Opening Segment:
John Laurinitis comes out and kisses up to the crowd in Kansas City. He says that all great men make mistakes, and it won't happen again. He announces the main event for Elimination Chamber. He also announces matches for tonight, including Kofi vs. Miz, Beth vs. Eve, Randy Orton in action, and Punk vs. Bryan. Punk comes out and is in a good mood. He is excited about Laurinitis being fired by Triple H tonight, rips him apart, and gets interrupted by Daniel Bryan. He calls himself a role model, and Punk says a few jabs back at him. Bryan says he will shove a pipe bomb down his throat if he continues with the jokes. Sheamus comes out to talk about his win. He teases challenging both men for the title. He makes a joke to Laurinitis and leaves.
What I Like:
I really enjoyed the segment, as it gives the fans every big angle right now, excluding John Cena. They tease the firing, which will obviously close the show. We get the main event at the next PPV, which is less than 3 weeks away. They establish the match, the big main event. Furthermore, Sheamus needed to be seen here, because he is the guy who needs and deserves the most spotlight right now. With things set for tonight in the first ten minutes, it is something good to look forward to. We get opponents in the E.C. match facing off with one another, as well as what will be a great match for true wrestling fans.
What I Dislike:
Sheamus does a good job, but I felt like he was overshadowed by the other guys in the ring. It was not his fault, but Punk, Laurinitis, and the return of Triple H are far more important in their eyes. I was happy he came out, but I wish he did more. Why not make a quick statement and attack someone. Make yourself a threat. Right now.
Grade: B+
Randy Orton def. Dolph Ziggler:
What I Liked:
A great start in the ring on Raw tonight. Orton and Ziggler, once again, put on a clinic in the ring of great skills, athleticism, and a fast paced match that never slowed down. There was not one dull moment, and also features two of the best guys at being spot on with reversals. I love how they used the momentum of one another to transition from one move to another. Orton looks great, but I felt like it was the selling of Ziggler that really stood out in my mind. I thoroughly enjoyed the unique commentary of Barrett, who was up in a press box watching the match. Different and gave a new perspective with the in match commentary.
What I Disliked:
So, Ziggler loses to Orton. What is the point here? Where does Dolph go from here with his character development? Orton definitely does not need this win, as nothing makes him look weak or lose steam with his crowd popularity. I really hope that Ziggler gets a legit feud heading into WrestleMania, because he is the best in ring worker in the company. He has the complete package, and hopefully he will separate himself from Vickie, much like Edge did, to get over even more now. This could be the time where he goes solo and show how good he is.
Grade: A
John Laurinitis is backstage shaking everyone's hand. He is being overly nice to the crew, etc.
Punk and Bryan are backstage, as Bryan discusses what a vegan is. Punk says he does not claim to be a role model, which Bryan does wrongly.
