RAW Coverage

WWE Monday Night RAW - 11th March 2013
RAW kicked off with a time for reflection. As a heartfelt tribute video opened the show, looking back and celebrating the life of Paul Bearer, the legendary WWE manager who passed away last week. Emotions were running high on RAW from Indiana, as the whole WWE payed tribute to the late great Paul Bearer.

The Undertaker entered the arena, to pay a tribute to Paul Bearer, who managed The Undertaker's career and really made The Undertaker to who he was today. The urn, symbolic, was in the middle of the ring, and as Undertaker stood before it, it was a fitting tribute. But then, there was to be the ultimate mark of disrespect, as The Undertaker was interrupted by...CM Punk. CM Punk had interrupted The Undertaker's tribute to Paul Bearer, and to the disarray of the WWE Universe. Undertaker, his opponent at WrestleMania, was furious as he looked on at CM Punk. "I'm sorry for your loss... at WrestleMania" Punk laughed, as he tried to get under the skin of The Undertaker, with disrespect to the late Paul Bearer. As the segment drew to a close, WWEActive, the second screen experience showed Kane coming out and attacking CM Punk, almost giving a choke-slam off the stage, but Punk fled. Kane was angry, as CM Punk disrespected a man very dear to him and a catalyst for his career in Paul Bearer. Kane was to get his revenge later that night, as he would face CM Punk in a No Disqualification match.

The Shield's Seth Rollins made his debut in Singles' Competition, but he had the behemoth task of taking on The Big Show, who was irate after being the victim of several attacks from The Shield. As The Big Show looked to destroy Rollins, the action quickly spilled to the outside, and The Big Show found himself fighting off three members of The Shield, the numbers game was however to catch up. It concluded with a thunderous triple power-bomb that put Big Show crashing to the mat, as The Shield stood tall over the World's Largest Athlete.

Dolph Ziggler and Daniel Bryan looked to settle their differences on RAW, as they had an enthralling match. We witnessed a gobsmacking mid-air counter, near fall after near fall, and of course the imminent interference from Ziggler's allies, AJ and Big E. They were to prove pivotal in Ziggler's victory over Bryan, and The Show-Off looked to continue his momentum towards WrestleMania. However, things were not over for Daniel Bryan, as Big E Langston attacked him post-match and left Bryan damaged, but not damaged enough to take to Twitter and complain about Kane not helping him... again.

1. I am mad that ONCE AGAIN Kane did not come out to help me.
— Daniel Bryan (@WWEDanielBryan) March 12, 2013

2. I’m going to punch Cody Rhodes in the face
— Daniel Bryan (@WWEDanielBryan) March 12, 2013

The New Age Outlaws, after making their return as a tag team the previous week on Old School RAW, where in action vs. Team Rhodes Scholars. Things were getting serious prior to the match on the microphone, and of course the laughs. But the match was not to end with either team having their hands raised, but for New Age Outlaws to be down on the canvas, at the hands of Brock Lesnar. Lesnar came out and attacked the New Age Outlaws, making a big statement to Triple H. He then went on to accept the challenge, on one condition. He will fight Triple H at WrestleMania, IF Triple H signs the contract first, then the stipulation will be announced. It's proving a big dilemma for The Game, what will his response be?

Mark Henry and Ryback continued to one-up each other in a rivalry fueled by power. Mark Henry first laid waste to Kofi Kingston, then Ryback demolished Heath Slater, as Mark Henry observed from ringside. As Ryback celebrated his victory, Drew McIntyre attempted to attack him, but that was to put him at the end of several hellacious moves by both Henry and Ryback. The waiting  was to may be over this Friday Night on SmackDown, as Mark Henry and Ryback were to collide!

Alberto Del Rio stood tall after a tough challenge against the United States Champion Antonio Cesaro. The World Champion had his hand raised at the end of the contest, by submitting Del Rio with the Cross-Arm Breaker.

