WWE Extreme Rules: Follow That, Killer

Sting versus Triple H. The Undertaker versus Bray Wyatt. Brock Lesnar versus Roman Reigns. WrestleMania 31 was one of the biggest Manias of all time. Try following that one, killer.

The problem is you can't. And right about now, fans are figuring that out. It's not for lack of trying of course. WWE is doing everything in its power to capitalize on the event, to reference it on TV and attempt to keep building on it every week.

But so far it's been less than stellar. The biggest issue is Extreme Rules, the follow-up event to WrestleMania and the same one virtually no one is talking about. Interest seems to be at a low as much of the card is just a follow-up to Mania.

Two of the six bouts booked are straight up rematches, while two are variations of Mania matches. One of the two remaining confrontations features Roman taking on The Big Show. Evidently, the consolation prize for not winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship is purgatory with a guy that's been there for a long time himself.

So what's to get excited about? Where is the drama, the conflict, the selling points of Extreme Rules? When in doubt, look at the positives.

Daniel Bryan versus Wade Barrett. This is a solid match from top to bottom. Bryan is making the Intercontinental Championship relevant again and it's nice to see him back on the main event scene in a big way. Bryan is living proof that it's entirely possible to reach that level despite whether or not the company chooses to put you there.

The spotlight follows Bryan and the fans do too. What more can you ask for a top guy?

Randy Orton versus Seth Rollins. The last time these two faced off on pay-per-view, Orton pulled off one of the most impressive RKO's that fans have ever seen. This time however, the move cannot be used and Rollins is the WWE World heavyweight champion. Oh and it's in a steel cage.

Did I mention these two have great chemistry in the ring?

Then there's John Cena versus Rusev, in the rivalry that seems to never end. While I'm not overly excited for this one, I am intrigued by the fact it's a Russian chain match. It's an old school concept, dating back to the Koloff faction in the old NWA. And because I'm old school, I like the idea of this one.

Rusev has come a long way in terms of establishing himself as a main event presence, even though Cena shut down his winnig streak.

Okay so there's three highlights, three reasons to get excited about Extreme Rules. But there's the name of course, we can't forget about that. Speaking of, where exactly are the extreme rules matches on this card? Anyone?

Here's the thing. Much of the booking for this event cannot be held against WWE. The company is just following along with what's already been set in motion and for the most part, it's a logical extension of what should come after Mania.

And at the end of the day, it's nearly impossible to follow WrestleMania. Sting, Lesnar, Seth cashing in, there's just no way to top it. The WrestleMania hangover is in full effect and with any luck, we will all feel better the day after Extreme Rules.

Fingers crossed.