WWE Raw Report

Date: 02/21/12 from Minneapolis, MN.

The Big News: John Cena for the first time in a great many years came off as a genuinely likable personality.

Show Analysis:

The show started with Eve Torres chatting in front of the camera with the Bellas. The Bellas asked how Zack Ryder is doing. Eve laughed and said she isn’t friends with Ryder. Eve explained that she was just using Ryder to get people to talk about her and that he didn’t even get to first base because he wouldn’t know what to do with a woman like her. She said she used Ryder and now she’ll use John Cena to advance herself. Unfortunately, John Cena was right there listening. This whole thing had a Scooby Doo feel to it, with the villain doing a 180 personality switch and explaining her whole devious plan for no apparent reason. But it set up something positive.

John Cena came to the ring. Eve Torres followed him, crying. She said that was taken out of context and that they have been friends for a long time. Cena said that because of her he lost a good friend, a broski for a hoski. That led to hoski chants. Cena said Eve shouldn’t be wasting her time with him and instead should hold out for Rock. Cena labeled her disingenuous, egomaniacal and willing to use anyone, which is perfect for Rock as they are both scandalous bitches. Eve got on her knees crying then tried to make out with Cena. Cena resisted, saying he is disease free and would like to keep it that way.

After Cena has been unlikable for so long, they have made quite the effort to make him likable again. The video packages at the Elimination Chamber with him helping out younger wrestlers had that effect, and standing up to a manipulative woman earned him more points here. Impressively, this wasn’t even the peak of Cena rehabilitation on this show.

Sheamus beat Mark Henry. Henry worked over Sheamus initially with punches, kicks and corner avalanches. He went for the world’s strongest slam but Sheamus escaped and hit the Brogue kick for the pin.

Backstage, John Laurinaitis told David Otunga that people are talking about Laurinaitis. Teddy Long came in. Laurinaitis claimed it was Otunga’s idea for him to be GM of both Raw and Smackdown and that he didn’t know Christian and Alberto Del Rio would join the cause. Long suggested they ask the people who should be GM of both shows. Laurinaitis said he only cares about the opinion of the board of directors and pointed out he’s a lot taller than Long. Laurinaitis announced a 10 man battle royal for the WrestleMania title shot at CM Punk. Long said Smackdown would be represented and argued with Otunga. Laurinaitis said Otunga would face Long’s choice of a wrestler from Smackdown. They announced Rock will be on Raw next week.

R. Truth and Kofi Kingston beat Epico and Primo. Truth now has a little Jimmy shirt with a kid on the front, shaking hands on the way to the ring. It seems so pandering. The heels worked over Truth. Kingston got the hot tag and ran wild with dropkicks and the boom drop. Rosa Mendes distracted Kingston but Kingston avoided the back stabber and hit trouble in paradise on Primo for the win. So Kingston and Truth are the next title challengers. Have they ever teamed before?

They announced Ron Simmons for the WWE Hall of Fame. They had a nice video package which thankfully didn’t overemphasize the damn comedy gimmick. Not that there was anything wrong with it, but he did a lot more in his career. Backstage, Chris Jericho said it was a travesty he was eliminated from the elimination chamber without being pinned or submitted.

David Otunga beat Ezekiel Jackson. Teddy Long and John Laurinaitis were in the corners. Jackson was in control but he missed a corner avalanche and Otunga hit the verdict for the pin. It was nice to see them put Otunga over clean as I figured they would have some sort of chicanery.

Undertaker came to the ring and said that he has lived with the memory of the beating he took from HHH. He called it a living hell of uncertainty. He challenged HHH to end that uncertainty and never would have expected a no response. The crowd kept saying “what,” which seemed to throw him off. Taker said they are the last of their kind and the suit covers up what HHH is. Taker said HHH can lie to himself and to Shawn Michaels but not to Taker. He told HHH to come out and look him in the eyes. Taker seemed off here, repeating himself and stumbling.

Things got much better with HHH’s entrance. HHH told Taker to shut up. HHH said they need to ensure WWE continues on and Taker needs to carry the torch for the next generation. HHH said he won’t extinguish that flame. He called it bad for business. Taker asked if it would be bad for business that Taker’s gone or bad for business that HHH’s gone. HHH said he has never been as certain of anything and he knows Taker is certain too. HHH said Taker isn’t asking for redemption or salvation but for an end. HHH said he wouldn’t end it.

Taker in response called HHH a coward. That led to “you’re a coward” chants. HHH said he understood what Taker was doing, but it wouldn’t work and the answer was still no. Taker went further, saying HHH knows he can’t do what his buddy Shawn Michaels couldn’t do, because HHH knows Michaels was always better than HHH. HHH, who was leaving, took off his jacket and tie and returned to the ring. HHH said this has nothing to do with Michaels; Michaels couldn’t get the job done but HHH knows he can. The crowd chanted “prove it.” HHH agreed to the match, but said that if they do it they will do it all the way with Hell in a Cell. The Taker part started off slow but once HHH arrived this was a tremendous segment.

A couple of short matches followed. Daniel Bryan beat Santino. Bryan quickly caught Santino in the LeBell lock. Santino reached for the cobra sock but couldn’t get it and tapped out. The Bella twins then beat Aksana and Kelly win the twins used the switch on Aksana.

John Cena came out for a great WrestleMania promo. He said Rock wasn’t there but will be there next week. Cena said he used to like Rock until Rock became Dwayne Johnson and now Dwayne has his entourage. Cena said he doesn’t respect Rock. He respects what Dwayne has accomplished but has beef because Dwayne always goes back to Hollywood. Cena said there won’t be Reunion 2 and 12 Rounds should have gone 3 but he always showed up to wrestle and never left.

Cena contrasted that with Rock, who got a taste of the bright lights and left faster than Cena could say “Rock don’t go.” Rock came back, but then quickly left again. Cena claimed Vince would probably fine him (wasn’t Vince removed from power?), but Dwayne only came back to launch Fast Five and plug his Twitter account. Cena said he fights for the people who dream to be a WWE superstar and stay a WWE superstar. He does it for the people who are proud to be a professional wrestler.

Cena concluded by saying the great thing about April 1 will be the Monday after when he is still on Raw and Dwayne is on a movie set laughing at his stunt double. Cena said Rock will be on Raw next week entertaining all the people, but Cena will always be here and Rock will have to kill him to beat him. “See you next week superstar,” he concluded.

This was a phenomenal segment. Cena made this issue feel real and the result feel important. He seemed like he cared and he took shots at Rock without winking and making silly faces. It was like they finally figured out Cena’s act needs some serious refurbishing.