Sheamus and Ryback teamed up to take on Team Rhodes Scholars on RAW, and the Viper and Celtic Warrior performed to a great extent, finishing up with serious impact, landing RKOs and a Brogue Kick consecutively. After the match, Sheamus and Orton were to be ambushed by The Shield, and their destruction continued, with more victims. Things have got even more serious now, The Shield may have bitten off more than they can chew, but thus far, its not looking like it.

Huge Intercontinental Championship title implications were made on RAW, as Chris Jericho's Highlight Reel hosted The Miz and Wade Barrett. Things were quickly getting out of hand, with trash talking and then this was solved by Assistant to the Managing Supervisor, Brad Maddox. He made a match, Miz vs. Jericho, where the winner would face the Intercontinental Champion the following week. As the action spilled to the outside, The Miz went crashing into Barrett who was at the announcers desk. Barrett retaliated and attacked both Miz and Jericho, ending in a No Contest. However, Jericho and The Miz were to finish on top, with Skullcrushing Finale and Codebreaker. The Intercontinental Champion may have received a small portion of what he will next week, when he defends his title in a Triple Threat!

It was time for the main event, and emotions were running high as Kane, irate after CM Punk's disrespect earlier that night, took on CM Punk. Kane came out holding the symbolic urn of Paul Bearer, and as Kane prepared to do battle with CM Punk, Punk jumped out the ring and quickly got to work on Kane, but the advantage was not to last long, as the match saw a lot of punishment dished out with the No DQ rules. With steel chairs and more, Kane looked to avenge his family. When CM Punk was distracted by an Undertaker "BONG" he turned straight into a chokeslam and was put away. Kane had reigned victorious over CM Punk. Undertaker then made
his entrance, and the Brothers of Destruction made a fitting farewell to Paul Bearer. As both men were down to their knees paying tribute, emotions ran high, but then CM Punk attacked Kane from behind with the urn. As Undertaker rushed to the ring, CM Punk fled, with the urn in hand, before proceeding to mock The Undertaker when holding the urn. The Undertaker was furious, CM Punk has enlightened a dangerous fire in The Undertaker. It's a dangerous game.

WWE NEWS: John Bradshaw Layfield makes it to the summit of Mount Albrus in Russia!

JBL made it to the summit of Mount Albrus, recording the World's highest Tout at 20,000 feet. JBL claimed he was lucky to be alive, following a storm and also suffered from hypoxia and frostbite. JBL will be back in the commentary booth, anticipating as we are on the Road to WrestleMania! Great job, JBL and it is all for a good cause. Looking forward to seeing him back on commentary.

WrestleWeek - Your Weekly Round-Up For All Things WWE! Edition 4 (25th Feb. onwards)

Coming off what was a pivotal week on The Road to WrestleMania, things were just as intense (if not more) this week. With a brawl of gigantic proportions that witnessed a shocking return, Instant Classic match for a WrestleMania main event and more! There was a lot going on in WWE this week, as we approach The Grandest Stage of Them All, WrestleMania, things are just getting better for members of the WWE Universe. It's time to round it up and review with WrestleWeek, edition 4!

WWE Monday Night Raw - 25th February 2013
This week's edition of RAW kicked off in explosive fashion. It was supposed to be a 'fight' between Mr McMahon and Paul Heyman, but it was interrupted by the beast known as Brock Lesnar. As Brock Lesnar approached Mr McMahon in a manner of attack, but then, the roof came of the house, and out came...The Game, Triple H has returned! Triple H came out to an electric ovation from the crowd at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, and as he made his way to the ring, a brawl ensued. It was barbaric, compelling and a full-on fight. Brock Lesnar was busted open by Triple H, and in an exclusive by WWE.com, Brock Lesnar had to receive several stiches. (VIEW PHOTOS) It went back and forth, and it has left a lot of exciting events in wake coming up to WrestleMania 29. Things have gotten serious, and fast. When the brawl concluded with a Spinebuster from Triple H, Brock Lesnar walked away, blood pouring from his head, but smiling, and ready. Triple H stood in the ring emphatic, and the WWE Universe were left amazed. It was an exhillerating beginning to Monday Night RAW, and Triple H took it one step further. By joining Twitter (FOLLOW TRIPLE H ON TWITTER) and sending a video message to Brock via TOUT.

