Opening Segment:
John Cena comes out to talk about last week on Piper's Pit. He says the fans can boo or cheer who they want, and that is what excites him. Cena talks about the crowd and how the reaction does not care what they say because it is their freedom. He cares about the WWE Championship, and he should face C.M. Punk. Alberto Del Rio comes out and says he deserves the rematch, as Punk used a bare turnbuckle to beat him. Dolph Ziggler, with Vickie Guerrero, interrupt and Dolph talks about beating Randy Orton a week ago, and how he is the longest tenured champion in the WWE. He wants a title match. The Miz then comes out and talks about taking out Morrison and Truth. He talks about being the Superstar of the Year next week at the Slammy's. Finally, John Laurinaitis decides that all of the guys will face a Smackdown star, and if they win, they will be entered in the WWE Championship match at TLC. John Cena will get special treatment, as he called it a “social experiment.”
What I Liked:
Finally, a beginning that makes sense on all levels. The night started off right, focusing on the WWE Championship and who should fight Punk. They all stated their cases very well, exposed their different personalities, and drove this segment to be entertaining and boring. Dolph really shined with how different he is as a heel, he is smart, sarcastic, and genuinely a prick character. i enjoy it. It also gives all of the main players a reason to compete tonight, and make it somewhat different. You feel that everyone will win, right? DQ's, distractions, and other means of winning for the heels.
What I Disliked:
The lack of energy John Laurinaitis has. He completely drags down everything, even when his announcement is big. Also, Del Rio is seen to me as the weakest on the microphone. He is one phased, one mind, and is not complex like the others. You really do get bored hearing him talk.
Grade: A
Randy Orton vs. The Miz
What I Liked:
The pace was great and the timing was spot on throughout. Randy Orton did a great job with his scoop slam to Miz on the outside. Orton dominated throughout, but Barrett coming out was the right thing to do. This enhances the feud of those two, which continued to intrigue me. The Miz, like usual, slides like a snake into the main event, this time at TLC. Barrett coming back to beat up Orton was unique, since it seemed like the segment was over. He gets the last laugh, much to what a younger heel needs at this point in a feud.
What I Disliked:
I wish the match actually had more time, was given more opportunities to show off The Miz's new found aggression. We were teased with “who was next” on WWE.com with The Miz, but his aggression was halted quickly tonight. I hope he continues his assault, finding someone backstage and taking out his pent up anger. Just because he is in the WWE Championship match, he still should be bitter and let those characteristics shine.
Grade: B-
Backstage, John Laurinaitis is backstage and books Cena vs. Ryder for tonight. The winner will get their respected title matches, WWE or United States.
David Otunga is with Kevin Nash. He speaks with Nash and tells him at TLC, it is Kevin Nash vs. Triple H in a Ladder Match. (Sledgehammer hanging above the ring.) Nash is in the action tonight as well.
I like the Cena vs. Ryder, as it will give Ryder even more crowd support. It throws him with the biggest superstar in the WWE, gives him another wrinkle in his storyline, and progresses his growth as not only a fan favorite, but a complete wrestler. B+
So, just like that, we get Nash vs. Triple H…. what the hell was this? This should have been made a much bigger deal than they made it. A backstage segment with David Otunga? I absolutely hated the execution of this. Why not implement HBK, having him confront Nash, and furthermore announcing some way their match in two weeks. Awful. D
Alberto Del Rio vs. Daniel Bryan:
What I Liked:
Great athleticism between two guys who can really work the ropes. Del Rio dominated quickly, showing his dominance. I like that they continue to try and push Del Rio. His in ring work is great, and he needs to tweak his personality.
What I Disliked:
So, Daniel Bryan gets a title match, goes toe to toe with Mark Henry, and gets squashed by Del Rio. This makes absolute no sense in creative direction for Bryan. It also makes no sense in the overall picture of Bryan. I would rather Del Rio go against DiBiase or someone who won't look ridiculous losing to him. It simply amazes me how Bryan looks amazing one week, but gets killed the next. This match deserved much more time as well, missed out again on great work, solid wrestling, and great storytelling.
Grade: C-
Beth Phoenix and Natalya vs. Kelly Kelly and Eve:
What I Liked:
First off, I absolutely loved the video interrupting of the return video between the Pin Up strong package. Fantastic editing skills from whoever works the videos each week. I also did not hate the decision of the match either, giving us the four meaningful divas. Why wasn't Alicia Fox in this match, as she has been spotlighted for weeks? There is not much to grade.
