Grade: B
Sin Cara def. Cody Rhodes
What I Liked:
Cara and Rhodes are really solid competitors, and this match was very average. Cara hits a nice head scissors takedown to grab the advantage. I felt the psychology of the match was good, especially because Rhodes was trying to rip off his mask the entire time. We do not know why, but this is an open ended way to move a feud along if they want. Rhodes used to have a mask to cover his injuries, so it is logical to step back in his past and have that somewhat haunt him. His best character was the demented man with paper bags. I absolutely love Cody's dropkick, as he hits it spot on. The match was fast, timed well, and was just solid. I do not know if there will be more, but next time they need to give them an extended look further than one night.
What I Disliked:
Who has a brighter future? Who has better feuds, more entertaining matches, and more logical booking? Cody should not lose to a guy like Cara, who is a one trick pony. This is absolutely frustrating to me, even though I love Cody and we know that. He drops the IC Title only to be shoved down the bottom of the ladder and have a TV only feud with Sin Cara. When will they finally realize that Rhodes is more marketable in the long run that someone who cannot stay healthy, a risk of others' health in the ring, and doesn't even speak. I am sick of Sin Cara, plain and simple.
Grade: C
In Ring Segment:
What I Liked:
Daniel Bryan comes out to talk about his match with Kane and how he deserves better. This brings out Kane and AJ, who talks about why she booked the match. I love Bryan right now, a guy who is at the top of his game in every level. The crowd will chant Yes! when he says No! and he gets attached to that. This shows you how far he has come in just over a year, where he was not viewed as important as half of the roster this time last year. Daniel Bryan's character continues to evolve and change, and it is greatly helping. I am certainly looking forward to his match with Kane because I think it will ultimately benefit both men in the long run. I feel Kane has another title run in him, and really can compete with anyone and put on a great match. You have seen it time and time again with him, and I expect him and Bryan to put on a great match at Summerslam. Kane and Bryan tease us with a little action, but Bryan escapes. I want to see Bryan grab the final upper hand next week, especially since he is viewed as a huge underdog.
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
