My thoughts and ratings for each match and segment, followed by an overall assessment:
- Sheamus vs. Christian : A decent enough match, with no standout moments. It's worth noting that Sheamus is really getting into the groove in terms of working as a babyface. Also, Christian's recent string of losses, coupled with his cowardly heel character, has really damaged his credibility. WWE needs to resurrect his persona quickly. Or else, this feud will produce serviceable to good matches, but will be completely lacking in spark. (6/10)
- Mark Henry Interview: He fumbled with his words, but made up for it with his awesome presence. He can't go wrong these days. (7/10)
- Sin Cara vs. Sin Cara: This was an awkwardly put together match, and even drew a 'Boring' chant from the New Orleans crowd. The Sin Cara experiment just doesn't seem to be clicking. (5/10)
- David Otunga Tries to give CM Punk Legal Advice: This served the dual purpose of reinforcing Otunga's new lawyer character, while also reminding us that the anti-establishment Punk hates lawyers. (7/10)
- Air Boom vs. Dolph Ziggler/Jack Swagger (WWE Tag Team Championship): This was four of the best in-ring workers of WWE putting on a good match, with an innovative finish. With more time, these four can produce something very special. The tag team titles are slowly beginning the long journey back to prominence. (7/10)
- Mark Henry vs. Randy Orton (World Heavyweight Championship): This match was nowhere close to special in a technical sense, but was great in terms of the story that it told. Henry looked like a beast throughout, kicked out of the RKO at the count of one and pinned Orton cleanly for the second pay-per-view in a row. WWE is booking Mark Henry like a monster, and Orton sold the story perfectly in this match. Henry should have a very long title reign; the payoff will be huge when somebody finally beats him. (8/10)
- Alberto Del Rio Interview: Del Rio seems ill at ease sometimes with his interviews, and you can tell he's simply memorized a script. (5/10)
- Cody Rhodes Promo: This was great. I love that they brought back the classic Intercontinental Championship - it fits Rhodes' old-school gimmick very well. His promos can get annoying at times, but he was on a roll here. (8/10)
- Cody Rhodes vs. John Morrison (Intercontinental Championship): Filler. Cody Rhodes said he would defend the title any time, any place, which of course meant that he was made to do so right there. He proceeded to retain his title, despite wrestling in trousers and, as Michael Cole helpfully informed us, Gucci shoes. (4/10)
- The Miz & R-Truth break into the locker room and attack Air Boom, Laurinitis complains to Triple H, who has them ejected: As basic as it sounds. (6/10)
- Beth Phoenix vs. Kelly Kelly (Divas Championship): Beth Phoenix finally won. It actually wasn't too bad a match. (5/10)
- Alberto Del Rio vs. CM Punk vs. John Cena (WWE Championship): A pretty routine Triple Threat, with some clever moments, particularly the finish where Del Rio locked Cena outside, threw away the key and proceeded to pin CM Punk after diabolically using a weapon on him. (7/10)
- Post-match chaos: This was phenomenal. Miz and R-Truth were outstanding here in making it look like they were actually invading the show, and Triple H was fantastic as usual with his highly realistic beatdown at the end. The entire locker room, security and police surrounding the Cell, in combination with the sound of Jim Ross' outraged voice created a classic moment. WWE did a brilliant job of coming up with a chaotic, dramatic and very real-looking climax to end the show. (10/10)
OVERALL RATING: 6.54/10
An average pay-per-view with an outstanding climax, which will endure far longer in my memory than any of the matches on the show.
Best Performers: (1) Randy Orton (2) Mark Henry (3) Alberto Del Rio
Best Match: Mark Henry vs. Randy Orton (World Heavyweight Championship)
Best Promo: Cody Rhodes -"I will defend this championship feverishly."
