WWE Raw Results: Top 15 Moments from Last Night's Show

WWE Raw aired last night, and it was a very big show for the company. We all know about the "It Begins" promos, but there was plenty more from WWE.

If I were to give the episode a grade, it would be in the B- range. Most of it was great. One segment was excellent, while others were just the usual. With that being said, let's get to it!

15. No Brodus Clay

Let me just get this out of the way.

I really do not like "bait-and-switch" situations in this business. WWE  has done this before with Brodus Clay, and they did it again. Honestly, it is not doing anybody any good.

If they are going to bring him back, do it. If not, stop advertising him.

14. Bryan vs. Rhodes

I actually liked this match. Both guys did a fine job, and Cody Rhodes losing does not hurt him in the least. Daniel Bryan winning was made to look like a fluke, which just furthers my thoughts I have been relaying for over a month now.

His "booking" has been terrible. Was weeks before he won the World Title. Was when he won the World Title. Still is weeks later. Just watch the video I posted for any other evidence!

I have said it for many weeks, and I will repeat it again. The only way this makes sense is if he is turning heel. It's that simple. No other way around it!

If he is still a face World Champion by WrestleMania 28, I will be shocked.

13. Hype

I loved this from WWE.

They really need to do this more often. Hype up what is coming up on the show!

As most noticed, WWE kept reminding viewers of the upcoming WWE title match. Also, a few more small promos for "It Begins" aired. Easy concept that was used perfectly!

WWE also did the same with the main event. Build it up throughout the evening until it arrives. Not every person watches from beginning to end for two hours. Any late viewers now know what is going on and what is yet to come.

12. Divas Tag Match

Where was Alicia Fox? She needed to show off her excellent skills to the Raw audience. Oh well!

Eve and Kelly Kelly teamed up to take on the Bella Twins. I actually enjoyed the match. Yes, the ending did not go smoothly, but I don't care. Neither does the majority of the WWE fanbase.

Eve delivered an excellent "moonsault," and Kelly Kelly continued to prove why she is the top woman of this generation. Nice use of Twin Magic to close a fun segment.

11. Opening Segment

John Cena opened the show with a great promo.

I am sure most of his jokes went over the heads of most fans (as usual), but they were funny to me. His "underwear" line was perfectly executed. Of course, all of this led to interaction with Kane.

Except Kane was nowhere to be seen...yet!

Nice way to start the new year. Nice way to start the show. Nice way to tease fans without giving away any more physicality between Kane and Cena. Nice job, WWE!

10. Barrett vs. Santino

WWE is still showing attention towards Wade Barrett, and I liked his Raw performance last night. He continued to act like a bad guy and seemed set on winning the Royal Rumble. 

As usual, Santino was great talking to his opponent before the inevitable loss. I really am looking forward to seeing his performance in the Rumble. Perhaps he will make the final two again?

Anyways, Wade beat Santino in no time. He did not use his Wasteland finisher, and I was surprised. The Wasteland move is a beauty, and I think he should keep using it.

9. R-Truth, Miz and Sheamus

I really liked this story throughout the night.

This is what I was discussing earlier. WWE gave some hype for something later on in the evening by teasing R-Truth attacking Miz all night.

Finally, we got The Miz vs. Sheamus. It did not last long, but I enjoy both men wrestling. Truth got in some more funny lines while also beating up Miz. Awesome work by everybody involved!

8. Rumble Videos

This was a very pleasant surprise. WWE actually showed some attention towards a PPV event coming up in four weeks.

Not only did we get a WWE title match announced, WWE aired commercials hyping up the Royal Rumble match. I love these videos. Yes, they are usually the same each year, but I do not care.

They are great to watch. Keep airing them, WWE.

7. Smackdown on Friday!

Yes, Raw is the most important show for WWE. Yes, more people were interested in the "It Begins" promos than anything on Friday nights.

However, that is not stopping Smackdown from having a nice card this week. Raw is not the only show in WWE!

Cody Rhodes is defending his Intercontinental Championship against Booker T. Daniel Bryan is defending his World Title against Big Show.

Honestly, I could see one of the two titles changing hands. I am not going to predict anything major, but I could see it. Most people know which title would change hands, if one did...

