destroyed. Angle says he doesn’t want to wait to next week to fight, so he sucker-punches Anderson and beats him down. AJ enters the ring through the crowd and nails Angle with a Ghetto Blaster. Instead of leaving with Anderson through the crowd, though, he leaves by going up the ramp.

Video for Jay Bradley now.

MATCH 2-Bound For Glory Series qualifier semi-final round match: Jay Bradley vs. Christian York
Whoever wins this match faces the winner of Alex Silva/Sam Shaw at Slammiversary, and the winner of that gets entered in the BFG Series. Bradley backs York into the corner, then shoves him. York shoves back and rolls him up for 1. Arm wringer by York into an armbar. He goes for a roll-up, but Bradley decks him. They trade punches until Bradley pancakes York and follows up with a big boot for 2. Bradley hits some forearms to the back, followed by elbows to the chin. York fights back before getting hit with a kneelift. Bradley applies a rear chinlock now, but York armdrags out of it. He ducks a clothesline and hits a springboard back elbow. Bradley comes back with a bodyslam and calls for the Boom Stick. York moves out of the way and goes to the corner, where he hits a kick to the head and some chops. Bradley reverses a corner whip, but York counters the counters into a headscissors into the turnbuckles. York hits the Dreamscape and goes for the Mood Swing. Bradley escapes, and now they trade punches. York dominates, ducks a clothesline, hits a spinning back kick and goes for a monkey flip in the corner. Bradley counters and sets him on the top rope, avoids a dive and lands the Boom Stick for 3.

WINNER: Jay Bradley. Christy Hemme congratulates Bradley on the win and asks what it would mean to move onto the BFG Series. He says he’s one step closer to the series, and that means one step closer to being your World Champion.

AI stops James Storm as he’s coming out of Hulk’s office. Apparently, Hulk laid into him and he’s pissed. He then tells AI to just keep watching.

We see A and E celebrating in the back. Anderson says if there’s any question as to where AJ’s loyalties lie, the questioning is over. He can’t wait until next week. Speaking of patching in, he tells D’Lo he’s in a bad way. D’Lo needs to kick Park’s ass tonight to get his vest back.

Before the next match starts, we see Brooke Hogan talking to Mickie James. She congratulates James on her new album. James says she appreciates that, and she’d also appreciate more spotlight at Slammiversary. Brooke says she knows how bad James wants to dominate the KO division. Next week, she’s giving James a title match against Velvet Sky. Bully Ray walks in, which scares James off. He corners Brooke and tells her to tell dad that when he gets in the ring with Sting tonight, it won’t be a contract signing; it’ll be a negotiation. He says he’ll never divorce her after she asks about it.

MATCH 3: Gail Kim vs. Knockouts Champion Velvet Sky (non-title)
Sky avoids a kick, blocks a second and trips Kim. Armdrag by Sky, followed by another one and a snap suplex. Forearm shots to the face, followed by a running facebuster. Sky stomps Kim in the corner, ducks a clotheslines and hits a spinning headscissors. Corner clothesline connects. Kim blocks an axe kick and drops Sky’s leg across her shoulder. Kim begins attacking the leg, applying a legbar and hitting some elbows to the knee. She drags the leg to the apron, slamming it across. Kim gets back in, and Sky tries to fight her off. Kim trips and hits a leg DDT. In the corner, Kim ties the leg up, then drops across the back of the knee. More kicks to the leg before hotshotting it across the middle rope. Kim applies a modified scorpion deathlock, but Sky gets a rope break. Kim then goes for a stretch muffler, which is an awesome submission that isn’t seen often enough. Sky gets another rope break, so Kim backs her into the corner and foot-chokes her. Sky reverses a corner whip, but Kim blocks the charge. Kim goes up top, and Sky pulls her down with a modified iconoclasm. Both are back up now, and Sky hits a pair of jumping clotheslines, followed by a couple of kicks. Her knee gives out on her, but she gets back up and goes for the In Yo Face. Kim escapes and chopblocks her. Sky boots her into the corner and schoolgirls her for 3.

WINNER: Velvet Sky. I’m glad Kim is staring to break out the awesome submission holds again. Anyway, she drags Sky to the corner after the match and applies the corner figure-4. ODB eventually manages to get the hold broken.

