Rusev defeated Jack Swagger
Rusev and Swagger start fast. Rusev focuses on his injured ribs, while Swagger focuses on his injured ankle. A submission match like this would have been so much better at SummerSlam than a Flag Match without real mention of a flag. Swagger connects with a side suplex. We get back from a break and Rusev punches and kicks as Jack’s ribcage. Swagger blocks a kick and locks in the ankle lock. Jack Swagger is finally able to get Rusev in the middle of the ring with a Patriot Lock. Rusev is able to kick through the hold and ends up applying the Accolade. Jack Swagger fights for a while and tries to get Rusev up on his shoulders. The referee is distracted and Bo Dallas trips up Swagger.
I am all for Bo Dallas versus Jack Swagger, but it does not make much sense for him to help Rusev win. The match did not need this small interference to be successful. Swagger and Rusev work another solid bout and I wonder what is next for Rusev. We already know what Swagger’s future holds. How will he and Bo Dallas make this feud something more than just a random spat? How would you book it? @JoshIsenberg4 on Twitter.
Jimmy Uso defeated Stardust
The match was about 2-3 minutes total. Before the match, Goldust apologized for what happened on Raw. Stardust hits a kick to the side of Jimmy’s head. Jimmy rolls up Stardust for a quick victory.
After the match, Gold and Stardust attack The Uso’s. They toss the brothers around and Stardust rips Jey’s shirt off. They kick him the ribs and throw them to the outside.
The match needed to be much longer. I hated the fact it lasted about 2 minutes. I am a huge fan of Gold and Star turning heel because the tag team division has nothing else. I really want to see a Goldust circa 1996. His creepy aggression, sometimes uncomfortable, made him a relevant and interesting piece to the mid card of WWE. They can accomplish this again if they build Stardust and Goldust right. This gets a 5 for the potential of the feud, the ongoing heel process of Goldust and Stardust and WWE actually creating new storylines.
Sheamus defeated Damien Mizdow
Damien unloads multiple knees to Sheamus and hits a head butt. He stomps away at Sheamus in the corner of the ring. Sheamus fires back with two clotheslines and a scoop slam. Sheamus hits ten chops to his chest. He hits White Noise and picks up the win.
The Miz gets a cheap shot and runs up the ramp. Ziggler comes out and tosses him back into the ring. Sheamus aims for Miz for a Brogue Kick, but ducks it and heads through the crowd.
So, is The Miz feuding with Ziggler still or has WWE changed him to focus on Sheamus? They need to make a decision because Night of Champions needs BOTH titles on the line in matches. Ziggler and Sheamus are really good champions for the mid card, in different ways. I would prefer another Miz vs. Ziggler match. I wouldn’t mind seeing a Rusev versus Sheamus. With the athleticism of both guys and the brute strength, that could be fun to watch. The only issue: WWE is not ready for Rusev to hold a title and he can’t lose yet.
