So, here
we are. If I'm being totally honest, it does feel like a year since
Rock and Cena stood two-to-two in Atlanta and made their match-up for
WrestleMania 28, but by no means does that mean that the build-up
hasn't been good.
It was
also a year ago when people asked that same question "Can
WWE maintain the momentum for a match between The Rock and John Cena
for an entire year?"
The answer, a definitive yes.
The
build-up to this epic match has been undoubtedly thrilling, and you
really just have to give WWE props for stretching out this match-up
for that long. It's hard to believe that are only a couple of days
away from their match at WrestleMania. It's been coming for so long
that you'd almost forget that the match will indeed happen.
First
off, I liked to give major kudos to the WWE production team who put
together an engaging documentary before Raw went on the air, filled
with some nice footage, slick graphics and fluid editing. My only
complaint is that they didn't showcase both men's careers inside the
ring. The Rock was too Hollywood and John Cena was too caring. I
wouldn't have minded seeing some clips of The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan and
John Cena's first WrestleMania match, but I guess they just didn't
feel the need for it.
As
for Raw itself, I thought it was a fitting go-home show before 'The
granddaddy of them all'. The show kicked off with a match (when was
the last time they did that?) pitting Randy Orton and Sheamus against
Daniel Bryan and Kane. I've said before how I'm against WrestleMania
opponents facing off against each other before the actual event, but
with Daniel Bryan and Sheamus, they need it.
The
match was lengthy and solid throughout. Seeing Bryan get the victory
made sense, as you want to give Bryan some momentum have the hungry
challenger Sheamus go into WrestleMania even hungrier.
The
names have been set for Team Teddy and Team Johnny at WrestleMania.
It wasn't a huge surprise to see The Miz as the last entrant into
Team Johnny, but you still got to feel that it's a little
anti-climatic to see The Miz go through such a storyline only to see
him be put in the tag team match anyway.
As
for Team Teddy, it was Booker T that came in to save Long from the
grasp of the World's Strongest Man, thus giving him a slot on Team
Teddy at WrestleMania. With everyone out around the ring and Mark
henry holding onto Teddy's tie, I was expecting Rey Mysterio's music
to hit, but alas, it was Booker T that came to the rescue, much to my
delight. I'm looking forward to seeing Booker wrestle at
WrestleMania, and expect him to have a good outing in his match
against Team Johnny.
Speaking
of that very match, it was just announced a while ago that Drew
McIntyre will replace the unfit Christian at WrestleMania. I was
hugely disappointed to find out that Captain Charisma wouldn’t be
competing, but when you're not 100% ready then maybe it's best to sit
it out and not risk re-injuring that ankle. As for McIntyre though,
I'm happy for him, and it also makes sense to have him on Team Johnny
considering he has a vendetta against Teddy Long.
Before
the injury to Christian however, it was Jericho who once again got
under Punk's skin with another nice promo involving Punk's family. I
don't know where Jericho has been over the past couple of weeks, but
it's been good seeing him say all these things untouched in the lead
up to WrestleMania. As for the beat down on Christian afterwards, it
was vicious and very well done.
Lastly
on the show, was the final confrontation between The Rock and John
Cena. Everything just seems to click in this segment. The Rock cut
some funny lines about a dentist and Betty White (of course) before
being interrupting by John Cena, who was pretty flawless during his
promo. His promo was serious and honest, with his delivery being
fantastic. The same goes for The Rock as well, who came back with
some words of his own, before having that final stare down with Cena
himself.
12
months ago, Rock and Cena set a match for WrestleMania 28. Fast
forward to this past Monday and Rock and Cena are in the very same
ring, having one last confrontation before their match in Miami. It's
been a long ride. It's hard to believe that this Sunday, the last chapter will be written.
Stray
Observations:
- Brodus Clay needs a feud or storyline quick, because I'm getting really tired of his squash matches.
- No sign of Triple H,Undertaker or HBK this week. Understandably so, the storyline wrapped up two weeks ago after that great segment with all three men.
- When Teddy was pushed into the ring by Johnny, how was he that surprised to turn around to see Mark Henry staring right at him? Did Teddy not realise why he was thrown in the ring in the first place? No? Alright then.
- I said it before, but I'll say it again – that beat down on Christian was vicious. Especially those constant head smashes against the announce table. Normally wrestlers just put their hands up and basically slap the table, but this time, it was a lot more fierce looking.
No comments:
Post a Comment