Chris Sabin is talking about Kenny King, saying he’s the king of nothing. He’s not the best wrestler either, as that’s Chris Sabin. Cut to King, and he disagrees because he’s the champion. He doesn’t call himself King just because he has lips; he does it because he’s royalty around here. This segues to Petey Williams, and he calls King a thief, stealing victories in the three-way matches lately. Petey thinks he has a solution to the King problem.

Another video for Suicide. He returns next week.

MATCH 4-3-Way Match for the World X-Division Championship: Petey Williams vs. Chris Sabin vs. Kenny King (Champion)
Not one guy in this match got an entrance. Nice. King immediately slides to the floor to let Petey and Sabin duke it out. Sabin applies a side headlock. Petey counters into his own. They trade several holds and armdrag variations. Petey trips Sabin into the middle rope, but gets tripped by King and dragged to the outside, where King rams him into the guardrail. Have I mentioned how much I hate recapping 3-way matches? King gets in, where Sabin blocks a kick and trips him. Sabin fires off some knife-edge chops before getting hit with a back elbow. King ducks a clothesline and hits a Ghetto Blaster. Petey shoulders King and hits a slingshot lung blower before nailing Sabin with a dropkick for 1. Sabin rolls to the floor, and King attacks Petey from behind, choking him over the tope rope before snapping him backwards for 1. King nails Petey in the corner, then baseball slides Sabin. Corner whip for Petey, and Petey crashes to the mat. Bodyslam by King, followed by a springboard legdrop for 2. King applies a grounded abdominal stretch, but Petey fights out. King knees him and hotshots him over the top rope. Petey ducks a springboard, and Sabin comes in with some clotheslines and a forearm on King. Back suplex into a bridge gets 2. Petey goes after Sabin, but gets hit with a chop. Petey backdrops him over the top rope in the corner, but Sabin lands on his feet on the apron. Petey nails a forearm to the face, then hits a suicide dive. Back in, Petey hits a spinning headscissors into a side-Russian legsweep into a crucifix on King for 2. Petey hits a cradled complete shot for 2, then calls for the Canadian Destroyer. Sabin comes in and clotheslines him. King reverses a corner whip by Sabin, but Sabin blocks the charge and goes for a tornado DDT. King counters and hits a kick to the head before nailing a roundhouse on Petey for 2. Petey goes to the middle rope for a cross-body, but King catches him and hits a sidewinder into a backbreaker for 2. Royal Flush time, but Sabin pulls Petey down and hits a spinning back kick on King. Sabin lands a step-up enziguri on King, then puts him in the tree of woe. Petey is back up, goes for the Destroyer, but Sabin does a weird counter into a fireman’s carry. He then hits a running DVD on Petey into King, who is still tied up in the corner. Sabin hits a powerbomb, followed by a running seated dropkick. King drops him with a dropkick, then hits the Royal Flush on Petey for 3.

WINNER AND STILL CHAMPION: Kenny King.

We see Bad Influence in the dressing room. Christopher Daniels is worried about James Storm, and both members agree he’s a jerk. Daniels wants Kazarian in his corner for his match against Hernandez tonight. Kaz says Storm is afraid of both them.

We see D’Lo Brown and Mr. Anderson talking about tonight’s match. D’Lo says everything has been spiraling out of control, and Anderson blames it on D’Lo burying Wes Brisco and Garett Bischoff. D’Lo says he messed up and is going to try to fix it. Anderson says he’s pulling for D’Lo.

MATCH 5: Christopher Daniels (w/Kazarian) vs. World Tag Team Co-Champion Hernandez
Hernandez backs Daniels into a corner out of a lock-up. Daniels thumbs him in the eye off the clean break, then stomps him in the corner before choking him. Daniels goes for a bodyslam, but can’t lift Hernandez. Hernandez counters into a delayed vertical suplex. Hernandez boots him, then hits an over-the-shoulder backbreaker drop. Hernandez goes to the ramp on the outside and nails an outside-in Air Mexico. Kaz trips Hernandez from behind, and Daniels lands a clothesline to the back of the head. Stomps by Daniels, and he follows up with a Nightmare on Helms Street for 2 before throwing Hernandez to the floor. Outside, Kaz stomps Hernandez down while Daniels distracts the referee. Hernandez recovers as Daniels taunts the crowd, hitting a slingshot shoulderblock. He follows up with a clothesline and a Polish Hammer before hip tossing Daniels out of the corner. He misses an avalanche in the opposite corner, and Daniels calls for Angel’s Wings. Hernandez escapes as James Storm makes his way out, beer in hand once again. Kaz bails to the floor from the ramp, and as Daniels is distracted, Hernandez hits a Pounce for 3.