Chris Jericho won a brutal battle royal of doom to earn a title shot at CM Punk. Everyone teamed up to dump Great Khali first. Kofi Kingston and R. Truth eliminated Miz next. Punk did commentary and observed it’s a good thing Miz isn’t headlining Mania again. They did a series of finishers, culminating with Santino eliminating Wade Barrett and Truth. Ziggler hit a dropkick on Ziggler and celebrated, but Big Show grabbed Ziggler and hurled him over the top onto Barrett and Truth.

That started the trouble in the battle royal. It looked like Ziggler crashed and burned into the announce table, with Truth taking a bad bump too. Worse, Barrett in trying to catch Ziggler appeared to seriously injure his left arm. Barrett immediately pounded the floor with his other arm in frustration. Next, Jericho knocked Kingston off the top rope and Kingston tumbled down the ring steps to the floor taking a terrible spill. The EMTs came out to immobilize Barrett’s arm, with Punk remarking that one of the EMTs looked like Rock N Roll Buck Zumhofe. It was an amusing line but seemed kind of callous under the circumstances.

Chris Jericho threw out Santino, but Santino skinned the cat and hit the cobra on Jericho. Cody Rhodes then threw out Santino, who almost landed right on Barrett’s immobilized arm. The hits just kept on coming. Show eliminated Rhodes next, leaving Jericho and Show. Rhodes helped Jericho eliminate Show. After the match, Punk came into the ring and offered a handshake to Jericho. Jericho smirked and left without shaking.

Final Thoughts:

This show was an excellent show in general, with clean finishes and great build for Undertaker vs. HHH and Chris Jericho vs. CM Punk. But what really distinguished it was how much better John Cena came across than at any other point in a great many years. Cena’s smarmy, insincere jokester character as top babyface is one of the single biggest problems with the product, and switching up Cena in a positive manner has a hugely positive effect on the show in and of itself.

I found John Cena on this show very likable. He seemed more genuine and he acted like he cared. What was most impressive about the transformation is that it wasn’t achieved through cheats. It wasn’t about simply trying to pair him with a popular face or feuding him with an unpopular heel. Rather, they did real work and altered his persona in a positive manner. If Cena is more like this guy going forward, the crowds will eventually turn around even without a turn.

Rock’s answer back will be very interesting. Cena landed some punches squarely on Rock’s chin without opening himself up for counters. This is the model, WWE. Book Cena like this and it will pay dividends.

WWE Raw Report

Date: 02/14/12 from San Diego, CA.

The Big News: At last, a show for true connoisseurs of unintentional comedy. Also, masochists.

Show Analysis:

The show started with Kane backstage saying that he will do anything to get John Cena to embrace the hate. He added that by the end of the show, Cena will embrace the hate and someone will take a ride in an ambulance.

We then went to a debate with the wrestlers in the Raw chamber. John Laurinaitis interrupted CM Punk at the onset to thank the WWE board of directors for their support and leave. Punk said the debate wouldn’t end in violence. He suggested that a lot of people assume Laurinaitis has something over the board, but really Laurinaitis has just done a lot of begging. Punk said he will win because he is the best wrestler in the world.

Dolph Ziggler said he is a better wrestler than Punk. He took a shot at R. Truth, saying Truth doesn’t know what state they are in. Truth said that if he is elected, he will trade Ziggler and Vickie Guerrero to Smackdown. Truth continued with an extended version of his minstrel show comedy act. Miz again pointed out he was in the main event of Mania last year and ran down the others. Kofi Kingston said he has been overlooked for too long but that will change at the chamber.

Jericho finally said that he has been in more chambers than anyone and eliminated more wrestlers in chamber matches than anyone. He said he is coming to reclaim Punk’s title. Punk took a shot at him finishing 7th on Dancing with the Stars. Ziggler said this segment was a joke and waste of time. Truth did more minstrel. Jericho got in Punk’s face and Kingston gave Jericho trouble in paradise to mercifully end this segment.

This segment was thoroughly irritating from beginning to end. It was that goofy, annoying WWE atmosphere that takes the edge off everything and actively makes you much less interested in seeing the match. Everyone except Kingston came off so obnoxious. This description probably doesn’t even read that bad, but as far as making me want to change the channel and never order another pay-per-view, this was really bad.

Chris Jericho beat Kofi Kingston. Jericho worked over Kingston briefly. Kingston came back with dropkicks but his springboard attempted was countered into the walls. Kingston got to the ropes. Jericho argued with the referee and Kingston hit trouble in paradise for two. Kingston covered but Jericho got his foot on the ropes. After a sloppy struggle and gouge to the eyes, Jericho hit the code breaker for the pin.

Shawn Michaels arrived and hugged HHH backstage. Elsewhere, Zack Ryder was in Cena’s locker room with a wheel chair, neck brace and flowers. He looked completely preposterous. Ryder said he needed to tell Eve Torres how he feels about her. Cena pointed out that whenever Ryder shows up, Kane murders him. Cena told Ryder to stay in the locker room while Cena went to get Eve. In John Laurinaitis’ office, David Otunga pointed out Laurinaitis isn’t permanent GM yet. Otunga has a plan for Laurinaitis to be permanent GM of Raw and Smackdown.

Randy Orton beat Big Show via DQ. Daniel Bryan watched from ringside. Show threw Orton on the announce table. Coming back in, Orton kicked Show in the head and hit a draping DDT on Show from the top rope. That was a cool spot. Orton went for the RKO but they botched it. Show went down but Orton didn’t, so it was like Show gave himself the move and sold it. There were audible “you fucked up” chants. So Orton went for it again and this time hit it. Bryan then ran in to hit Orton with the belt for the DQ. Bryan hit Show with it as well. This was an okay match with a terrible finish both in concept and execution.

Shawn Michaels came out. It seemed like he was losing his voice and was a bit off. Michaels pointed out it is WrestleMania season and you can’t have WrestleMania without Mr. WrestleMania. Michaels said he was waiting last week for HHH to accept Undertaker’s challenge, so when HHH didn’t, he called Laurinaitis and said he needed to talk to HHH. Umm, the story was Laurinaitis proposed Michaels’ return two weeks ago to the board of directors before HHH refused Taker’s challenge. Michaels said that he thought about it a few days and realized HHH was just baiting Taker. So he called out HHH to come say he would be ending the streak.

