Brief thoughts about each segment on the latest episode of Raw:
- Randy Orton/Sheamus defeat Big Show: It is unusual to see a heel booked on the wrong side of a handicap match, but JBL's commentary sold the story well. This was a good match to start off the show, but I am still wondering where this angle is heading since Sheamus looks set for a feud with Mark Henry. An Orton-Big Show singles rivalry would be a strange way to set up the heel turn that Randy Orton desperately needs. 6/10
- Brock Lesnar decimates 3MB and issues a challenge to Triple H: The execution of this angle was excellent. Lesnar can dish out a beating like nobody else, and Paul Heyman continues to be invaluable in selling ordinary storylines with his mic skills. However, while the segment itself was compelling, I am not among those looking forward to another Lesnar-Triple H match. With Lesnar working 3 to 4 matches a year, I'd rather see him in as many fresh rivalries as possible. 8/10
- Kofi Kingston defeats Antonio Cesaro for the US Championship: Good match, bad decision. I can't believe Kofi Kingston continues to be stuck in the cycle of winning and losing secondary championships, and I can't believe how much Antonio Cesaro's stock continues to fall on television. After repeatedly losing in non-title matches and being left off Wrestlemania, he has now lost his title in such throwaway fashion. I would like to believe that this will be the start of better things for both performers, but I have a feeling it would be too optimistic to do so. 7/10
- Jack Swagger interrupts title match, injures Del Rio: None of this is interesting me. Apart from the cash-in moment, Ziggler as champion has not felt special, and I am tired of Swagger's act. However, the Triple Threat they are building up to should be a good match. 5/10
- Team Hell No defeats Prime Time Players: The same old match. 4/10
- Ryback Explains His Heel Turn: I was surprised how good this was. WWE did a really nice job making it look like this feud has been brewing for months. Ryback's explanation was quite logical, and the video clips added credibility to his words. Full marks to Ryback as well for graduating from simplistic, catchphrase-oriented promos to something more meaningful. 8/10
- R-Truth defeats Wade Barrett: WWE really needs to come up with more creative ways of starting feuds for their secondary titles than having the champion lose non-title matches to new challengers. 4/10
- Teddy Long gives 'Bricky' the idea for Jack Swagger vs. Dolph Ziggler: The strangely interesting Booker-Teddy saga continues. Teddy, Vickie and Brad Maddox did a nice job in this segment. 7/10
- Team Rhodes Scholars defeat The Great Khali/Santino Marella: Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes must be feeling quite low at this time, having being shunted off Mania and having no visible creative direction. The match itself was standard stuff. 5/10
- Fandango Talks: This was WWE's attempt to maintain the momentum of 'Fandangoing' without turning Fandango into a babyface. I can see what they were going for on paper, but the segment just didn't translate well live. 5/10
- Jack Swagger defeats Dolph Ziggler: Dolph Ziggler continues to lose despite winning the title. I hope he is not booked as a Rey Mysterio-type of vulnerable world champion, although that's what the rumours say. 6/10
- Mark Henry steamrolls Sheamus during backstage interview: That's what Mark Henry does. 7/10
- CM Punk walks off: Even when Punk is taking time off, he does it in the most interesting manner. He deserves the break, and his return should be intriguing to say the least. 8/10
- Booker T continues to lose patience with Teddy Long: And I continue to be interested by this angle. 7/10
- Nikki Bella defeats Kaitlyn: The third champion to lose a non-title match on the same night? You must be joking. 4/10
- John Cena Calls Out Ryback, Gets Attacked by the Shield as Ryback Looks On: This was a very effective segment, although Cena did not logically refute any of Ryback's accusations. However, we got to see the serious and intense Cena, who is exponentially better than goofy Cena. Ryback has undeniable presence, and can get away with not speaking during a promo such as this. His walking away while the Shield pummeled Cena cemented his heel turn. I think he could be compelling as a monster heel, but it will be interesting to see how they handle the 'Feed Me More' chants. 7/10
Best Performers: 1) Ryback 2) John Cena 3) Kofi Kingston
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