WWE Extreme Rules 2012 Results: What We Learned from Santino Marella's Win

At the pre-show for WWE's highly-anticipated Extreme Rules pay-per-view, U.S Champion Santino Marella defeated The Miz to retain his title.

It was a short match (less than five minutes) that ended with Santino using the Cobra on The Miz for a spotlessly clean finish. The match, which was broadcast on WWE's official YouTube channel, was largely fine, but nothing spectacular. It also remains to be seen whether WWE shifted any extra buys for the show thanks to what was, frankly, a rather throwaway match better suited to Raw or SmackDown..

So, what have we learned from the match's result? And what can it tell us about the future of both Miz and Santino?

Well, the first thing is that Miz's stock continues to fall rapidly in the company. Miz, who has been absent from the last two episodes of Raw, has not been aided by the result here, which saw him job cleanly to a glorified comedy act in front of a rather apathetic crowd.

Heck, even prior to the bout the former WWE Champion grabbed the mic and complained about his jobber status, noting that last year he was main eventing the Extreme Rules event, and this year, had the dubious honor of being on the pre-show. This was a very interesting work/shoot promo that managed to be a lot more intriguing than the match itself).

Miz is right: His career is badly floundering and everyone knows it.   

Of course, a title win here wouldn't have turned around his career. It's only the US Title after all, a belt which has long lost its credibility. But still, for his one remaining thread of credibility, Miz really should have emerged from this bout victorious. At least as U.S Champion, he would be guaranteed some sort of spot on television.

The only real shred of hope to be found here is that WWE's booking team do seem to be going somewhere with Miz's character, hence why they continue to call attention to his losing streak and falling status in WWE.    

What will this angle evolve into will? Will Miz suddenly snap and go insane? Will he turn on John Laurinaitis for treating him so shoddily after Miz scored the match-winning pin at WrestleMania 28?

Who knows? But Mike Mizanin himself better hope they go somewhere with this angle—and soon, before his once-promising career becomes completely irretrievable.

As for the reigning US Champion, Santino Marella, it is difficult to tell how much better he looks coming out of the show. Oh, he's still champion, of course, and will be used on TV. But has he truly garnered much from the victory here?

Pinning a former WWE Champion should have been a huge boost to his credibility, but as noted, Miz has been treated as such a joke lately, defeating him simply doesn't mean that much anymore.

That the match was treated in such a casual manner (the commentators seemed more interested in hyping up Lesnar/Cena later in the evening than putting over the supposedly-prestigious U.S Title) doesn't help him or his belt. 

Let's face it: Santino came into Extreme Rules a lower-card comedy act, and he's leaving Extreme Rules a lower-card comedy act.

This isn't exactly the worst position for him to be in, but considering how hugely over with the fans he was during his mega-push earlier this year when he competed in SmackDown's Elimination Chamber match at the EC PPV, it has to be considered somewhat of a disappointment.

Summarily, as we examine the results, it's difficult to see how either Miz or Santino were helped by the match on the pre-show. Let's hope the booking team can do better for both men next time.