HHH joined Michaels and said it was great to see him. HHH said it would be nice to see Michaels more often, a sentiment I’m sure all fans would agree with. However, HHH said he won’t face Taker at Mania. He reiterated that he would have to end Taker to beat him and he isn’t willing to do that. HHH said he isn’t that guy any more. Michaels said that’s exactly who he is, ending careers and showing no mercy or compassion.

Michaels asked if HHH is just a suit now, whether he married that chick and became one of them. He wondered if HHH is a corporate sellout. HHH said he isn’t selling out, but investing in the future. Michaels responded that when someone challenges him and he backs down that makes him a coward. HHH said Michaels doesn’t understand. Michaels is on the ranch without any worries while HHH has responsibilities. The company is going to be his and that responsibility weighs a ton on his shoulders.

HHH asserted Taker isn’t just an opponent. Taker is a brand that is good for business and letting that brand end is bad for business. HHH said that HHH, Michaels and Taker are the end of an era. Their style doesn’t exist and they left it all in the ring every night. HHH said he won’t be the one to end that era because Taker’s all that is left. HHH said he won’t do it for his ego or for Michaels’ ego, doing what Michaels couldn’t.

Michaels said that speech works on a lot of people, but it wouldn’t work on him. Michaels told HHH to look him in the eye and say he doesn’t want to end the streak, say no. HHH looked in Michaels’ eyes and said no. Michaels was taken aback and left. They then played another Taker video. Taker again was calling for the match and they showed him cutting his hair.

R. Truth beat Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler worked over Truth for a while. He was doing sit-ups when Truth rolled him up for the win. I don’t get why Ziggler keeps losing. He ought to be the hottest rising star in the company and they just job him out week in and week out.

Santino and Zack Ryder did brief comedy backstage. Then Tamina pinned Brie Bella with a Samoan drop and superfly splash.

Backstage, a crying Eve Torres walked into an ambulance and Kane shut the doors. I’m not sure if they shot this with the wrong angle or what, but it seemed as if she just randomly decided to walk into the ambulance rather than being chased or coerced. Kane closed the door. Cena attacked Kane. Kane got away and went to drive off with Eve in the back, but Eve just opened the back door and jumped out into Cena’s arms. She then kissed Cena. Of course, Ryder was right there sitting in his wheelchair with the flowers, shocked and upset. Coming back from the break, Eve told Ryder she was sorry and wanted them to be friends. Ryder made an angry face and rolled away for comedy.

CM Punk beat Miz. Miz went for his neck breaker/back breaker combination but Punk cut him off with a head kick. Punk followed with a powerslam and top rope elbow. He went for GTS but Miz escaped and went for the skull crushing finale. Punk got out of that and applied the anaconda vise for the submission.

Raw concluded with an epic final segment. Cena came out and apologized to Ryder. He said Kane’s plan was to turn Cena’s friends against him and the fans against him. Cena tried to act like the crowd was booing him because of this goofy angle. But Cena vowed that this plan wouldn’t work! The crowd chanted “we all hate you.” Cena said that they don’t get that he rises above the hate. He told people to go on thinking he’s weak, as if that’s the central criticism people have of him. He said he will adapt, overcome, and win against Kane and Rock.

Zack Ryder wheeled himself out and then came down to the ring on crutches. He was selling in this comedic manner and making angry facial expressions. Ryder slapped Cena. Cena took off his shirt. As Ryder and Cena were having their big confrontation, the crowd began loudly chanting “throw it back” to the person who caught Cena’s shirt. Ryder went to hit Cena. Cena caught it and shoved Ryder down. A dejected Ryder went to leave on his crutches.

Kane appeared on the screen and said Cena took the true love of his only friend. Kane said that Cena will leave Sunday in an ambulance. Then for good measure he came out and pushed Ryder off the stage in his wheelchair. Why not? Cena freaked out over Ryder’s 80th demise and ran about looking for help. He did the X sign and stood by Ryder as fans heckled him and one person cried. Then Eve Torres came out and everybody booed. And that was that. I hope Ryder is okay.

Final Thoughts:

Who would order Elimination Chamber after watching this show?

WWE Raw Report

Date: 02/07/12 from Oklahoma City, OK.

The Big News: HHH rejected a match with Undertaker, CM Punk rejected a verbal duel with Chris Jericho and Miz rejected breaking R. Truth’s fall.

Show Analysis:

HHH came out to start the show. He said that he was going to fire John Laurinaitis at the end of last week’s show. He labeled Laurinaitis a weasel with no redeeming characteristics. However, Laurinaitis flew to Stamford to meet with the board of directors and the board doesn’t want HHH to fire him until they make their decision which could come as soon as Tuesday morning.

HHH next turned his attention to Undertaker. HHH said that there was always a rush and awe for him when Undertaker entered. But last week, he didn’t feel that and instead felt bad for Undertaker. HHH said he knows what he did to Undertaker last year and he wants to remember Undertaker as being dominant rather than being carried out. Thus, HHH refused the match. He said that if they did it again, HHH would have to put an end to it. He added that maybe that’s what Undertaker wants. HHH said that everyone has their limits and he won’t be the guy to push Undertaker past his because he respects Undertaker too much. I thought this was a great promo by HHH.

As HHH went to leave, his music stopped and the lights went out. A video package played with Undertaker saying he wants vengeance and he will offer HHH one more chance at immortality. It concluded that this is not over.

Big Show beat Daniel Bryan via count out. Bryan brought AJ to ringside, assuring her that she would be fine. Show hit punches, heat butts, a body slam and a spear. He went for the choke slam but Bryan countered into a standing guillotine. Show escaped and kicked Bryan off the ring apron. Bryan sold his leg and Show went after him. AJ stopped Show but as Show went to reenter the ring, Bryan attacked Show’s knee from behind. Show charged after Bryan and nearly ran over AJ again. This time he was able to pull up. Bryan then just walked up the ramp with AJ and was counted out.

Bryan on the stage said that Show proved the first time he ran over AJ was on purpose, because he could have pulled up then like he pulled up this time. Bryan said that protecting AJ is more important to him than winning or losing any match. However, after the Elimination Chamber he will still be champion.

Randy Orton beat David Otunga. Otunga came to the ring and said he has never had a boss as good as John Laurinaitis. He asked for the crowd to pray that the board does the right thing by retaining Laurinaitis and he Tebowed. HHH then put Otunga in this match. Sheamus went for the razor’s edge immediately but Otunga escaped. Sheamus hit an ax handle and some punches. Otunga got off a DDT before being hit with the Brogue kick for the pin.

