|
Raw - Monday, Week 2, January 2010
From the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ
---
We kick it off with a Royal Rumble qualifying match as Kofi Kingston meets Evan Bourne. As you'd expect, lots of high spots and innovative offense in this one, the fast-rising Kofi Kingston picks up the victory following a Trouble in Paradise to earn a spot in the Rumble. The crowd was restless in this one for some reason.
Segment Rating: B-
John Cena comes out and cuts a promo about his 6-Pack Challenge win last week. He says that after the Royal Rumble, the champ...WILL BE HERE! And he discusses a match he has tonight with Randy Orton. Sheamus, of course, interrupts and says he will beat Cena just like he did at TLC.
Segment Rating: A
Another Royal Rumble qualifier as MVP has the daunting task of facing The World's Largest Athlete, the Big Show. United States champion The Miz comes out midway through and makes a nuisance of himself. MVP finds Miz' presence distracting, and it costs him as Big Show plants him with a Chokeslam for the victory. The big guy has to be considered a favorite for the Royal Rumble.
Segment Rating: A
Fans get their piss break as Maryse teams with Alicia Fox to take on The Bella Twins. Typical throwaway divas match here, and the Bellas switching in and out despite not tagging doesn't work out as Maryse plants Brie with the French Kiss for the win.
Segment Rating: C
Maryse grabs a microphone and cuts a really quick promo warning Melina that sooner rather than later, the Divas Title WILL be coming back where it belongs.
Segment Rating: B
All three members of The Legacy are backstage for a group promo. Randy Orton mentions that he doesn't need to qualify for the Royal Rumble, as his status as the previous year's winner guarantees him a slot. He says he doesn't care who wins between Sheamus and Cena...the winner will fall to Orton. Meanwhile, Cody and Ted talk about their huge match against DX tonight. Not only are two Royal Rumble qualifying spots on the line, but also the Unified Tag Team Titles.
Segment Rating: B+
Bret Hart is out to a huge ovation, and he demands that Vince McMahon come out to the ring. Vince heels it up and begins walking down to the ring...only to declare that he doesn't answer to Bret Hart, and he doesn't want Bret in Vince's ring. Security escort Bret out of the building, and the segment gets huge heat.
Segment Rating: A+
John Cena and Randy Orton have their match. Orton takes control over the early portion, rest hold city! But Cena of course begins to mount a comeback to make the match interesting...before it can go further though, Sheamus jumps into the ring and assaults Cena for the DQ ending. Sheamus hits a Crucifix Powerbomb to the dismay of the fans.
Segment Rating: A
Video is shown recapping various clips from Cena/Sheamus' feud, including the moment that just happened.
Segment Rating: A
The Miz is out for his own Royal Rumble qualifier. He, too, has a tall order of business in the form of Mark Henry. Turn about his fair play, MVP comes out to scout the United States Champion. Miz gets in a few sneaky moves, but is largely dominated by the bigger, stronger Henry. Henry wins the match following a big splash as MVP smirks. Henry is in the Rumble.
Segment Rating: C+
Main event time as it's DX vs. Legacy for the Unified Tag Team Titles AND 2 Rumble spots. Formulaic tag match here with Shawn playing Ricky Morton and taking the bulk of the offense. But, naturally, when Triple H gets the hot tag it's Game Over. Triple H sets up the Pedigree on Cody, Ted tries to intervene but gets some Sweet Chin Music from a rejuvenated Shawn Michaels. Pedigree on Cody, and DX retain the belts and get the Rumble slots.
Segment Rating: A
As DX celebrate, Triple H throws Shawn over the top rope to the floor out of nowhere. Shawn looks dumbfounded as Triple H simply explains that at the Rumble, it will be EVERY man for himself. Where have I seen this segment before?
Segment Rating: A+
OVERALL SHOW RATING: B+ (gained popularity)
|