WWE Extreme Rules 2015: Matches Fans Will Be Rewatching for Weeks

Extreme Rules 2015 will go down as one of the better shows in the history of the event for one very simple reason: the matches on the card.

WWE sometimes struggles to deliver an engaging build for every match on a pay-per-view card, but at present, the roster is strong enough to make up for some of those deficiencies. The company has plenty of wrestlers to call upon if it's in need of a great match.

Fans know to expect great things when they see certain performers take to the ring. It's difficult to remember a time when WWE was broadcasting as many quality matches as it is at present. Here are some of the best from Extreme Rules.

Big Show vs. Roman Reigns

Credit: WWE.com

It's fair to say that expectations for this match were quite low; Roman Reigns entered untested as a singles competitor, and Big Show hadn't had a great match in some time.

That being said, the bout was actually one of the stronger encounters on a very solid pay-per-view. It's clear that the match was meant to ingratiate Reigns with the often hostile Chicago crowd, but the Juggernaut and the Giant deserve a lot of credit for making the most of the opportunity.

Reigns needs this sort of feud to carry him into the main event organically. Pre-WrestleMania, the reason he wasn't making the desired connection with audiences was because he never really had to face any adversity onscreen.

Since then, we've seen Big Show get the better of him several times. Overcoming the odds is an overused trope in pro wrestling, but on Sunday, it really felt like Reigns had to go above and beyond to fell the Giant.

Of course, the carnage the match produced will be what fans go back to see when rewatching it. Show's chokeslam to the outside will become an enduring image, and Reigns lateral spear through the announcer table was similarly memorable.

It seemed Reigns was being rushed to the top for much of the past year, but thankfully, that didn't turn out to be the case at WrestleMania 31. Matches like this one will ensure that when Reigns does reach the summit, he'll be able to stay there.

Neville vs. Bad News Barrett

Credit: WWE.com

Daniel Bryan's injury woes looked set to impair the Extreme Rules card, as his match with Bad News Barrett was cancelled—but the match that took place in its stead stole the show.

Over the past several weeks, we've seen Neville pull off a transition from NXT to mainline WWE with the same ease that he displays in his aerial acrobatics. There's been no bloated winning streak or unnecessary character tweaks—just great matches filled with jaw-dropping manoeuvres.

Some would likely balk at the idea of making their pay-per-view debut on a mere pre-show, but evidently, that didn't bother Neville much. Paired with Bad News Barrett, the resulting match was one of the best of the night.

Given that the pair would also meet in the finals of the 2015 King of the Ring tournament, there's quite the rivalry growing between the two Northerners. With one win apiece, you would have to think a rubber match is coming—and there are plenty of reasons to rewatch the first two bouts in advance.

The New Day vs. Cesaro and Tyson Kidd

Credit: WWE.com

It's been a long time since tag team wrestling was a focus for WWE, but The New Day's title win provides an excellent opportunity to rebuild the division.

The New Day had a troubled beginning as a unit, first seeing their team debut delayed for many months and then being roundly rejected by fans for their dated presentation. The canny decision to give the trio a little edge has paid dividends in recent weeks, and this match demonstrated how much potential they have.

Put up against the formidable team of Tyson Kidd and Cesaro, the four athletes in the ring and the two outside of it put on a truly exemplary tag team match. Packed with high-intensity action and plenty of novel ideas, this bout should set the precedent for the division moving forward.

Tag team wrestling should take advantage of the extra competitors it puts in the ring. There was never a dull moment in this title match, because it seemed as if every performer involved was in constant motion. That makes for plenty to take in and a perfect bout to rewatch.

The New Day are now sitting on an act that can rile up a crowd, and there's enough in-ring skill between the three of them to continue this high standard of competition. With a few more teams built up as competition, the tag division might be the place to be as we hit the summer of 2015.

What Extreme Rules match can you not get enough of? Let us know in the comments section below.