"The Funkasaurus" Brodus Clay vs. Curt Hawkins:
What I Liked:
Nothing.
What I Disliked:
Everything. This was one of the worst things I have ever seen. Months have gone by and we have been teased with Clay, a guy who came off of working with Del Rio as his bodyguard a year ago. He has the look, the size, and the intelligence to be dominant in the WWE. People say he would have been another boring, dominant heel, which I disagree. His offense is so unique where he is an athletic, yet powerful wrestler. The tattoos, the hair, the previous history as a bodyguard, Brodus would have been immediately in the spotlight if he faced someone of any relevance whatsoever. THEY DROPPED THE BALL 1,000 PERCENT. You give us a ridiculous joke of a character, a type of character that will never get over to the point of anything besides a joke or a comedy act. Clay, from Planet Funk, would have worked in 1996, but not in 2012. Creative totally f*^&#* this one up. What a complete disaster. I do not want to see Rikishi mixed with Flash Funk. I want something better for him, and I know he has to be upset with it too. The dancing, especially between moves, looked like he belonged on Soul Train, not in a ring. I can type for days but this re-debut was absolutely terrible.
Grade: F-
Zack Ryder is being stalked by Kane once again in the back.
CM Punk def Jack Swagger:
What I Liked:
A great match from beginning to end, and also gave us Laurinitis outside the ring for a new wrinkle. The ending was a bit odd, but it made sense with the guest referee angle being built up. Punk and Swagger had a great pace throughout the match, from technical and specific and transitioned without a hitch to a quick paced, big move after big move. Punk continues to shine in the ring, while this could be a match many higher ups in the company remember when they look at Swagger this year. The belly to belly suplex is a great move for Swagger, as it shows his whole upper strength come crashing down on Punk's body. All Swagger needs is that one feud to make him at the top again.
What I Disliked:
It could have been a smart move for Laurinitis to "accidentally" cause Punk to lose, since he is the biggest concern for Punk right now. Let that continue to the Rumble, so everyone wonders what will or will not happen. I see Laurinitis continuing to be a distraction to Punk in the near future leading into Royal Rumble, and potentially a cause for Punk to lose at the event. Doubtful Ziggler walks out, but something will happen with Punk and Johnny.(Insert Jericho)
Grade: A
Miz, Bellas, and Ricardo are backstage. Miz wants Ricardo to call Truth to the ring for him. Truth comes to the ring, which holds Ricardo. He talks a bit and says he is not a bad guy, Ricardo sings La Cucaracha. He smacks the microphone out of Truths hand after singing and Truth attacks. Miz comes down to the ring and beats up on Truth until he pokes Miz in the eyes. Miz barely escapes after this. I understand they want to keep this feud going, but Ricardo has no reason to be involved in this angle. I felt like they did not have another person to call out Truth so they just threw it Ricardo's way. Truth was much better stalking Miz than this segment. I did not hate it, but it just felt forced.
Grade: C
