Much like Elimination Chamber this year, WWE took a predictable PPV and made it a better show than expected so kudos to them. My review:
Mysterio Vs. Truth - Great way to start the show. I like how R-Truth comes to the ring without any music. Not only is this a great way to ensure he keeps his heat as you can clearly hear the boos, but its amazing how much of it he was getting when you consider the fact this was the same guy who last year got the fans pumped with his "What's Up?" chants before he beat Ted Dibiase. Disappointed there was no 619 or R-Truth doing that cool Flipover Stunner of his, but seeing him try The Axe Kick and The Book End caught my interest as it might've led to something with Booker, but he didn't really say anything about it. In the shocker of the night, R-Truth beat Mysterio clean. I thought Truth would lose to add to his "conspiracy victim" angle, but getting a big win like that might now have people take him seriously as a top player.
Jackson Vs. Barrett - This tacked-on match was boring to watch, but amazingly the crowd was into it so what do I know? I don't know about you guys, but I think Jackson's favorite move is the bodyslam! I just feel sorry for Wade Barrett. I like the guy and unfortunately, his first Intercontinental Title defense on PPV had to be a stinker.
Cara Vs. Guerrero - Sin Cara's entrance is neat and this was a really good match and I'm surprised how over Sin Cara has gotten when you take in account that the guy doesn't talk. When's the last time Chavo was on PPV anyway? My only gripes were the weird lighting during the match and the botched finish with the head scissors takedown.
Show & Kane Vs. Punk & Ryan - Shame on WWE for not giving Alberto Del Rio a match to work with. Didn't care for this match, but I got a kick out of the "Batista!" chants and props to Punk for paying tribute to Savage. If WWE wants Punk to keep around, they shouldn't have him keep losing matches otherwise he'll be the one to say "I quit!"
Divas Match - To be honest with you, I wasn't paying attention to the match because I kept wondering why the referee looked so familar. Then I realized it was Nunzio. How long has he been back with the company? No Kharma appearance was a dumb decision.
Cage Vs. Orton - I knew Christian wasn't winning, but I think people forget to realize sometimes its not about the ending, its the journey to get there that matters and if you guys didn't enjoy this match at all then your taste in in-ring work is sorely lacking. A good buildup, a hot crowd, and a crisp match with lots of back and forth action with false finishes was what made the World Heavyweight Title match the true main event in my eyes. It was just so damn good, it should be high up on both men's Best Of Matches. Although I'll admit had Christian won with the Spear after Orton hesitated giving the Punt, it would've been perfect. I still think Orton should turn heel because if Christian goes back to being one, it'll be a bad move. Hopefully after his performance along with the support he was getting tonight, it'll convince McMahon that Christian deserves to remain a top player if not being world champion again.
Cole Vs. Lawler - Seriously, why are people b****ing about this? The match was short and this is exactly what should've happened at Wrestlemania. For months, Cole was a sh** talking punk who needed to get his ass handed to him and he did in the proper payoff that we, the viewers, had to excruciatingly wait for the past couple of months to finally get. Cole getting thrown into his announcing box was also a wonderful sight to see. They showed Bret Hart in the buildup video, but I wasn't expecting him to actually show up (I thought Jack Swagger was going to turn face by coming out and throwing Cole back into the ring) so that was a nice surprise. The image of Lawler's toes in Cole's mouth will be a guilty pleasure spectacle for many people for years to come.
Cena Vs. Miz - These guys cannot work a match together one on one. They had their suckfest at Wrestlemania, had Morrison carry the brunt of their work at Extreme Rules last month, and had to get Alex Riley physical involved tonight even though they already had a stipulation added that was supposed to cover up their weaknesses. With that said, making it a Handicapped Match was an original and brilliant move. I got to give it to Alex Riley. I'm not a fan of the guy, but he really helped in making this match watchable. I also like how John Cena was talking sh** while taking a beating including the brutal shots from the kendo stick that was making me cringe. Also reusing the finish from Rock / Mankind, but adding the twist of making it a false finish when the ref discovered the recorder was a job well done. I know some people hate John Cena for overcoming the odds, but this was easily one of his best comeback performances. Without The Rock or Alex Riley around to help him, there was no way The Miz was going to beat John Cena. Like Michael Cole, The Miz was running his mouth for months and finally got his ass kicked by Cena again much to the approval of the majority of fans. The fact of the matter is that Cena was choking the life out of The Miz so he had no choice, but to give up. I just hope Cena will get new and better opponents to work with during this 10th title of his.
So overall, the two matches I was watching the show for paid off and the main event was enjoyable to some degree. Not bad.