WWE Extreme Rules 2015: Match Card, Predictions, Preview For PPV

The first pay-per-view of the new WWE season is set for Sunday, April 26 with Extreme Rules 2015. Coming just four weeks after the biggest PPV of the year, the event will feature three new champions and a much different card than that of WrestleMania 31.

Brock Lesnar, The Undertaker, Triple H, and Sting are all without matches at the PPV. Bray Wyatt isn’t on the card, though he’s been cutting promos in the last few weeks as he gets ready to start a new feud, possibly with Ryback, who also doesn't have a match

Extreme Rules will mark Seth Rollins’ first title defense as WWE World Heavyweight Champion. At last year’s PPV, he and The Shield defeated Evolution, while Daniel Bryan defended the company’s No.1 title against Kane.

The card includes eight matches, and every championship will be defended. Below are predictions for Extreme Rules 2015.

Seth Rollins vs. Randy Orton (WWE World Heavyweight Championship Steel Cage Match)

After beating both Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns for the title at WrestleMania 31, it’s hard to believe that Rollins won’t keep the belt for a few months. Not being able to use the RKO will make it more difficult for Orton to win, and even though the match is in a steel cage, there will likely be some outside interference. With Triple H making Kane the “gate keeper,” there’s a good chance he’ll be involved in the finish, giving Rollins the win.

Prediction: Seth Rollins

Roman Reigns vs. Big Show (Last Man Standing Match)

Reigns’ push has been somewhat derailed since his loss at WrestleMania 31, but WWE still has big plans for him. It isn’t likely that he’ll follow up his defeat in Santa Clara with another PPV loss.

Prediction: Roman Reigns

Daniel Bryan vs. Bad News Barrett (Intercontinental Championship Match)

Bryan continues to be bothered by injuries, and Michael Cole announced on “Monday Night Raw,” that the match could be bumped from the show if Bryan isn’t cleared to wrestle. Winning the title at WrestleMania 31 appeared to signify that Bryan was in line for somewhat of a lengthy title reign, but his inability to stay healthy makes it a possibility that WWE will take the title off him.

Prediction: Daniel Bryan

Dolph Ziggler vs. Sheamus (Kiss Me Arse Match)

Sheamus returned a few weeks ago to be one of the top heels in the company, and he won’t lose his first PPV back. No one in WWE sells like Ziggler, and he’ll make Sheamus look very strong in their match.

Prediction: Sheamus

John Cena vs. Rusev (United States Championship Russian Chain Match)

Both Cena and Bryan are expected to have lengthy title runs, as WWE uses their popularity to elevate the mid-card titles. Rusev has gotten the better of Cena in the last two weeks on “Raw,” reducing the chances of him leaving the PPV with the championship. The stipulation allows Cena to win without having to pin Rusev.

Prediction: John Cena

Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper (Chicago Street Fight)

With the match having no disqualifications, as well as no title on the line, a loss wouldn’t necessarily hurt either wrestler. Ambrose will be very much over with the Chicago crowd, giving him the better chance to come out on top.

Prediction: Dean Ambrose

Nikki Bella vs. Naomi (Divas Championship Match)

All signs are pointing towards Naomi winning the title for the first time. After turning heel, she’ll likely win the belt, allowing the now-babyface Bella Twins to chase for the championship. Naomi’s win will also set up a feud between her and Paige over the title, down the line.

Prediction: Naomi

Tyson Kidd & Cesaro vs. The New Day (Kickoff Tag Team Championship Match)

Kidd and Cesaro likely won’t drop the titles until they face the Lucha Dragons at a PPV. They and The New Day are both heels, but the current champs will be treated like babyfaces in Chicago, and the babyface is usually victorious on the pre-show.

Prediction: Tyson Kidd & Cesaro