The WWE’s 2022 Extreme Rules event had plenty of MMA vibes Saturday in Philadelphia.
In the main event, UFC Hall of Famer and former heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, now a mainstay as an analyst, was the special guest referee for a Fight Pit matchup between former UFC fighter Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins.
And if that wasn’t enough intrigue for the average MMA fan to cross over for a night, former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey was on the card – and recaptured a title.
Cormier officiated the main event that saw Riddle and Rollins, who have been feuding for months, locked inside the Fight Pit, which differs from the traditional WWE steel cage in that it has no exit door. Riddle, who fought in the UFC from 2008-2013, submitted Rollins in the headliner.
Cormier’s job for the night got interesting at times, though, when he had to get physical with Rollins.
“It was amazing,” Cormier said in a backstage interview with WWE after the match. “Those guys fought. You knew that a rivalry like that needed an ending like that – something very true, something that cannot be questioned. And Matt Riddle got it done. It was tremendous being inside the Fight Pit.
“I had to put (Rollins) in his place, because he’s been disrespectful. He grabbed me as I’m checking on Matt Riddle. But I said that I would be fair. I thought I was that tonight. I came here to do a job, and I thought I did that job to the best of my ability.”
Below, see the MMA vibes you missed if you didn’t tune into Extreme Rules.
The Blue Corner is MMA Junkie’s blog space. We don’t take it overly serious, and neither should you. If you come complaining to us that something you read here is not hard-hitting news, expect to have the previous sentence repeated in ALL CAPS.
Daniel Cormier sees the Fight Pit for the first time
I had to take in the structure, the fight pit is something to behold. Make sure you watch #ExtremeRules on @peacocktv tonight pic.twitter.com/lmFpwr5dXk
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) October 8, 2022
Cormier with Triple H
Tonight’s special guest referee looks right at home inside the Fight Pit… welcome to #ExtremeRules, @dc_mma! pic.twitter.com/KACvcFYsum
— Triple H (@TripleH) October 8, 2022
Cormier introduced as special guest referee
.@dc_mma stepped back in the cage — as special guest referee at WWE #ExtremeRules
(via @WWE) pic.twitter.com/xI9Fh7FhVD
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 9, 2022
Cormier makes his walkout
This is surreal 😂@dc_mma donning the stripes on official WWE duty! #ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/igHbdjjlIL
— WWE on BT Sport (@btsportwwe) October 9, 2022
The Fight Pit lowered down
It is time for the FIGHT PIT!#ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/ZVzQQqKjwp
— WWE (@WWE) October 9, 2022
Cormier with Seth Rollins and Matt Riddle
Rollins. Riddle. DC. Fight Pit!!!!#ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/KNwc2Cr8WJ
— WWE on BT Sport (@btsportwwe) October 9, 2022
Riddle pulls off a Showtime Kick
.@SuperKingofBros using the Showtime Kick 🤩#ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/R5mh9hkrHW
— WWE on BT Sport (@btsportwwe) October 9, 2022
Riddle goes ballistic
.@SuperKingofBros FROM THE TOP OF THE FIGHT PIT!!!#ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/olOCf69jCK
— WWE (@WWE) October 9, 2022
Cormier gets physical with Rollins
"Do not touch me." 👀@dc_mma | #ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/63ZdyLreoC
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) October 9, 2022
Cormier's post-match interview
The former MMA heavyweight champion, @dc_mma looks back on his performance as special guest referee in the matchup between @SuperKingofBros and @WWERollins. #ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/4XLDjjrPUw
— WWE (@WWE) October 9, 2022
Cormier with Riddle
Your Winner, @SuperKingofBros!#ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/6DG0nkDkKz
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) October 9, 2022
Rousey and Cormier have a pre-show reunion
Liv Morgan, Ronda Rousey ready to go
Who do you got in this #SmackDown Women's Championship Match?#ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/3ZnBJFEDPF
— WWE (@WWE) October 9, 2022
Morgan puts Rousey through a table
.@YaOnlyLivvOnce puts The Baddest Woman on the Planet through a table!#ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/CFPk00SQU5
— WWE (@WWE) October 9, 2022
Rousey chokes out Morgan to win belt
Liv Morgan passed out in the submission 😴
No tap, just no fight left…#ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/rzvWuE4zjW
— WWE on BT Sport (@btsportwwe) October 9, 2022
Rousey salutes the crowd with her new belt
Gold back in the hands of Ronda Rousey 🏆#ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/L8iXRnsFBE
— WWE on BT Sport (@btsportwwe) October 9, 2022
Rousey relishes in her title win
Rousey a champ again
#AndNew #SmackDown Women's Champion, @RondaRousey!#ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/wfN6MHzZFz
— WWE (@WWE) October 9, 2022