WWE Extreme Rules 2016: Breaking Down Biggest Matches on the Card

The pressure is firmly on WWE's shoulders regarding its booking of Sunday's Extreme Rules pay-per-view.

Why? With some big names set to return to active competition, the Superstars on show this week need to prove they are worthy of their spots on the card.

Throw in the fact that the ending of Payback last month was flat and did very little for the development of either man involved, and you've got a crucial show in more ways than one this weekend. The card looks promising on paper, however.

Here's a breakdown of the biggest matches we'll see in Newark, New Jersey.

The New Day vs. The Vaudevillians 

With The New Day having dominated WWE’s tag division for a number of months, this feels like the first real opportunity in a long time for someone new to ascend to the head of the pack.

The Vaudevillians haven’t quite made a blistering start to their time on the main roster, but Aiden English and Simon Gotch certainly have enough about them to get better and make their gimmick work on the big stage.

They talk well and look a viable threat to The New Day, and the fact there hasn’t genuinely been a top heel tag team for a good few months makes their presence on the main roster very welcome indeed.

With Enzo and Cass out of the picture following Amore’s unfortunate injury at Payback, this looks like the feud that will hold the tag division together for a good while longer. To that end, you suspect that The New Day could escape with its tag titles again.

However, don’t rule out WWE going a different route.

AJ Styles vs. Roman Reigns

The onus is on WWE to deliver an intriguing and ultimately satisfying conclusion to the main event after an unspectacular showing at Payback.

Few expected AJ Styles to beat Roman Reigns, but what was really disappointing was the manner of his defeat. There was no controversy, no turn from Gallows and Anderson or even a tainted victory from Reigns. There was simply a clean win that didn’t leave Styles looking that great.

However, a strong showing in recent weeks from The Phenomenal One has him heading to Extreme Rules in good form. It’s a shame the same can’t be said for Gallows and Anderson, who have been booked appallingly, but that should all be the catalyst for something dramatic this Sunday.

Again, don’t expect Styles to emerge with the belt. But surely WWE won’t make the same mistake twice and provide us with controversy and maybe even a turn from Gallows and Anderson on Styles.

Fatal 4-Way for the Intercontinental Championship

Three of WWE’s most popular Superstars aim to strip The Miz of his Intercontinental Championship on Sunday night.

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn continue their extensive rivalry by being thrown into the mix alongside Cesaro and Miz, with all four looking to leave Extreme Rules with one of the company’s most prestigious titles.

The match itself should provide genuine wrestling lovers with a mat classic. Owens and Zayn always feel capable of producing unmissable matches, and with Cesaro’s ability in there for good measure, this has all the hallmarks of the match of the night.

But don’t rule out The Miz escaping with the title. He has been a fine champion since taking it from Zack Ryder the night after WrestleMania, and with Maryse back by his side, he has a new lease of life in WWE.

Owens and Zayn could continue feuding without the title you, so this feels like it comes down to Cesaro or Miz. Expect the champion to do just enough to sneak out with the belt around his waist.