Opening Segment
What I Liked:
AJ comes out to announce some matches for tonight. First off, she looks fantastic in a pants suit, and really looks like she holds power. I feel like each week needs to have her showcase her power so the WWE Universe is constantly reminded that she is in control and nobody else. Her first scuffle came last week when she announced a main event for Summerslam for the WWE Championship. It made perfect sense for CM Punk to come out. I loved the exchange between him and her, easily seeing their chemistry thanks to the past few months. He apologizes but questions her power, very smart for a tweener. Cena and Big Show both come out to interrupt, which leads to AJ making matches. Overall, this segment focused on the WWE Championship, which should be the most important angle, as well as the power of AJ.
What I Disliked:
I found it humerous Cena says Punk comes out each week and talks about respect. If my counting is right, it has only been one week. Also, I felt like Show needed to say more than Cena because he is just as important. This is a Triple Threat Match, and Show is the least likely to win. Wouldn't it make more sense for Show to come out and state his case before Cena?
Grade: B
CM Punk def. Rey Mysterio
What I Liked:
Welcome to the world of social media. The WWE Universe decided this match, which I was okay with. They want to impliment the voting, twitter, and other aspects. As long as it is not used to decide major matches, go for it. The match itself was also very solid, with Punk controlling much of the match. Rey Mysterio looks leaner and much more healthier than previous times I have seen him in the ring. He hit his classic moves, a hurricanranna, and also set up for the 619 after a great set of reversals. Punk was able to "escape" with a victory by getting his knees up and connecting with a GTS. This was a solid match with very athletic guys. The time of the match was short, but it did not feel like it because the pace kept going from bell to bell.
What I Disliked:
I do not think Punk needed to win easily, but he should have been more on the offensive throughout the match. As heels are booked, it always seems like they find some way to scrap out a victory. You rarely get heels with the power throughout and an emphatic win. Punk needs to be booked as the favorite in each match, not someone who gets beaten down at the end only to quickly win. That is not how he came to be the champion everyone loved. It is not time to switch that persona. He can still become a great heel and still win emphatically.
Grade: B
