John Cena (champion) vs. Kevin Owens
These two put on another stellar match. The announcement of Owens fighting for the NXT title at Takeover next month made it clear to me he wasn’t walking out with the United States Championship last night which I must admit was disappointing. Both guys put on a hell of a display of what professional wrestling is all about. I have a few gripes though. John Cena barely sold getting caught leaping off the top rope and powerbombed, yet Owens sells a modified fireman’s carry for two minutes. It’s laughable. I’m disappointed Cena won but even more so that it was by Submission. To me in a feud like this where there are multiple matches, this being the proverbial rubber match, to have Owens tap out is a 100% feud ender for me. I now have zero interest in another one on one between these two regardless of stipulation or any other fanfare. Aside from the quality of the match, Kevin Owens kicked out of 3 AA’s. Hopefully the announcers mention that tonight and it helps Owens continue to grow as a star in whatever direction he goes from here. His continual berating of Michael Cole during the match last night was great as well. At least John Cena is still out of the World Title picture thankfully, and for the record since WWE doesn’t show the highlights from it or refer to it as a match of the year candidate their first one on one at Elimination Chamber was the best of the series so far without a doubt.
Miz and Big Show
I loved every second of Miz’s promo. It was funny, true, passionate and epitomized everything that is awesome about heel Miz. The guy is a former WWE Champion and WrestleMania main eventer. Give him that microphone and turn him loose. When he was done talking I was actually disappointed that I didn’t get to see that triple threat match, which before Ryback’s injury was to me the most lackluster match on the card. Solid 5 minute filler which saw the Big Show knock him out.
Seth Rollins (champion) vs. Brock Lesnar
My buddy and I put the over under on total suplexes at 15 with 10 being Germans and while I took the over when it only hit 13, I did get the German count right. The match was what I expected. Brock dominated with Rollins getting some offense in and essentially throwing a one man Super Kick Party on the Beast. I thought it was over when Brock went for the cover after the F5 but I marked out like a kid when I heard that gong hit. I will always be a mark for the Undertaker and his return last night was awesome as a fan. I hate that the Streak ended. Absolutely hate it. Brock has capitalized on it incredibly since it went down no dispute there. The emotion on the face and in the eyes of the Dead Man last night was tangible and I felt it through the TV screen. Whatever the story reason for his return, whether it be to avenge the streak, silence the trash talk or avenge his fallen little brother I’m on board. He is like Clint Eastwood now, the old gunslinger who is back for revenge. The Undertaker’s return kept the title on the full time star in Rollins and left the door open for another one on one between Rollins and Lesnar which can be more competitive since Rollins survived and escaped last night without being beaten. Rollins has been a solid champion. His matches and promos have been top tier and if he is going to drop the title SummerSlam is a great stage for him to finally get his comeuppance. Solid ending to a PPV that featured great wrestling yet did not do much to further storylines outside of maintaining the status quo.
