WWE Raw Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for December 11

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Cedric Alexander vs. Mustafa Ali vs. Tony Nese vs. Ariya Daivari

Result: Cedric Alexander pinned Ariya Daivari to win the match

Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars

Even before the match started, Drew Gulak proved himself the MVP of the entire cruiserweight division. On commentary for this one as he awaits the winner, he referred to Booker T as “Mr. T,” turned his back on Mustafa Ali, and lovingly cheered his “good buddy” Tony Nese. We don’t deserve Drew Gulak, but I’m glad he’s here.

These fatal four way matches have been some of the best cruiserweight matches in WWE since the Cruiserweight Classic last summer. I don’t want to generalize, but even thought they’re “WWE matches,” it seems like the last few weeks have been more indy-styled in the match layout phase. There’s been a lot of strings of high spot-type moves – like the sequence that led to the commercial break tonight. That’s how these guys in this division made their names and reputations, so letting them do that on a more consistent basis is great for the brand.

I feel like the “second chance” moniker works not only for the competitors, but the writers, too. Prior to the weekend’s events, no one would have thought twice about Swann being in the title mix, but it would have been hard to argue against Cedric or Ali in there, too. This match helped that come to fruition.

And while a strong case could be made for Ali, there’s very few people out there who would say Cedric Alexander isn’t a star. He’s phenomenally talented, exciting to watch, and – when not stuck in a crazy girlfriend storyline – makes compelling television.