WINNER: Hernandez. James Storm takes a mic and says that Hulk told him there would be repercussions for his actions before telling him to make an announcement. That announcement is that Chavo & Hernandez will defend the titles against Aries & Roode as well as Bad Influence…and Storm with a partner of his choice. Insert stupid catchphrase.

MATCH 6: D’Lo Brown vs. Joseph Park
So much for the Park gimmick being dead. D’Lo goes on the attack with a kneelift and a forearm to the back. D’Lo hits some forearms to the face and follows up with a bodyslam. Park ducks a clothesline and hits some punches before running into a back elbow that knocks him to the floor. D’Lo follows, slamming him face-first into the apron before rolling him back in the ring. Park fights back from his knees before getting dropkicked in the knee. D’Lo hits a shining enziguri in super slo-mo, then lands a low clothesline. Park makes it to his feet in the corner, where D’Lo corner whips him. Park dodges a charge and schoolboys him for 2. D’Lo gets back up and hits a jumping side kick before hitting a corner clothesline. D’Lo hits some rights to the head before arguing with the referee. He goes back to the rights, and busts Park open in the process. Park gets up and looks at the blood, which causes him to snap. He nails a pair of clotheslines, follows up with an avalanche, and the Black Hole Slam gets 3.

WINNER: Joseph Park. Park snaps out of his daze and begins asking the ref what happened.

The main event contract signing is up next.

JB is in the ring with a podium. No table, though. What the hell kind of wrestling contract signing is this? Bully Ray comes out first, then knocks JB on his ass and gets him out of the ring. Okay, I like that. Ray then ruins things by asking if we know who he is. He is Bully Ray, from “God’s country” in Hell’s Kitchen. He’s the president of Aces and Eights, and the World Champion. He’s the guy that defeated Jeff Hardy. He’s the guy that took Hardy out at his own game-Full Metal Mayhem. He’s also the guy who will defeat Sting at Slammiversary. Sting, he knows you’re listening and all of his fans can’t wait for him to get out here, but like he told Brooke earlier, this will be more of a negotiation than a signing. Sting probably has some “stips” (stipulations) he wants to lay out, so Ray is all ears. Sting comes out, and Ray tells him to stop on the ramp. He wants this to be official, with no discrepancies. Hulk, you may want to come out and listen to this. Come out, dad. Hulk comes out and stops on the stage as Sting is allowed to enter the ring. Ray says this is the first time he and Sting have been face-to-face since Ray screwed him over. Since he screwed Hulk over. And everyone knows how bad he was screwing Brooke over. If Sting is looking for an apology, he isn’t getting one. Sting says he doesn’t care. When Ray gets to Boston, he should take Sting’s arm and snap it in two. He should pull Sting’s kneecap off. Dislocate his elbow. Rip his throat right out. Take his finger, and gouge Sting’s eye out. Make him bleed. Ray asks why Sting is telling him to do this. Sting says if Ray doesn’t do it to him, he’s going to do it to Ray. He doesn’t care if it’s in the ring, out of the ring, in the concession stands, in the rafters, in the crowd…he’s going to make Ray bleed in Boston. He doesn’t have any demands, but since Ray is asking, he’s come up with one: he wants a No Holds Barred match. Ray says he bets everyone would love to see him bleed at Sting’s hands. Sting has got his match, on one condition: Sting agrees that, when Ray beats him, he never wrestles for the World title ever again. Hulk starts to interrupt, but Ray cuts him off and screams at him. He’s not saying Sting has to retire. He doesn’t want Sting to retire. He wants Sting to wrestle until the day he dies, knowing he can never wear the World title again. Hulk tells Sting he doesn’t have to do this. Ray says Hulk is running his mouth, making decisions for Sting again. Man up. Will you agree to the match, yes or no? Sting says yes, and Ray shoves him. Sting comes back with rights, and now they’re trading blows.

End of show.