Chris Jericho in the ring said the end of the world has arrived because he spells the end of thievery, plagiarism and liars claiming to be what they are not. He said that all the wrestlers and all the fans are Chris Jericho wannabes. He added that he trolled and manipulated the people because they are wannabes. He said Miz ripped off his act and Punk is the worst of them all. Jericho said he is really the best in the world and Punk is just a wannabe. Jericho said he is back to claim what is his.

CM Punk interrupted. He teased saying something but instead just held up his title. He then turned his back. When Jericho didn’t attack, Punk left holding up his title and smiling. Jericho screamed at him in anger as he left. This was a good segment. It’s bizarre, but I can’t even recall the last segment that was principally built around getting over the idea that the title means you are the best. Jericho wants to be known as the best. Punk has the title. So Jericho has to beat him to prove who the real best is. That’s just perfect.

Randy Orton and Great Khali beat Cody Rhodes and Wade Barrett. Khali hit chops and a clothesline on Barrett. He tagged in Orton with a very hard chop. Orton smiled but was cut off by a Barrett neck breaker. Rhodes worked over Orton briefly but Orton made his own comeback. Orton gave Barrett a powerslam and gave Rhodes a clothesline and draping DDT. He set up for the RKO when Khali tagged himself in. Khali then hit a chop on Rhodes for the pin. Then after the match Orton gave Khali an RKO. This was a dumb segment. Khali beating Rhodes is stupid enough, but then having Khali laid out immediately after made that result even dumber.

Tamina, Alicia Fox, Eve Torres and Kelly Kelly beat Beth Phoenix, Natalya and the Bellas. Before the match, Beth said she has beaten everyone and there is no competition left. I figured that was a tease for a feud with Kharma but then Tamina won with a superfly splash over a Bella. Beth and Tamina exchanged looks after that so evidently that’s the next program.

John Laurinaitis approached HHH backstage. Laurinaitis said he is still executive VP and interim GM, at least until Tuesday morning. Laurinaitis said the board is comprised of good people and they will be fair. He said that they adopted two suggestions he had: Shawn Michaels will appear on Raw next week and Kane will wrestle John Cena in an ambulance match at Elimination Chamber. HHH threatened Laurinaitis and Laurinaitis left. Laurinaitis then suggested to Josh Mathews the board will prefer someone like him to someone perceived as cowardly like HHH ducking Undertaker.

Chris Jericho won a 6 pack challenge to earn the right to enter last in the Elimination Chamber match. It’s not a big deal but I think it’s pretty dumb that winning a random match gives you an advantage in a multi-person title match but actually being the champion does not. They did a series of dives early. Truth went for a somersault plancha but Miz didn’t catch him and he took a hard bump on the floor with his head bouncing off the ground. Truth was helped to the back and didn’t finish the match. I’m glad they made that judgment call in this situation rather than just having him work through the match. Of course, it’s easier in this sort of match.

Punk hit a simultaneous neck breaker and DDT on Miz and Ziggler that looked cool. Punk put Miz in the anaconda vise but Ziggler made the save. Punk then put Ziggler in the anaconda vise but Kingston made the save. They did a tower of doom spot. Kingston went for trouble in paradise on Jericho but Jericho reversed into the Walls. Punk broke that up but Ziggler came in with a rollup on Punk for two. Punk hit the GTS on Ziggler but Jericho pulled Punk out and covered Ziggler instead to win. This was a fun match.

After the match, they cut to Kane and Eve Torres backstage. Kane yelled at Eve while she overacted. Kane said that he is afraid of himself. Interestingly, Cena never appeared live on this show. If they mentioned why, I missed it.

Final Thoughts:

This was a second straight solid show. The standout segments were those building up HHH vs. Undertaker and Punk vs. Jericho, as well as an entertaining main event.

Favorite Movies of 2011

I've been doing these lists for a number of years now and I cared for this year's crop less than any other in a while. In particular, most of the year's "prestige" films didn't resonate very much with me. As a result, most of my favorite movies were decidedly mainstream fare. I've seen most of the movies I think might have made the list. The key ones that I didn't were Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Adventures of Tintin and My Week with Marilyn.

10. Rise of the Planet of the Apes

This was just a fun summer movie. The characterization of Caesar was strong and there was plenty of heart and emotion between a CGI ape. The source material ended up being a blessing and a curse. It was a blessing in that the Planet of the Apes name drove box office. But it also limited the film, as the apes ultimately have to win. Not only was that entirely implausible, but I think their defeat would have been a more emotionally poignant conclusion. Still, a well produced and fun movie.

9. Margin Call

This was an overlooked but taut little thriller set at the scene of the financial collapse of 2008. Most of the films dealing with the economic downturn are kind of depressing but this didn't depress and kept you glued on the drama. It kind of reminded me of Michael Clayton, another great movie with a similar feel.

8. Drive

The direction and plot of Drive was pretty bare bones and the tight focus and direction worked to its advantage. It sort of had the feel of a high quality Mel Gibson revenge film. It also had easily one of the best soundtracks of the year. I'm conflicted on the level of violence, which I think hurt its reception with some. The graphic violence was jarring and unpleasant, making it harder to relate with the protagonist. But I can't criticize it too much for that, because I think that was pretty clearly the intent of the director and too many films try to whitewash the nature of violence.

7. Tucker and Dale vs. Evil

I thought this was just hilarious. It's a parody of a horror film with a group of college students who think two rednecks are trying to kill them. Hilarity ensues with plenty of tongue in cheek violence. It's very much in the mold of Shaun of the Dead, but I think it's even better. Unfortunately, not a lot of people have seen it, but I highly recommend checking it out.

6. 50/50

Ah yes, the Seth Rogen cancer comedy. This was a ballsy movie to make and it could have backfired. But it didn't. It's funny while also retaining the gravity of the situation. The Descendants received much more praise for similar themes, but to me the quirkiness of the Descendants felt inauthentic to what was going on. By contrast, 50/50 added levity while not feeling phony.

5. X-Men: First Class

When I heard there was an X-Men prequel with lesser known actors, it sounded like a terrible idea. The third X-Men movie and the Wolverine movie were bad and the likes of Son of the Mask and Dumb and Dumberer were worse as recast prequels. But this succeeded wonderfully. The action didn't look cheap in the slightest. The young actors carried the load. And if anything, the property was reinvigorated. Big success.

4. The Artist

This is rightfully the frontrunner for best picture. It's clearly the best of the nominees. The protagonists are eminently likable and a silent film doesn't feel like a gimmick. It's an old fashioned movie that relies on its storytelling. And it once again demonstrates that if you want audiences to love your hero, give him a loyal dog.

