Randy Orton def. Kane in a Falls Count Anywhere Match:
What I Liked:
This was the absolute perfect match to start the night in Chicago. Kane and Randy did a great job starting the match with a fast paced feel and aggression throughout. The key for this match was to be different than a street fight, different from an Extreme Rules match, and that is exactly what they did. I loved how they did not last a long time in the ring, how they went into the backstage area, and really sold their story there. Kane is a guy who is much better when you take him outside the ring and not have rules and restrictions. The punches back and forth between the two was great as well. It seemed like a slugfest, as well as both guys trying to over power the other with their strength. You could tell that the story in back was much better than the story in the ring. Orton and Kane were able to use their surroundings to make the match feel more important. Let's be honest, this feud has not been fantastic, but both men hit some good spots here to make it unique. I thought the chair shots onto Kane was a great way to ground the monster without Orton relying on his usual offensive tactics. Also, the hanging DDT was a great spot because he had Kane on the table. Many thought the table would be broken, but this has just as much effect. Kane did a great job selling, but not overselling to make himself look totally weak and overtaken.
What I Disliked:
There is not much to dislike here. I felt they maybe needed one or two more big spots in the back to make this memorable. Also, Zack Ryder did not need to attack Kane. It looked stupid and out of place, especially since Kane showed no effect when he punched him.
Grade: B
Brodus Clay def. Dolph Ziggler:
What I Liked:
I had a feeling that this match would take place on the card. Clay and Ziggler are two completely different talents who do not really go together when it comes to in ring chemistry. Ziggler took some great bumps in this match, as well as making Clay show signs of weakness. That is something we have not seen before from Clay. I also liked the fact that Ziggler was able to garner offense throughout, not having him be squashed like every other opponent. Dolph deserves much more than that.
What I Disliked:
Brodus showed his flaws in this match. He is capable of hitting a few nice moves, but he needs to learn how to fall. Ziggler hit a few nice moves, such as a drop kick that connected perfectly, but Clay was unable to fall appropriately. Mark Henry does a fantastic job of selling moves, falling, and making it look great. Brodus needs to learn this because he does not look comfortable in the ring from time to time. Also, Brodus winning clean was not a great call. Let there be a DQ of some sort. You continue to let Ziggler lose to EVERYBODY. It makes no sense to me.
Grade: C