What I Disliked:
Again, another short match. Useless time, and I feel like they are trying to shove so much in a two hour span. Let's see how hour number two pans out, hopefully more of an emphasis of wrestling.
Grade: D-… I guess
John Cena vs. Zack Ryder:
What I Liked:
A pretty solid outing by Ryder, grounding Cena early in the match. I liked how he looked like he deserved to be in this high profile match. Ryder has a unique set of moves, including the knees to the face, as well as a nice back drop. Ryder also hit a nice DDT off the middle rope. The pace was more of a slug fest, a ground and pound match, and not really a ton of athleticism. The Broski Boot connected well.
What I Disliked:
We all knew Cena was going to beat Ryder, we all knew that he would “overcome” and be Super Cena. I wish we had more surprise with Cena, but it is what it is. We now have four guys in the main event at TLC, which I think was desperately needed.
Grade: B-
John Cena is backstage and yells to give Ryder another shot. John Laurinaitis tells Cena that he will get another shot, if Cena gives up his WWE Championship match. He says he has gotten many shots, and Ryder deserves his. Ryder gets another match, up next…
Zack Ryder vs. Mark Henry in a No Countout, No DQ Match:
What I Liked:
Zack Ryder will finally get his United States Championship Match, after a long time trying to get it. He has to win it, to further push Ziggler into the main event spot, as well as giving Ryder the prestigious US Championship. This had much more to do with a storyline than an actual wrestling match.
What I Disliked:
Ryder not doing much here. He got Cena's help, which would have made more sense to have Big Show, since he is feuding with Henry. I understand why Cena did it, and I just hope they don't drop the ball with everything invested in it.
Grade: B
Kevin Nash vs. Santino Marella:
What I Liked:
A nice warmup match for Nash. He looked solid, nothing spectacular here. He showed he can still hit the Jacknife Powerbomb, and showed he is still in great shape.
What I Disliked:
Once again, a short match. Kevin Nash does not need a squash to look strong. After eight years away, he will be remembered for his return match against Santino. He does not use the sledgehammer on Santino, but teases him. We desperately need to see Triple H return. What a colossal let down.
Grade: D
Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler
What I Liked:
Another Raw and another great performance from Ziggler. This time, it was quicker and more sensible, given the Ryder distraction. Ziggler and Sheamus had great timing in the match working all aspects of the ring. Ziggler has the best drop kick in the business. I like how Ryder is becoming more opportunistic and aggressive each week. Sheamus, lacking a feud, continues to win.
What I Disliked:
Sheamus needs something, anything, to stay relevant. He wins, yes, but where is the bigger picture with him? He has not had a really great feud in a long time. Christian does not count. Ziggler does have one thing he needs to be aware of, and that is NOT to oversell little moves. This was the best match of the night.
Grade: B+
WWE Championship Contract Signing:
We get the usual Signing. Punk is witty, makes fun of Laurinaitis, and carries the comedic aspect to the end of the show. They all sign the contract after talking about themselves, and a brawl breaks out. CM Punk stands tall after sending Del Rio with a bulldog through the table, and hitting a GTS on Miz. TLC match at the TLC Pay Per View for these three superstars.
What I Liked:
The ending was alright, nothing amazing to end on. They had Miz and Del Rio seemingly team up on bashing Punk, with Laurinaitis standing like an idiot. Punk made some jokes, and got over with the crowd like usual. I liked the Twilight dig, as well as Laurinaitis digging on Morrison being “future endeavored.”
What I Disliked:
Where does Cena go from here? I am not sure what they have planned, but a fatal four way would be much better, more marketable, and more of a crowd intrigue. I do not think people will buy into the fact of Miz or Del Rio winning. I really thought this segment would be much better at 10 o clock, and have some sort of meaningful match end it. I realize it couldn't due to all the matches taking place, but it left Raw on a boring note. Not a ton of action, and Punk standing tall again. I am just okay with this, do not hate or love it.
Grade: C+
Raw Grade: B-
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Title This: WWE Raw Reaction 12-5-2011
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Alec Baldwin is hot for her sweaty body. Todd Woodbridge is focusing on her breasts. 