 

RAW kicked off in an awesome way, and it was to be the start of an excellent show. What is next for Brock Lesnar and Triple H's rivalry? Is the inevitable another collision at WrestleMania?

In the opening contest of the night, Ryback looked to feast on the Show-Off, Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler put Ryback through a tough challenge, along with the help of his ringside associates, of course. At one moment, Big E Langston clobbered Ryback to the ground outside the ring, when the referee was distracted. But AJ, Big E and Ziggler himself were not enough to put away an angry Ryback, when he delivered a thunderous Shellshock to pick up the win.

Mark Henry and The Great Khali were in a battle of the behemoths on RAW, as the two collided in the ring. They had some unfinished business, but Khali could not do enough to out stand the monstrous power of Mark Henry, and Great Khali was on the receiving end of a World's Strongest Slam, and inducted into the Hall of Pain, yet again.

Tensions were running high on Miz TV, as Jack Swagger and Alberto Del Rio were both in the ring. An argument or disagreement of some sort broke out, with Zeb Coulter talking about American citizenship etc. When it eventually came to an end, things were more tense, and with WrestleMania approaching, the build-up towards this match just intensified.

Antonio Cesaro and Randy Orton had quite a compelling contest. Randy Orton is on the road to redemption, as he picked up another win this year and managed to overcome Cesaro's lethal uppercuts, to strike back with his own lethal move, the RKO.

There was more bizarre proceedings on RAW, from the likely culprits Team Hell No. It seemed like brags turned into challenges as Daniel Bryan said he could beat the Prime Time Players "with his eyes closed" and Kane said he could beat them "with one hand". So it was taken upon, and Bryan was blindfolded while Kane had one arm tied behind his back. The amazing thing is that they won the match too. Only Team Hell No...

The Shield reigned victorious on RAW, as they addressed the WWE Universe following two victories the previous week. Their parade seemingly came to an end, when Sheamus turned up on the ramp to distract two members, whilst Rollins remained in the ring and fell victim to Randy Orton's RKO, it seems like Sheamus and Orton have got one-up on The Shield.

The Miz was seeking payback against Jack Swagger, following the attack promptly after Miz TV. But even The Miz could not defy the Patriot Act, and submitted. The challenge is looking a lot tougher for Del Rio now come WrestleMania.

It was one of the greatest RAW main events of all time according to many, a high stakes match up that saw CM Punk and John Cena contend for a main event title shot at The Rock, at WrestleMania. And the amazing match just proved how important it was, with pulsating action, back-and-forth they went, and it was evident that they knew each other like-for-like, many significant counters. They really put it all on the line for the coveted shot at WrestleMania. It was truly phenomenal, and CM Punk almost had it with a shocking piledriver to Cena, but it was not enough to defy Cena's ambition for a WrestleMania main event. It took not one, but two Attitude Adjustments to put CM Punk away, and with that, John Cena secured a main event placement at WrestleMania, to face The Rock. Many have claimed this as 'The Best match in RAW history' it is a must-watch.

WWE Main Event - 27th February 2013  

The feature of this week's edition of Main Event witnessed The Celtic Warrior Sheamus take on Cody Rhodes. Yet again, Rhodes' aggresive approach to this match seemed to be working, but it was not enough to stop Sheamus and his hellacious Brogue Kick, which resulted in Sheamus reigning victorious on Main Event.(WATCH HIGHLIGHTS)

Mark Henry made his Main Event debut by decimating Justin Gabriel. The World's Strongest Man made quick work of the high-flyer, and his Hall of Pain has continued to grow and with WrestleMania coming up, one can only wonder... Who's next?

