Damien Sandow def. Zack Ryder
What I Liked:
Sandow has not been booked like other guys. He keeps winning, but he is booked more for the long run. They are taking their time with him, and it is paying off. Man, his aggression is excellent in the ring. He is making basic kicks look extremely painful, and his facial expressions are driving his character. He flips the switch so well and his finisher is great. It is a neckbreaker, but the way he follows through with the pinfall and celebration afterwards is really intriguing to me. I like how they are giving him some freedom in the ring, becoming a brawler and a fighter. He is technically sound, and that is something they can tap in at a later time.
What I Disliked:
So Ryder is Sandow's first feud, which I like. They cannot keep booking him in matches against Ryder. He needs to accelerate to another step, and that next step is Christian. I just hope they do not drop the ball on Sandow so quickly, as his long term success will be measured sooner than later.
Grade: B-
-Christian introduces The Peep Show with guests Daniel Bryan and AJ. They air a hilarious video highlighting their adventures this past week preparing for the Wedding. Christian tries to get AJ to say she is making a mistake, and she slaps him. Bryan takes a backseat here in terms to talking and driving forward the segment. I thought this went over rather well, and transitioned into Kane vs. Bryan.
Kane def. Daniel Bryan Via Disqualification
What I Liked:
Kane and Bryan put on a solid match here. Bryan taps into his aggressive and physical side by throwing Kane into the barricade, which he sells really well. I thought the match was a little slow at first, but picked up with Kane really using a smart striking attack to further push the match towards the brink. The bigger story is the focus on AJ and Bryan, which will hopefully reach a climatic point on Monday. There needs to be something MORE to happen on Monday, as the wedding cannot go on without a flaw. I love the realistic connection they seem to have on camera. Both are really good actors, and both continue to thrive in the spot they are given.
What I Disliked:
Where does Kane go from here creatively? Will he face Bryan at a Pay Per View? Will he interrupt the wedding? I am really uncertain as how he is going to be used. Like it or not, but he is one of the most consistent workers they have today. He can work with anyone, and I feel he is going to be subjected to random matches and no real feuds in the near future.
Grade: B
