WWE Extreme Rules 2016: 10 Things WWE Got Right
WWE did right by AJ Styles at Extreme Rules...
Extreme Rules is one of the more challenging pay-per-views on WWE's annual calendar. In the past, such a show would have been simple for the writers. Just throw some gimmick matches together and watch the talent beat one another senseless, spilling blood and trading steel chair shots to the head.
The current climate doesn't allow for that, and it makes the show a difficult one. Still, WWE worked well within their own self-imposed limitations at this year's Extreme Rules, producing an event with - on the whole - good action and some awesome matches.
Analysing the event and watching more than once, it becomes clear that there was a lot to enjoy. The right title changed hands, whereas (crucially) others smartly stayed put on the defending champions.
A brilliant Fatal-4-Way bout for the WWE Intercontinental Title also thrilled, providing a match of the night candidate that actually improves with each viewing.
That match wasn't alone, Extreme Rules featured a plethora of entertaining moments. Keeping with that positivity, let's look at the things WWE got right during their latest pay-per-view...
10. Giving Performers More Freedom With Their Promos
The Miz, Rusev, Lana, Big Cass and The New Day all delivered solid promo work at Extreme Rules. Only The Dudley Boyz felt a little scripted, but then they were only there to buy time before being interrupted by Big Cass. Everyone else was on top form, and that's no coincidence.
Generally, WWE seemed to allow those with speaking parts to just do their own thing. Over-scripting has been an issue in the promotion for years, prompting the likes of Steve Austin and Mick Foley to speak out against such writing. Performers need to have input, because professional wrestlers are certainly not trained actors and actresses.
Aside from Bubba Ray and D-Von, nobody seemed to be reciting lines from a piece of paper scanned just moments before addressing the camera. In instances like The Miz's elaborate promo, he was quoting a movie, but his general banter felt organic.
Giving their performers more freedom was a smart move by WWE, hopefully the days of awkwardly scripted dialogue being force fed to talent are over.