Madison Rayne vs. Mickie James:
What I Liked:
Rayne's aggression in the beginning of the match was nice to start off with. I also enjoyed how they transitioned into the match itself from this, giving James the disadvantage in the match. She overcame it. The back and forth action was weak, but the Tornado DDT hit nicely for the finish.
What I Disliked:
Rayne seems irrelavant to me. Her character is more of a transition Knockout, one that is seen to put over the talents of James and others. She is decent, not great, but her characteristics are bland and needs tweaked.
Grade: C+
Gunner vs. Garrett Bischoff:
What I Liked:
The match was nothing spectacular. I really liked the ending with Eric telling Gunner to Piledrive him on the bare floor. This is really a good spot and looked real. They seem to really invest stock into this father vs. son angle, so they should continue to progress it and give it time to grow. They have many facets to use to make this feud proceed. Garrett has a good look, and looks strong from his appearance.
What I Disliked:
Garrett continually is booked like a weak wrestler. He has a strong figure, good look, and should garner some offense. If you really want him to be viewed as real and a threat, let him work on his skills in the ring. He knows how to take a bump, but now is the time for him to tone his offensive skills. He desperately needs to get away from the whipping boy angle, stand up, and give him a legit win. Make him look better and stronger each week.
Grade: C+
In Ring Segment:
James Storm comes out and says he will not back down from a challenge. Kurt says he gives him credit for being stupid or tough. Storm talks about looking death in the eye, and Angle is nothing compared to it. Storm talks about bashing Angle's head in like a beer can and putting him out. Storm gives Angle a free cheap shot from behind, Angle does not do it, and Storm leaves the ring as Angle looks at the ramp in a stare.
What I Liked:
They needed to give James Storm the bulk of this segment, as we all know what Kurt Angle is capable of. We also get a lot of truth and intensity in Storm's voice. I really felt like it was personal, and bought what Storm had to say. It was nice to see this growth in his character, shying away from his hick Cowboy ways. It shows he can change with the times, with the feuds, and carry a segment all by himself. I also loved that there was no brawling, as it teases us for their showdown on Sunday.
What I Disliked:
There was not much I disliked in this segment. It came off real, and I watched it a few times to find flaws. The death comment was a bit overexaggerated.
Grade: A
