In Ring Segment:
John Cena comes out and says he understands that people boo him and don't like him. He wants to know why Kane chokeslammed him a week ago. He says Kane may not have a reason, but if he did they need to handle it right now. Mark Henry makes his way to the ring, and says he would have Cena in the Hall of Pain if it wasn't for Kane. Kane comes out, and goes after Henry, but focuses his attention to Cena. He gets in the ring, Cena knocks him to the outside unharmed, and Kane punches Cena on the announcer's table. Kane suffocates Cena until his mouth begins to bleed. He then walks off.
What I Liked:
I loved that Kane did not need a big spot to get my attention, as well as the crowd's. He looks like he is in prime shape and used his character, not his actual stength, to take out Cena again. A choke slam is overplayed and ineffective if continuously used, so him trying to cut off Cena's breathing was different and very effective.
What I Disliked:
Okay, so Mark Henry is more worried about the Hall of Pain over the World Heavyweight Championship? He has been talking about how long it has taken him to get the World Heavyweight Championship around his waist for the past five months, but he obviously forgot about that. Holes in logic are inexcusable.
Grade: B+
Primo and Epico vs. The Uso's
What I Liked:
Even after a loss on PPV, Primo and Epico got a chance to redeem themselves against another tag team. I like the idea of them bouncing back quickly to keep them interesting enough to be in the title hunt. Jimmy's full nelson bomb followed by a leg drop was great use of aggressive offense from one move to the other. Great way to transition that. I also enjoyed the finish, even though the backstabber didn't connect fully.
What I Disliked:
The Uso's losing again. I would rather have a no contest to keep both teams at the top of the list to compete against Air Boom. Have a triple threat title match at Royal Rumble. Spotlight all of the tag teams you have, which is disappointly only three currently. The match should have not been rushed either, give it more time to expand the offensive set skills from both teams. Expose them on Raw, because not many people will follow them to Smackdown.
Grade: B-
Josh Matthews interviews Cody Rhodes about Booker T. He talks about the Royal Rumble and how Santino is on the poster. Santino comes in, and teases his present as a Cobra. Kind of funny here.
Santino Marella vs. Cody Rhodes:
What I Liked:
It was nice to see Cody on Raw, as I have been a big fan of his over the past six months. He has gained so much popularity in the ring and backstage. A guy who consistently works hard to improve himself in every aspect.
What I Disliked:
It was way too quick, and should not have been a pairing to begin with. Cody needs to fight important matches and feuds, not useless matches with Santino. To take him seriously, he needs to compete at a high level with high talent. Also, if you are going to have a match, make Cody look dominant.
Grade: C-
