CM Punk defeated The Shield
This was an interesting choice to kick off the last event of 2013. CM Punk worked very slowly and meticulously against all three men of The Shield. I really enjoyed the slower pace because it shows you that CM Punk knows he should not be winning this match. He tried to delay the inevitable, one that shows Punk losing. CM Punk worked well with Rollins and Ambrose, but Roman Reigns shows us all why he is going to be extremely successful. His strength and speed combination are really great for a younger guy. I was worried this match was going to be booked too illogically, but WWE did the right thing with making Reigns' Spear be the deciding factor for The Shield losing. Punk picks up the win and ultimately begins the slow separation of The Shield. It looks like Reigns and Rollins may stay together, as Ambrose splits apart from them. I was only 4 weeks off with the beginning of the end with The Shield. Raw will be another piece that adds to this complex separation that will occur in 2014. I wanted more action and more intensity in the match from beginning to end. It was not fantastic, but it certainly provided layers to add onto.
Grade: B–
AJ Lee defeated Natayla
With AJ Lee as champion, it is hard to find someone that can keep up with her in the ring. She is extremely talented and her moves relate to the size of her perfectly. Often, you will see wrestlers perform moves that do not really connect with their look or personality. AJ Lee focuses on submission holds and kicks, similar to Daniel Bryan. I called Natalya winning because I felt like WWE wanted to kick off the second season of Total Divas like this. I forgot that Total Divas focuses more on the biggest Diva of all, that in John Cena. This championship is not meaningful for viewers of Total Divas. Why? They do not care about wrestling. They care about drama outside of it. Anyways, I was happy and surprised to see AJ Lee pick up the win in a very good match that focused on technical wrestling. Natalya, whom I have called overrated in the past few months, proved to me that she belongs at the top of the division. She is no AJ Lee. Nobody is.
Grade: B-
