Intercontinental Champion Bad News Barrett vs. Rob Van Dam

Intercontinental Champion Bad News Barrett will face one of the winningest Superstars in the title’s illustrious history, six-time champion Rob Van Dam, at WWE Payback on June 1.

RVD earned the right to face the brawling Brit by winning a Beat the Clock Challenge featuring past Intercontinental Champions on the May 19 edition of Raw, which emanated from Barrett’s home country of England. “Mr. Monday Night” trumped Alberto Del Rio in 4:15, besting the times of other Beat the Clock competitors. Immediately after RVD was deemed the new top contender, Barrett pounced with a sneak attack.

For Van Dam, the June 1 title match not only represents a chance at reclaiming the championship gold, but also an 

opportunity

 to score redemption against Barrett. It was against the pessimistic Preston, England, native that the extreme Superstar nearly won the Intercontinental Championship No. 1 Contender spot weeks ago.

RVD and Barrett fought in the finals of a tournament to determine an opponent for then-champion Big E. Thanks in part to interference by Cesaro, Van Dam lost that match, and Bad News went on to make the most of his golden opportunity, defeating Big E at Extreme Rules and claiming his fourth Intercontinental Title.

What will be in store when these two tough-as-nails combatants meet up again, this time for the title, at WWE Payback? Will Barrett’s trademark Bad News Bull Hammer Elbow strike win out, or will The Whole Dam Show’s seemingly endless repertoire of kicks find the mark and pave the way for a title-clinching Five-Star Frog Splash?

John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt (Last Man Standing Match)

Bray Wyatt has poached John Cena’s supporters, threatened his legacy and vowed to take him on a trip from which there is no returning. At WWE Payback, the world will see just how far “The Eater of Worlds” is truly willing to go when he and the Cenation leader face off in a Last Man Standing Match.

Reserved for sports-entertainment’s most ferocious grudges, there are no pinfalls, submissions, count-outs or disqualifications in a Last Man Standing Match. The object of the contest is to incapacitate your opponent to the point he cannot answer the referee’s count of 10, demonstrating just how severe the Cena-Wyatt dispute has become.

The Shield vs. Evolution (No Holds Barred Elimination Match)

After toppling Evolution in a wild brawl that had a raucous capacity crowd shouting “This is awesome!” at Extreme Rules, The Shield will have another 

opportunity

 to prove themselves when they meet Triple H, Randy Orton & Batista at WWE Payback in the ultimate battle of attrition: a No Holds Barred Elimination Match. 

United States Champion Sheamus vs. Cesaro

Cesaro will challenge United States Champions Sheamus for the title at WWE Payback on June 1, WWE.com has confirmed.The championship contest caps off a recent series of hard-hitting, non-title matches between The Swiss Superman and The Celtic Warrior. The first meeting, on the May 13 edition of WWE Main Event, saw Cesaro and Sheamus brawl outside the ring and into the WWE Universe, resulting in a double count-out. Even after the bell rang, WWE officials struggled to separate the two bruisers; Cesaro attacked Sheamus with a steel chair, but The Dublin-born bruiser rebounded with a Brogue Kick.

Raw Five-Point Preivew: May 19, 2014

WWE is focusing on the following points for tonight's show: * Is the other shoe about to drop on The Shield? * Will Big E be caught off guard again by Rusev? * What's next between John Cena and Bray Wyatt? * Will this be the week Adam Rose goes at it with Jack Swagger? * Will Daniel Bryan's title reign continue?

WWE Extreme Rules 2014 World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan vs. Kane Extreme Rules Match Preview

At Extreme Rules, Kane trades in his dress shirt and dons the mask he wore as The Devil’s Favorite Demon to take on WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan in an Extreme Rules Match where anything goes.

For months, the Director of Operations aided the machine known as The Authority in preventing Bryan’s ultimate coronation as champion. The corporate 7-footer cost Bryan his chance at striking title gold on several occasions, and it almost became an inevitability that the Director of Operations would interfere in a Daniel Bryan match in some form. By getting the better of his former Team Hell No partner in singles and tag team competition, the “Yes!” Man used Kane as a stepping stone to petition for a main event opportunity at WrestleMania 30.

Stephanie McMahon berated Kane on the April 14 episode of Raw for his inability to curtail the bearded Superstar’s stunning ascent and goaded her employee to let out his inner demon by presenting him with the mask that once struck fear in the hearts of Superstars.  The plan evidently worked, as The Big Red Monster reappeared with his mask on the following night, shockingly brutalizing Big Show with the ring steps. Having again revived the extreme side of his imbalanced personality, Kane will attempt to “eviscerate” the “Yes!” Man and send him tumbling down into the fiery depths of hell.