WWE Friday Night SmackDown! - 1st March 2013
It was a special edition of SmackDown that got straight into the action, with World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio taking on Damien Sandow. Sandow showed a lot of aggression during the match to try and put The Mexican Aristocrat away, but Del Rio's athleticism was to stop it being a one-sided contest. It was a fantastic way to start the show, really an enjoyable match to watch, and Damien Sandow keeps improving his credibility as a great part of the roster. The match culminated when Damien Sandow was looking to finish Del Rio, but a reversal into the Cross-Arm Breaker, and Sandow tapped.

Things were just get even better on SmackDown, as The Miz and Antonio Cesaro battled yet again continuing a simmering rivalry. This time, it was a 2 Out of 3 Falls stipulation, so this was to assure a rightful champion. The crowd at Oklahoma City and the WWE Universe at home were in for a treat.  It was a hard-fought battle to win the first fall, but after some back-and-forth action, Antonio Cesaro managed to hit The Neutralizer, and win the first fall. It seemed promptly after, when The Miz scored a fall with the Figure-Four Leg Lock... during the commercial break. It was one a piece, and now the next one to win a fall, would take home The United States Championship. The Miz targeted Cesaro's bad knee in order to soften him up for the Figure-Four Leg Lock but to no avail. It was a controversial win for Cesaro, as he rolled up The Miz - arguing with the ref - then Miz reversed before Cesaro reversed. Cesaro pulled the tights to win, and as Jerry Lawler said 'desperate times need desperate measures' and Cesaro left in tact, with his United States Championship. He may have got off lucky on SmackDown.

Oklahama's own, Good Ole' JR, Jim Ross was on SmackDown, and things were to reach a stand point, with JR interviewing Zeb Coulter and Jack Swagger. It was a very interesting interview. Things were extremely patriotic, and Zeb Coulter and Jack Swagger preached their "We The People" campaign, again which was controversial. Zeb Coulter even went to the extent of saying that Del Rio is not "One of us" and that he should leave this country. They had numerous targets at Del Rio on the microphone, and this really just made the situation for WrestleMania a whole lot serious. JR tried to talk sense into Swagger, he opposed Coulter, and even stood up to Coulter telling him to "express his right to remain silent!" and JR was shocked by Swagger's attitude. JR continued to stand up against the "We The People" views, and Swagger had enough. It looked like JR was in trouble. As Swagger threatened JR, Del Rio came to the aid of Jim Ross, he had also had enough of Coulter and Swagger's trash talk. Del Rio finished emphatically, as Swagger and Del Rio stared off, and Swagger retreated. WrestleMania is going to be one hell of a night, and this is just one of the main events.

Bizarre, to well, more bizarre. That's right. Team Hell No were in action again. They faced the Prime Time Players, with this time Kane blindfolded, and Daniel Bryan with an arm behind his back! And this time, Kane was the Goatface, with an image of a goat on the blindfold. Daniel Bryan was in hysterics, for once, he wasn't the laughing stock. A breakdown of communications for Team Hell No resulted in Kane, blindfolded accidentally grabbing Bryan's neck, and Bryan was rolled up for the pin. Prime Time Players picked up a significant victory over Team Hell No... with blindfolds and one arm. When Kane realised that the blindfold he was wearing had a Goatface on it, he was not happy at all. As Bryan offered to Hug It Out, Kane put the mask on Bryan, before a thunderous uppercut leaving Bryan out, and Kane left, angered.

It was now time for the main event, which was to conclude a great week of WWE, in a great way. The Viper, Randy Orton took on The Big Show. The Big Show used his size to an advantage to keep The Viper at bay, but Orton was able to capitalize on several openings, before managing to gain control, with a fantastic DDT from the top rope. When the match was at a focal point, the complexion immediately changed, with The Shield making an entrance. What happened next was very interesting, as The Shield surrounded Orton. Sheamus came to the aid and a brawl ensued. Then, when Sheamus threw Roman Reigns into the Big Show, he was not happy, and he knocked out Roman Reigns. The Shield immediately retreated. Then, Randy Orton was chokeslammed by The Big Show, before Sheamus delivered a massive Brogue Kick to the Big Show, and he stood tall at the end of a great night on SmackDown!