-Dustin

Dustin Nichols is a freelance writer, and you can keep track of all of his work on his Facebook page, which can be found at www.facebook.com/DustinNicholsWriter. Oh, and if you like bodybuilding, check out his mom’s official site by clicking the banner below:

WWE.com recently posted a story on the possibility of Paul Heyman perhaps “scouting” for new talent. Heyman is of course Brock Lesnar’s advocate, as well as former WWE Champion CM Punk, who is currently on sabbatical from the company. It seems that perhaps WWE is finally seeing how important Heyman is to them and is choosing to recognize it with this story.

Who said Vince McMahon is not listening?

From the moment that Paul Heyman returned to WWE, fans have been singing his praises. This is nothing unusual, as Paul has always had a strong connection to the people.

There is something very profound in that statement, by the way. Maybe Paul should seek political office when he decides he’s done putting other guys over.

“Take your vote to the extreme this November. Vote for Paul Heyman, the real people’s champion.”

The fact is that there is something about Paul that just draws you to him. He has an air of importance about him, a presence that cannot be denied. Whenever he appears on the screen, you cannot help but stop. And when he speaks, you cannot help but listen.

And you’re usually very glad you did.

Paul is genuine. He can be over the top at times, but at his core, he is a very believable figure. In a world full of fictional characters speaking rehearsed lines to other fictional characters in the midst of one unrealistic situation after another, Paul Heyman is one of the few guys who actually feel like a real person.

The truth is, we’re all in the Matrix and Paul Heyman is the only one who knows it.

When he was first paired with CM Punk during Punk’s record breaking WWE Title run, I along with many fans out there likely said the same thing.

I love Heyman, but Punk doesn’t need him.

Punk is a master orator, a man who makes you think every time he speaks. He has the ability to cut straight to the heart of the matter and make your mind go places you had not anticipated. He is a genius on the mic.

If CM Punk had delivered the prosecution’s closing statement, OJ Simpson would have been convicted of double murder.

But Paul Heyman only added to Punk’s character, he did not weaken it at all. He enhanced Punk’s verbal delivery by being concise while also being as entertaining as possible. Heyman knew what his role was and he played it perfectly.

The Punk/Heyman combo never failed to impress. They were perfect together.

When Paul was placed back with Brock Lesnar as The Anomaly was ravaging his way through WWE and headed for a collision with Triple H, I again said what many fans out there were likely saying.

I love Heyman; Brock is just awful without him.

Paul stepped up and did what he does best. He became the mouthpiece, the guide. He took one look at the Superstar in front of him and knew just what he had to do in order to help the guy get where he needed to be. And when he stood at ringside with both Brock and Punk, he was not the attraction. He never got in the way. He only reinforced the talent that was working in the ring.

Just what a great manager is supposed to do.

But when he began representing both Brock Lesnar and CM Punk, fans began to wonder when all three men would be seen on screen together. A new partnership, with Heyman at the helm. The evil genius takes over and we bear witness to a new day in WWE.

Only it never happened.

When Punk decided to take a much deserved leave of the business in order to heal up for a few months, fans began to use their imaginations once again. This time, it was to wonder if the company would give Heyman a new talent, another Superstar to work with and perhaps take to the next level.

So, is it happening?

Is Vince McMahon listening? WWE is a big company with a lot of employees, some of whom are surely reading the dirt sheets, rumor sites and breaking news blogs. Did the story posted on WWE.com come as a result of one of those sites?

Or did it perhaps come from Paul Heyman himself? Is he working behind the scenes, maybe pitching a creative idea or two about taking a new Superstar under his wing? Is he pulling some strings, putting key elements in place for another Superstar?

Come to think of it, maybe Heyman built the Matrix. That would explain a lot.

Truth be told, I was a little disappointed to read the story of Paul Heyman scouting for new talent. Not because I don’t want to see it happen, but because I like to be surprised by this kind of thing. And now that WWE has put the idea out there, the novelty of it will surely wear off soon if it hasn’t already.

Who knows, maybe the piece was just a big bunch of nothing, put out purely for the sake of thumbing their nose at guys like me who love writing about this stuff.

But I hope not, because the more Paul Heyman I can get on my TV, the happier I am. The guy is so good at what he does and is such a pro that the programming and indeed the product is so much better because of him. The fans want Heyman. He has that connection and there can be no denying that.

Power to the people.

