Randy Orton Def. Wade Barrett in a Tables Match:
What I Liked:
At the time, I thought this match was a bit too early in the card. I did enjoy how Wade proved himself in this match. If you watch closely, you can see Wade really carrying Orton for a good portion, as he used his strength and meticulous offensive moves to ground Orton. Orton was good at selling the body shots. I also enjoyed how Barrett used all aspects of the arena, including the barricades. The RKO was a great timed moved, looked great, but haven’t we seen this before? Barrett is not a big relyer in his feet, but his boots looks great when connected. The sound actually sounds real as well, not over sold.
What I Disliked:
The decision of Orton winning. I wish that the match somehow ended in a No Contest, as I feel we have not seen the best from Orton and Barrett in a ring. The match needed more time to tell their feud, to progress the growth of Barrett, and to continue to show us why Orton is a main stay in the main event picture. The match did not really do that for me. Barrett looked great, yes, but they could have done more with him and Orton.
Grade: B-
*Backstage, Long is with The Bellas. They want a Christmas present. They leave and in comes Swagger. He complains to Teddy about Mark Henry’s chair shot to him. Sheamus comes in, tells a story, and the Swagger vs. Sheamus match is booked for tonight. They need to replace Teddy Long. He is played and overused.
Beth Phoenix Def. Kelly Kelly to Retain the WWE Divas Championship:
What I Liked:
Kelly Kelly carried the offense to a solid pace to start the match. I felt that was smart, even though we know Phoenix was not going to lose. I also liked how Phoenix took over quickly, not giving the match too much time, but was not rushed.
What I Disliked:
First off, Beth was calling the moves and the T.V. audience could hear it clear as day. Also, there was not much of a build, and was not even announced. Nothing good came out of having this match, with no further build, no interesting points, or no real character building. It was just an okay match with nothing to gain.
Grade: C-
Alberto Del Rio is upset with Ricardo Rodriguez about not having his car tonight. Miz comes in, says monday was about beating up Punk, but every man is on their own tonight. Del Rio agrees, and says he was just using Miz to take out Punk. Good way to spark an interest in the two heels before the main event. I felt this was executed well, without watering down the match beforehand.