3. The Muppets

When I read a feature in EW about this movie, my expectations were markedly raised. It was clear that writer and star Jason Segel had a great affinity for the Muppets and was determined to make a fun, nostalgic ode to them. The movie succeeds big time. It's silly, lighthearted fun and even if you aren't particularly familiar with the Muppets, I can't imagine you not enjoying the trip.

2. Ides of March

This had early Oscar buzz but then fell off. That's a shame because I liked it a lot better than the films that passed it. The cast is first rate. The screenplay is excellent. It's a movie about politics but it's not a political movie. I think it's just tremendous and I'm disappointed there don't seem to be more people that feel this way.

1. Bridesmaids

This was just hilarious and had plenty of heart as well. There's a good reason it did so well at the box office. The laughs flow throughout, while also keeping you invested in the main character. The conflicts are completely relatable and any discomfort in what happens just adds to the humor. And props to Kristen Wiig for resisting an unnecessary sequel.

WWE Raw Report

Date: 01/30/12 from Kansas City, MO.

The Big News: CM Punk and Daniel Bryan had a great match, Undertaker returned and John Laurinaitis’ fate hung in the balance on an eventful edition of Raw.

Show Analysis:

John Laurinaitis came out to start the show, circling the ring and shaking hands with fans. Laurinaitis said he was looking forward to his performance review because he has done a good job. He admitted to making mistakes but said that is okay because everyone makes mistakes and he has never made the same mistake twice. Laurinaitis put over HHH as a friend and said he was confident he would be retained as GM.

Laurinaitis announced a number of matches. For Raw, he announced Beth Phoenix vs. Eve Torres, Kofi Kingston vs. Miz, Dolph Ziggler vs. Randy Orton and Daniel Bryan vs. CM Punk in what was billed as a first time ever match. That of course isn’t true. I was expecting that to be an opening for Punk to call him a liar and acknowledge their history, but instead Bryan and Punk just pretended that was true. Laurinaitis said that at Elimination Chamber, CM Punk will defend against Dolph Ziggler, Kofi Kingston, Miz, R. Truth and Chris Jericho. They later announced Daniel Bryan will also defend in an elimination chamber.

I seem to make this point every year, but I so dislike these title elimination chambers. I dislike the idea of champions defending in six way matches in the first place because it undermines the point and prestige of being the champion going into the show when the top 10 challengers all get shots in a match with no championship advantage. But it is particularly pronounced at this time of year in undermining the Rumble, when a third of the Rumble gets a title shot the next month anyway.

This to me is a perfect example of less is more. One chamber, with a shot at the title the Rumble winner doesn’t elect to challenge for would be so much more effective in making everything feel important. The championships would mean more because it would be so much harder to get a championship match. The Rumble would mean more because the title shot would be a bigger deal. WrestleMania would mean more because the basic title picture would be clearer earlier and there would thus be more time to focus on the key players. In turn, I really think the chamber would mean more, even if one chamber without the title sounds like so much less than two chambers with two titles.

CM Punk interrupted Laurinaitis He went around the ring singing goodbye. Laurinaitis said that Punk owed him an apology, as Laurinaitis didn’t screw Punk out of the title. Punk responded that Laurinaitis isn’t a man of his word. Punk added that he wanted to see Laurinaitis one last time before HHH fired him. Punk belittled Laurinaitis. Laurinaitis said he wouldn’t take it personally. He suggested they put their differences aside and start over. Laurinaitis offered a handshake which of course Punk declined.

Daniel Bryan was next out. He said that nobody cares about the dispute between Punk and Laurinaitis. Bryan again referred to his match with Punk as a first time match and said that Punk wouldn’t be much of a challenge. Punk said he is the best wrestler in the world. Bryan said he is more than a wrestler; he is a role model. He brought up being a vegan. Punk pointed out they have known each other for a decade and suggested they give Kansas City a show.

Sheamus was the last man out. He noted that he won the Rumble and basically just pointed out that he can challenge for either Punk or Bryan’s title at WrestleMania. This segment went a while but was generally pretty good. They really played up Laurinaitis’ character as just the most disingenuous, self-serving boss ever. It’s a relatable character.

Randy Orton beat Dolph Ziggler. Wade Barrett watched from the luxury box. Ziggler dominated early. Orton gained momentum briefly with a superplex but Ziggler took back over with a sleeper and famouser. Orton avoided the zig zag and hit a draping DDT and RKO for the pin. This was a fun match. I would be protecting Ziggler a hell of a lot more these days but clearly that’s not a priority to WWE right now. They did brief WWE style comedy backstage revolving around Laurinaitis not knowing that William Regal has conjoined twin daughters.

Brodus Clay beat Tyler Reks with a belly to belly, clothesline from behind and flying crossbody. The crowd is starting to get behind Clay. Hopefully if they view the character as a success it will encourage them to introduce more guys with a bunch of wins.

Backstage, Punk told Bryan that he doesn’t think people look at either of them as role models. Punk said people don’t even know what a vegan is. Really? Bryan sermonized about animal cruelty and basically did Punk’s heel straight edge gimmick only as a vegan. Get ready for “Vegan means I’m better than you.” Punk said he never claimed to be a role model with the straight edge.

Daniel Bryan beat CM Punk via DQ. Bryan opened the match with an old spot I seem to recall him using on the indies where he teased a Rito Romero Special but instead just stomped down on Punk’s legs. He traded European uppercuts with Punk. Bryan sent Punk into the barricade, but Punk came back with a belly to back suplex and springboard clothesline. They did a double crossbody spot where each man was knocked down.

Bryan took control and worked over the arm for a bit. Punk came back with clotheslines, a swinging neck breaker, a high knee and bulldog. Punk went for the GTS but Bryan escaped to the outside. Bryan hit a top rope dropkick for two. Bryan used a series of kicks and hit a huracanrana that Punk rolled through on for two. Bryan hit a kick to the head for another near fall. Bryan went for a superplex but Punk knocked him off and hit the top rope elbow for two. Bryan went for the LeBell lock but Punk escaped and hit a kick to the head.

At that point, Chris Jericho ran in for the DQ. He threw down Bryan first and then gave Punk the code breaker. Bryan was announced as the winner and celebrated. This was shaping up to be one of the best Raw matches in a long time. The finish took it down some but it was still a tremendous match and I’m glad they gave them so much time. They announced Mike Tyson for the WWE Hall of Fame. They acknowledged it got out earlier in the day.