Follow Tom on Twitter @tomclarkbr

Tom Clark is a WWE Featured Columnist & Consultant for Bleacher Report and a Contributor for JBL’s Layfield Report
http://bleacherreport.com/users/316723-tom-clark & http://www.layfieldreport.com/Tom-Clark_Mark-Henry-vs-Sheamus-Determine.blog

WWE: Extreme Rules 2013 DVD

WWE: WrestleMania 29 DVD

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On Sunday, May 19, 2013, WWE presents the 2013 edition of Extreme Rules. The PPV emanates from the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO. The build up to this PPV has been just average. The building of the main matches, Cena vs Ryback, HHH vs Lesnar, and the continued push of the Shield have been good. The under card matches could have been pushed better. The only thing that was pushed hard was the overdone push of Fandango.

There are a couple of interesting items to note about this PPV, which on paper, looks to be a pretty decent card. World Champion Dolph Ziggler has unfortunately been pulled from the PPV due to a severe concussion that he suffered at a show. Therefore, the PPV features this #1 contenders match between the two men who would have been in the three way match.

John Cena is dealing with what was announced by WWE.com as an “Achilles injury,” but is now believed to be a very badly bruised heel. Cena suffered the injury during the European Tour, and has yet to miss an appearance. Of course, WWE is playing up the Achilles injury in his match against Ryback.

Well, without further ado, here are my predictions for the PPV.

PRE-SHOW MATCH ON YOUTUBE: – The Miz vs. Cody Rhodes

The Miz has been gone for awhile as he has been filming some Christmas special for WWE. What’s happened to Cody Rhodes and his push? I could not care less who wins.

Prediction: Miz wins.

EXTREME RULES MATCH – Randy Orton vs. Big Show

I know Randy Orton has two strikes against him. I know those strikes are all his fault, but a feud against the Big Show? Seriously? They could have Orton doing something at a higher level than this, in my opinion.

As of this writing, I don’t know what the stipulation is, but it is an Extreme Rules match.

Prediction: I think Big Show takes this one.

EXTREME RULES MATCH – Fandango vs. Chris Jericho

I know Jericho is there to put guys over, and he doesn’t mind doing it. I just can not stand this Fandango. Yeah, with that “smart crowd” after Mania, he got over a bit, but now, he’s back to the same old thing.

However, Fandango does seem to be getting over as a heel, but I don’t know if it is because he is doing it on his own, or if it is because he is working with Jericho. I will reserve judgment till Fandango works with someone else.

I am getting tired of this feud anyway. I hope this is the end of it.

Prediction: Fandango won at Mania. Seems logical that Jericho gets his win back. However, they are pushing this Fandango hard, so I think he sneaks away with another win. Winner: Fandango

STRAP MATCH – Sheamus vs. Mark Henry

This feud has been just average. I don’t think there is anything special here. I admit Mark Henry has been very good since returning from injury. Sheamus is a bit goofy in this feud.

Prediction: Mark Henry

STEEL CAGE MATCH – Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar

This is going to be a pretty good match. Could be a contender for Match of the Night, if both Hunter and Brock perform up to their level. The buildup has been pretty good. Paul Heyman has been gold. It was cool to see HHH and Lesnar go at it in the cage. Honestly, I would not have had the two competitors touch at the go home Raw, but that is just me. I am just a mere fan, so what do I know?

Will Lesnar turn on Heyman? How involved will Heyman be? Those questions will be answered in this match.

Prediction: I think Brock will and should win this match.

TAG TEAM TITLE TORNADO MATCH – Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins vs. Kane (C) and Daniel Bryan (C)

Since they’ve arrived, the Shield have just dominated everyone they’ve faced. They have come from the crowd to attack WWE Superstars. The Undertaker was not even safe from them. Now, two members, Reigns and Rollins want the Tag Titles from current holders, Team Hell No, who have been trying to stand up to the Shield, with no avail.

Prediction: I think that is time for a title change, and I also think it is about time for some sort of end game. I mean, I have seen groups like the Nexus, Evolution, etc. come in and attack people. I felt that those groups were validated when they got a title, and defended them. I mean, any group can come in and attack people. Anyway, I do love the Shield, and I think Reigns and Rollins will be the new Tag Champs.

WWE US TITLE MATCH- Dean Ambrose vs. Kofi Kingston (C)

Kofi Kingston is another star that has been attacked by the Shield. He defends his title against Dean Ambrose, who I think is the star of the Shield. Ambrose is the best talker, and worker of the group, in my opinion. I think he is going to be a huge star once the Shield is inevitably dissolved. This should be a very good match.

Prediction: Ambrose is the new US Title Champion.

