Opening Segment/ What Happened:
John Laurinaitis opens the show. He teases Rey's return, rips on the Mexican people. He welcomes Jim Ross back to Raw. Laurinaitis books Cena and Ross vs. Alberto Del Rio and Michael Cole. Cole taunts Ross on the table, as we get Randy Orton.
What I Liked:
The opening segment did what it needed to do, show the new Interim GM, as well as set a main event for later tonight. The feud with Cena and Del Rio needs as much build in a short period, so having so much heat with Cole and so many cheers for Del Rio will cancel out the Mexican crowd. Also, it gives us a main event that will focus specifically around Cena and Del Rio, the one feud that needs as much time as possible.
What I Disliked:
Having commentators in the main event makes it less special. I do not want to see Cole and Ross waste time when that time is needed for Cena and Del Rio. Give them one spot and end it. I want to see physicality between the WWE Championship match opponents, not a feud from four months ago. It does give heat to Del Rio for his home town crowd.
Grade: B
Sheamus, John Morrison, and Randy Orton vs. Christian, Mark Henry, and Cody Rhodes/ What Happened:
Orton and Christian, like usual, start things off hot. They go back and forth with fast paced action, until Orton takes over. Sheamus chases Christian to the outside. Sheamus controls a lot of the offense, and beats down Rhodes. Orton goes after Rhodes on the outside, while Henry and Sheamus brawl in the ring. Rhodes and Orton go to the back, as Morrison gets beaten down after a few offensive moves. The ending comes when Sheamus and Christian brawl to the outside. Henry hits World's Strongest Slam onto Morrison for the win.
What I Liked:
Eliminating Orton/Rhodes and Sheamus/Christian at separate times in the crowd and back. It shows the personal hatred between the men, which I feel are two of the best rivalries right now on WWE. They give an essential of physicality and personal conflict, which is refreshing when done right. Henry pinning Morrison shows Henry as the main component in the match, and does not hurt anyone else. The match was fast paced, showed great timing and execution from all men.
What I Disliked:
Big Show NEEDS to be seen here, as Henry fights basically a useless match without some interference from his opponent a week away. Also, I feel they are skeptical how to book Henry and Show, hence why he was not seen. Both need to come off strong, but I feel Henry could have benefited from an attack post match, or even Show saving Morrison.
Grade: B+
