Photo credit: WWE.com
Big Show started off the show by accusing SmackDown GM Booker T and Sheamus of making him look like a fool with the World Championship debate a couple of weeks ago. He also bragged about halting Sheamus' Brogue Kick and beating him in a scientific challenge on last weeks SmackDown. He then challenged Bryan to a match after being continuously mocked about his forty-five second loss to him last year. A reluctant Daniel Bryan backstage was then forced into the bout by GM AJ Lee.
Big Show defeated Daniel Bryan in a fair match up. As with past meetings, both men managed to work well together and provided a decent start to the show. As usual Bryan also managed to get a very healthy response from the fans. Afterwards Show threatened to apply a WMD to Bryan, until his Team Hell No partner Kane came out and warned off the giant.
Paul Heyman introduced his associate the WWE Champion CM Punk, who in response to his altercation with a fan in the crowd (you must have seen it by now, right?) claimed that he will put down anyone at all who disrespects him. He went on to then brag about beating down Vince McMahon last week and compared his two possible opponents for Hell in a Cell, Ryback and John Cena. One who he barely knows, and one he knows all too well. As he was about to reveal who he'd picked to face, he decided to put it off as he felt disrespected by all the fans in attendance.
Vince McMahon then made his way out and told Punk that he "blew it" and that now he himself would instead make the decision of who he faces at HIAC later on at a contract signing.
Alberto Del Rio beat Brodus Clay in a passable bout. It wasn't anything that special or memorable but it was better than I expected as they both put in fair efforts. Del Rio in his trademark style broke down Clay's arm and forced him to tap to the Arm Breaker.
Titus O'Neil and Darren Young bested Zack Ryder and Santino Marella in an average and pretty forgettable tag contest. I'll give Ryder credit for his efforts but that was about the only stand out thing from this. Afterwards Heath Slater, Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal took out Santino and announced themselves as the "3MB" (three man band, just in case you weren't sure) complete with new outfits to suit this latest gimmick of theirs. I actually quite like it, I'm not sure why, but I like it.
Dolph Ziggler complained about Ryback being picked ahead of him to have a shot at the WWE title, even though he's been through far more to get where he is. He also added that he wants to go on to defeated Punk at HIAC for the championship and then cash in on the World Heavyweight strap. Well that'd certainly be memorable, and I for one think the two World titles should be combined now. David Otunga then joined him and agreed with what he'd said about Ryback, but claimed that he should be ahead of Ziggler for a title opportunity. AJ Lee decided to settle things by booking a handicap match between Ziggler and Otunga versus Ryback.
Ryback beat David Otunga and Dolph Ziggler in a brief Handicap match. During the bout Ziggler decided he'd had enough and left Ryback to finish off his partner. While it was a pretty nothing match up, at least the crowd were firmly behind Ryback.
Backstage Matt Stryker asked AJ if he could get an apology for Kane and Daniel Bryan's attack on him on last weeks SmackDown. So she agreed to give him one, but right after he faces Kane in a match.
Antonio Cesaro defeated Justin Gabriel in an enjoyable enough match up. Gabriel put in a display above his usual standard and looked good, Cesaro also gave another solid outing.
As their match begun, Matt Stryker pleaded with Kane to just let their issues go. Kane agreed and gave him a hug, which then turned into a Choke Slam for the one-two-three. Kane went on to briefly interview a KO'd Stryker afterwards.
The Miz hosted his talk show 'Miz TV' where he had special guest Kofi Kingston. Miz questioned what Kofi had done during his time in WWE and what little he'll actually be remembered for, calling him a "B player." Kofi retorted by claiming that once he wins the Intercontinental Championship from Miz on Main Event this week, that'll be a new memorable moment to his career, and then challenged Miz to a match that night which he accepted.
Miz went on to tell his future opponent that while little kids and such cheer for him, no one really cares and that he's just a "novelty act." Kingston responded with a flurry of punches, sending Miz away in a hurry. I actually really liked this segment, both men did a good job on the mic and Miz's trash talk was believable.
Sheamus won via disqualification versus Wade Barrett in a decent bout. Although I preferred their outing last week this was still a worthy display from both men as they battled back and fourth. The DQ came after Big Show pulled down the top rope, causing 'The Great White' to spill from the ring. As Barrett tried to capitalise by attacking the champ, Sheamus made a comeback like all good faces and took out the Englishmen and then clotheslined Show out of the ring.
Eve (c) beat Layla to retain the WWE Divas Championship in a largely average and quite drab contest. It was never bad action in-between the ropes but it just never really engaged me at any time. Layla managed to get her foot on the ropes during Eve's winning pin but the referee missed it, does anyone else find it a bit hard to believe when officials fail to see foots on the rope in this day and age? It's a little tired now surely.
In a strange segment we witnessed 3MB being chucked out of a bar after attempting to get on stage and perform. Like I said earlier, these three have something about them that entertains me.
The Rhodes Scholars bested Epico and Primo in a decent and competitive tag match. This was far superior and entertaining to the earlier tag team bout. All four men looked good, although no one exactly excelled it was still fun to watch. Sandow and Rhodes are looking like a rather solid unit, although I don't see them toppling Team Hell No at HIAC.
Kofi Kingston defeated The Miz in a contest that ranged from quite pedestrian to a worthy effort. Despite their good work earlier I just failed to really get engaged by the match, I think it was maybe a bit foolish to present it just before they face each other for the title. It waters down the anticipation for the title clash.
As Vince McMahon presented the contract signing between CM Punk, John Cena and Ryback, the WWE Champion interrupted him and signed the contract, stating that it doesn't matter which man he faces because he'll "break them." In a twist Cena then endorsed Ryback as the choice to face Punk at HIAC, claiming that Punk will have him on his mind all the way up until the event. After the speech Ryback signed the contract and took out the champ with a Shell Shocked. Call me crazy, but I actually think him and CM Punk could have a very entertaining Hell in a Cell match in two weeks.
Overall Raw was a step down in quality and excitement from last weeks broadcast. There were a few decent match ups but no outstanding ones. I'm still also failing to get interested in the Big Show Sheamus feud, and I don't expect their HIAC match to be that great. Fortunately the CM Punk promo earlier in the show was enjoyable enough and the contract signing was a fairly strong end, plus Miz and Kofi surprised me with a decent 'Miz TV' segment.
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