WWE Extreme Rules 2018: Star Ratings For All 12 Matches

4. Bobby Lashley Vs. Roman Reigns

1) Roman Reigns

2) Chinlocks

3) ????????

4) Roman Gets Over As A Babyface

Mercifully, WWE abandoned this formula at least, although Reigns did apply a brief chinlock to Bobby Lashley in a tentative opening phase naturally bereft of heat. Fans, deeply disenchanted by anything to do with Roman, were reluctant to be drawn into the action. That they eventually were is a testament to a match and a pair of performances bone-rattling (if basic) at their best.

Elsewhere, this represented something of a return to form for the Big Dog. A babyface opponent likely helped stave off total heat spot/comeback purgatory; when it got going, it got good. Both men showcased their impressive power games in an evenly-contested and bruising match low on substance but high on impact. Lashley, in particular, absorbed a hellish bump on the outside.

“That was one of the roughest landings I’ve seen in a long, long time,” observed Corey Graves on commentary, completely forgetting about KO’s suicidal bump less than an hour prior. The ending made sense, even if the commentary didn’t; that Lashley overcame Roman with the spear was a neat touch.

It was his move first, just like it was his yard first.

Star Rating: ***1/4