WWE Road to Wrestlemania 29: Triple H Puts Career On The Line Against Brock Lesnar

World Heavyweight Championship: Alberto del Rio (c) vs Jack Swagger

On Monday Night Raw Del Rio faced Cody Rhodes in a decent match, eventually taking the win with his cross armbreaker. After the match Jack Swagger appeared to cut short Del Rio's celebrations, beating him down until Ricardo Rodriguez intervened. Rodriguez was quickly tossed out the ring, but Del Rio tackled Swagger, leaving the Mexican free to confront Zeb Coulter, Swagger's fellow xenophobe. Swagger quickly recovered though, sending Del Rio into the steel steps and over the announce table. Note the slightly awkward USA chant that broke out as Swagger looked up at the Wrestlemania sign - did the Pittsburgh crowd just feel a sudden patriotic fervour, or were they in fact chanting for the Tea Party-esque politics of Swagger and Coulter? Swagger wasn't done there either, locking the Patriot Act ankle lock onto Rodriguez, with the ring announcer making Dolph Ziggler's selling abilities look understated to leave us in no doubt his ankle was totally broken, if not torn off all together. After the break, Rodriguez was stretchered out of the arena. On Smackdown, Swagger would pick up another win over Chris Jericho, after gloating about the damage he did to Rodriguez and Del Rio. No show from the World Heavyweight Champion though, meaning this week we had no WWE Champion on Raw and no World Heavyweight Champion on Smackdown. Go figure. This week at least made Swagger look strong, and gives the impression that he has Del Rio's number. Taking out Rodriguez is a smart way to both build up Swagger's ruthless streak and to give Del Rio a sense of vulnerability and character, key components if he is to get over fully as a face. The steady build for their match continues, and this should be a good curtain raiser or mid-show match. Prediction: Swagger looking strong this week, but still expect Del Rio to have his hand raised after the match at Wrestlemania.