Seth Slithers Past Orton as the Tables Turn at Extreme Rules

Image: WWE.com

Stipulations set prior to Extreme Rules banned the outside chess-pieces and the lethal RKO—but when the dust settled in Chicago's Allstate Arena, the two Steel Cage combatants would find a way past that. At the end it took Seth Rollins' use of the Vipers own venom to retain the WWE Championship.

On a night where Luke Harper and Dean Ambrose's spewing rivalry spilled to the outside of Chicago's streets, and Roman Reigns defied the odds to destroy Big Show in an epic Last Man Standing match, it was the culmination of a night which symbolized WWE's approach to "Extreme".

Here is a full review of the whole event, featuring analysis, recaps, opinion and more as the tables turn at Extreme Rules 2015.

Image: WWE.com

Filling the astronomical void of Daniel Bryan's absence was someone who arguably questions astronomy and physics in general, Neville. The Englishman stepped in for the Intercontinental Champion—who was not medically cleared to wrestle in Chicago—and found himself sharing the squared circle with his fellow compatriot, Wade Barrett.

With the bad news of titleholder's no-show profoundly announced by the latter and out of the way, a match entailing the best mix of both brutality and athleticism was on full display. Neville, the longest reigning NXT Champion found himself roughed up by the winner of NXT's first season in the early goings; but when he found his momentum, the match quickly escalated to a boiling point.

Neville's high-flying eventually outwitted Wade Barrett. Image: WWE.com

Dazzling not only the WWE Universe, but his opponent in the process, "The Man That Gravity Forgot" was running around the ring with a lot of air from all the mediums you could imagine, until his adversary brought him back down to Earth with a sudden, vicious Wasteland on the second time of asking. 

Down but not out was the long-haired, 5'10" Newcastle local, who dug deep into his resources of resilience to conjure up a kickout on the last breath of the third second. A frustrated Barrett would let his guard down; and in that time, Neville regrouped, ascending to the top rope, ducking a Bullhammer Elbow and then sending the instigator to the canvas with a clean head-kick. The moment was then, the fans in the Allstate Arena climbed to their feet to witness the astonishing Red Arrow, as Neville twisted and turned before landing on his opponent with maximum impact. A three count brought a sweet end to his first pay-per-view conquest.

Neville basks in the glory of his first pay-per-view victory. Image: WWE.com

From in the ring, to out of it—the four corners were minuscule confines at most as Luke Harper and Dean Ambrose set out to rip apart one another. In the so-called "Chicago Street Fight", the rugged tower that is Harper was a perfect foil for the unstable-yet-agile Ambrose to create some magic—not necessarily from the standpoint of one needing to delve into the wrestling handbook to deduce the various holds and manoeuvres taking place inside the ring, but to the chaos ensuing outside of it.

Eventually, backstage became the venue for the brawl. Whether it was a metal pipe or other weapons that keep WWE's technologically-demanding shows running smoothly, neither combatant would be feeling good in the morning was a rare certainty. If you can't take the heat, then get out of the kitchen—that is how Luke Harper obliged, with the ex-Shield member taking the fight to him, a nearby car was the only way to flee.

Chaos suited the reckless styles of both Ambrose and Harper. Image: WWE.com

Not even the arena was enough to contain the two. As the bearded tower turned on the car—and demonstrated some surprising driving skills that no one expected, but it appears as if Bray Wyatt was giving out some workshops in that creepy house of his—Dean Ambrose took a leap of faith through the open window, and as they drove off, his legs dangled out as the Windy City prepared to host the next segments to the street fight of all street fights. They would return, but not before another unorthodox meeting.

Where did @LukeHarperWWE & @TheDeanAmbrose go during their #ChicagoStreetFight? http://t.co/0Xuf6vYrVr pic.twitter.com/Tpwgj2Ec6e
— WWE (@WWE) April 27, 2015

As awkward as it was hearing the Americans recite "Arse" in a vain attempt to salvage some fragments of the Irish subplot behind it, in the ring, Dolph Ziggler and Sheamus went at it and emulated some of their best from their meeting at No Way Out less than three years prior. Little barring the eccentric Sheamus mohawk had changed, with the sporter of such a hairstyle dishing out the punishment, and the ever-courageous Ziggler hanging on, lifeline after lifeline.

Like a lamb to slaughter, the "Showoff" gingerly (put intended) made his way back to his feet, as the former Heavyweight Champion Sheamus dialled up for the Brogue Kick. Off-target was the European, and with his balance off, Dolph Ziggler scored the roll-up pin leaving his opponent irate, and obliged to "Kiss His Arse".

Unless you're one of those fangirls that considers WWE superstars as models, makes custom headers with love hearts on Twitter or screams anytime John Cena takes his shirt off, you were thankful that the kiss never happened. Instead, after not one, not two, not three, not four but five contemplations, Sheamus appeared to have prepared to kiss the rear of Dolph Ziggler, only to cheaply low-blow him and dish out a Brogue Kick, traditional heel style.

