12/30 WWE Raw in Hartford report: Kane vs. John Cena, Jerry Lawler vs. Jack Swagger, Mick Foley as guest host, Zack Ryder vs. Dolph Ziggler for the United States Championship

WWE Raw live event
Hartford, Conn.
Report by Dot Net reader Nick Travisano

Howard Finkel was the special ring announcer.

The Miz was first out to some good heat. He cut promo on the crowd and R-Truth, who came out and attacked The Miz. Apparently, he's a face again. John Laurinaitis came out and made a match between David Otunga and Truth.

1 R-Truth beat David Otunga. Truth picked up the win in under a minute.  

2. Beth Phoenix beat Eve to retain the WWE Divas Championship. Beth picked up the win with help from special guest referee Brie Bella. Good back and forth Divas action with Beth getting the win with the Glam Slam.

Mick Foley was the special guest host. He spoke about the history of the civic center.  He was interrupted by Jack Swagger, who cut a heel promo and set up a match with Jerry Lawler.

3. Jerry Lawler defeated Jack Swagger. A good match. Swagger took control of most of the match, but King won on a roll up. Post match, Swagger beat down on King. Foley to make the save with Mr. Socko.

4. Alex Riley, Mason Ryan, and Leo Kreuger defeated Curt Hawkins, Tyler Reks, and JTG. Good back and forth. The crowd was hot for Mason Ryan all match. He got a big pop when he picked up win with the Master Lock slam.

5. Santino over Michael McGillicutty. A decent match. Santino went over with The Cobra.

6. Zack Ryder defeated Dolph Ziggler (w/Vickie Guerrero) to retain the United States Title. By far the best match so far. These two work well together. There was a fun ending of the match. Ziggler got the pin, but Ryder's leg is under the ropes. The match was restarted and Ryder hits finisher for the win. Ryder is way over with the crowd.  

7. John Cena beat Kane by DQ. Kane dominated the match and went for a chair and hit him in the back. A slow match, but Kane's build as a monster heel seems to be working. Cena got almost no offense and put over Kane's power. A good match that ended with a chokeslam to hell. Post match, Kane went back for more and was given the AA.

8. C.M. Punk beat The Miz in a cage match to retain the WWE Championship. A great last match and way to end the night. The guys kept great pace and it went back and forth really well. Punk is finding his grove with the belt. Great match and best of the night.