Kofi Kingston beat Miz. R. Truth did commentary, although he didn’t say much. Miz before the match bragged about lasting the longest of anyone in the 2012 Rumble and mocked Kingston’s handstand to stave off elimination. Miz said he will win the chamber and headline WrestleMania again. Good luck with that. Miz worked over Kingston briefly before being caught with trouble in paradise out of nowhere for the pin.

Backstage, David Otunga told Laurinaitis that he tried to influence HHH’s decision. Laurinaitis thought this meant that Otunga might be trying to take his job. Otunga denied that and said that he is happy in his current position.

Beth Phoenix beat Eve Torres immediately with the glam slam for the clean pin. That would seem to suggest they are setting up a Beth Phoenix-Kharma program, which could be fun. After the match, Kane appeared on the screen. He said that what happened to Zack Ryder could have been avoided. Kane said that until John Cena embraces the hate, Cena can’t beat Kane or the Rock. He vowed to keep hurting Ryder until Cena gets the message. So in summary, Kane is trying to get Cena to do the one thing that Kane thinks will allow Cena to beat him.

Kane then appeared behind Eve. John Cena made the save and had a big brawl with Kane. Cena hit Kane with the ring steps repeatedly and hit him with a microphone as well. Cena went for the FU through the announce table but Kane escaped and left through the crowd. The crowd seemed more behind Cena when he was more intense.

John Laurinaitis came out for the final segment. He claimed that Raw ratings have been up from a year ago under his control. He added that he gave himself high marks in his WWE self-performance assessment.

HHH made his entrance and immediately it was clear that he still strongly dislikes Laurinaitis. He accused Laurinaitis of using his power to make himself a star. Laurinaitis said that he respects HHH’s opinion but that he hasn’t done that. HHH accused Laurinaitis of repeatedly putting himself on the show to the detriment of others. HHH said that Laurinaitis, like Vince McMahon and HHH himself before, has let personal issues cloud his judgment.

Laurinaitis said he would do anything to keep his job. HHH was enticed by this. So at first he coerced an apology by Laurinaitis to the fans. Laurinaitis got a ton of heat delivering the apology. HHH said that wasn’t good enough and teased he might put Laurinaitis in a gauntlet match against all the wrestlers that dislike him, but then decided that would be unfair.

That led to HHH teasing that he would induct Laurinaitis into the Kiss My Ass Club. Laurinaitis should have known better than to fall for that, given Road Dogg couldn’t even say “your ass better call somebody” the night before. But Laurinaitis went ahead and put on some chap stick. He got on his knees and puckered up. HHH laughed at him for being willing to do that. HHH said that the board is fine with HHH returning to run Raw any time. He started to wish Laurinaitis well in his future endeavors when Undertaker’s music hit.

Undertaker came to the ring. He stared at HHH. Then he looked up at the WrestleMania sign. Then he looked back at HHH and slashed his throat. HHH patted Undertaker on the shoulder and left. The implied message seemed to me that HHH admires Taker’s valor but doesn’t think he has another match left in him. I guess we’ll see. Undertaker looked at the Mania sign again and then looked back at HHH to close the show. Looking at the Mania sign is so beyond played out by this point but other than that this was a compelling close to the show.

Final Thoughts:

This was an entertaining show, a promising sign leading into the key WrestleMania build period. It had two excellent matches along with a nice closing angle. There weren’t any real lows, either. All in all, I hope most of the shows over the next two months are like this one.

WWE Raw Report

Date: 01/23/12 from Phoenix, AZ.

The Big News: WWE is revolutionizing the concept of a go home show.

Show Analysis:

CM Punk came out to start the show. He said that Dolph Ziggler’s wins over him were giftwrapped by John Laurinaitis. He labeled Laurinaitis a failure and said that he was surprised Laurinaitis told the truth about planning to screw Punk Sunday. Punk told Laurinaitis to come out and say that to his face. Laurinaitis didn’t appear so Punk said he would go find Laurinaitis. John Cena came out instead. Punk said he wanted a different company man named John.

Cena said that he was tired of hearing Punk ramble. Cena added that Punk was out there to talk while Cena was out for business. Cena told Laurinaitis to give Zack Ryder a US title rematch, give Cena a match with Kane on Raw, and resign as interim GM. That finally brought out Laurinaitis, who said he stood by what he said last week and that he won’t be intimidated. Punk invited Laurinaitis to the ring. Laurinaitis declined and announced Kane vs. Ryder in a falls count anywhere match. He added that if Cena got involved, Ryder would never get a US title rematch. He then announced Cena and Punk would be teaming up next.

Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger beat John Cena and CM Punk. The heels worked over Cena. Punk tagged in and hit a springboard clothesline, swinging neck breaker, high knee, bulldog and high kick on Ziggler. Swagger broke up a pin attempt. Swagger went for an ankle lock on Cena on the floor, but Cena reversed into the STF. Punk was going to the top when Laurinaitis got up on the apron. Punk went after Laurinaitis, but Ziggler used the opportunity to roll up Punk with a handful of tights for the win.

There was a time when you could get heat and build matches with this sort of thing, but they have so destroyed the meaning of match results that it means absolutely nothing. They’d be much better off having Ziggler actually beat other people rather than giving him these fake wins over Punk.

After the match, Punk said that Laurinaitis may plan on screwing Punk but Punk plans to beat up Laurinaitis. Punk then challenged Laurinaitis to a match later on Raw. Laurinaitis smiled and accepted.

Chris Jericho came out for the Highlight Reel. They announced he is in the Royal Rumble. He smiled and played to the crowd again. He received some boos this time, but still mostly cheers and Y2J chants. He teased saying something into the microphone but instead went backstage and brought out a t-shirt gun. He had the crowd going crazy screaming for t-shirts. He didn’t shoot a t-shirt out and instead put down the gun. He grabbed the camera in the ring and panned around to the cheering audience. He showed a short video package. Then he finally spoke. He said that this Sunday at the Rumble it will be the end of the world as we know it. And that was it.

Backstage, Zack Ryder told Eve not to worry. Mick Foley asked Ryder if he would be okay. Ryder said yes. Foley reminded Ryder that Kane deep down is just a human being. Eve told Ryder not to do the match. Ryder said he had to. Cena came in and said he would be there if Ryder needed him. Ryder told Cena to stay out of it.