A triumphant Sheamus stands tall over Dolph Ziggler, despite losing. Image: WWE.com

Following that was another piece of evidence that WWE's tag team division is blossoming. The oh-so-present theme of "freshness" was exemplified once more, as The New Day wrestled the gold of Cesaro and Tyson Kidd in a more than lively encounter. Pulled off the kickoff show, these two teams made the WWE Universe aware of what they've been missing—other than Booker T's overzealous and somewhat comprehensible takes on matches—if they tuned in an hour earlier. 

How can you not love the tag team division right now? Some of the hardest working wrestlers on the card. #ExtremeRules
— Peter Brown (@alsopeterbrown) April 27, 2015

Complementary to one-another, Cesaro's power and Kidd's dynamic wrestling ability was truly something to behold. The brute power of the Swissman was on full display as he halted his counterpart, Big E, as the New Day juggernaut went for a frogsplash, but instead found himself surging uncontrollably in the air at the hands of a marvellous scoop slam.

Ultimately, the outside devices ended up distinguishing the end of a truly thrilling tale. Through the somersault dive outside of the ring, the springboards, Big E's spear through the ropes and beyond, Cesaro appeared to bring an end to things when he swung Kingston, before his partner landed a drop-kick. The fall would not continue as Xavier Woods distracted the referee, paying for his dues with Natalya slapping the taste out of his mouth, what would be the taste of success.

Cesaro and Tyson Kidd's title run came to an end, but after a valiant effort. Image: WWE.com

Big E got ridd of Tyson Kidd, and while Cesaro aimed to get one-up by taking out the former, Kofi Kingston seized on a distracted powerhouse for a roll-up pin, and after three seconds, the New Day were New Tag Team Champions. Celebrating the victory, Woods rushed back to his two brethren with the Gold in hand, as they embraced a win of a sublime match, showing how far the division has come, and the surplus potential available to be untapped.

It's a New Day in the tag team division.

The New Day capture the titles. Image: WWE.com

Through what could have been easily forgotten with the quality of wrestling taking place inside the ring, an abrupt arrival of an SUV would interrupt the New Day's first interview as Tag Team kingpins. Out tumbled Luke Harper, who approached the green-clad wrestlers, before Ambrose appeared on top of the vehicle, jumping off and landing on not Harper, but three others in Langston, Kingston and Woods to break his fall.

Backstage personnel were justifiably on edge as the superstars tore through the behind set up, before eventually stumbling back into the ring. A plethora of steel chairs would soon compile, and despite the Lunatic Fringe landing hard on to the unforgiving metal, it was his renowned "Dirty Deeds" finisher which did the job, planting Harper and scoring the pinfall, leaving just two points left to ponder—what outside the arena looked like after the two extended the brawl; and what was in store if they met again.

Maybe the solution to that would have been the stipulation featuring in the United States Championship match that followed. A few metres of relentless Russian metal in a chain kept those two from gaining ground on each other, in exchange for a far more valuable piece of metal in the gold title belt on the line. 

What started as a simple test of power in a tug of war would soon drastically evolve to a brutal collision. Juxtaposed as a weapon and container, Rusev employed the chain as a weapon to rattle the Champion's skull, sending him out of the ring. An experienced move echoing the climb of the once-Bulgarian would follow, putting the chain under the rope to hoist John Cena up, exposing his torso for some vicious kicks throwing back to his time in Thailand where he studied Muay Thai and further withering the CeNation leader.

Rusev was unsuccessful in his quest to regain his United States title. Image: WWE.com

While they wouldn't have any effect on the final outcome, submissions were used as a tactical advantage. The Accolade and STF helped break down one another, but ultimately, it came down to the outside attendant, Lana which kickstarted the beginning of the end for Rusev's chances. A first Attitude Adjustment wouldn't be enough, but on the second time, when he was tugged into Cena's hold, a simple walk with all three corners tagged to finish the job saw the reign of Hustle, Loyalty and Respect last that little bit longer.

"Little bit" expressed in the announcement which was broken later on in the night. An exasperated and angered Rusev ordered his manager Lana to speak to the Authority, and the purpose for why would soon be revealed. At the next special event, Payback, John Cena and Rusev are set to go toe-to-toe in an "I Quit" match. 

Rusev and John Cena will meet again. Image: WWE.com

Harshly true, Naomi's colour-changing wrestling boots stole most headlines for the Divas Championship match. Nikki Bella would still hold the Gold by the end of it, but not after a show of superb athleticism and some confusion from who was heel or face in the contest. 

Brie Bella's outside antics left Naomi occupied, and when she focused her attention back on the "Fearless" Champion, a rack attack would bring an end to her bitter, short-lived title dream. 

Bella Twin antics keep the extended title reign running. Image: WWE.com

Swiftly moving on from that booking conundrum was a true war of attrition. When this match was booked, most reactions were accompanied by frowns and expressions of confusion. When it ended, Roman Reigns was the Last Man Standing and those critics were satisfyingly silenced. 

