13 Match Star Ratings For WWE Extreme Rules 2019

9. Aleister Black Vs. Cesaro

AJ Styles Ricochet
WWE.com

This bordered on super in terms of the work, but the mentality behind it was odd, which was reflected in the tentative and weird audience reaction.

Built (weirdly) for an age as Aleister Black's showcase reintroduction, this back-and-forth sprint flattered Cesaro, if anything. He tossed Black in the air like pizza dough in stunning feats of strength. Who was WWE trying to profile/get over here? This sort of layout is dramatic and exhilarating in the moment, but over time, it breeds a feeling of normalcy amongst the roster. You're not supposed to watch a match that acts as a vehicle for an emerging talent, and instead be left impressed by their long-established opponent.

Cesaro patrolled too much of the action - he was the ideal opponent for Black's second programme, not his first as a singles act - but Black wasn't buried. Normalised, but not buried: his limb work was excellently done, a good omen for his ability to work within the broad WWE main roster style, and he worked his trademark, crowd-pleasing spots around a gripping narrative far more realistic and interesting than the usual fare.

It was a very, very good match - but ultimately, it almost felt as if the new act had been around for some time.

Star Rating: ***3/4

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!