WWE Title NQ Match
CM Punk VS. Mark Henry
Punk got a massege pop as he entered the O2 for this title defence, and thanks largely to his slick movement, and smooth selling and timing, this was a very respectable effort
and maybe one of Henry's best ever matches. The highlight for me was Punk's diving bulldog after running along the rail. The build up to the finish was very well constructed, and the
crowds reaction for the champion was very strong. The finish perfectly sold Punk's struggle as well his ability to dig down deep and do anything to retain the title (something which will be key
at the ppv). Post match Jericho and Punk had a passionate exchange.
6.5/10
R-Truth dressed as Sherlock Holmes addressed Teddy Long and claimed that he would help him find a job, this was bafferling.
Santino VS. David Otunga
During Santino's enterence Jerry Lawler proved just how clueless he was, as the U.S. Champion unveiled a number of Football shirts to boos, the King commented "Chelsea? Thats not right, we are
in London" of course Chelsea is in London! The match which followed was a routine comedy match used to bring the crowd down following the more full on opener.
5/10
I liked the teases leading up to Brock Lesnar's interview highlighting how outspoken and constrovery he is, it very much had the feel of the pre-Attitude era raw, where certain segments were
hyped in such a way. Before said interview Michael Cole claimed that this years Wrestlemania was the highest grossing in history, we will have to see about that. Back to Lesnar into cut with
video footage of his post WWE career, his UFC career and his recent return Brock claims "He is not a superstar, but a wracking machine, WWE wanted and needed him back, this is a business
and we are tired of Cena's old crap, if he (Brock) had not left WWE, then Cena would be carrying his bags now, finally this is not a wrestling match, beating people up makes me happy" at this
stage we see slow-mo of Brock training and destroying Cena. Very effective build, maybe segment of the week.
Zack Rydeer VS. Kane
This ends a no contest as Kane takes Zack apart before the bell and then cuts a sinister promo at the expense of Randy Orton and his father.
Clitche Cena promo, with a bit of smileing, a bit of pandering to the crowd (who were chanting "Cena sucks") and a bit of shorting, the main massage of this was he will fight at Extreme
Rules, it just took a bloody long time to get there. The GM comes out and informs Cena than he will be booked in a Extreme Rules match later in the show.
Kofi Kingston VS. Daniel Bryan
Strong wrestling match, with some good crowd heat once again, it was just let down by some sloppy moments from Kofi.
7/10
Brodus Clay VS. Dolph Ziggler
Another no contest, due to Jack Swagger's run in, a bit of a lame finish used to protect both. Nothing happened, but it happened in a decent enough fashion.
4/10
There was a touching tribute to Chef Jay Strongbow R.I.P.
The Great Khali and Big Show VS. Epico and Primo
The champions were made to look like comedy jobbers in this short and sensless match. Maybe Mende's role as team speaker will lead to a rivery of the old school manager.
3/10
Extreme Rules match
John Cena VS. Lord Tensai
Predictable 1980's style power match with very little (only a steps spot and some mist) to give the impression of it being extreme.
4/10
Overall Rating
Thanks to a very solid WWE Title match, a smooth encounter between Bryan and Kofi, a very good segment to hype the Cena-Brock match, a choice promo from Kane and a very vocal crowd
this was a enjoyable night and one of the better recent raws, it was let down, but too many rushed matches and poor finishes once again let the show down.
6.5/10
CM Punk VS. Mark Henry
Punk got a massege pop as he entered the O2 for this title defence, and thanks largely to his slick movement, and smooth selling and timing, this was a very respectable effort
and maybe one of Henry's best ever matches. The highlight for me was Punk's diving bulldog after running along the rail. The build up to the finish was very well constructed, and the
crowds reaction for the champion was very strong. The finish perfectly sold Punk's struggle as well his ability to dig down deep and do anything to retain the title (something which will be key
at the ppv). Post match Jericho and Punk had a passionate exchange.
6.5/10
R-Truth dressed as Sherlock Holmes addressed Teddy Long and claimed that he would help him find a job, this was bafferling.
Santino VS. David Otunga
During Santino's enterence Jerry Lawler proved just how clueless he was, as the U.S. Champion unveiled a number of Football shirts to boos, the King commented "Chelsea? Thats not right, we are
in London" of course Chelsea is in London! The match which followed was a routine comedy match used to bring the crowd down following the more full on opener.
5/10
I liked the teases leading up to Brock Lesnar's interview highlighting how outspoken and constrovery he is, it very much had the feel of the pre-Attitude era raw, where certain segments were
hyped in such a way. Before said interview Michael Cole claimed that this years Wrestlemania was the highest grossing in history, we will have to see about that. Back to Lesnar into cut with
video footage of his post WWE career, his UFC career and his recent return Brock claims "He is not a superstar, but a wracking machine, WWE wanted and needed him back, this is a business
and we are tired of Cena's old crap, if he (Brock) had not left WWE, then Cena would be carrying his bags now, finally this is not a wrestling match, beating people up makes me happy" at this
stage we see slow-mo of Brock training and destroying Cena. Very effective build, maybe segment of the week.
Zack Rydeer VS. Kane
This ends a no contest as Kane takes Zack apart before the bell and then cuts a sinister promo at the expense of Randy Orton and his father.
Clitche Cena promo, with a bit of smileing, a bit of pandering to the crowd (who were chanting "Cena sucks") and a bit of shorting, the main massage of this was he will fight at Extreme
Rules, it just took a bloody long time to get there. The GM comes out and informs Cena than he will be booked in a Extreme Rules match later in the show.
Kofi Kingston VS. Daniel Bryan
Strong wrestling match, with some good crowd heat once again, it was just let down by some sloppy moments from Kofi.
7/10
Brodus Clay VS. Dolph Ziggler
Another no contest, due to Jack Swagger's run in, a bit of a lame finish used to protect both. Nothing happened, but it happened in a decent enough fashion.
4/10
There was a touching tribute to Chef Jay Strongbow R.I.P.
The Great Khali and Big Show VS. Epico and Primo
The champions were made to look like comedy jobbers in this short and sensless match. Maybe Mende's role as team speaker will lead to a rivery of the old school manager.
3/10
Extreme Rules match
John Cena VS. Lord Tensai
Predictable 1980's style power match with very little (only a steps spot and some mist) to give the impression of it being extreme.
4/10
Overall Rating
Thanks to a very solid WWE Title match, a smooth encounter between Bryan and Kofi, a very good segment to hype the Cena-Brock match, a choice promo from Kane and a very vocal crowd
this was a enjoyable night and one of the better recent raws, it was let down, but too many rushed matches and poor finishes once again let the show down.
6.5/10