Set Up For Swiss Superman?
The WWE Intercontinental Champion got much more interesting on Raw Monday night. Cesaro and Kevin Owens did battle for the right to face The Miz at WWE Payback. This match, after being made by Shane McMahon, kicked off Raw in an exciting and excellent way. Cesaro and Owens battled back and forth, from kick to uppercut and suplexes to big boots. Both men got the better of the other, but could not get the three count. Kevin Owens’ attack was on Cesaro’s recently healed rotator cuff, which made this such an old school feel of a match. Cesaro was able to fight back and battle through, with an Uppercut Express and then being able to finish off Owens with a Neutralizer.
I loved this match for the intelligence behind it. Focusing on one arm, one body part was key for Owens. I also loved the funny, yet tough character that Cesaro is possessing in the ring right now. He has confidence, not cockiness in the ring, which makes him likable. As for Owens, his feud with Sami Zayn does not need to be anything more than a personal feel to it. Cesaro and The Miz need the title. Speaking of The Miz, his gimmick fills out completely with the title and Maryse around his arm. The Hollywood star always needed that extra shot of adrenaline, which is what he has gotten with his wife and a new importance surrounding him. Is his championship win only for Cesaro to carry that white title around? Or, is he being built up with Cesaro to establish more important feuds in the mid card division?
Apollo is 2-0
Another night of work for Apollo Crews and another quick victory. A showcase of his athleticism and speed, his strength and charisma. Not much to note aside from beating another member of The Social Outcasts. At this pace, I can see one of his first big feuds either against any three members of The League of Nations. I would be on board for Crews vs. Sheamus.