I Quit Contenders Match – Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger

This is the match that came about due to World Champion Dolph Ziggler’s injury. Del Rio and Swagger have been feuding with each other. As this is an “I Quit” match, I am sure the side kicks of both Swagger (Zeb Colter) and Del Rio (Ricardo Rodriquez) are going to get involved.

Prediction: As Ziggler (C) is a heel, I would suspect that WWE would go heel vs face, so I think the winner will be Albertooooooooooooooo Del Rioooooooooooooo (Sorry Ricardo.)

LAST MAN STANDING MATCH FOR THE WWE TITLE – Ryback vs. John Cena (C)

Here we go again. Almost every time John Cena faces a 300+ man at Extreme Rules or whatever, he is always placed in a Last Man Standing Match. I guess WWE likes to show him as “Super Cena.” Well, he is going to have to be that and more with that heel injury he has.

I don’t know what is up with Ryback. WWE keeps having him LOSE at PPVs. How are fans supposed to take him seriously as a new star if they keep having the dude lose at PPVs? It is hard to take him seriously at all if fans know he is losing.

Prediction: John Cena, who else?

Well, that is my preview of the Extreme Rules PPV. I hope you enjoyed it.

Terri Bey currently blogs for CamelClutchBlog.com about Wrestling, NFL, and other sports/pop culture related subjects. Her work has appeared in BleacherReport and for F4WOnline.com. Terri can be found here at Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/TerriBey and at Twitter- http://www.twitter.com/giopontifan

WWE: Extreme Rules 2013 DVD

WWE: WrestleMania 29 DVD

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WWE Wrestler of the Week returns and although it doesn’t make a difference for this week, there has been a change in determining the winner. For now on, WWE superstars can earn bonus points for exceptional appearances other than winning matches. For example, Mark Henry earned bonus points for breaking a world record when he dragged two trailer tractors. Also, Triple H earned bonus points for convincing Brock Lesnar to get in the steel cage with him and then forced him to retreat with Paul Heyman. However, this week’s winner was 2-0 as United States Champion Kofi Kingston receives the award.

On the May 10th edition of SmackDown, Kofi Kingston was victorious against the Master of Moustaches Cody Rhodes. It was a match of two of the less successful superstars in recent memory, but it was nice to see Kofi get a win. WWE has booked the midcard champions to look weak way too often recently. This match also showed WWE fans that Team Rhodes Scholars will only wrestle in tag team matches occasionally. While the team should have been tag champions at one point, with Money in the Bank not far away, perhaps Rhodes or Sandow could walk away with a briefcase. Regardless, Kofi needed to win a match while he is still U.S. Champion and he did just that.

Speaking of Team Rhodes Scholars, on the May 13th edition of Raw, Kingston was successful against Rhodes’ partner Damien Sandow. The Intellectual Savior of the Masses did not serenade us with another mockery of entrance music. Once again, Kofi earns a win against another superstar in need of a victory. It was also announced on Raw that Kingston will defend the United States title against Dean Ambrose of the Shield.

When Kingston won the U.S. Championship from Antonio Cesaro a number of weeks ago, the speculation of the next champion already began. Kingston is clearly a transitional champion from one up and coming heel to another. Fandango’s revolution was high at the time and I thought that he was going to be the next United States Champion. Big E Langston was another superstar who could have won the belt since Dolph Ziggler is now World Heavyweight Champion and AJ Lee is likely going to be the next Divas Champion.

However, WWE is being wise by putting the title on Dean Ambrose. His partners, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins will likely become the tag team champions at Extreme Rules. Instead of having Team Ziggler full of gold, it is The Shield that will rule the company’s titles. The Shield is one of the best groups in the WWE today and possibly of all-time. Since the group has already defeated the top names in the company, it is time for Ambrose, Rollins and Reigns to begin winning titles.

This week was one of those times when a superstar looks strong going into a pay-per-view match where he is going to lose. Kofi Kingston was the only superstar to finish the week undefeated in two matches, but at the same time, he is going to lose at Extreme Rules.

Who do you think deserves the WWE Wrester of the Week this time? Will Kofi Kingston lose the U.S. title to Dean Ambrose at Extreme Rules? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

And be sure to check out Camel Clutch Blog each and every Friday for a new WWE Wrestler of the Week!