Kane and Zack Ryder’s match had no ending. Kane beat up Ryder forever. Ryder basically just sold. Finally, Kane choke slammed Ryder through a gimmicked section of the stage. They didn’t bother to do a pinfall. Kane went after Eve. Cena came out, so Kane just left. They acted all serious. Ryder was loaded onto a stretcher and then into an ambulance. As Ryder was being loaded into the ambulance, Cena told Ryder he would take care of this. Eve said this was Cena’s fault. Josh Mathews tried to ask a question but Cena knocked the microphone out of his hand and then looked at the camera with this unintentionally hilarious angry face.

If the Kane-Ryder match didn’t have me struggling to stay awake, the conclusion of this angle would have been really funny. The gimmicked stage looked so unbelievably fake, which completely killed any seriousness of the rest of the angle. Why they do these stunt bumps given they always look fake and don’t get over is beyond me. Eve’s terrible acting added to the comedy as did Cena’s absurd angry facials. They later announced Ryder had a broken back for good measure. I predict a miracle recovery.

Sheamus beat Jinder Mahal with the Brogue kick. Wade Barrett did commentary. After the match, Sheamus said he will win the Rumble and jawed with Barrett. Backstage, Miz tried to argue that all his former tag team partners have had their careers disintegrate while he has succeeded. Truth came in for some WWE style comedy and argued with Miz. John Laurinaitis broke them up. Laurinaitis was angry that they were arguing loudly while he was trying to prepare for Punk so he said that whoever lost their match would be the first entrant in the Rumble.

Brodus Clay beat Heath Slater with a head butt, corner avalanche and flying crossbody. William Regal did commentary and was very amusing.

R. Truth beat Miz. Miz did better for most of the match. He used his back breaker/neck breaker combination and a bunch of punches and kicks. Truth hit the leaping downward spiral out of nowhere for the pin. Backstage, David Otunga had a fax for John Laurinaitis that he said Laurinaitis wouldn’t like.

The match between John Laurinaitis and CM Punk didn’t take place. Laurinaitis had Otunga read the fax he received from the WWE board of directors. The board said they were concerned by his judgment and his declaration that he planned to screw Punk. Thus, his status as interim GM is under review and next week HHH will conduct a formal job evaluation. David Otunga was great reading this statement, selling that he was so sad and upset.

Punk was happy and said that if Laurinaitis screws him now, Laurinaitis will be out of a job. Laurinaitis apologized for any wrongdoing and said he was always going to call the match down the middle. He claimed that he just said otherwise because Punk made fun of him. Punk said he hopes HHH fires Laurinaitis next week. Laurinaitis said that won’t happen because he took over talent relations after the dark age under Jim Ross and made it a corporate entity. That was an amusing line.

Laurinaitis said his match with Punk wouldn’t happen but that he had an adequate substitute. Otunga jumped Punk but Punk quickly put him in the anaconda vise and he tapped. Punk went after Laurinaitis but Otunga came in from behind. Punk took him out again with a head kick. Laurinaitis offered a handshake to Punk. Punk shook hands but then gave Laurinaitis the GTS. Ziggler then came in and gave Punk a zig zag from behind to close the show.

Final Thoughts:

This show itself wasn’t that bad from an entertainment standpoint, but the booking was atrocious. I don’t exactly have tremendous confidence in the WWE creative team these days, but I was shocked by the conclusion to this show. The match they have built the most for this show is Punk vs. Ziggler for the title with Laurinaitis as referee. The Rumble is the usual draw, but they haven’t spent much time at all building that up or getting you interested in the various possible winner.

Punk vs. Ziggler has had an actual prolonged build. Granted, that build had little to do with Punk and Ziggler. Ziggler has won by nothing by fluke and they’ve done nothing to make anyone think Ziggler is a real threat to Punk or the title. The whole build was for Laurinaitis screwing Punk and Punk finally beating up Laurinaitis. Then, in the final segment of the go home show for the Rumble, Punk does just that and gives Laurinaitis the GTS. They literally gave away the biggest hook for the PPV in the final segment building the show.

Usually, when I’m critiquing booking this dumb, I’m kind of annoyed. This time, I’m just amused. That’s so stupid it’s hilarious. It’s like the show isn’t even being booked to sell PPVs but rather is some sort of meta parody of incompetent booking. So Bravo, WWE. In an era where your storytelling is so atrocious that we’ve all come to expect the worst, you managed to genuinely surprise. Lay out the heel fans have been waiting six months to get his as the last thing you do before the show fans are supposed to pay to see him laid out? Sure! Why not?

WWE Raw Report

Date: 01/16/11 from Anaheim, CA.

The Big News: Mick Foley made his return to in ring competition and John Laurinaitis revealed his true intentions.

Show Analysis:

Mick Foley came out to start the show. He said he was happy to return to Raw in a nostalgic, non-wrestling role because he has already lived out his WWE dreams, including headlining WrestleMania in Anaheim. However, he now has one more dream. Foley noted two of his kids were too young to see him wrestle and he wants them to. Thus, he announced his intentions to enter the Royal Rumble this year. The second he mentioned that, Dolph Ziggler and Vickie Guerrero immediately walked out to react to this decision.

Ziggler criticized Foley for trying to take a spot in the Rumble from someone else. Ziggler did some WWE style comedy and said Foley would be eliminated pretty much immediately. Foley said that could happen, or he could draw a good number and win. Foley said he was in the Rumble not to be in it but to win it. Ziggler responded that he has beaten John Cena and CM Punk and after winning the title at the Rumble it would be a letdown to wrestle an out-of-shape walking punch line like Foley at Mania. Ziggler told Foley to go away.

CM Punk at that point joined the festivities. Punk said it was good to see Foley. He said that they are a lot alike. They’re unconventional, don’t fit into a mold, and don’t hide behind a woman. Punk said they have earned what they have achieved unlike Ziggler and John Laurinaitis. Punk vowed to be champion at the end of the Royal Rumble because he is the best wrestler in the world.

John Laurinaitis came out and said he would be a fair referee at the Rumble. He added that he would not put Foley in the Rumble. Vickie Guerrero then laughed at Foley. This was a strong opening segment, particularly the Foley/Ziggler interaction. I like this usage of Foley.

Epico and Primo beat Evan Bourne and Kofi Kingston to retain the tag titles. They showed highlights from Epico and Primo’s house show title win in Oakland. The heels very briefly worked over Bourne. Bourne hit a huracanrana on Epico that sent Epico into Primo. Kingston got the tag and came in with a springboard clothesline, boom drop and trouble in paradise on Epico. Rather than covering, Kingston tagged Bourne. Bourne was set up for the shooting star press but decided to watch Kingston and Primo fight on the outside instead. Epico knocked Bourne off the top rope and hit the back stabber for the win.

