The Undercard Part Two
Sheamus defeated Kane. I was expecting a really good fight between these two heavyweights, but it fell a little flat in my eyes. Neither guy really got going, and the biggest story was Daniel Bryan coming out and somewhat distracting Kane. They argued with one another, and Sheamus leveled Kane with a Brogue Kick for the win. The physicality was there, but just not long enough to make a compelling match. Grade: C-
Randy Orton defeated Wade Barrett in another bout between these two. I have seen this match probably 5 times over the past two months, and that is too much. I know both men work well together, but this is getting old exremely fast. Wade beats down Orton in the corner and hit a suplex to gain the upper hand. Barrett continued to control the match, even hitting a Winds of Change. He tried to set up Wasteland, but Orton got out of it and hit an RKO. Same old story. Where is the feud for Barrett? I WANT the Intercontinental Championship to have meaning, to have challengers. It looks like no matter how hard they try, these titles are completely useless. It is frustrating as a fan and as a journalist. Wade, Cesaro, and the Tag Champs are being wasted by having the gold around their waists. All they are right now are champions who look weak and help put over main event talent. I assume that is what this "Road to Wrestlemania" really is all about, huh? Grade: C
CM Punk defeated Chris Jericho in a fantastic match that should have ended Raw. Jericho and Punk were on the exact same sentence, let alone page, in this match. Jericho started off the action with some chops to the chest, and a suplex after hitting Punk with an elbow. After a failed attempt at a springboard suplex, Punk hits Jericho's neck into the ropes. We come back from break with Punk intelligently working on the upper body of Chris Jericho. Punk went for a flying clothesline but Jericho ducks it, then he hits a shoulder block and a top rope axe handle smash. Punk blocks a Lionsault and sends him into the corner, then he goes for a corner knee smash but Jericho counters that with a hurricanrana from the turnbuckles. Jericho goes for another springboard move but Punk catches him and sets up a GTS, then Jericho escapes and gets Punk in the Walls of Jericho. Man, this was a great match and the chemistry is just RIGHT THERE. You can see how execution and timing is important during these two fighting. Even more reversals, but Punk ultimately gets Jericho on his shoulders and hits a GTS for the win. If you love old school wrestling mixed with the athleticism and creativity of new school, you would have loved every minute of this match. Fantastic. Grade: A
