Quick, but action-packed matches, the return of Mark Henry and an interesting MizTv segment with Vikki Guerrero and Paul Heyman highlighted an interesting episode of RAW.
John Cena and Brad Maddox’s situation with The Shield also made for some thought-provoking TV. Against the odds, the WWE’s franchise player let the three tough rookies know he wasn’t about to let them get away with the beating they gave him a week ago. In the end however, the climax was a stinker. With no finality The Shield ran away with nothing getting accomplished. It was a big tease.
This was just the tip of the iceberg though as a plethora of other angles were given time on the show this week.
CM Punk has made a living in professional wrestling as the guy who gets people to drink the “koolaide.†After last week’s developments with Paul Heyman, it appears the shoe is on the other foot now. While his promo was annoying and whiney, it paved the way for a match with Chris Jericho.
But the announcement of Bruno Sammartino’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame this year, in Madison Square Garden of all places, made the show special. After from Andre the Giant, there is no one who deserves to be in the HOF more than Sammartino. One of the sport’s first “mega stars,†Sammartino’s inclusion in the WWE HOF gives the club a legitimacy it severely lacked.
Matches:
United States Champion Antonio Cesaro vs. Ryback (Non-Title): Cesaro worked hard to make the green Ryback look presentable. A terribly executed leg drop proved Ryback still lacks polish. After he was nearly counted out, Ryback finally sold a bit for Cesaro. That didn’t last long as Ryback hit a pair of Meathook Clotheslines and the Shellshock for the win.
Jack Swagger vs. Santino Marella: Swagger made quick work of Marella with a Swagger Bomb and the Ankle Lock.
World Champion Alberto Del Rio vs. Cody Rhodes: Good match where Rhodes proved he could hang with Del Rio. The Cross-Arm Bar was the equalizer though as Rhodes tapped quickly.
WWE Tag Team Champion Daniel Bryan vs. Rey Mysterio: A fun, high-flying encounter with two of the company’s most exciting workers. Although the action went back and forth for a while, Bryan eventually got the win the No Lock. After the match, Mark Henry made his return and took out Bryan, Mysterio and Sin Cara.
Sheamus vs. WWE Tag Team Champion Kane: The two monsters traded power moves and countered finishers, but a distraction from Daniel Bryan allowed Sheamus to hit Kane with the Brogue Kick for the win.
Randy Orton vs. Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett (Non-Title): A back and forth match that Orton ultimately dominated. Barrett used his signature maneuvers at the right time and got back in the match, but it wasn’t enough. Orton won with the RKO.
Chris Jericho vs. CM Punk: One of the best matches on RAW this year. Jericho was the aggressor early on. With chops and aerial maneuvers, Jericho proved he could still push a quick pace. Punk was always a big move away from regaining control. However, Jericho, with a Bulldog and a bevy of counters, stayed in the driver’s seat. Punk’s corner knee seemed to change the tone, but Jericho dodged the top rope Elbow and hit the Lionsault. Punk then nailed Jericho with a kick and nearly got the pin. Jericho also managed to escape an Anaconda Vice. Soon enough Jericho got Punk in the Walls of Jericho, but Punk escaped to the ropes. Punk then hit Jericho with the GTS for the win.
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