Number 1 Contender WWE Intercontinental Championship Tournament
Rob Van Dam defeated Alberto Del Rio in a pretty solid bout. Del Rio works on RVD from the outside, punching and kicking him in the head. RVD ducks and sends Del Rio to the outside. RVD flips and lands on his feet only to get taken down with a clothesline. Del Rio sends RVD into the barricade. We get back from break and RVD is still hurting. Del Rio hits a backstabber for a two count. Del Rio heads to the top and RVD hits a big kick to his face. Del Rio hits a kick to the back of his head and gets another two count. It looks like Del Rio's frustration is taking over. A scissor take down gives RVD a quick count and then he finally gets to the top of the rope and hits a 5 Star Frog Splash. RVD picks up the win and advances.
Reaction: A solid match with the crowd really behind RVD. I can see RVD helping get a younger guy over in the tournament. He still has the leaping ability and the smooth skills in the ring. We have seen every RVD match, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Del Rio continues to fall down the ladder. That's what happens when you cannot enhance your character to another level.
Score: 6.5/10
Cesaro defeated Mark Henry in a brawl. Henry sends Cesaro to the outside, tossing him over the top rope. Cesaro and Heyman regroup and Cesaro gets back into the ring. Cesaro hits a few uppercuts and begins to punch away at Henry. Mark runs him over with a clothesline. Cesaro hangs up Henry on the rope, but Henry tries the World's Strongest Slam. Cesaro heads to the top and hits a spinning elbow from the top. Cesaro hits the Neutralizer for the win. Strength and determination for Cesaro, who still gets the face pop. Paul Heyman is in a tough spot because they are trying to make him a heel, but the crowd already loves him.
Score: 6/10