6. The Live Audience

I know some will disagree, but I really think Jerry Lawler should have been used on WWE TV this week in Memphis in a story. Yes, he did off camera, but that does not matter.

When you get the rare chance to be in a legend's hometown, you take full advantage. Having Brodus destroy him? Throw him in the tag main event? Cut a simple promo wishing everyone a Happy New Year for 2012?

Anything.

5. Punk vs. Ziggler

I am not surprised this got the "second hour" main event slot. Nobody should be, really.

That being said, both guys did a nice job. There was clearly going to be a "story" behind the match, but I do not think many predicted what we got. Yes, Dolph Ziggler won the match, but it was by count-out.

CM Punk is still the WWE Champion, and he continues his feud with Johnny Ace. Ziggler will get another shot at the Rumble. Punk will have to deal with a referee clearly against him, and the title seems to be in jeopardy. Great story!

4. Why Is Henry Still Wrestling?

Safety comes first. Always has. Always will.

I have said this many times in the past few weeks, but Mark Henry has no business being on WWE TV right now. The big man can barely move, much less perform moves inside the squared circle.

He is being extremely limited in his matches, and I see no reason for it. Let the big man heal. Give him some rest before anything worse happens to him.

The last thing anybody wants is for an already injured man to re-injure himself more severely. Again, safety comes first!

3. Main Event Match

I liked this a lot. I do fear the ratings are not going to be very kind to this segment, though. Too many odds were stacked against this to succeed. I could be mistaken, but I do have my doubts.

As for the match, it was fine. Kane not showing up was great. He has yet to compete on WWE TV since returning, and I like it that way. Him speaking was bad enough. No need to also start throwing him in matches right away. I liked how each guy was used. Ryder and Cena winning was the right outcome.

It looks like Jack Swagger and Ryder will be feuding soon. I am fine with that. Zack Ryder was a little bit more "goofy" this week than past weeks. I really wish he would stop. Act serious...bro!

The ending sequence with Kane trying to destroy Cena and Ryder was over the top, but Kane always has been. I did not mind it. He has been doing it for nearly 15 years, and it isn't going to stop.

2. Public Service Announcement

I do not do these often, but I feel it is time for another short "public service announcement" from yours truly!

We all make choices in life. Each and every day. Some good. Some bad. The same can be said with wrestling fans on the Internet. This past week has really magnified that belief.

How many of you were disappointed in the "It Begins" reveal?

How many of you were the same ones clicking the many links online spoiling the identity of said person?

How many of you read the Smackdown spoilers each Tuesday, then talk about how Smackdown needs to be off Fridays because it is predictable and isn't live?

Newsflash: Nobody forces you to click on the spoilers. Nobody forces you to read the different websites online. It is your choice to do so.

You make the choice to. If you do so, great! If not, enjoy the surprise like the majority of the WWE Universe does!

Sadly though, you can't have it both ways. You click on dozens of "spoiler" reports only to turn around say how "predictable" WWE is? Sorry, you can't have it both ways...

That being said, let's get to the excellent reveal of the "familiar force" returning to WWE!

1. Chris Jericho Was Perfect

Yes, it was always going to be Jericho. As usual, many tried their hand at "fantasy booking" here. Everything from Lesnar's return to WWE to the ever-so-popular "Cena heel turn" was discussed. Sorry, I try to stay in reality.

Chris Jericho and WWE deserve a pat on the back for this segment.

For the fans who "got it," congrats! For those who are still scratching your heads, see you next week watching WWE Raw looking for answers!

In a nutshell, Chris Jericho was always a heel in this return. From his over-the-top jacket, to the exaggerated fist pumps, to the annoying smile. He was almost "spoofing" his face character from 2007.

I must admit. It took me a few minutes to "get it," but about five minutes in, I realized what was going on. He was never going to speak. He was never being serious. He was mocking the WWE universe on how he can "control" them with any movement he makes or words he says.

The entire live audience took it hook, line and sinker. Just so great to see. He had them all in the palm of his hand, and they had no idea.

He was "trolling" the fans in Memphis. He was acting cocky and arrogant the entire time. It just took the crowd a few minutes to "get it." By the end of the segment, it all made sense!

Excellent job, WWE! I can't wait to hear him speak next week.

REMINDER: I am now on Twitter @JustinWatry! I give every new follower a special shout out, so do not be shy...thanks.