WWE Extreme Rules preview

So, tonight we've got a show filled with Raw vs. Smackdown matches, gimmick matches, and a vacant World Championship. Read on for how I'd book WWE Extreme Rules!
First off, I'd officially add Sheamus vs. Kofi Kingston to the card (preferably on the pre-show so it at least gets SOME build before the show starts). Not the most imaginative move, but one that I think helps clear things up. They might as well solve the "Smackdown has both midcard titles" dilemma sooner rather than later in my eyes. Kofi wins, and the U.S. Title goes back to Raw.

If the show runs short for some reason and they need and 8th match, let's go with Alex Riley trying to prove himself as a singles competitor by facing off with Trent Barreta. Barreta surprises him for the win (as Riley talks to the crowd or something) and we start that feud. If they're ok time-wise, save that idea for later.

Michelle vs. Layla is... kind of a problem. There's a pretty strong rumor out there that this match "has to" go a certain way, but since I haven't broken the story in my news posts, I'm going to feign ignorance and tell you how I'd book it if I didn't know that info beforehand. And so it doesn't spoil what's believed to be the actual ending. Anyway, in this scenario, Layla tries everything to beat her ex-mentor, but gets frustrated and Michelle gets the win (possibly pulling the tights or something in the process). Michelle gets on the mic afterwards and heels it up, taunting that Layla has to leave the company now and trying to start a "na na na na, hey hey" chant. The more obnoxiously she sings, the better. The goal here is to get Layla over as a face when she does actually return down the line.

At some point Michelle would do an open challenge gimmick to "anyone who thinks they can make it as a WWE Diva" and Layla answers the call, getting "a new contract" in the process. In the meantime, Layla would be improving her game in FCW and working on a more face gimmick. While I'm thinking about it, I hate when this kind of match stipulation ends when someone just signs them back. Really defeats the purpose. "Loser leaves WWE, but the GM can technically bring them right back" isn't really my cup of tea. Though I liked when Vickie brought Undertaker back for revenge on Edge.

Cole and Swagger vs. JR and Lawler: I think it's time we wrap this one up. Cole spends a lot of the match on the ring apron doing his annoying heel routine. ("GET HIM, SWAGGER. GET HIM. GET HIM, SWAGGER. GET HIM. COME ON, SWAGGER."), which both motivates Swagger and ticks him off. Every so often, he calls Swagger over for some new strategy. King and JR do a good number of whips on Swagger, who at this point gets fed up and brings Cole in the hard way. (It's a "tornado" style tag match but Cole won't get in there with JR and King) He sits at ringside and watches as King and JR get their revenge. Then after the match is over, Cole (understandably upset) berates Swagger from the corner as he's hurt. Swagger puts him in the ankle lock and becomes a face in the process.

On Raw, Cole comes out in a huge fake cast and a bunch of bruises and the like and wants to apologize to Swagger. Swagger listens to the fans and doesn't accept the handshake. Cole says that he knew something like this would happen. Drew McIntyre interrupts, attacking from behind. We go to a Swagger/McIntyre feud. The hope is that Cole will do for Drew's heat level what he's done for Swagger's to a degree.

Cody Rhodes and Rey Mysterio go all out all over the arena. As Rhodes looks for something to finish the job on Rey, Rey comes off of something tall-ish with a springboard senton and gets the win. After this, we go to Mysterio vs. Punk on Raw, and Rhodes looks to do to Sin Cara what he couldn't do to Rey.

Orton beats Punk after a brutal match. This leads to further problems with the New Nexus. 

R-Truth costs John Morrison the title match, with Miz getting the pin via Skull-Crushing Finale. Cena is looking to climb out the cage while Morrison tries to escape the front door, which R-Truth blocks. This leads to Cena going after R-Truth in the coming weeks, which is exactly what Truth wants. We go next to Cena vs. Miz vs. R-Truth for the title. Miz should look cunning rather than weak in the win here, using R-Truth to his advantage instead of looking like he lucked into a win. Miz should know he can't stop both Morrison and Cena from escaping, but can get the win over one of them beforehand. And most of the match will be 2 faces vs. 1 heel anyway, so he's going to be at a disadvantage.

Finally, the main event should be the ladder match. Christian uses his ladder match experience to get the win over Del Rio, even fending of Brodus Clay in the process. Christian gets a lot of confetti and the like for his World Title win, and hugs Edge to close the show. In other words, this should be a big deal and propel Christian.

Afterwards, Brodus tries to prove himself as a World Title contender, and Morrison interrupts Del Rio's promo on Raw (since Morrison isn't complaining about how HE got screwed) and those feuds are where we go from here.

And that's that. Later on I'll look at how the show actually goes down, and have all the day's news as well.