John Cena vs. Kane ends in a Double Countout:
Reaction:
I was really happy to see this match take place, as I felt Cena needed a legit competitor before The Rock. The build has been solid, and they used Ryder to get the crowd against Kane each week without hurting Cena. The match was exactly what needed to be, a fight, a brawl, and an intense confrontation. Both guys gained the offensive, were able to control a portion of the match, and equally were as aggressive as the other. When the countout took place, you knew it was not over. I liked how they flooded it over to the back, not stopping. Do you think this feud deserved to end? No, but there needs to be only a few weeks left so both men can move on. The Ryder dominance was expected, and I applaud Eve for acting very well here. Kane leaving with both men down was a great sign to show they need to continue to have Cena’s hate character slightly turn sour at each possible moment. Give him that opportunity, and do not let him be Super Cena each week.
Grade: B
CM Punk defeats Dolph Ziggler to Retain the WWE Championship:
Reaction:
A great technical match for the WWE Championship. For the second straight year, Ziggler was involved in the best match of the night. The counters, the reversals, and the emphasis on “one-upsmanship” I really enjoyed how we were able to see Ziggler’s progression throughout the match, but still having Punk control the duration. Both guys tried to feel each other out, which was a great thing to do, especially when Ziggler continues to be on the rise. Punk looked great in his submission, which is what he does better at over Ziggler. The chemistry between the two men was great, as both knew what skills the other has. I also enjoyed the tease of Punk being screwed by Laurinitis, but the “firing” angle stopped that. We all knew that Ziggler would not win, but the outing was more important to me. He was able to score a few pin falls, and when he reversed the GTS, many people had a quick feeling that he could steal it. Great moves from both guys, and I really loved the old school aspect of the match. The only thing it lacked was that one WOW moment, and with that, this match would have been a top match to remember for a very long time.
Grade: B+