Backstage, David Otunga gave John Laurinaitis an envelope. Laurinaitis then told Chris Jericho that he would be in the main event six man tag team match. Jericho turned off the lights in the office and showed off his sparkly jacket. Elsewhere, Zack Ryder said he hadn’t been cleared by a doctor. Eve said he was in no condition to perform and should be home recuperating. Ryder said he wouldn’t forfeit his title. Eve said she would go to the ring with him.

Jack Swagger beat Zack Ryder to win the US title. Swagger just squashed Ryder. He hit a side slam, back breaker, Vader bomb and three gut wrench power bombs for the pin. This is awfully dumb booking. Swagger has been treated like a total joke of late, so him winning the title just buries the title. And that’s precisely what they just did with Ryder, treating him as a total joke and then giving him the title. Plus, Ryder made it his big goal to win the US title and he didn’t even make it a full month. And the burial of these guys and the title wasn’t over yet.

Backstage, John Laurinaitis apologized for letting Ryder compete when he wasn’t cleared to wrestle. Laurinaitis said he had just seen the medical report. Eve reprimanded him for that. Laurinaitis told her to shut her mouth and left. That line got a nice reaction from the crowd.

Kelly Kelly and Alicia Fox beat the Bella Twins. They brought out Perez Hilton to be ring announcer and they put him over big in a positive manner. It was annoying given what a scumbag Hilton is, and the crowd loudly booed him. The Bellas tried their switch but Hilton stopped them. Kelly then rolled up a Bella for the win. The faces celebrated with Hilton afterwards. Then one of the Bellas shoved him and he took this terrible looking contrived bump.

R. Truth came out to a mixed reaction. He was interrupted by Wade Barrett. Barrett said both he and Truth are in the Rumble, but that Barrett is going to win. Truth did some dumb Photoshop WWE comedy, involving him with Disney characters. It built to Pinocchio’s nose expanding when Pinocchio said Barrett would win the Rumble. Good thing Barrett interrupted Truth to start the segment, then. Truth said Barrett won’t win the Rumble. Miz attacked Truth from behind and Sheamus made the save. Teddy Long then came out to make an over the top rope challenge.

R. Truth won an over the top challenge. Miz, Sheamus and Truth teamed up to dump out Wade Barrett first. Sheamus was trying to throw out Miz when Truth dumped both Miz and Sheamus for the win. Sheamus gave Miz the Brogue kick after the match.

John Cena was furious at John Laurinaitis backstage. Cena accused Laurinaitis of intentionally screwing Ryder out of the title. Laurinaitis said he made a mistake. Laurinaitis added that Cena would be wrestling Kane at the Royal Rumble and Swagger next. Good thing Cena went to his office at that moment, then.

John Cena and Jack Swagger didn’t have a match. Instead, Cena just beat the hell out of Swagger all around ringside. Swagger after squashing Ryder to win the US title literally got no offense in on Cena. Cena threw him into the post, the steps and was about to drop the steps on his head when Kane made the save. Kane appeared on the screen. Kane said Cena is getting it and by the Rumble Cena will have fully embraced hate. Isn’t there anyone else Cena could beat up other than the guy who just won the US title and needs all the help he can get?

Brodus Clay beat JTG. He hit a head butt, corner avalanche and flying crossbody for the pin. He mixed in a lot of comedy as well. The crowd isn’t reacting much to Clay yet, but I think he has an amusing act.

Prior to the main event, Daniel Bryan called Big Show a cruel freak who ran over his girlfriend. Bryan said A.J. will never be the same. He added that Show intentionally ran her over just to get to Bryan. He called Show pathetic. Bryan said that Show didn’t even apologize; he just cried fake tears. Bryan concluded that he appreciates A.J. saying she loves him and he will show her how much he appreciates that Friday. I love the dynamic of the heel saying that he appreciates his girlfriend saying she loves him.

Mark Henry, Dolph Ziggler and David Otunga beat CM Punk, Daniel Bryan and Chris Jericho/Mick Foley via overturned decision. As that description indicates, a lot happened in this final match. Jericho did the same gimmick circling ringside and encouraging cheers. The crowd chanted Y2J loudly in response. Bryan and Punk both came into the match in the early stages, but Jericho did not. Finally, after Punk was worked over for a bit, he tagged Jericho. Jericho proceeded to lead the crowd in more cheers, then tagged Bryan back in and left celebrating.

The heels took over on Bryan and worked him over. Bryan got the tag to Punk and a brawl broke out. Henry fought with Bryan to the back. That left a two on one situation. Mick Foley came to the ring and said that Laurinaitis had put him in the match. Punk tagged Foley in. Foley hit punches, sweet shin music, a double armed DDT and applied Mr. Socko on Otunga for the win. Laurinaitis then came out and said that since Foley wasn’t a participant, he was reversing the decision.

This led to a show closing angle. Punk cut a promo on Laurinaitis. He said that Laurinaitis doesn’t like Punk because Laurinaitis had the look but not the talent. His brother was half the Road Warriors but he was boring and unsuccessful. Punk said it kills Laurinaitis that Laurinaitis never made it to WWE as a wrestler. So he traded in his tights for a suit and went from someone that sucked to someone that sucks up.

Punk said Laurinaitis is angry that Punk achieved more in the last year than Laurinaitis did in his entire life. Thus, Laurinaitis will try to screw Punk out of jealousy. Punk said it doesn’t matter, because he will still be better than Laurinaitis. Punk promised to kick Laurinaitis’ ass if he gets screwed. Punk pulled back like he was going to punch Laurinaitis and Laurinaitis flinched badly. Punk called Laurinaitis pathetic and left.

With Punk gone, Laurinaitis said he isn’t pathetic and won’t be intimidated by Punk. Foley told Laurinaitis to admit he is going to screw Punk. Foley further called Laurinaitis a kiss ass. Laurinaitis said he will screw Punk. He said he is sick of being disrespected and pushed around. He added that he isn’t appreciated and won’t take it anymore. He hit Foley with a microphone and left.

This was a strong close to the show, based mostly on the strength of Punk’s promo. Punk cut his best promo in a little while, albeit kind of a heelish one. He’s a more natural heel, anyway. Laurinaitis isn’t very good as a performer, but it kind of plays into the role he’s playing and that masks it to some degree for now.

Final Thoughts:

This show had a good beginning and a good end. Much of the middle wasn’t so hot. By recent Raw standards, that’s very good.