Kane didn’t wait until Extreme Rules to start his warpath. On Bryan’s first time back on Raw since marrying WWE Diva Brie Bella, Kane went on a rampage a la a Michael Myers movie, terrorizing the newlyweds and leaving Bryan in tatters following a series of vicious Tombstones.

The keys to victory in the upcoming contest may be found in the two Superstars’ clash of styles, not to mention the lawless framework of the Extreme Rules Match format. Kane will have his demonic power and unbridled rage to his advantage, while Bryan brings superior quickness and speed-based maneuvers, including the running knee that has found its target quite frequently in recent months.

Can Daniel Bryan finally close the book on his nemesis and put The Authority in his rear view? Or will the mask re-energize Kane to make Bryan’s title reign a short one? Find out when Extreme Rules streams on WWE Network on May 4 at 8 p.m. ET/5 PT!

WWE Exteme Rules 2014 The Shield Vs Evolution Preview

At Extreme Rules, a dream matchup becomes reality, and the result will be war.

One of the most destructive and merciless factions in all of WWE history will reunite when the Evolution trio of Triple H, Randy Orton & Batista takes on the most dominant stable of The Reality Era, The Shield, on May 4.

Once an improbable fantasy showdown, Extreme Rules’ marquee Six-Man Tag Team Match is a direct result of The Authority’s dissolved association with their onetime lieutenants. Whereas The Hounds of Justice once did the bidding of WWE COO Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, friction has crept in, and to hear the participants tell it, this battle is a story of kings and soldiers and empires.

Triple H claims that if it wasn’t for him, The Shield — products of NXT whom the WWE COO labeled “three of the most talented guys I've seen come along in years” — would never have a platform on which to dominate in the first place. He has accused Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns of being power-hungry.

After WWE Director of Operations Kane let slip that it was The Game who’d orchestrated an assault on The Shield, however, the black-clad soldiers have taken aim at The King of Kings.

Vowing to simultaneously destroy what he created and show the world “what true power is,” Triple H will lead The Viper and The Animal into action against The Shield at Extreme Rules, marking the first time in a decade that Evolution will fight as a unit.

Along with WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair as its senior member, Evolution ran roughshod over the competition in the early-to-mid 2000s, not unlike The Shield has done in recent years. Collectively, Triple H, Batista & Orton boast an astounding 31 World Title reigns.

Even beyond their histories of dominance, though, there are similarities between Evolution and The Shield. Evolution is steered by The Cerebral Assassin, while Rollins, known as The Shield’s Architect, has been a unifying force for his team. The Animal may be considered Evolution’s brawn; The Hounds of Justice have its own powerhouse, in Reigns. And while The Viper has been known to slip into maniacal behavior, Ambrose is the living embodiment of The Lunatic Fringe.

What will happen when these two teams collide in an all-out war? Which faction will adapt, and which will perish? Find out when Extreme Rules airs live on WWE Network and pay-per-view on Sunday, May 4, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

WWE Extreme Rules 2014 John Cena Vs Bray Wyatt Steel Cage Match Preview

John Cena may have left WrestleMania 30 with his legacy intact after defeating Bray Wyatt, but The Eater of Worlds is far from finished with his legendary foe. Wyatt will continue his devilish quest to unleash the monster that he believes resides inside Cena at Extreme Rules on May 4, when the two clash in a Steel Cage Match.

Wyatt has made it clear from the outset that he is determined to reveal Cena’s virtuous persona, and that his mantra of “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect” is nothing more than a façade hiding the nasty underbelly of the 14-time World Champion. In the midst of a chaotic battle that saw Cena take out both Luke Harper and Erick Rowan, Wyatt gave the Cenation leader a steel chair and begged Cena to bash him with it. Cena refused to give in to The New Face of Fear’s beckoning, conquering his fears and countering Sister Abigail into an Attitude Adjustment to claim victory.

Just days after his defeat at WrestleMania, an eerily happy Wyatt sent a message to Cena on SmackDown. The Eater of Worlds declared that he was willing to go to new extremes to bring out his foe’s ugly side. The Cenation leader embraced Wyatt’s eagerness to get hardcore on the April 14 edition of Raw, challenging his demonic rival to the steel cage showdown. While Wyatt seemed downright giddy at the prospect of being locked inside the cage with Cena, the 14-time World Champion was much more grim, warning The New Face of Fear that he should be very afraid once the cage door is locked.