"The World's Largest Athlete" set out to impose his superior size on Roman Reigns, muscling him into the corner and dropping him at ease with a shoulder block. Down not for long though as the ex-Shield powerhouse, who got up and fired back some of his own—a combination of punches and taking his opponent outside the ring before shoving him face-first into the ring post.

Roman Reigns shows he can hang in there with the best. Image: WWE.com

Clearly, tables were not in Big Show's game plan—though ironically bringing his eventual downfall. After he punched a table in half to break it, he would swat a mid-flight Roman Reigns at ease before firing back with chairs, kendo sticks and more was the former #1 contender. Giving up was not something Reigns even considered—and he emphatically displayed it in this match.

With a table leaning on the corner, a dazed Big Show was on course to be speared right through them. But as he was charged at, he grabbed Reigns' throat, and sent him powerfully crashing through two tables ringside. Would that be the end of Roman Reigns? Not by a long shot.

Down but not out. Image: WWE.com

Then it became a demonstration of Big Show's defiance. Despite tumbling through a table, and being hit with a huge spear subsqeuntly scurrying out of the ring, he remained on his (very large) feet. Keeping up the pace and quickly approaching him though, was Roman Reigns, spearing the giant through the barricade. Again, the counts would come close, but that "10" continued to look elusive.

Appearing through the rubble and the carnage, Big Show was up once more. Cleared prior to the match moving to that region, Roman Reigns climbed up on the table to take out Big Show again, to no avail. Instead, he found him in the reckless stranglehold of a giant hand, and before a chokeslam would end it all, Reigns turned the tables—first on match sequence terms, then soon after, he would physically turn a table on his opponent.

With the stairs positioned next to the announcers' desk, Roman Reigns ran up at full speed, and speared Big Show off the first table and right through the second leaving fans gob-smacked at what had just taken place. To everyone's shock, he would rise again, meaning that the first table, would be pulled from the ground and thrown upon the giant, finally putting an end to an absolutely incredible match.

Roman Reigns proved his worth in that match. So suddenly had the boos at the Royal Rumble and the Raws after evaporated, displaced by the appreciation of the athlete that had curated a truly phenomenal match with Big Show, ready to propel back into the title scene. Speaking of which, the WWE World Heavyweight Championship was set to be contested for inside a steel cage to conclude the night.

A war of attrition. Image: WWE.com

With the large corporate presence that is Kane standing by the Steel Cage door, both Randy Orton and Seth Rollins were locked in and the title hung in the balance.  Aware of the danger he was in, the WWE Champion attempted to flee but was instantly halted by the Viper, who received a beating from mounted punches to gut kicks. But, a slight change in the wind helped Rollins get back into the contest, and when he levelled Orton, he approached the cage door, opened by Kane, until he was dragged back in by Randy Orton. 

For the most coveted prize in sports entertainment, the two self-professed "futures" slugged it out but it wouldn't be too long until the outside of the cage began to play its part. But for the time being, the Champion used the inside to make an impact, landing a flying knee. He then quickly scaled to the top, only to be horrified in the knowledge that Orton had joined him there. J&J Security looked to try and pull Rollins down as he dangled on the side, only held by his hair in control of Randy Orton. 

Randy Orton and Seth Rollins rematched from their WrestleMania encounter. Image: WWE.com

Pulled back in, after a struggle, he was superplexed back into the ring. Noble and Mercury knew things weren't looking good and themselves attempted to get into the cage. An aware Orton, though, used his devices, or shall we say device, in Rollins, to take out the security throwing him into the cage. With the RKO banned, Randy Orton looked to another signature, one sending an emphatic message to the Authority with a Pedigree. 

When Rollins somehow kicked out, he then took control and asked Kane to open the cage door. As the Big Red Machine obliged, Rollins was stopped by Randy Orton, who then himself atempted to exit, only for the door to be slammed shut in front of him. Kane's involvement in the match grew from then on in.

Kane has emerged from his monstrous self more often over past weeks. Image: WWE.com 

With anger burning out of the former "Monster" he would soon storm into the cage and first cleared away the security, then hit Orton with a chokeslam before a twisting fate to do the same to Rollins. Thinking it was over, he dismissed Rollins, put his hand on Orton for the pinfall, only for a kickout. In search of the fatal blow, Kane attempted to tombstone Randy Orton, but an incisive reversal from the Viper allowed him to nail an RKO. 

As Randy Orton was still not focused on Seth Rollins, he took the opportunity to shock the World once more, using the RKO himself. With the WWE Universe stunned, there was enough time for Rollins to escape the cage and keep his title reign intact. A phenomenal war ended with a moment where Seth Rollins found an alternative for the Curb Stomp, and keeping his title safely in the process.

No finishers, no problem was the summarising motto. The Curb Stomp was banned for safety issues and the RKO was banned for the match—they found other sources, and it was Seth Rollins' along with the help of Kane, that helped him retain his WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Overrall, Extreme Rules 2015 turns out to be a huge success—from the poor build it proves to be a truly extreme night in all respects.

Seth Rollins keeps hold of his title for now, but one thing is a certainty: Randy Orton will be looking for more.

Image: WWE.com