WWE Extreme Rules 2015: Biggest Talking Points Following Major Event

The 2015 edition of WWE's Extreme Rules pay-per-view is in the books and, while not nearly as eventful as WrestleMania 31, provided fans with solid action and a few buzzworthy moments.

Seth Rollins successfully retained the WWE World Heavyweight Championship by defeating Randy Orton inside a steel cage, but not before feeling the wrath of the Director of Operations, Kane. The veteran competitor-turned corporate stooge let his frustration boil over before demolishing both champion and challenge, but he was unable to adversely affect the architect's chances of victory.

John Cena defeated Rusev in a Russian Chain match to retain the United States title, Roman Reigns overcame a seemingly unconquerable Big Show in a Last Man Standing match, The New Day emerged as the new tag team champions and Nikki Bella beat Naomi to hold onto the Divas title.

With some of the results and events that unfolded inside the Allstate Arena in Chicago, there came major talking points. 

What has the WWE Universe buzzing loudest in the wake of the most extreme night of WWE's calendar year?

Take a look.

Credit: WWE.com

RKO Controversy

Late in the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match between Randy Orton and Seth Rollins, the banned RKO finisher was used not once, but twice as Orton downed Director of Operations Kane with the move, before falling prey to it himself at the hands of titleholder Rollins.

While it was suggested in the build to the match that Orton could not use the move, no one ever imagined that the champion would bust it out, leading to a successful title reign.

As Rollins celebrated his victory, commentators John Bradshaw Layfield, Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler argued the legality of the champion using the move, suggesting that controversy will reign supreme when Raw hits the USA Network airwaves Monday night.

Did the Architect have the right to use the maneuver? Was it banned only for use by Orton? And what about the fact that The Viper used it first, though on someone not officially involved in the bout?

These are questions WWE will have to answer as soon as possible Monday night.

Credit: WWE.com

The New Day Wins Tag Team Gold

Yes, the New Day act has gotten over tremendously in recent weeks, thanks to the much-needed heel turn that occurred just prior to the European tour. Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods and Big E were floundering in the gimmick and needed the turn to breathe life into their careers. 

Yet, as over as they have become as obnoxious motivational speakers, the clap-eliciting chants of "New Day sucks" from the audience led no one to really believe they had a chance to leave Chicago with the tag titles. Part of that had to do with the quality of Tyson Kidd and Cesaro's reign as champions to this point; the other the fact that Lucha Dragons were waiting in the wings for a title showdown. 

But Sunday night, Kingston and Big E shocked the world by winning the gold. It was shocking because the gimmick was such a failure right out of the gate that the company had no choice but to turn the competitors heel, then mistook that heat as being old-school heel heat and put the belts on them the first chance they got.

Meanwhile, Kidd and Cesaro have been over almost from day one, have seen their popularity increase steadily in recent weeks and suddenly and inexplicably had their legs cut out from underneath them Sunday night.

It was a risk, and one that may prove worthwhile if New Day can continue to grow as heels and earn the hatred of the audience. But one cannot help but feel that WWE Creative made a mistake by switching the titles at Extreme Rules.

Credit: WWE.com

Roman Reigns Works a Miracle

Expectations were incredibly low for the Roman Reigns-Big Show Last Man Standing match Sunday night, and why would they not be? 

Reigns was fresh off an epic, instant classic against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania, but there were still very real questions about his ability to consistently deliver inside the squared circle. Then there was Big Show, who has not had a quality match of any kind—outside of tag matches, where his fellow Superstars can carry him—in what felt like forever.

Sunday night at Extreme Rules, the two Superstars proved their critics wrong with a tremendous bout that saw Reigns take another world-class butt kicking before exploding with a series of Superman punches and a big spear through the Spanish announce table that ultimately proved the giant's undoing.

Reigns took huge bumps and really sold the rather lethargic offense of the World's Largest Athlete. 

The chokeslam through the two tables at ringside was phenomenal, as was the way that Reigns was able to turn those in the minority booing him back in his favor, thanks in large part to the quality of his performance.

There have been numerous workers who have failed to inspire Big Show to work at such a level in recent months. John Cena, Dolph Ziggler, Ryback and Erick Rowan are just a few who were unable to carry the giant to anything resembling an interesting or quality bout.

Reigns did, though, earning more respect from the audience in the process.

There are still questions about his readiness to succeed at the main event level but if his performance Sunday night was any indication, hard work and dedication to his craft will erase those doubts quickly.