Raw Review: Christmas Vacation
By Mike Smith
WWE.com
Luke Harper backstage
Harper said that this is the season of giving, but that he’s going to take what belongs to him, the Intercontinental Championship.
This was a really good promo from Harper, who ended it with his trademark blank stare into the camera.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Luke Harper for the Intercontinental Championship
Before the match, Harper attacked Ziggler, in the ring and out. Ziggler was still down and out, but he told the referee to start the match.
Harper continued the attack after the bell rang, completely laying into Ziggler.
Ziggler had many quick flurries of offense, but Harper continued to shut him down and keep up on the offense.
As Harper set up for his big clothesline, Ziggler countered with a superkick, but Harper rebounded and hit the clothesline anyway. Ziggler kicked out and hit a Fameasser, but when Harper kicked out, the match reset.
The two men struggled to their feet, and Ziggler hit back-to-back superkicks, before following with a Zig Zag for the win.
Ziggler defeats Harper via pinfall.
3.75 out of 5 stars – It’s not fair for somebody to be as good as Harper, while being in a match that fans are automatically invested in, going up against somebody as good as Ziggler.
Dolph Ziggler in-ring with Jerry Lawler
King asked how Ziggler pulled that one out, and Ziggler said he’s always found a way, and it’s helped to have the WWE Universe behind him.
Ziggler got interviewed twice. Remember that Reigns had a one-to-two line pre-tape.