With a jam-packed card, this week’s Monday night RAW was all about settling scores, in and out of the ring. Between Big E. Langston’s first win in singles action and Wade Barrett and Dolph Ziggler’s title wins, there was plenty to talk about. With a new road to Wrestlemania being forged, several superstars got a great head start to New Orleans this week.
5: Big E. Langston: The massive power lifter won in his singles debut over former World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan. Although he took a bit of a beating from Bryan in the form of easily a dozen lightning quick kicks, Langston took advantage of help from Dolph Ziggler and AJ Lee to earn the win. It would be a lie to say he doesn’t have potential, but it would be an enormous one to say he isn’t greener than goose dung. Regardless, this could be the beginning of a push for the youngster.
4: Wade Barrett: Just a day after he lost the Intercontinental title to The Miz at Wrestlemania, Barrett smoked Miz’s head off with the Bull Hammer Elbow and retook the title. A solid match, these two appear to be in the thick of an angle that won’t be over anytime soon. Although he needs to continue to work on his presence in the ring and on the microphone, Barrett is the type of up and coming superstar that the Intercontinental title belongs on. If he gets a long run, it could do wonders for him.
3: Alberto Del Rio: Although he lost the World title to Dolph Ziggler, Del Rio fought hard and has made significant strides as a face over the past few months. Although it appears Ziggler will get a longer run than most with the title, Del Rio has cemented his place on the upper portion of the Raw and Smackdown roster.
2: Ryback: Talk about an unexpected heel turn. Even though he lacks charisma and is a vanilla and green wrecking machine, the fans loved Ryback this week. Sure, it makes sense. The smarks want to see Cena destroyed, so regardless of what Ryback lacks, he can at least deliver on that front. Talk about finding strength in weakness.
1: Dolph Ziggler: Finally. After months of carrying around that goddamn briefcase, Ziggler cashed it in and won the World Heavyweight title. Although he’s a heel, armed with a powerful and devious entourage, expect Ziggler to be a fighting champion who performs every night. In the vein of former ECW champion Shane Douglas, Ziggler will cut solid promo and will make the stars he shares the ring with better. He’s a real athlete that adds credibility to a title that needs it.
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