Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins
The show off and former IC Champion kicks off WWE Raw with a match against Mr. Money in the Bank. Ziggler dropkicks Rollins to the outside and we head to a commercial break. Seth Rollins kicks Ziggler a few times on the mat and then follows with a stomp to his stomach. The pace slows down with a headlock, but Dolph hits a jawbreaker and then throws him into the corner. Dolph gets going with a neckbreaker and a big elbow drop. Ziggler keeps the pace with a DDT and a two count.
Both men are on the top rope and Rollins gets the better of him at first. Ziggler hits a back drop and Dolph gets thrown off the rope by Joey Mercury. Rollins hits a Curb Stomp for the win.
Seth Rollins did not get much offense at all in this match. I was not surprised at the finish, but surprised on the pacing of the match. It was good, but nothing spectacular. I love seeing these guys work, but they need more time and more close falls to really draw the drama out between them. The beginning of WWE Raw spotlights two of their biggest stars. I felt like there could have been more to the match. Either way, Dolph got screwed and lost. Seems to be the story of his life.
Kofi Kingston defeated Stardust
Kofi and Stardust get physical from the beginning. Kofi hits hit big clotheslines and then a New Day Drop. He then avoids another move and picks up the win with a crossbody.
Another average match. I really was not invested in the actual match because it seems like Kofi Kingston has done NOTHING new in the ring over the past few years. With a new gimmick should be new moves, new techniques. I want something better than this for Kofi and want him to succeed, but he has GOT to be different now. As for this feud, I am still holding out hope that The New Day is something more than a cheesy gimmick where they clap hands and pander to the crowd.
Natalya defeated Charlotte
Charlotte hits Nattie in the face with some elbows and then kicks her in the stomach. Natalya locks in the sleeper hold, but Charlotte hits a back drop. She punches away at her and then both women slap each other in the face. Charlotte counters with a sleeper hold. She hits a few knee drops and then gets another two count. Nattie tries to lock in the sharpshooter, but Charlotte tries the Figure Four. Natalya counters that and rolls her up for the win.
Time. Time. Time. Give them time in the ring for crying out loud.WWE is trying to put spotlight on the NXT Women’s Championship for their next NXT special, but she loses. That makes absolutely no sense to me. Charlotte should have won, no doubt about that. Time. Please give them time in the ring next time. I sound like a broken record, but nothing rings truer.
