WWE Extreme Rules 2018: Prediction, how to watch online for free, what time, what channel, match card

Rusev says he’s ready to take down the house that AJ Styles built on Smackdown Live by claiming the WWE Championship on Sunday.

The Bulgarian heads into his first singles WWE Championship match ever at the weekend against Styles, who has held the title with distinction since last November. That reign is about to come a shuddering halt, says the challenger himself.

The bout headlines a packed event featuring Kane, Daniel Bryan, Roman Reigns, Ronda Rousey and more – here’s a look at all you need to know about WWE Extreme Rules.

When is it?

The event takes place on Sunday night (into Monday morning here in the UK), 15th July 2018. The show emanates from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

What time does it start?

The action starts from 11pm BST with the one-hour ‘kick-off’ show which will feature build-up, pre-match chatter and, usually, one of the night’s matches. The main portion of the show begins at midnight and will last until around 4am.

Where can I watch it?

UK viewers can watch it on Sky Sports Box Office either live, or via one of the repeat showings. Repeats begin on Monday July 16th and run through to Thursday July 19th, showing daily at 6am, 10am, 2pm, 6pm and 10pm. The event will set you back £14.95.

WWE are also showing the event on their own streaming service, WWE Network, which is available via subscription at £9.99.

Can I stream it for free?

Yes – but only if you’re a new subscriber to WWE Network. WWE offers a month’s free trial for new sign-ups, so book up before the show starts and you won’t pay a penny.

Will Rusev beat AJ Styles?

Rusev himself certainly seems confident! The Independent spoke with the challenger this week. Styles claims Smackdown Live to be the house he built – but an incredulous Rusev said: “That’s the most absurd saying you could ever have. I’m going to tear his little house down and throw him on the street. Then it will be my house. My mansion!”

On this being his first shot at the WWE title, he admitted to being disappointed at having such a long wait for the opportunity.

The 33-year-old said: “When I made my debut, I started with an undefeated streak for a year, so it was a miracle I’ve never had this opportunity before, but I am a patient man and I’ve waited long enough.

“It’s finally here now and I am not going to let anybody down or leave anybody disappointed by the end of this match.”

Who else is wrestling?

From top to bottom, along with our predictions, here’s the full line-up for WWE Extreme Rules:

WWE Championship: AJ Styles (c) v Rusev

The Independent predicts: AJ Styles – Sunday may be Rusev Day, but I’d be surprised if he’s the man to bring a halt to Styles’ lengthy reign.

Raw Women’s Championship: Alexa Bliss (c) v Nia Jax

The Independent predicts: Alexa Bliss – I see Bliss keeping her title, but with short-lived joy with Ronda Rousey set to be prowling in the audience.

Raw tag team Championships: Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt (c) v The B-Team

The Independent predicts: Hardy & Wyatt – The B-Team have been brilliantly entertaining in recent weeks, but the mercurial duo of Hardy and Wyatt will roll on.

Smackdown Women’s Championship: Carmella (c) v Asuka

The Independent predicts: Carmella – Asuka’s time with the title will come, but the scheming champ will work her way past this one.

Smackdown tag team Championships: The Bludgeon Brothers (c) v Team Hell No

The Independent predicts: Team Hell No - New champs to be crowned on Sunday as the recently reunited Daniel Bryan and Kane snare the gold.

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dolph Ziggler (c) v Seth Rollins

The Independent predicts: Dolph Ziggler – the awesome force of Drew McIntyre in Ziggler’s corner will undoubtedly be a factor as Ziggler holds on to his title.

Roman Reigns v Bobby Lashley

The Independent predicts: Roman Reigns – hardly inspiring stuff from these two powerhouses in recent weeks, but Reigns ought to continue, unrelenting.

WWE United States Championship: Jeff Hardy (c) v Shinsuke Nakamura

The Independent predicts: Nakamura has been doing incredible work as a heel since Wrestlemania and deserves a title run. This one is his on Sunday.

Finn Balor v Baron Corbin

The Independent predicts: Baron Corbin – Raw’s dastardly constable has been revelling in his new authority role, and he’ll find a way past a game Balor.

Steel cage match: Braun Strowman v Kevin Owens

The Independent predicts: Kevin Owens – Owens has been terrorised and brutalised by Strowman in recent weeks – in true WWE style, the only real outcome is a win for the Canadian.

Tables match: The New Day v Sanity

The Independent predicts: The New Day – It’s been great to finally see Sanity on the main roster, and they’ll duel with the New Day well beyond Sunday, but I see the veterans claiming the first victory in this war.