Winner Moves onto the Main Event
Daniel Bryan Vs Triple H – Match Rating: ****
Considering the CM Punk walkout just weeks earlier, WWE really did an excellent job by booking this on the fly by producing what truly is a dream match on the card that not only held significant importance by the stipulation, but also held a great back-story with great build-up.
First things first, today Triple H still truly knows how to make an entrance as it was a spectacular site to see. The match its self really delivered as it really brought that ‘Old-School’ feel with great ring psychology as for the majority of the match, Triple H targeted and worked on Bryan’s injured arm and heavily taped shoulder. Although Daniel Bryan got the victory, Triple H still looked incredibly strong coming out of the match, well he is known for his burial antics right? But with the post-match attack it really did leave a question mark on whether Daniel Bryan would finish the night as champion. In terms of booking, it really was a sizzling opening contest and the right person simply had to win, If Bryan had lost the match, I would fear that the fans would turn on the show.
The Shield Vs Kane & The New Age Outlaws
Match Rating: ** 1/2
All 3 members of The Shield have had an impressive 12 months, with their recent face turn and some spectacular dream matches against The Wyatt Family, fans could only speculate on what dream match any members of The Shield would be a part of.
So when the match against Kane & The New Age Outlaws was announced, I couldn’t help but feel underwhelmed and only think that The Shield had been shafted with what was left over. Although the match build-up made sense, I couldn’t help but feel that perhaps changing the Outlaws for Luke Harper & Eric Rowen would have suited better. The match itself was ok but I feel that The Shield better performances will come at next year’s wresltemania!