Raw 12-19-11

Anyone who's ever worked a job dealing with the public the week before Christmas should understand how hectic it's been around here. I am determined, however, to try to keep things relatively up-to-date amidst the chaos. Therefore, a Raw post on Thursday. Because I won't let you go hungry forever.

Before I dive into this week's episode, I want to extend a special welcome to our new readers coming out of Reddit's r/SquaredCircle, and a thank you to the mods for adding us to the sidebar! Mehe and I are very excited about it, and we hope everyone enjoys their stay here!

So, with the business out of the way, shall we talk some wrestling??


1. Wade Barrett v. Randy Orton - 3 out of 5.
2. Alicia Fox v. Beth Phoenix - 1 out of 5.
3. Sheamus v. Jinder Majal - 3 out of 5.
4. Primo & Epico v. The Usos - 3 out of 5.
5. Cody Rhodes v. Santino Marella - 4 out of 5.
6. CM Punk, Zack Ryder, & Daniel Bryan v. Dolph Ziggler, The Miz, & Alberto Del Rio - 5 out of 5.

See that progression right there? That's what you call a perfectly put-together show. Open with a good, strong rivalry. Rate the rest of the matches, and sandwich the weaker ones (Divas, Tag Teams) between the stronger ones (Midcard champions and contenders). Finish the whole thing off with a damn-near pay-per-view quality match that showcases the best of the best? Better savor the moment, while it lasts, WWE Universe. There's always hope that the new era has finally begun, and it's not going anywhere anytime soon, but they're going to have to earn my trust. Putting belts on guys like Bryan, Punk, and Ryder is a good start, but as far as I'm concerned right now, there's no such thing as an automatic pass.

And let's talk about our new champions, shall we? Lots of emotions riding high this week. Heck, Zack Ryder is STILL making facebook and twitter posts to the effect of "We did it, Broskis!" You get the feeling that he's afraid he might wake up at any moment, so he's gonna enjoy the hell out of this ride while he can. And why shouldn't he? I don't think I've ever seen WWE make a guy work as hard to earn a title as Zack Ryder has for the US championship. Zack Ryder, YOU are the Broski of the Week.

Daniel Bryan is quieter with his pure, unadulterated joy, but you can see it in his eyes. He's excited to be the leader of the pack, and the fact that he's doing it with CM Punk is an added bonus that just amuses them both. I have to admit, my indy history is lacking, but I've read a lot of good things about this guy, some of them from people who have worked with him, and it seems he really is a man of honor.

I guess the point is, the three top guys in the company right now are legitimately good wrestlers and hard workers. They've earned their spots not by kissing asses, but by consistently kicking them. Go back and watch their main event again. These guys clearly love what they do, and they're having a blast. They were born to be the best in the business today.