HOUR TWO PICKS UP
Braun Strowman vs. Mark Henry was a typical way of WWE trying to think that Mark Henry is still strong and important. I am not sure that WWE really understands that nobody really cares about big men aside from Braun and The Undertaker. The strength and speed from Strowman was on showcase tonight and was not a complete waste. It got better when Roman Reigns came out and hit two Superman Punches before getting caught with a massive powerslam from the “Monster Among Men.” At least we know that Strowman is viewed as different from many big men in the past who have failed. He is hot and cannot cool down by facing guys like Mark Henry and Big Show.
Samoa Joe knows how to cut a promo. He speaks with Michael Cole and says he is different than former Triple H’s friends and associates. He talks about not needing Triple H to finish the job for him, but he will do it and not let down his boss. Joe seems to have the perfect delivery for what they are trying to make him, which is a calm but destructive hitman for The Authority. They are really building him up right, not overexposing him in the ring and forcing him down our throats.
Emmalina debuts and then says the makeover is not complete because she is going back to Emma. So, WWE thought this could not get over and realize she is a talented wrestler. Okay, great… (sarcasm)
Sami Zayn defeated Rusev in a really good television match. Via WZ: Rusev bounces Zayn into the ropes for a straight shot to Zayn’s kidney. Rusev locks in a bearhug. Zayn tries a cross body, but Rusev catches him and knees him in the side over and over again. Rusev launches Zayn across the ring with a fall away slam. Rusev sits Zayn on the top rope, but Zayn knocks Rusev off. Rusev ducks under Zayn’s attack, but Zayn lands on his feet. Rusev kicks Zayn in the head for a two count. Rusev splashes Zayn in the corner. Rusev attempts another splash, but Zayn moves out of the way. Rusev crashes headfirst into the ring post. Rusev clotheslines Zayn on the outside. Rusev rolls Zayn back into the ring. As Rusev gets back into the ring, Zayn explodes out of nowhere with the Helluva kick for the win!
After the match, Sami Zayn gets attacked by Samoa Joe. I love it. I love how WWE is making Joe attack the people that we know Stephanie and Triple H dislike. The attack was strong and the targeting of Zayn is understandable. I assume Zayn vs. Jericho at Fastlane may not happen and that Sami Zayn will square off against Samoa Joe. Or, WWE could make their match official fore WrestleMania. Either way, a smart and strong way of trying to make a heel in Samoa Joe get booed because of the genuine likability of Sami Zayn.
Akira Tozawa defeated Ariya Daivari in another cruiserweight match on WWE RAW. Man, do I hate Tozawa screaming like a moron every five seconds. He is too talented in the ring for him to do this over and over and over again without doing much aside from a German Suplex. I would prefer to see Cedric Alexander or Brian Kendrick in a match consistently on RAW. What about Tony Nese? See a problem here?
HOUR TWO RATING:
