WWE’s premier international rivalry will be taken to the extreme when John Cena defends his newly won United States Championship against Rusev at Extreme Rules.
At WrestleMania 31, Cena was able to do something that no other Superstar could, and that was pin Rusev to capture the United States Championship. The Cenation leader prevailed over the Russian tank after nailing Rusev with a powerful Attitude Adjustment. Later that week, Cena declared he would hold a weekly open challenge for his star-spangled championship, until Rusev made his intentions clear, with The Super Athlete demanding a rematch against Cena at Extreme Rules for the title.
Yet, the WWE Universe is left to wonder if issues between Rusev and The Ravishing Russian, Lana, could distract Rusev as he heads into Extreme Rules. For the past several weeks, it seems the powerful couple has experienced several serious miscommunications. First, Lana accepted the match with Cena at WrestleMania on Rusev’s behalf without the former champion’s consent, and then Rusev knocked into Lana at The Show of Shows, allowing Cena to capitalize and win the bout. On SmackDown, Rusev took the microphone from Lana as she prepared to speak on his behalf. Is dissension creeping into their relationship?
The Extreme Rules event is notable for providing the WWE Universe with some of the most brutal and intense matches of the year. Cena has fought at the event for the past five years, competing in some of its most hard-hitting bouts, including Last Man Standing and Steel Cage Matches. Although Cena no doubt has the experience edge at this event, Rusev cannot be counted out so easily, as the raw power and intensity of The Hero of the Russian Federation is enough to satisfy the definition of the word “extreme.â€
Can Cena prove his victory over Rusev wasn’t just a fluke? Can Rusev regain the United States Championship? And just how extreme will these two warriors get?
You'd have to believe a gimmick will be added to this soon. A Flag Match seems like the natural progression, despite not being particularly extreme :