Will Cena’s heroics be enough to triumph over The Eater of Worlds, or will Wyatt prove that he truly has the whole world in his hands and unleash the monster within the 14-time World Champion? Find out at Extreme Rules, live on WWE Network and pay-per-view on Sunday, May 4, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

WWE Extreme Rules 2014 Big E Vs Bad News Barrett Intercontinental Championship Preview

For someone who deals in dishing out bad news, recent developments have been anything but for Bad News Barrett.

Barrett defeated Rob Van Dam in the finals of the Intercontinental Title No. 1 Contender’s Tournament on the April 28 edition of Raw, earning a title opportunity against the immense champion, Big E, this Sunday at Extreme Rules.

A three-time Intercontinental Champion, Barrett also toppled Dolph Ziggler and Sheamus en route to winning the tournament and snaring the top-contender position.

Since the tournament was first announced, Big E made no bones about the high level of competition among the field of contenders. “Iron sharpens iron and I look forward to seeing the very best, and I believe that every man will bring his very best in this tournament," he stated during the first week of the tournament.

Big E has crushed opponents in championship matches since gaining the Intercontinental Title last November, turning back the likes of Curtis Axel, Damien Sandow and Jack Swagger.

After Big E overcame Alberto Del Rio on last week’s WWE Main Event, however, Barrett — rising high above the WWE Universe on his scissor lift — vowed to ruin the Intercontinental Champion’s professional life after moving past RVD. The English brawler also badmouthed Big E as “one-dimensional,” “a truly horrible champion” and possessing a “complete lack of intellect.”

Will the freaky-strong Big E shut up the bearer of bad news at Extreme Rules? Or will the cagey Barrett return to championship glory?

Don’t miss the high-stakes Intercontinental Championship Match when Extreme Rules airs live on WWE Network and on pay-per-view this Sunday, May 4, at 8 p.m. ET/5 PT.

WWE Extreme Rules 2014 Paige vs Tamina Snuka Divas Championship Preview

Paige may have unwittingly backed her way into winning the Divas Championship from AJ Lee, but to keep hold of the Divas division’s top prize, she’ll have to survive a one-on-one contest with AJ’s muscle, Tamina Snuka, at Extreme Rules.

After spending months in AJ’s corner, helping the sinister skipper secure the longest Divas Championship reign in history, Tamina stepped out of the shadows on the April 15 edition of WWE Main Event to win a No. 1 Contender’s Battle Royal. Her dominant display in the match bumped Tamina to the head of the line of contenders, and on May 4, she’ll set her sights on The Diva of Tomorrow.

The matchup is a fascinating one for fans of Divas action. There are obvious parallels, such as the fact both competitors grew up in wrestling families. Tamina is the daughter of WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Snuka, while Paige learned the ropes in Norwich, England, from her parents, Ricky & Saraya Knight, before joining NXT.

Their trajectories in WWE, however, are far from analogous. Since debuting in May 2010, Tamina has repeatedly proven herself to be an intimidating bruiser. But in those four years, her pursuit of the Divas Championship — especially during AJ’s reign — has at times seemed passive, and she’s yet to capture the butterfly-emblazoned title.

Paige, on the other hand, became the youngest Divas Champion ever when she won the title in her very first WWE appearance. And although she looked downright meek in congratulating AJ on her WrestleMania victory, the reigning NXT Women’s Champion quickly revealed herself to be much more than a star-struck Diva-in-training as she rocked AJ with the Paige-Turner for the win.

Which journey to Extreme Rules will end in victory, Tamina’s gradual ascension or Paige’s dynamic rise? To find out, be sure to catch Extreme Rules when it airs on WWE Network and pay-per-view on Sunday, May 4, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
[9:18:39 PM] ayush sood: WWE Extreme Rules 2014 Paige vs Tamina (Divas Championship) Preview

WWE Extreme Rules 2014 R-Truth & Xavier Woods vs. Alexander Rusev (2-on-1 Handicap Match) Preview

Unstoppable since arriving in WWE, newcomer Alexander Rusev will meet his biggest test yet when he takes on both R-Truth & Xavier Woods in a Handicap Match at Extreme Rules.

The Bulgarian Brute has obliterated all who’ve stepped before him so far, a growing list that already includes Truth and Woods in singles competition. In both of those situations, however, the rookie bruiser wasn’t content with merely improving his win-loss record.

