United States vs. Russia
Mark Henry throws Rusev to the outside a few times and Rusev starts to get counted out. The count is broken and Rusev rams Henry into the steel steps. Rusev smashes into the chest of Henry while he is in the corner. Rusev locks in a submission hold and slows down the pace. Rusev hits a spin kick and Henry continues to feel the effects of the steps. Mark Henry fights out of the Accolade and he catches him with the World’s Strongest Slam. Rusev crawls to the outside and then hits a big kick. He hits another kick and then locks in his submission finisher. Henry taps out.
This was one of the weaker matches that we have seen from Rusev, that’s for sure. Although I love his unique offensive style, he needs to relax on all of those kicks. It seems like that is all WWE wants him to do. They do not utilize his fullest offensive skill set and really limit his ability to try new things in the ring. Mark Henry has great facial expressions to sell every move without going overboard. It was just okay, nothing more.
A Great Match With No Importance
Randy Orton and Chris Jericho come out of the gates very hot. Jericho sends Orton to the outside and then hits a baseball slide. Jericho hits an elbow and then heads up top to get tangled up in the ropes. Randy Orton hits a superplex. Orton throws Jericho over the top rope and to the outside. Randy heads to the outside and hits a back breaker on the announce table. Jericho catches Orton with a kick and some chops. He hits a neckbreaker for a two count.
Randy Orton gets some of his vintage moves and hits a powerslam. Chris Jericho gets going and hits a bulldog and lands on his feet only to get a backbreaker from the Viper. Jericho hits a Lionsault and then kicks away at Orton. Randy reverses and Jericho counters, as he is sent into the ring post. Randy goes for a punt, but Jericho counters with a Walls of Jericho. After a few minutes, Orton is able to counter and then hit a hanging DDT. Jericho surprises him with a Codebreaker and a two count. Jericho is up top and he gets caught with an RKO in mid air for the win.
This match was great because there was no wasted time. The match had dramatic elements to it, false finishes and even a few big spots to end the night. The RKO at the end was not perfect, but it looked painful. I wonder what is next for Randy Orton. Jericho will be gone for some time and hopefully he comes back better than this stint. This would have been graded much better if there was any real story behind it. There wasn’t and a good wrestling match is appreciated, but not memorable.
