2011′s final episode of Monday night RAW in Chicago kicked off with Cult of Personality playing, signifying that CM Punk would be making his entrance. Instead John Laurinaitis walked out sporting a CM Punk t-shirt over his suit. Punk soon emerged to a huge pop and was informed that he would be in a gauntlet match later in the show against
three opponents of Laurinaitis’ choosing. Punk accepted under the condition that if he beats all three he gets to face Johnny Ace himself in a fourth match. A myriad of IWC dolts complain about the involvement of Laurinaitis on RAW. Some even go as far as saying that Laurinaitis is a reason for the ratings drop. They couldn’t be more wrong. The cheesy-on-purpose jokes, the voice, the dry sarcasm all work well and make Johnny a laudable heel executive. Laurinaitis isn’t long-winded, isn’t boring, and doesn’t demand much screen time. If he can get some heat, and he does, why would anyone complain?
Booker T entered to a lesser than usual pop as he prepared to face Cody Rhodes. The crowd wasn’t invested in the match the beginning, however as it progressed the crowd became involved as it was fine in-ring performance from both wrestlers. Booker won with his scissors kick after 12 minutes. I don’t mind watching Booker and Cody as they have good matches and there is a story behind their feud. I just don’t know where the feud is going as Booker will never be a full-time wrestler, and it really showed as GI Bro was winded. If this was a send-off for Booker I would have no problem, as it’s time for Cody to move on to bigger things.
Jerry Lawler announced the opponents for Punk’s gauntlet; Jack Swagger, Dolph Ziggler, and Mark Henry. I hope they give Punk and Ziggler at least 10 minutes as those two put on outstanding matches.
A backstage verbal pillow fight between Swagger and Ziggler quietly erupted. I have zero reason to care about Swagger, and other than his in-ring prowess, have no reason to care about Ziggler. They could both be excellent with proper delivery of promos, however neither have that ability as of yet.