After trouncing Woods on the April 14 episode of Raw, Rusev’s Social Ambassador, Lana, saw it appropriate to sic The Super-Athlete on Truth, who was tending to his fallen protégé. A similar scene occurred days later on SmackDown, with The Ravishing Russian ordering Rusev to “crush” Woods after Rusev had already put away The Rapping Superstar with the Accolade.

Though the 300-plus-pound Bulgarian Brute demolished Truth and Woods in singles matches — and he’s gotten the better of the two with his unprovoked post-match ambushes — will the WWE Universe learn Rusev’s limitations May 4 at Extreme Rules?

With ample motivation for retribution, can Truth, a double-tough veteran who’s held the U.S. Title and WWE Tag Team Title, help guide Woods to victory? Or will Rusev’s suffocating strength, supported by Lana’s callous coaching, once again prove too much — even against not one, but two skilled Superstars?

Catch all the action when Extreme Rules airs on WWE Network and on pay-per-view Sunday, May 4, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT!

WWE Extreme Rules 2014 Cesaro Vs RVD Vs Jack Swagger Preview

Ex-tag team partners Cesaro and Jack Swagger will have another opportunity to take out their anger against one another at Extreme Rules. Only this time, there will be an additional five-star Superstar to take into consideration: Rob Van Dam.

On the April 28 edition of Raw Backstage Fallout, it was announced that the three competitors will meet in a Triple Threat Match this Sunday, bringing to a head weeks of bad feelings among them.

Swagger and his Real American mentor, Zeb Colter, have had it out for Cesaro ever since “The King of Swing” ditched them and hitched his wagon to Paul Heyman the night after WrestleMania. Meanwhile, RVD became mixed up in the drama during the Intercontinental Title No. 1 Contender’s Tournament: Van Dam defeated Cesaro by count-out in the second round after Swagger attacked “The Swiss Superman” behind the referee’s back.

Though Van Dam turned down a subsequent offer to join Swagger and Colter, his trouble didn’t end there, as Cesaro and Swagger interrupted his match against Bad News Barrett in the tournament finals the following week, leading to “Mr. Monday Night’s” exit from title contention.

This Sunday at Extreme Rules, one of the three Superstars will score vindication, but who will it be? Colter and RVD have both cautioned Cesaro to be wary of his new business partner, Heyman; to what degree will that affect Cesaro’s mindset heading into Extreme Rules?

Before The Real Americans’ breakup, much of the WWE Universe’s attention was keyed in on Cesaro. Can Swagger prove that the hype was misplaced and rightfully belongs to him?

Or will the always-exciting RVD, having lost his opportunity at the Intercontinental Title for the time being, again soar to victory with an all-important win over Cesaro and Swagger, who just happen to have two of WWE’s most brilliant minds in their respective corners?

Two’s company, but three’s a brawl when RVD, Cesaro and Swagger face off in a Triple Threat Match. Catch all the action this Sunday when Extreme Rules airs live on WWE Network and pay-per-view this Sunday, May 4, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

WWE Extreme Rules 2014 Pre-Show Preview

At the Extreme Rules Pre-Show on WWE Network, El Torito and Hornswoggle must endure pint-sized perils to capture bragging rights as the best 4-and-a-half-foot Superstar in sports-entertainment today in WWE’s first "WeeLC" Match! The Hardy and Dudley Boyz, stand aside. This modified version of the Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match is getting extreme.

Hornswoggle, an eight-year veteran in WWE, has breathed new life into his career by joining forces with 3MB. Just as soon as he aligned himself with the rock ‘n’ roll Superstars, he at last met an adversary his own size in El Torito. The anthropomorphic Superstar charged into WWE last year as a member of Los Matadores and soon grabbed the sports-entertainment universe by the horns.

Hornswoggle and El Torito stood on opposite sides of the ring as members of a Six-Man Tag Team Match on Raw between Los Matadores and 3MB. When the two diminutive competitors found themselves the last men standing in the ring, the little fists started flying with fun-sized fury.

Hornswoggle and El Torito have also traded singles victories, with El Torito claiming the first contest on the April 18 edition of SmackDown but Hornswoggle getting the pinfall win on the April 22 edition of WWE Main Event. It’s only fitting that at Extreme Rules a rubber match be held to decide a clear winner in the biggest little rivalry of the century!

A lot of questions swirl around what we may see in this unique match. Can Hornswoggle tame the bull? Or will El Torito make the rocker’s victory on WWE Main Event a one-hit-wonder? Find out on the Extreme Rules Pre-Show, airing exclusively on WWE Network this Sunday at 7:30 ET/4:30 PT!