C.M. Punk comes out for his match. Before his match, he talks about Jericho and what he has done to his mind. He says straight edge is a choice and that it is not a popular one. Punk reminds us how Jericho tapped out and that when he poured the whiskey on him, it made him smell just like his father did. Punk gets extremely emotional, but Jericho comes on the screen and bashes Punk. Punk calls him "CM Drunk" and says he is on a bender right now. Jericho goes on to say it is not about being "Best in the World" anymore, but just kicking Punk's ass.
Mark Henry def. CM Punk by DQ:
What I Liked:
The match is irrelavent here because there was no match. I loved seeing Punk turn the switch from upset to sheer anger. He took it out on a much larger Henry, bashing a monitor to his skull. I like how Henry is involved in this feud, but still separate. It puts him in a big story without having to do much. Punk gets distracted by Jericho coming out and Henry takes advantage. Jericho hits a Codebreaker on Punk and pours beer all over him. He hits him again and pours more beer over Punk. I love seeing Jericho carrying this feud as the ultra heel he becomes. He is so good at people hating him for every word he speaks and every action he does.
What I Disliked:
This should have been used on the Road to WrestleMania. This would have made the win much more meaningful and sweeter for Punk. I wonder what the pay off is here? I wouldn't mind Punk to drop the belt next week to Henry, thanks to Jericho. It would be hard to book Henry/Jericho/Punk, but it would really have the crowd and fans believe that Punk has been mentally taken over by Jericho. It would be surprising and fresh. I just do not know how they can continue to book Henry in the feud, and then have it remain focused on Punk/Jericho. I feel like they are writing themselves creatively in a corner. Punk HAS to beat Jericho, right? Then, Jericho loses again and his steam, or lack thereof, is gone even more.
Grade: B-
Alberto Del Rio def. Zack Ryder:
What I Liked:
Not much here besides seeing Del Rio and Ryder on Raw. Both guys deserve the time. Broski Boot looked great on camera, like usual. Del Rio's armbar is fantastic to watch when he flips over and locks it in. Del Rio does such a great job with making him look like a powerful and strong superstar, even though his build does not say it.
What I Disliked:
And the point of this match was…. NONE. Ryder, since losing the US Title, cannot catch a break. They have booked him so poorly after becoming so popular. Yes, he was in a feud with Kane/Eve/Cena, but that was solely for Cena to kill time before Mania. Also, Del Rio is on what show? What title is he going after? A lot of questions circulate where he should be, and I saw he needs to stay on Smackdown. He is built for that audience, an audience that usually gets more long matches instead of the "entertainment" aspect. The pairing did not help either guy tonight, was forced, rushed, with no chemistry, and little timing. Poor decision here at this point of the show.
Grade: C-
