WWE Extreme Rules 2015: Last-minute predictions for the show

The first pay-per-view after WrestleMania is usually highly anticipated as it usually has some carry-over from the biggest show of the year.

While this year's edition of Extreme Rules does have some continuation from a great WrestleMania, the build leading into it didn't leave me as excited for this event as I think it should have.

It doesn't help that there are a couple of silly stipulations on the card, including the main event. When a show is called Extreme Rules, it shouldn't mean for the WWE to come up with creative and gimmicky stipulations.

It should mean that the marquee matches on the program should be contested in an extreme environment. There's nothing extreme about a couple of these stipulations and it kind of devalues the name Extreme Rules.

Oh well. I guess we can't have it all. Here are my full predictions for show, which emanates from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill.

WWE World Heavyweight Championship (Steel cage match) – Seth Rollins (c) vs. Randy Orton

Coming out of WrestleMania, I was looking forward to seeing where the feud between Seth Rollins and Randy Orton would go. Despite having a lackluster build going into WrestleMania, Orton and Rollins created a memorable moment with the finish to their match, and with Rollins winning the world title later in the show, it created a logical next chapter to the program.

But it seems like the WWE has done everything it could to remove what little heat this feud had in the last few weeks, especially with the stipulations it added to the match.

First off, how extreme can a match be when a certain move is against the rules? I thought an extreme pay-per-view meant a bunch of matches that didn't have rules, but apparently banning the RKO is fitting for the main event for a show called Extreme Rules.

Secondly, until the WWE does a cage match right I'm not going to look forward to them. It's just that simple. Every cage match the WWE has people jumping in, people messing with the door and it continues to muddle what used to be a big draw in the world of professional wrestling. Now, it's merely an obstacle for people that have nothing to do with the match to overcome.

I had some faith that maybe the WWE would change that startling trend with this encounter, but when Kane was appointed to the role of "gatekeeper," I threw all hope of that out of the window.

Kane's sole purpose as gatekeeper is to keep people from trying to get into the cage, which is what the cage is supposed to be for to begin with. You're blatantly telling people the cage doesn't stop anyone.

You're also telling anyone that by appointing someone to keep people out of the cage that someone will indeed get into the cage and interfere in the match.

The only thing I could hope for is that Orton and Rollins put on a good show before all of the shenanigans ensue. However, all of the shenanigans should help Rollins retain his title and live to fight another day as champion.

Prediction: Seth Rollins RETAINS the World Heavyweight Championship

WWE United States Championship (Russian chain match) – John Cena (c) vs. Rusev

Let's take a moment to commend John Cena and Rusev for making a feud that began over a shove during a backstage promo into one of the highlights of the WWE since February.

The chain match stipulation will definitely add to the intensity of this rivalry as well. It's probably the only stipulation I'm actually looking forward to.

To say that this is one of Cena's best programs in recent years is an understatement. It soars past the one he had with Bray Wyatt and is only behind the ones he had with The Rock, CM Punk and Daniel Bryan.

A lot of credit must go to Rusev who has definitely improved his stock in my eyes and has shown that he is a main-event player for years to come.

Unfortunately, I don't believe Rusev will come out the victor in this feud, as Cena will once again prevail. Don't get me wrong. I would like to see Rusev topple the "face that runs the place," but until I see Cena lose a feud, I'm not picking against him to do so.

Sorry, Rusev. After Sunday night, the champ will still be Mr. Cena.

Prediction: John Cena RETAINS the United States Championship

WWE Intercontinental Championship – Daniel Bryan (c) vs. Bad News Barrett

This match is still listed on WWE.com, so I guess it means that Daniel Bryan will be defending his title after all despite being a little banged up.

My thinking is that the outcome depends on exactly how banged up Bryan actually is. If he is so banged up that he needs to take some time off, I can see WWE taking the title off him and giving it to Bad News Barrett. It would suck that for the second year in a row a title reign of his would get cut short due to injury, but it would probably be for the better is he's really hurt.

However, if he's fine and ready to take on all comers, then I don't see a reason to have him drop the title this soon. I'm going for the latter.

Prediction: Daniel Bryan RETAINS the Intercontinental Championship

WWE Divas Championship – Nikki Bella (c) vs. Naomi

Naomi's heel turn has been one of the few bright spots on WWE television the last few weeks. Two good weeks usually doesn't earn you a title run, but in this case it might be warranted.

Naomi has yet to be champion and Nikki Bella isn't necessarily setting the world on fire as champion. It would be cool to see a new face at the top of the divas division. Someone not named Bella, Paige or AJ.

Prediction: Naomi WINS the Divas Championship

Last Man Standing Match – Roman Reigns vs. Big Show

Let's keep this short, sweet and straight to the point.

I'm not looking forward to this match and there's no reason — absolutely none — for Roman Reigns to lose to Big Show. So, I'm going with Reigns.

Prediction: Roman Reigns def. Big Show

Chicago Street Fight – Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper

Here's a match with two tremendous talents that people really want to care about in a match that no one remotely cares about and not that many people even know its happening.

Both of these two deserve better, but on this night, Dean Ambrose will get his first pay-per-view victory in what feels like ages.

Prediction: Dean Ambrose def. Luke Harper

Kiss Me Arse Match – Dolph Ziggler vs. Sheamus

By far the dumbest stipulation on this show is the Kiss Me Arse match between Dolph Ziggler and Sheamus.

Just typing that made me feel like I just got finished watching those Leprechaun horror movies. As a matter of fact, didn't Hornswoggle wind up in one of those?

Anyway, since Sheamus just came back with a rather entertaining heel persona, I don't see him losing to the human punching bag known as Ziggler.

Prediction: Sheamus def. Dolph Ziggler

Kickoff match: WWE Tag Team Championship – Tyson Kidd & Cesaro (c) vs. The New Day

The fans are going to be all over The New Day during this match, so it's probably good that their match is taking place during the pre-show, when some of the fans will still be filing in.

The ones that are there though will still let The New Day have it.

As far as a winner, I think Tyson Kidd and Cesaro will hold on to the titles.

Prediction: Tyson Kidd & Cesaro RETAIN the Tag Team Championship