Opening Segment:
Once again, Triple H starts off Raw in some sort or fashion. He talks about his job, how it needs to thrive and grow. He says from now on, we will get Raw and Smackdown stars to create “Raw Supershow.” He then goes into the whole text scenario, and the lies that have been going on. He wants Nash to come to the ring to be a man, and why he lied to Triple H. CM Punk comes out, sarcastically chaps his hands in the face of Triple H. He says that was great acting, and a great performance, calling him a liar and to stop acting. Kevin Nash, in NWO music, comes out. Nash says he lied because he had to take care of things, and he used his friendship to finish things with Punk. Nash asks H what kind of a man he is. He says he expects his friend to be honest, and how it does not work anymore. He does not trust Nash anymore, and tells him to leave. Nash also says that John Lauranitis signed him to a lucrative WWE contract. Punk then interrupts, and sounds like he is vomiting which is entertaining. He says he is acting like he is sick. Punk says Triple H is making Nash do his dirty work. He makes fun of Nash’s age, and Nash then asks Triple H to book Kevin Nash vs. CM Punk.
Reaction:
We get a great back and forth discussion between Punk, Nash, and Triple H. Punk continues to say whatever is on his mind, scripted or not. He used more of his comedic relief in this, and made Nash and Triple H look like the heels. I like this because he is such a jerk and arrogant, but people love it. The fans cheer it, and want more each week. Nash finally looked really comfortable on the microphone, as he sounded like he meant what he said, and not just yell and try to intimidate. We get a wild card of Triple H, who, apparently is upset with both men. We continue to see the progression of this storyline, still with pieces that need to be answered. I like how each week some new progresses, this week being Nash signed to a contract. This segment gets a B+ as it did book a match for Night of Champions.
Randy Orton vs. Dolph Ziggler Review:
We get a fast start, with Orton capatalizing on Ziggler’s missed punch. Ziggler stomps away at Orton in the corner, but Orton hits a Lou Theis Press and pounds away at Dolph. Vickie distracts Orton, and Ziggler tosses Randy to the outside. Orton barely makes the ten count, but Ziggler continues the kicks to the stomach of Orton. We come back from commercial, and Ziggler continues to work away at Orton, focusing on the neck. Orton gets on the offensive, hitting a picture perfect superplex. He continues to beat away and hits a belly to belly suplex for a two count. We get back and forth near falls, and Orton hits a falling sideplex for another two count. Ziggler is set up for the punt by Orton, but Ziggler quickly hits a sweet chin music type kick to Orton. Orton reverses a Zig Zag, and Orton hits his patented DDT. Orton throws him up in the air, hits an RKO for the victory.
Reaction:
An A+ matchup between these two. This is what pure wrestling with solid timing, and excellent back and forth momentum between the two. I did not understand the pairing, but sometimes storylines need to be put aside for the greatness of two competitors and that is what we got. It shows that Swagger and Ziggler need Vickie to win, from what we have seen. Good things are on the way for Swagger, as Dolph continues to improve in the ring. This segment gets an A.
