As WWE Extreme Rules approaches, violence is in the air. The 14th annual pay-per-view event will take place on Saturday, October 8 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, the hometown of the beloved and now-defunct promotion ECW.
Extreme Rules is a WWE pay-per-view event held each year that focuses on matches with weapon-based stipulations and no disqualifications. The term comes from Paul Heyman’s cult classic wrestling company, where all matches were held under “Extreme Rules.” At least one “Extreme Rules” match with no holds barred is usually included in the events. The only official match for this year’s event is a rematch of SummerSlam between SmackDown women’s champion Liv Morgan and Ronda Rousey.
Check out the confirmed and predicted 2022 Extreme Rules matches below, and check back weekly for updates as matches are formally announced.
WWE Extreme Rules matches in 2022
- Liv Morgan (c) vs. Ronda Rousey (“Extreme Rules” match) for the SmackDown Women’s Championship:
Morgan won the title at Money in the Bank and immediately cashed in her contract to pin Rousey. At SummerSlam, Rousey dominated Morgan and locked her in an armbar that forced Morgan to tap out. The referee, however, missed the tap and instead counted Rousey’s shoulders down, allowing Morgan to retain the title. Rousey then defeated Morgan in a five-way elimination match on SmackDown to earn a rematch at Extreme Rules.
On the September 16 episode of SmackDown, Morgan interrupted Rousey’s interview. Morgan accused Rousey of being disrespectful and challenged her to an”Extreme Rules” match. Rousey agreed but cautioned Morgan that it was the champion’s funeral.
- Raw Women’s Championship; Bianca Belair (c) vs. Bayley(Ladder Match):
Bayley’s comeback from injury at SummerSlam was a huge boost for the women’s division.
She debuted her new group, which included Dakota Kai and IYO SKY, and immediately set her sights on Belair and the Raw women’s championship. They’ve already had several brawls and were in a six-woman tag match at Clash at the Castle. Bayley finally declared her intention to challenge for the title, and after Belair reminded her that she hit a K.O.D. on a ladder in their last singles match, Bayley challenged the pair to meet in a ladder match at Extreme Rules.
- Matt Riddle vs. Seth Rollins (Fight Pit match):
Rollins has continued to outwit Riddle at nearly every turn.Riddle finally scored a victory when he denied Rollins the opportunity to win the US championship during a Raw match with Bobby Lashley. After Riddle cost him the match, Rollins challenged Riddle to name a time and location for a rematch. Riddle then issued a challenge for an Extreme Rules match in the Fight Pit.
- Karrion Kross vs. Drew McIntyre (Strap match):
Since his surprise return to WWE on August 5, Kross and Scarlett have been terrorizing McIntyre. Kross has repeatedly attacked McIntyre and sent him threatening messages.
McIntyre had had enough and challenged Kross to a strap match on SmackDown on September 23. Kross laid out McIntyre once more and accepted the challenge.
- Edge vs. Finn Balor (“I quit” match):
Edge made a surprise appearance on Raw to save Matt Riddle from a brutal beating at the hands of The Judgement Day. Edge then told Balor that despite The Judgement Day’s repeated threats to end his career, he will always return. Edge then challenged Balor to their first-ever singles match, upping the ante by suggesting the match take place under “I quit” rules.
WWE Extreme Rules 2022 predictions
- Johnny Gargano vs. Austin Theory:
Gargano’s return to WWE immediately pitted him against Theory, who had previously worked together in NXT. When Theory attacked Gargano from behind with the Money in the Bank briefcase, he raised the stakes of their newly formed rivalry. A match between the two appears to be a foregone conclusion.
- Gunther (c) vs. Sheamus in the Intercontinental Championship:
It’s possible that wanting to see a rematch after their instant classic at Clash at the Castle is wishful thinking. More title matches are required without Roman Reigns on the card. The simplest way to get the intercontinental title on the card is to schedule a rematch, which would require little convincing that fans should care.