Jamie Keyes introduces the pros & rookies to start, then hands off the mic to Matt Striker, who interviews Kaval, Alex Riley, & Michael McGillicutty. Michael gives a shout-out to his late father, Mr. Perfect. Kaval cuts a promo on Cody Rhodes, who declines the challenge. That prompts MVP to issue a challenge of his own to Rhodes, who accepts this one.
Now, it's game show time. Matt has the rookies on the stage at a 3-way podium for a two-part trivia contest. Riley is embarassed, and finishes last, getting only the last question correctly, as Kaval outpoints McGillicutty, 700-500, with Riley only scoring 200. I think we know who's the first one to go in Albany next week. As a result of winning, Kaval will have his face plastered on WWE.com beginning tomorrow as voting begins for the finale.
Raw Rebound: Sheamus learns he will face 5 opponents at Night of Champions.
1. Cody Rhodes vs. MVP.
The only match on the card required two commercial breaks, and was a clinic on mat psychology and storytelling. Rhodes' current narcisstic gimmick requires protecting the face as much as possible, including repeated complaining to ref John Cone when nothing's really happened early on in the match. Late in the contest, Rhodes hit a superplex that both men sold, and that cost Rhodes the fall, getting only 2. Same thing after a springboard flash kick off the turnbuckles. Rhodes hit the Alabama Slam, the signature of his former tag partner, Hardcore Holly, but he again hesitated before moving in for the cover, and again got 2. After a reversal, Rhodes hit the Cross-Rhodes to finally put this one to bed. Winner: Cody Rhodes.
