Opening Segment:
CM Punk's music hits in Chicago, and out comes John Laurinitis with a CM Punk shirt on. He talks about surprising and being unpredictable. He calls himself a Punk fan, and out comes CM Punk. He feels like John is antagonizing him, and asks him what is stopping him from kicking him in the face. John says he listens to the WWE Universe and gives them what they want. He sets up a Gauntlet match tonight, and if one of them beats Punk, they will face Punk for the WWE Championship next week on Raw. If Punk beats them all, he wants to fight Laurinitis.
What I Liked:
I found it comical that John mocked Punk's entrance. We all hate him, and now the writers are beginning to expose John's cocky side. He needs to be that cocky, arrogant control freak to really boost those ratings. He is a reason people get turned off by the product because of his lackluster personality. It sets up the main event for tonight, also teases the continued feud between Punk and Laurinitis, and gives us a little reason to have to watch later.
What I Disliked:
I wish that it would be three separate matches, not one after the other. I feel like Punk will coast through two and potentially lose the last one, which feels predictable. Punk getting a few times to come out for matches would be a treat for Chicago. I really think they need to back off the feud with Laurinitis, focus on a real opponent, and continue to push other superstars to his level.
Grade: B+
We get a 1.2.12 Promo, saying Next Monday
Cody Rhodes vs. Booker T:
What I Liked:
The beginning of the match was perfect, fast paced, and more of a brawling attack from Booker and Rhodes. I loved that Rhodes was able to take over in the match, using his speed and youth to progress from move to move. Rhodes also used some submission holds, something that we have not been exposed to by him yet. Also, a great back and forth with the punches, leading to a Rhodes drop kick. Booker also needs to be applauded for still being able to go, selling moves with realism. He also was able to capitalize at the end and pick up the victory, most likely giving us another match at Royal Rumble. It does not bury Rhodes either, but makes the feud a bit more interesting.
What I Disliked:
The match was solid, nothing spectacular. I don't know if I like the match on Raw just because these are two basic Smackdown talents. I understand they want to expose the feud more on Raw, but maybe back this match up a week or two so there is not so much buffer zone between that and the Royal Rumble.
Grade: B+