Opinion

Both RAW and SmackDown this week were very enjoyable to watch. The start to RAW was outstanding, with the explosive brawl, and it is highly likely now for Brock vs. Triple H at WrestleMania. The match between John Cena and CM Punk was one for the ages, and one of the best in RAW history to date. Meanwhile on SmackDown, it was great to see Jerry Lawler on commentary, along with JR on the show too. Great dramatic ending to SmackDown, Damien Sandow had a great match and a very consistent show. Overall, a great week in WWE, with the best two matches being Del Rio vs. Sandow and of course Punk vs. Cena. On The Road to WrestleMania, the weeks are going fast, but are going good. With an Old-School Edition of RAW next week, things can only get more exciting!

And that's a wrap. As we move on further towards WrestleMania, things are becoming serious. Things are getting tense. And for we, the WWE Universe, things are becoming even exciting. Thanks for reading WrestleWeek!

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Nisar Khan - iNisarKhan.blogspot.com!
Thanks for reading my articles.

UFC 157 - A historic night at the Honda Center

History was made tonight in UFC 157, as it featured the first ever Women's UFC bout, and co-main events with huge implications in the UFC. The crowd at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA had a great night, and it was history-making.

In the first of the co-main events, Bantamweight contenders Urijah Faber and Ivan Menjivar had a rematch from an MMA bout in 2006, with title implications. Following some great action in stand up and on the ground, Faber was eventually able to win with a standing rear-naked choke, and possibly puts himself in line for a title shot at Interim Champion Renan Barao, and exciting prospect.

The two top contenders of the Light Heavyweight Division, Dan Henderson and Lyoto Machida collided where the winner would be in line for a title shot. The bout did not live up to expectations, with some lack of strikes throughout the rounds, and not many significant moments. However, Lyoto's extra strikes in Round 3 and Round 1 were able to win him the rounds, and therefore he won by Split Decision.

History was made. Two female MMA fighters trail-blazed at the Honda Center, as Ronda Rousey and Liz Carmouche contested for the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship. They got into the action immediately, and it was an extremely entertaining fight. Rousey was in trouble in the middle of the round, but was able to get out and then attempted for the armbar. After several attempts to stop it, Rousey was able to eventually lock it in and win. This fight was a great example to the World of Women's MMA, and the future of Women in the UFC can only be better. Liz Carmouche was Rousey's toughest opponent to date, and she will be back again. With the popularity of Women's UFC heavily increased following this fight? What is next?

The fights were very entertaining at UFC 157. Machida vs. Henderson may not have lived up to all expectations, but the main event was epic. They deserved the main event spot, and this is a huge day for MMA as a whole and female sports. UFC 157 was significant for the events ahead to unfold. Will Faber take on Barao? Will Machida be the next Light Heavyweight Champion? Who is Ronda Rousey's next opponent?

WrestleWeek - Your Weekly Round-Up For All Things WWE! Edition 3 (18th Feb. onwards)

With just six weeks until the Grandest Stage of Them All, The Road to WrestleMania went through the Elimination Chamber. This week was a week of big WrestleMania implications, a week where we saw a new title belt unveiled, almost a change of Champion, and much more. Things are only getting more intense, as we approach WrestleMania, and it already is shaping up to be nothing short of epic. Why? Recap the events from this week in WWE, in WrestleWeek!
  
WWE Elimination Chamber - 17th February 2013

The Elimination Chamber. Renowned to shape careers, and at that night in New Orleans, shaped the foundations of WrestleMania. With a shocking Elimination Chamber win by Jack Swagger, a night which saw all titles retained, and an epic encounter for the WWE Championship. Click here for more Elimination Chamber coverage. 

