10 New WWE Directions After Extreme Rules 2017

5. Feed Noam Dar To Austin Aries

Samoa Joe Bray Wyatt Seth Rollins Finn Balor
WWE.com

Austin Aries was defeated by Cruiserweight Champion Neville in a submission match at Extreme Rules, making it the third consecutive pay-per-view on which he has failed to capture the gold. Their rivalry has helped raise 205 Live’s standards this year, but Aries’ latest loss leaves little scope for a rematch, and puts the failed challenger in a troublesome position.

Aries is a tremendous performer, and one of the few 205 acts who is legitimately over with the crowd. He’s too good to waste, and while there’s no credible reason to keep Austin in the title picture at the moment, he should remain a featured performer, and transition into another feud immediately.

Noam Dar’s allegiance with Alicia Fox raised a few eyebrows at the start, but it has allowed Dar to slip into a consistent role on the show. He’s here to act sleazy, draw heat, and put the babyface over, which makes him an ideal opponent for Aries, who badly needs to win his next feud. Letting them duke it out over the coming few weeks works perfectly for both wrestlers, particularly as Aries has already clashed with TJP (the brand’s next biggest heel) several times this year.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.