The Michael Cole Challenge
What I Liked:
It was an interesting segment to start off such a big Raw. I only liked the dance off between the two guys, as it was the only thing that got a rise out of me. The arm wrestling was okay, but the weigh in was just ridiculous and shows they did not think this through.
What I Disliked:
Having such a boring segment start off the three hour show. Raw is supposed to start hot and end even hotter. I would have rather seen a one on one match with the Survivor Series opponents first, get the crowd's attention through great ring story telling. We got a wasted 20 minute segment, that ended with C.M. Punk attacking Cole. Does not really add up, does it? We do get an announced main event from Laurinitis, which is the only relevant thing to come out of this.
Grade: D
Mick Foley arrives in the arena
Sin Cara and Kofi Kingston vs. Hunico and Cody Rhodes:
What I Liked:
You were able to spotlight the younger talent on the roster, ones with athletic superiority and even better futures. Cara and Rhodes are the two guys who carried the match, and Kofi picked up the speed when he came in the ring, which he always does. The action was alright, but the match seemed to be quick and ineffective to further story progression.
What I Disliked:
The timing felt a little off, the match seemed rushed and given only a few minutes to enhance their match at Survivor Series. I would rather Swagger take the place of Rhodes here, as he has recently feuded with Kofi. There is not much else to say about the match besides average. It was nothing great, nothing notable, and did not start off the ring action on a high note.
Grade: C+