What do you think of my WWE Extreme Rules 2013 predictions? Do you agree or disagree? Why? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Seth M. Guttenplan is a WWE Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. To read more from Seth follow him on twitter (@sethgutt) and check out guttwrenchpowerblog.com. You can also like GWP on Facebook here.

WWE: Extreme Rules 2013 DVD

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Antonio Cesaro has turned into the new Dolph Ziggler among pro wrestling fans in the social networking community. Recent squashes and reports reveal that WWE Creative find him boring which is ironic because I could say the same thing about WWE Creative.

The crusade for Antonio Cesaro has replaced the “push Dolph Ziggler” campaign and its predecessor “push Daniel Bryan” campaigns among vocal fans on the Internet. A growing community fans have become outraged and disappointed with Cesaro’s push in the WWE. I am one of them. A new report sheds some light on it and also reveals a situation that is much more disappointing than Cesaro’s run.

Dave Meltzer on recent F4Wonline.com podcasts and his Wrestling Observer newsletter revealed that WWE Creative isn’t pushing Cesaro for a reason. They find him boring. Meltzer reports that while Cesaro has plenty of support inside the locker room, the team with the pencils is not enamored with his solid ring work.

“There are those who think he should be in the top mix right now but there are others who find him boring, including some of the most important people, and that’s why he’s in the position he’s in even with his size and in-ring.”

I thought I was being ribbed by Meltzer when I first read that on his site. How can anyone find Cesaro boring? In my opinion, Cesaro is one of the top five workers in the ring today and probably for the last few years. The real issue to worry about here is that you have a team of writers led by Vince McMahon who are not only unable to see talent, but they find it boring. That is scary to me.

I have been a fan personally and professionally of Cesaro’s for years. I first met Cesaro as an announcer for Combat Zone Wrestling. Chris Hero mentored him and brought him into CZW once Cesaro, then Claudio Castagnoli came to the United States. I was immediately enamored by Claudio and always looked forward to calling his matches. Immediately I saw a guy that should be headlining shows in the WWE.

Cesaro traveled a long road since then and after solidifying himself as one of the premiere talents in the sport in ROH, finally landed a WWE deal. I was excited and expected him to climb the ranks quickly. How could he not? The second he steps into the ring he is one of the best in the company. Yet here we are and he is not much further ahead today than he was when he first signed.

I honestly don’t get it. A lot of fans were upset when he was not booked on WrestleMania 29. Even CM Punk wore a Cesaro shirt to a Mania presser as what appeared to be a sign of support. I wasn’t as angry as those fans. I saw it as the company keeping Cesaro off of WrestleMania to preserve him before a headlining run post-Mania. As a matter of a fact I probably would have argued with you at the time that he was gearing up as Cena’s first challenger to headline shows coming out of Mania. I mean that would be the only reason you’d keep him off right? Boy was I wrong.

Cesaro was not only kept off of Mania, but he wasn’t booked consistently at all. Finally he was given time on WWE Main Event and had a fantastic match against Kofi Kingston. The match reportedly opened up some eyes in the WWE. How could they not see the talent in this guy after such a great match? Go ahead and ask them because two weeks later he is getting squashed on RAW.

Look I understand that there will be times that I become a fan of someone who just doesn’t fit the headlining mold in the WWE. But come on! Cesaro is boring and yet I still see guys like The Miz getting booked in bigger spots than Cesaro. Quite frankly I’d say about half of the roster are boring these days. The company’s perception of boring is troubling if they can completely miss the boat on someone as talented as Cesaro.

At the end of the day Cesaro is still employed by the WWE and making a good wage. For that, I am not outraged or sympathetic to him. I just wonder if the right people are writing these shows when they label someone as talented as Cesaro, boring. That to me is the biggest problem here.

What is WWE Creative’s job anyway? Aren’t they supposed to oh I don’t know…create! If Cesaro is as boring as they think he is, whose fault is that? You have a guy with a good look, charisma, and outstanding ring work who you perceive the fans are finding boring and you blame him? What am I missing here because I have to be missing something?

Is there still time for Cesaro? Of course. He can shoot back to the top with a Money in the Bank win, a reunion with Chris Hero, or maybe something hot with John Cena. We have seen the WWE go hot and cold numerous times on guys for years before they finally give them the confidence they need for a big run. Unfortunately I have less faith in that happening now than ever before.

WWE: Extreme Rules 2013 DVD

WWE: WrestleMania 29 DVD

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