The Undercard
The Shield defeated Big E Langston and The Brotherhood. A really entertaining match gave us a glimpse into what WWE is trying to accomplish with all of these guys. My biggest problem was that the New Age Outlaws, who are facing Rhodes and Goldust at Royal Rumble, should've been involved in some sort. I really enjoyed the back and forth pacing between Goldust and the three Shield members. It seems he is becoming the weak link every week, which may be a reason Cody turns on him heading into WrestleMania. Big E cleans house and hits his usual flurry of moves until Reigns spears Goldust and Rollins hits a beautiful kick in the head for the win. Rollins gets a much needed pinfall. Out of the three guys, he rarely picks up the victory. Now, The Shield looks strong and in sync heading into the Royal Rumble match.
Score: 7/10
Fandango defeated Xavier Woods. This was a filler match, one that should've been on WWE Superstars. I simply cannot stand the cheesy and annoying gimmick that Xavier Woods is trying to perfect here. The crowd could care less about the personality and it is coming off way too forced. Fandango is the better overall talent and his leg drop from the top is still a sight to see. The height and the power he has works.
Score: 3/10
Alberto Del Rio defeated Rey Mysterio in a really solid bout. The match started slow, which really tuned me out mentally. After the commercial break is really where great wrestling took over. Rey connected with a seated senton and a thrust kick for two, which allowed him to set up a 619 but Alberto catches him and slingshots him into the corner. He hits a kick that connects to his head and Del Rio gets a two count. Rey hurricanranas him into the ropes, and he hits a 619 and a top rope splash but Alberto is able to grab the bottom rope to break the pin. As the match goes back and forth, both men really putting everything out there, Del Rio finally takes over by catching Mysterio and locking in the submission hold to make him tap. These guys wrestle so much that is seems natural to counter time and time again. Mysterio and Del Rio should be in a match at WrestleMania, with a special stipulation. They are mid card talents who know how to work a match from start to finish. Well done.
Score: 8/10
AJ Lee and Tamina lose to Cameron and Naomi. This is the perfect time for them to really highlight Naomi. They did just that by her athleticism and her unique look. I am a big fan of her and really think WWE knows that they have something in her. Naomi shined in a match that AJ Lee seemed slightly off. It may have been because she really did not wrestle too much, but a roll-up with the deciding factor for Cameron. AJ Lee was surprised and suffers the loss. When does Naomi get her championship match?
Score: 5/10
The Uso's defeated The Wyatt Family in great tag team action.Yes, Jimmy and Jey got a quick roll-up for the victory. Does this make them look strong? I would not say so, but a win is a win for these guys. There is no doubt in my mind that The Uso's will be tag team champions in 2014, but they need to continue to wait their turn. Harper is a stud in the ring and a guy who uses his facial expressions to get to another level. He possesses a knack for really creating his own persona. I wish The Wyatt Family won tonight, as I feel they need it more to keep their steam going. Daniel Bryan certainly did his own thing and made sure people knew his match with Bray at Royal Rumble was important.
THERE IS NOBODY HOTTER THAN DANIEL BRYAN. The guy got a better and louder reaction than someone who returned for the first time in 4 years. That should speak volumes.
Score: 7/10