WWE Monday Night RAW - 18th February 2013
Monday Night RAW was coming off a very significant night at the Elimination Chamber, and entering to begin was John Cena. John Cena was focused on his blockbuster WrestleMania match with The Rock for the WWE Championship. As John Cena addressed the WWE Universe, he was interrupted by CM Punk, who provoked John Cena into a challenge. John Cena challenged CM Punk to a match, of which the winner will face The Rock at WrestleMania. CM Punk had managed to slither his way back into the title picture, and will have the opportunity to headline WrestleMania next week, when he faces John Cena. The stakes have never been higher.

Mark Henry made quick work of Sin Cara in singles competition, but in the aftermath, as Henry prepared to induct Sin Cara into the Hall of Pain, he was interrupted by The Great Khali. Mark Henry did not want anything to do with him, and retreated. This is not the last time we will see these two in a confrontation.

After the controversial ending to their match at Elimination Chamber, The Miz and Antonio Cesaro did battle on RAW, with No Disqualification. Things quickly got out of hand, with both utilizing weapons to cause each other pain. The Miz took chair shots, and strikes from kendo sticks, but was still able to pull through, and defeat Antonio Cesaro with the Figure-Four Leg Lock. Could this put The Miz in line for another title shot?

Alberto Del Rio had a tough challenge against Dolph Ziggler, of who utilized Big E Langston to gain an advantage. Despite this, Alberto Del Rio was able to overcome, and reversed a DDT into a Cross-Arm Breaker, making the Show Off submit, two weeks in a row. The encounter was all but over, as Big E Langston entered the ring and attacked Del Rio. Ziggler saw an advantage to cash in his Money in the Bank contract, until Del Rio's personal ring announcer, Ricardo Rodriguez snatched it out his hands and ran away. He was eventually caught, but by the time the briefcase made it back to the ring, Del Rio was aware, and rattled Ziggler with an enzuigiri. Del Rio's title had been saved, for now.

Elimination Chamber winner Jack Swagger had a controversial 'State of the Union' address next on RAW. Accompanied by Zeb Coulter, the Real American launched verbal attacks sending shockwaves through the WWE Universe. And after, Jack Swagger made an example of Daniel Bryan, by submitting him with the Patriot Act following a decent match.

On RAW, Paul Heyman's words came back to haunt him. As he previously said he would do "anything" to make The Rock lose his Champion's advantage at WrestleMania, Mr McMahon challenged Heyman to a fight, next week on RAW. Will McMahon finally get his hands on Heyman? What chaos will ensue?

The Shield made their debut on RAW, by triumphing over Chris Jericho, Ryback and Sheamus. They managed to once again make a stand, and Ryback, Jericho and Sheamus were left beaten again. Tensions are running high between Ryback and Sheamus, what will be next?

More cracks appeared in the partnership of Daniel Bryan and Kane, as Randy Orton defeated Kane. The match came about when Kane said he doesn't like snakes, and the Viper, Randy Orton showed why, by defeating Kane with an RKO after he was distracted by Daniel Bryan.
The Rock celebrated his WWE Championship victory, by concluding RAW with a great celebration, and revelation of something new.  The Rock celebrated in grand fashion, by entering with a great band, and addressed the WWE Universe. The Rock said "I'm going to WrestleMania as WWE Champion, but I'm not going with THIS" and pointed to the title belt. The Rock was going to reveal a new title belt, something that didn't look like a toy, something that represented the greatness and heritage of the title, and something, that didn't spin. The Rock revealed the NEW WWE Championship belt...The Rock wore his new innovative title, and then, as The Rock prepared to announce who he wanted to face at WrestleMania, John Cena entered. He looked down the ring, and stared at The Rock, who he would possibly face at WrestleMania. Then, CM Punk attacked John Cena behind his back with the old title belt, leaving Cena unconscious, leaving The Rock on edge, and leaving CM Punk ready for the huge match, with WrestleMania implications, next week on RAW. Who will go on to face The Rock at WrestleMania?


