Evolution vs. Shield Must Be the Main Event of Extreme Rules

WWE has been ambiguous on television in regard to its top program for Extreme Rules. This is a good problem, as it implies a top-heavy pay-per-view loaded with talent.

Last week's Raw concluded with Bray Wyatt cradling top star John Cena at the conclusion of a three-on-one handicap match. The opening video package was also dedicated to this angle.

Raw started in memorable fashion with child-choir fanfare from Bray Wyatt befitting of a WrestleMania entrance. It's the type of stunt that could have (and probably should have) ended Raw.

But it didn't.

Two weeks prior, Raw ended with the reunion of Evolution, a stable that WWE has made sure to remind fans has 31 combined world championships.

Evolution's feud with the Shield has been brewing as an evenly matched showdown between two entities despite the difference in experience. The Shield and Evolution are each seeking power, which will be wholly defined by victory.

The word “war” is the only word that can do this match justice, and it has been marketed accordingly.

The marketing of the Yes Movement hasn't gone according to plan as of late. Most top heels are absorbed in special-attraction matches, and Kane has been shoehorned into the challenger role come Extreme Rules.

Kane's booking as a literal monster continued Monday with another stunt, this time involving the former Director of Operations crawling from underneath the ring to haunt Bryan and his bride Brie Bella.

Even as a WWE World Heavyweight championship feud, Kane and Bryan is not main-event caliber when compared to other top feuds.

The go-home show for Extreme Rules featured Randy Orton and Roman Reigns in the main event, with Ric Flair even making a cameo to endorse the Shield. This is a strong sign that the Shield and Evolution's war will go on last.

Group matches tend to draw a lot of emotion out of live crowds, and Extreme Rules has the best chance of going off on a high note if this match delivers at the pay-per-view's conclusion. This isn't to say a Daniel Bryan program doesn't possess this same ability; he's just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Bryan outside of the main event wouldn't be an indictment on his star power as much as it would be an indicator of WWE running low on strong heels.

Ageless as his mask makes him, Kane is 47 years old, and he is not the level of villain that will draw top dollar opposite a fresh WWE champion.

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