WWE Extreme Rules 2016: 10 Awesome Moments

The return of Rollins popped the live crowd big time...

Chris Jericho
WWE.com

Heading into Extreme Rules, there was a definite air that the show would serve as little more than a repeat of Payback. Most of the matches were the same, albeit with various stipulations tacked on to fit in with the 'Extreme' nature of the pay-per-view.

On the surface, this didn't do much to make the event feel essential, but that didn't take into account what WWE had up their sleeve for the finish of the broadcast. Emerging after the AJ Styles vs. Roman Reigns main event, none other than Seth Rollins returned to action and received quite the pop for his troubles.

That was the very definition of an 'awesome' moment, but solely reflecting on that is unfair. Extreme Rules had a lot else to offer, including some surprisingly awesome promos and matches that exceeded pre-show expectations.

History was also made on the pay-per-view, adding credibility to a match that sadly once again felt lacking when the bell sounded...

10. Big Cass Lights Up The Live Crowd

Chris Jericho
WWE.com

Before Big Cass appeared, The Dudley Boyz were delivering a meandering promo that switched between WWE Network advert and standard heel banter. In other words, it was going nowhere, but the arrival of Cass changed everything. Straight away, fans were excited to see him, and the energy levels noticeably picked up as soon as he emerged.

Dressing down Bubba Ray and D-Von verbally, Big Cass then entered the ring and engaged his rivals physically. Overwhelming the veteran tag-team, Cass then delivered his trademark 'SAWFT' catchphrase. Throughout, the live audience were right there with him, which is undeniably encouraging for the man going forward.

Even without the colourful presence of Enzo Amore by his side (whom the crowd did chant for), Big Cass really isn't struggling at all. His promo was an excellent way to kick off the show, even more so than the anemic No Disqualification brawl between Dolph Ziggler and Baron Corbin.

Keep those kind of reactions up, and WWE management won't be able to resist pushing Cass.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.