Dolph Ziggler Becomes Intercontinental Champion
Talk about starting off the show with a bang. Dolph Ziggler and Luke Harper start off hot. Harper gets the upper hand with a few body slams and then powerbombs Dolph onto a ladder. Harper slams him face first into another ladder and Dolph is busted open. At this point, Harper hits a big suicide dive between the ropes and then between a ladder. Both men are feeling pain at this point. Dolph swings Harper around and drops him with a DDT.
Luke Harper grabs a ladder but gets hit in the face. Dolph goes up the ladder again but Harper tips it over, then Dolph tries to set another one up in the corner but Harper tips that one over. Harper gets pushed to the outside and then lands on another ladder. Dolph jumps onto the ladder in the middle of the ring and climbs for the title, but Harper kicks him and sets up another ladder next to him, but Dolph knocks him down with a superkick and takes the title.
This was excellent. I really loved the physicality that Ziggler possessed, while Harper kept up with his speed and athleticism. You can tell how good of a ring general Dolph is and it helps when Harper is just as good of an all-around wrestler. I loved some of the basic, yet physical spots that were featured in this match. The victory to Ziggler was the right call. Luke Harper does not need the title because he did not do ANYTHING with it. I think Dolph is more credible as a champion over Harper at this point. I would love to see Harper go off and face Bray Wyatt at some point. I can see Harper pairing up with Ziggler for a few more months. Why not? With excellent matches like this, I would love to see more.
WWE Tag Team Championship Match Falls Short
The Miz and Damien Mizdow put the titles on the line against the brothers. Jimmy and Jey get going quick with a double suplex and Mizdow does his comedy thing on the side.
Jey gets a near fall rollup before Miz slams him down. Jey is able to hit him with an enziguiri. Jey reverses a figure four with a one leg crab. Miz makes it to the ropes to break the count and sets up a Skull Crushing Finale. Jey is able to stop it and hit a big superkick.
Miz rolls outside and tries to leave with the titles, but Jey hits a splash onto Sandow. The Miz uses his Slammy to get a disqualification and the match ends.
Eh, it just seemed like they fell SO short on a match that could have been really good in the ring. They could have played up to The Miz being booed in his hometown and his stunt double cheered. They could have had Naomi be involved more and really could have given these guys 10-15 mintues of real tag team wrestling. Instead, it just seemed a bit sloppy and a cop out finish. I doubt that this feud ends tonight, but it fell short on a night where they SHOULD have been given more importance, especially since they have given depth to their storyline.
