10 Surprises WWE Could Pull At Extreme Rules 2018

8. The Happiest Rusev Day

extreme rules 2018
WWE.com

For a multitude of reasons, chicken will spout teeth before Rusev becomes WWE Champion.

The company are already advertising AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe for Hell In A Cell. 'The Bulgarian Brute' could conceivably win the belt, then hot-shot it back to 'The Phenomenal One' before that event, but it's extremely unlikely. Rusev is almost certainly a transitional opponent before AJ moves on to Joe. That's his role, that's his pattern, and it probably isn't changing on Saturday night.

It'd make for one hell of a surprise though. The Rusev Day hype isn't as intense as it was at the turn of the year, but he's still one of the most over men on the roster, and him tapping Styles out would blow the roof off the building (despite AJ's own popularity). WWE would deliver an incredible moment in finally minting Rusev as a genuine top guy, but the odds are slim.

Putting this bout on last would be a pleasant surprise in itself, as the WWE Championship hasn't headlined a single dual-brand pay-per-view since 2016. Don't get your hopes up, though: Roman Reigns vs. Bobby Lashley will likely take Extreme Rules home.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.