Zack Ryder thanks John Cena for helping him a few weeks ago. Cena says Ryder never gave up and it was because he earned it. Ryder asks about Kane, and Cena says he is going to call him out tonight. He promises that the last Raw of 2011 goes out with a bang. I liked this, it put Ryder in the spotlight and also teased a showdown between Kane and Cena. Well done with no wasted time.
Big Show and David Otunga get a match set up, with Show's arm tied behind his back. They showed the punch on Otunga from last week.
Ziggler and Swagger are talking backstage about the Gauntlet Match tonight.
Eve Torres and Zack Ryder vs Tyson Kidd and Natayla:
What I Liked:
The pairings were very solid. I liked seeing Kidd's work in the ring. I also enjoyed Ryder and Kidd's quick offensive displays. Ryder and Kidd had solid timing, and Ryder used a few new moves. He is beginning to evolve his offense. The Broski Boot into the Rough Ryder was a nice progression.
What I Disliked:
It was too fast, and needed much more time. I hate how they only gave it like 4 minutes. Zack Ryder needs to find an opponent and a feud quickly so he is able to continue his push, while giving a heel some time to work with the most popular superstar WWE has to offer. Also, Eve and Ryder… I am not sure about it. I do not think Ryder needs a girlfriend on TV, because I really think he would be better suited as a playboy type star.
Grade: C+
In Ring Segment:
John Cena comes out and talks about Chicago and its accolades to the WWE. He tries to get cheap pops from Chicago. He says Chicago will see John Cena vs. Kane. Out comes The Miz. He wants to see him vs. Cena. He says 2011 was the year of The Miz, talks about the win at WrestleMania. He accepts.
John Cena vs. The Miz:
What I Liked:
The match never really got underway, and Miz complains about how he is being treated. He gets counted out, which further adds to his heel persona. It was a cheap way to get Cena exposed and The Miz to remain relevant. R Truth comes out, and goes right for The Miz. I loved how they brawled outside, not letting us forget about the past. What Truth does best is sell his emotions through his facial expressions. When you look at him, he looks pissed off and looks aggressive.
What I Disliked:
Is Truth a face now? I would absolutely hate that because he has NEVER gotten over that way. I assume that is the only way though right now for his return. I really feel like they will not know what to do on a week to week basis with Miz and Truth. I do not like how Cena was immediately forgotten when Truth came out to attack Miz.
Grade: C
