SmackDown: April 23, 2015

Disorder reigned supreme amid rising tensions between Kane and Seth Rollins

Providence, R.I. — It’s only fitting that this was the final SmackDown before Sunday’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view event, because the sold-out Dunkin’ Donuts Center played host to a night filled with extreme chaos.

The Authority's Director of Operations demands that the WWE World Heavyweight Champion allow himself to be pinned.

Thursday’s hottest show kicked off with fireworks as Kane cut off Seth Rollins in order to demand that the WWE World Heavyweight Champion lay down for him and return the favor from their match on the April 13 episode of Raw. Fortunately for The Architect, WWE’s Director of Operations was just “joking.”

Photos: Reigns, Ambrose clear house

Unfortunately for the “Future of WWE,” Kane did decide to put him in match against his one-time justice-seeking ally, Dean Ambrose. That contest would never get underway though, as an all-out brawl erupted with The Lunatic Fringe fighting alongside his former Shield “brother” Roman Reigns to send Rollins and Ambrose’s Extreme Rules opponent, Luke Harper, heading for the hills.

Neville & Dolph Ziggler def. Bad News Barrett & Sheamus

The Showoff & The Man That Gravity Forgot take on a tough combination from across the pond.

Despite Sheamus’ pre-match declaration that bigger is better, the underdogs showed they still have more than enough fight to give in an action-packed tag team showdown.

Extreme Rules: Kiss Me Arse Match preview |  Intercontinental Title Match preview

Ultimately, Neville & Dolph Ziggler would walk out the victors after The Showoff’s Zig Zag, followed by a picture-perfect Red Arrow from the high-flying Neville kept Bad News Barrett down for the three-count.

Bray Wyatt’s lesson in fear

The Eater of Worlds explains the motivation of fear.

The New Face of Fear continued to warn of a frightening future, but once again we are left wondering: Who is Bray Wyatt’s new target?

Naomi def. Natalya

The No. 1 contender to the Divas Title goes up against The Queen of Harts.

Naomi showed Natalya the Rear View to pick up an impressive victory just three days before she will challenge Nikki Bella at Extreme Rules for the Divas Championship. The No. 1 contender then displayed her new no nonsense attitude by delivering a post-match kick to a fallen Queen of Harts. 

Extreme Rules Divas Championship Match preview |  Photos: Natalya vs. Naomi 

Ryback def. Rusev by Disqualification

The Human Wrecking Ball goes head-to-head with The Russian Tank.

Rusev may have technically lost his match to Ryback by disqualification, but he sent a big statement to John Cena in the process after taking out The Big Guy with an unforgiving Russian Chain. This very same steel apparatus will be fair game this Sunday at Extreme Rules when The Super Athlete challenges the United States Champion in a Russian Chain Match.

Photos: Rusev's ruthless attack |  Watch: Rusev attacks Cena with a Russian chain

Kofi Kingston def. Cesaro

With The New Day poised to take on the WWE Tag Team Champions at Extreme Rules, Kofi Kingston battles The Swiss Superman one-on-one.

Have no fear WWE Universe, The New Day is here! Cesaro had his attention turned to a fight that broke out at ringside between Tyson Kidd and Kofi Kingston’s New Day partners, allowing Kingston to hit Trouble in Paradise for the victory.

Watch: The Prime Time Players make fun of Kidd & Cesaro

Can The New Day duplicate this success at Extreme Rules Kickoff when Big E & The Dreadlocked Dynamo challenge Kidd & Cesaro for the WWE Tag Team Championship?

Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose def. Seth Rollins & Luke Harper

Former Shield members reunite to take on their one-time "brother" and the dangerous Luke Harper.

Amid a frenzied tag team battle, Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose got a surprising assist from WWE’s Director of Operations (although it’s unclear if it was intentional), who got up from his seat at ringside to throw Rollins back into the ring to break the referee’s 10-count. 

Extreme Rules: Last Man Standing Match preview |  Chicago Street Fight preview

As a result, the WWE World Heavyweight Champion was  met with a Spear from The Big Dog, who picked up the 1-2-3. Did we witness a preview of how Kane will handle his role as “gatekeeper” at this Sundays’ WWE World Heavyweight Championship Steel Cage Match at Extreme Rules?

Refresh for the latest SmackDown match outcomes, videos and photos:

Kofi Kingston def. Cesaro ( WATCH | PHOTOS)

Ryback def. Rusev by Disqualification ( WATCH | PHOTOS)

Naomi def. Natalya ( WATCH | PHOTOS)

Neville & Dolph Ziggler def. Bad News Barrett & Sheamus ( WATCH | PHOTOS)

Kane has some fun with fellow Authority member, WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins ( WATCH | PHOTOS)