WWE Championship Match:
The Miz (c) defeats Randy Orton
Nick: This match featured two of WWE’s biggest stars right now, and yet it completely lacked the "big fight feel." I think the reason why is because the feud/match was rushed into place and didn’t have time to breathe. I never once thought Orton would win the title because it didn’t feel like the time for either him to win or for Miz to lose. Just a month ago John Morrison was a top guy and the number one contender to the title, and it seemed like over night – actually it was over night – that Orton was thrust back into the spot. So for me, this match just didn’t click. It was fine technically, but it never pulled me in. The bright side is that it seems WWE will NOT be going with the standard Orton/Cena type bout at WrestleMania, so it seems both Miz and Orton will be used better at the big PPV.
Chris: I’m in total agreement with you on the lack of build for this match, but I don’t necessarily agree it wasn’t given time. I think the time would have been plenty if they were doing right by the Miz. Yes, WWE feels he can talk and they showcase that every chance they get, but in my mind he’s being given the Chris Benoit treatment as Champion. His segments on Raw are being overshadowed by the likes of John Cena, CM Punk and the new Nexus. Take one part during last night’s match as an example. I hated the way they tried to have Miz quit the match midway through and leave. Why would anyone wait until they’ve already endured twenty minutes of abuse (although Miz was mostly in control of the match up to that point) before they finally decide to coward out of the match. I understand that Miz’s inability to win on his own is part of the whole gimmick, but at some point they have to build his credibility as a Champion, right?
