WWE Intercontinental Championship
Dolph Ziggler and The Miz go back and forth early, but Doloh applies some submission holds. The Miz hits a body slam and then a few kicks on the mat. A dropkick and a two count, but The Miz counters with some punches to the head. A leg to the back and then an inverted submission hold. Dolph tries to fight out of it and gets a two count. Another two count and another kick out. The Miz tosses Dolph to the outside and catches his breath. Even more new submission moves and The Miz showcases his versatility. He stomps at the leg of Dolph and panders to the crowd. The Miz hits three dropkicks into the corner. He tries to finish off Dolph with a clothesline, but only gets a two count. He hits a hammer from the top rope, looking to hit his finisher. Dolph fires back with a dropkick and a two count.
More offense from Ziggler and more close pinfall attempts. Miz hits Dolph with a springboard off the ropes into a powerbomb. Miz fights out of a sleeper hold. Dolph wants to hit a superkick, but The Miz hits a DDT into a Figure Four Leg Lock. Dolph hits a Superkick, but The Miz barely gets his foot on the rope. Maryse sprays Dolph in the face with something, which leads to a Skull Crushing Finale and the win.
How about The Miz tonight? So many new moves and the man brought the heat. He was STELLAR in the ring and introduced new moves and more innovation. It was perfect timing and more reason who he is regarded as one of their consistent and impressive heels. I loved his work tonight and felt, for the first time in a long time, he carried a match offensively. Dolph is always great, but this was by far their best match in recent memory. They were given plenty of time to go from beginning to end, from dramatic element to the next and it really showed how good of performers these guys are. They are friends, which helps both make their match better than the norm. A great heel tactic and a great match for both men. Good stuff.
Bray Wyatt’s Backup Plan
Bray Wyatt beat Randy Orton, who was ruled out hurt. He got a ten count, but his night just started. Kane is his opponent and began the assault. He threw him to the crowd, but Bray would use weapons to knock out the Demon. With this being a No Holds Barred Match, he grabs a chair. Kane hits him in the throat. Bray throws his body and takes out Kane. Bray grabs the chair again and unloads on Kane. Kane kicks out at two and more assault from The Eater of Worlds. Kane fights out of it and then hits a DDT onto the chair. Kane tries a chokeslam, but Bray reverses it. Both men are on the outside, which leads to Bray splashing through a table onto Kane. Kane reverses a Sister Abigail into a chokeslam. Bray kicks out at two. Randy Orton hobbled his way down the ramp, beaten up. He hits an RKO and Kane finishes him off with a chokeslam.
Considering the last minute changes, WWE did a good job at letting Bray do what he does best. He took an average match and made it above average. There really was no other option than Kane, a guy who he feuded with when he debuted. Bray Wyatt needed to look strong, with or without Randy Orton. Him losing was a terrible idea, but the fact that it continues a feud with Randy Orton means Orton isn’t seriously injured and this has potential to make something more than a few week feud. He took advantage of an opportunity and showed that he can fight with the best of them, old or new. If they really want to capitalize on Bray Wyatt’s ability to carry a match like this, with no storyline, they must give him something most important. They need to let this feud catapult him into the main championship storyline.
