James Caldwell, Torch Assistant Editor (4.5)

Thumbs down show for me. It was frustrating and had potential, but the potential was not reached. Chris Jericho vs. Kane was a fine, decent match, but the whole premise of Chris Jericho leaving the ring without any consequences just rings so hollow to me. WWE doesn't want people to think too hard about these things, but they routinely insult the audience by asking them to invest in a match that ultimately ends with an "oh, well, sorry we didn't give you a winner, and oh by the way, there's no consequences to the heel bailing on a match 16 minutes in."

My frustration gets to the point of why this match even happened to begin with. In the context of a kayfabe wrestling world, why should anyone take a match before the Rumble when everyone should just save their energy and not risk injury or being hurt in a match? Wouldn't someone like John Cena look dumb for wrestling on Raw and not walking out of a match so he has a better chance of winning the Rumble? Unless there are consequences for actions or some sort of reward/penalty system, no one should exert energy in the ring before the Rumble.

Vance Archer vs. Shelton Benjamin had a good start to the match. Their intensity and aggressiveness in the first-half of the match set a good tone for what they were doing, which was creating the illusion of a real fight. It was good TV that viewers could get wrapped up in. The second-half then settled into the usual WWE formula match that dragged a bit too long and ended anti-climatically. I was encouraged by the first-half and disappointed with the second-half.

Shane McKinley, PWTorch.com Contributor (6.0)

Nice showcase for Kelly Kelly, but one wonders if WWE will ever give Kelly squared just a meaningful feud in the future. Lance Archer vs. Shelton Benjamin was solid, even though the majority of the Internet fans have already written these guys off as lost causes. At least in WWE "newbie" Lance Archer is not being pushed over PPV main eventers or fan favorites, unlike other certain organizations. Hopefully management does get on the Miz train, because I believe he can deliver. Lastly, Chris Jericho vs. Kane was a pointless match, but it was a solid two-star, pointless match.

Greg Parks, Torch Columnist (4.0)

There wasn't much on this show to like. I've tired of Kane, and his match with Chris Jericho was just okay. I really can't believe the lengths they go to protect Kane at times. I think the same thing of Finlay as well. Kelly vs. Jillian was a fine way to get Kelly a win after some losses as of late. Shelton Benjamin vs. Vance Archer continues that feud, and it's strange to have Archer's first pinfall loss on Superstars and not on ECW. I'm still not sure what to make of Archer yet, either in the ring or as a character. There isn't much meat to his persona yet; "intense" just ain't gonna cut it.

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