WWE Main Event - 20th February 2013
The feature of this week's Main Event was an address from The Big Show to the WWE Universe. The Big Show quickly got angry, and challenged anyone in the locker room for a match. The Uso brothers answered the call, and Big Show made quick work of them. It quickly escalated into a Gauntlet match, as Brodus Clay was next to collide with The World's Largest Athlete. Big Show put Clay away by countering a splash from the corner and delivering a KO punch. Then, another behemoth answered the call. It was The Great Khali. Khali was a challenge for The Big Show, but after a KO outside the ring, Khali was unable to answer the 10 count, and lost. After the match, The Miz attacked Big Show, and Big Show retreated. Will Big Show be getting revenge on The Miz?

WWE SmackDown - 22nd February 2013
World Heavyweight Champion, Alberto Del Rio began the show addressing Jack Swagger. He was offended by his comments, and even had a good counter-point. Del Rio called out Swagger, but he did not answer the call. Instead, The Viper, Randy Orton answered. He made his way to the ring and said he wanted to get his hands on Jack Swagger. As the two disputed, general manager Booker T came out to announce two matches that would happen on SmackDown. The first, Randy Orton vs. Jack Swagger and second, Champion vs. Champion, Alberto Del Rio vs.Wade Barrett!

Damien Sandow was in pursuit of success in singles competition, as he faced Sheamus. But a hard fought battle came to an end with a Brogue Kick. Damien Sandow's brutality was evident throughout the course of the matchup, but eventually The Great White took control and put an end to it. Very compelling contest.

Randy Orton was to get his hands on Jack Swagger, after his loss in the Elimination Chamber match. Following a brutal contest that went in and out the ring, Randy Orton was still unable to get the job done, and after a thumb to the eye, Jack Swagger was able to roll-up Orton for the pin, and 'steal' yet another victory at the expense of The Viper, which left Orton irate.

The main event of the night saw Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett collide with World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio in a "Champion vs. Champion" match. Jack Swagger was also ringside to observe the match, leaving an eery atmosphere, and leaving the World Hvt. Champion on edge. The match started off at quite a pace, with Del Rio using his athleticism and kicks to combat Barrett, meanwhile he used brutality and a smash-mouth style. Wade Barrett was distracted by Ricardo Rodriguez, and the distraction got to him, as he was caught with a high-flying move as Del Rio went over the top rope. Alberto took a hard crash to the floor, as Barrett pushed him off the top rope. Barrett was to capitalize on this for quite a long spell in the match by punishing The Mexican Aristocrat. Del Rio tried to string together some offense, but Barrett was able to use his power to stop this happening. Del Rio was eventually able to gain some control, and it developed into a back-and-forth match, which saw Barrett come very close to winning. Barrett went for the devastating Bullhammer Elbow, but Del Rio was to counter and lock in the Cross-Arm Breaker. Barrett tapped out, and Del Rio stood victorious, while Swagger looked on. The stage was set, Swagger and Del Rio know the challenge that lies ahead in six weeks at WrestleMania.

Opinion

Elimination Chamber was very enjoyable to watch, but some matches did lack in some aspects, but overall the event was enjoyable. The match between CM Punk and The Rock was an epic match, and this really has set up for a great WrestleMania. I'm unsure of where WWE will pursue the Swagger/Del Rio storyline, following Swagger's arrest midweek. RAW was a good show, but some matches were boring, and I found Swagger's promo quite dry and pointless, and it was also pretty controversial. Quite a mediocre Main Event, but the concept of the gauntlet match and how it panned out was better than expected. SmackDown had some great matches, I particularly enjoyed Del Rio vs. Barrett. Like every week, it always leaves me questioning one thing... What happens next?

Conclusion
With just six weeks till WrestleMania, many significant events ensued in the week. Next week's RAW is sure to be great, with HUGE WrestleMania implications with the Punk vs. Cena match! As we get even further down The Road to WrestleMania, things are getting BIGGER, MUCH BIGGER. And that's a wrap. Thanks for reading WrestleWeek.


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