A fantastic opening match between John Cena and Dolph Ziggler, an appearance from The Rock and a TLC match between CM Punk and Ryback were the cornerstones of a fantastic RAW. At this point, it feels like Wrestlemania is around the corner.
But it’s not. And that’s a good thing.
How will the WWE top this come late March, early April?
Easy.
A pipe bomb.
Punk’s verbal “truth†on RAW this week was one for the hardcore fan. His words resonated with fans that understand the sport and who see stars like Punk and Daniel Bryan for what they really are. Artists. His later interaction with The Rock was fun, but it had a different tone entirely. Regardless of how cool it could have been to see The Rock try to drop his own “pipe bomb†of sorts, he did cater to the average fan much more, which made the last segment accessible to the entire audience.
While the last hour of the show was near spotless, the rest of the show wasn’t as perfect.
Big E Langston should not be allowed anywhere near a microphone. Uncomfortable and awkward, he needs to let his work in the ring do the talking.
The fact that 3MB continues to get more face-time than someone with charisma such as Brad Maddox isn’t a good thing either.
Regardless, the show flew by and there wasn’t a lull in the action.
When was the last time you could say that?
Matches:
John Cena vs. Dolph Ziggler w/ AJ Lee and Big E Langston: An enjoyable opening match that saw Cena and Ziggler trade offense until Langston and Lee got involved. Referee Scott Armstrong eventually got sick of the antics and sent the henchmen to the back, but ironically Ziggler stayed in the driver’s seat. After he caught Cena with a Rocker Dropper, he nailed him with a Zig-Zag, a nice spike DDT and a Super Kick as well. Cena was resilient though and wasn’t ready to call it a night. With the referee inadvertently knocked out, Cena got back in the match and put Ziggler in the STF. That’s when Langston came back and hit Cena with his finisher. Cena was able to kick out and soon enough; Ziggler was the loser via the Attitude Adjustment.
WWE Divas Champion Eve Torrez vs. Kaitlyn: Torrez was in control until Kaitlyn hit the Sideslam. A beautiful snap reverse DDT added to Kaitlyn’s impressive showing. After that, Torrez then grabbed her belt and decided to leave the belt, which gave Kaitlyn the win due to count-out.
Tag Team Champions Daniel Bryan and Kane vs. Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes: A solid tag match as all four competitors had an opportunity to get their work in. Bryan, as always, stole the show with bevy of kicks and aerial work. But after Bryan “injured†his knee, Rhodes beat him with the Crossroads in the Non-Title bout.
Randy Orton vs. Heath Slater w/Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre: Slater got in plenty of offense, thanks to his teammates, but Orton found his dark place and went into vintage mode. After the powerslam, Orton hit the second rope DDT and soon finished off Slater with the RKO. After the match, McIntyre and Mahal fell victim to the RKO as well.
Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett vs. Santino Marella w/ Ricky Steamboat: Marella almost hit the Cobra and flashed some brilliance, but Barrett was always a step ahead. After a Bull Hammer Elbow, he retained the IC Title.
United States Champion Antonio Cesaro vs. The Great Khali w/Natalya Neidhart and Hornswoggle: While the match was a mess, Cesaro’s jumping European Uppercut and Neutralizer on Khali was beautiful.
Sheamus vs. Jinder Mahal w/ Heath Slater and Drew McIntyre: Sheamus destroyed all three members of 3MB, but the heel tactics, similar to how they worked in the Orton match, allowed the trio to get their licks in. In spite of that Sheamus was a man on fire. After the White Noise, Sheamus sent Mahal home with the Brogue Kick.
World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk w/Paul Heyman vs. Ryback in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match: In his first match after a knee injury last month, Punk looked like his old self as he nailed knees and kicks with the precision of an assassin. Ryback dished out plenty of punishment as well, with a suplex on a ladder and various other instances of hardcore fun. Ryback surged later in the match with a Meat Hook clothesline, but Punk was merely playing possum. Next thing you know, Ryback ran himself into a table after a Punk sidestep. After that, ladders and tables were broken. This match got a lot more “real†than many thought it would.
But just when it appeared Ryback had the World Title in his pocket, The Shield hit the ring and triple powerbombed him through a table that had ring steps underneath. This allowed Punk to climb the ladder and reclaim his title.
Kofi Kingston vs. World Heavyweight Champion The Big Show: This match consisted of one punch. Game Over.
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