Adam Rose – One Lemon
When I first saw the Adam Rose gimmick in NXT I was hooked. It really was “party time,” and as a lover of Russel Brand and “Get Him to the Greek” I immediately recognized the character and loved Rose’s portrayal of the rock star Aldous Snow. He does a great job with it. Unfortunately, NXT is essentially an indie promotion with WWE’s money, and the fans act accordingly. When Rose hits the ring on RAW, very few people react. It’s awkward. It’s one thing to try a crazy gimmick in front of 200 people at NXT, it’s another in front of 10,000 on live global television. I don’t think Adam Rose has had trouble bringing that character to the big time, I just think the way fans respond to it isn’t exactly as positive as they thought it would be. His in-ring debut on RAW was “meh”, and the match with Jack Swagger – which still hasn’t been announced – at Payback will be under card filler, if it happens at all.
The Brothers Rhodes – One Step Up
Yes, I said UP. It’s true that they lost, and in losing they got the hell beaten out of them. Not only did one of them lose, but BOTH of them lost. It’s hard to see that as a good thing, but I’m choosing to. If it’s between not being on the card at all, and losing to Batista and Randy Orton in a main event match, I’ll take the later every time. It’s potential feul to a Cody-Goldust match. Cody lost and left his brother for dead. Sure, that’s the rules, but it was NO HOLDS BARRED – he could have done anything he wanted to, presumably.
Dolph Ziggler – Another Step Down
He wasn’t on the card. That’s all.
WWE Divas – A General Step Up
Not everyone was great this week – I’m still not sure if Paige was even on the card the week after losing in her home country – but the Divas get a step up because there’s several angles going on at one time, for the first time I can remember. Alicia Fox is an interesting character – at least I think so. There’s a developing angle between Summer Rae and Layla. Supposedly we have a Divas champ that’s really good. I don’t know what the drama is between Eva Marie and whoever she’s got beef with, because I don’t watch Total Divas, but if they’re going to use her at all, at least it’s not in a spotlight capacity. And don’t forget, Brie Bella is wrapped up in the WWE Championship picture with Daniel Bryan and Stephanie McMahon. Yes, I would love to see Emma being used better, and I’d like to see Naomi having some consistency, and Natalya could be doing more, but even she’s being used to help out the NXT Women’s division at the moment. So apart for two or three gals, all of the Divas are being used. That’s awesome. Not everything may “click” right away, but you start giving these ladies more consistent time on television, and they will get better.
