On February 11, 2013, WWE Raw showcased a highly anticipated and thrilling showdown between two talented superstars—**Alberto Del Rio** and **Damien Sandow**. Both men were no strangers to the WWE ring, and each had unique skills that made them formidable opponents. Del Rio, known for his technical wrestling and aggression, faced off against Sandow, who was a master of mind games, boasting a combination of intellect, arrogance, and wrestling ability.
This match was set against the backdrop of fierce competition, with both competitors looking to prove themselves to the WWE Universe. Alberto Del Rio, a former WWE Champion, had all the tools to succeed, while Damien Sandow, known for his self-proclaimed “intellectual superiority,” aimed to assert his dominance in the ring. The stakes were high, and the intensity of their clash made for an unforgettable battle on one of WWE’s most-watched platforms.
In this article, we will break down the key moments of the match, analyze the fighting styles of both competitors, and examine the significance of this thrilling encounter for both men’s careers in WWE.
**Alberto Del Rio: The Mexican Aristocrat**
Alberto Del Rio, hailing from a prestigious wrestling family, quickly made a name for himself in WWE with his technical wrestling ability and charismatic arrogance. His persona as a Mexican aristocrat was designed to infuriate audiences, often boasting about his wealth, heritage, and skill. Del Rio’s in-ring style blended traditional Mexican lucha libre wrestling with technical precision, allowing him to outclass many of his opponents with ease.
Del Rio’s signature move, the **Cross Armbreaker**, was a dangerous submission that had forced many top superstars to tap out. His versatility in the ring, from striking to submission holds, made him a well-rounded competitor who could adapt to any challenge. Over the years, Del Rio had already proven himself to be a former WWE Champion, and his unmatched confidence often fueled his ability to dominate in the ring. However, after losing the title, Del Rio was on a mission to regain his place at the top of WWE.
In this showdown with Damien Sandow, Del Rio’s goal was simple: win and make a statement to WWE management and the fans. He knew a victory would not only boost his momentum but also serve as a reminder that he was still one of the top stars in the company.
**Damien Sandow: The Intellectual Savior of WWE**
Damien Sandow, often referred to as the “Intellectual Savior of WWE,” was a completely different type of competitor. Known for his eloquent speeches, arrogant attitude, and self-proclaimed superiority, Sandow’s persona was built around his intellectual prowess. He would often mock the WWE Universe, referring to them as unworthy of his presence.
Sandow’s wrestling style was grounded in his technical abilities, but what made him a unique threat was his psychological warfare. He would often taunt his opponents, play mind games, and use their frustration against them. Sandow’s strategy was to get into the heads of his opponents, making them second-guess their every move.
Despite his brash attitude, Sandow was an incredibly skilled wrestler with a variety of devastating moves in his arsenal. His finishing move, **The Terminus**, was a deadly neckbreaker that could incapacitate opponents in an instant. While Sandow lacked the physical dominance of other WWE superstars, his intelligence and ability to manipulate situations made him a dangerous competitor in the ring.
For Sandow, this match was an opportunity to showcase his wrestling skill and prove that he could outsmart even the most technically gifted superstars, including someone like Del Rio.
**The Match: A Clash of Styles**
The energy in the arena was electric as the bell rang to begin the match. From the outset, the contrast between the two competitors was obvious. Del Rio came out aggressive, using his technical wrestling style to control the pace of the match. He targeted Sandow’s limbs with precision, looking to weaken him for a possible Cross Armbreaker later in the match. Del Rio was methodical and focused, hoping to ground Sandow and capitalize on his superior wrestling ability.
Sandow, however, wasn’t going to back down easily. He quickly adapted to Del Rio’s style, using his own technical expertise and quick thinking to evade the Mexican superstar’s advances. Sandow used his agility and cunning to outsmart Del Rio at various points, taunting his opponent with his arrogance and trying to get inside his head. This psychological aspect was key to Sandow’s strategy, as he hoped to get Del Rio frustrated and make a mistake.
As the match progressed, it became clear that both men were determined to make a statement. Del Rio’s offense was punishing, as he executed a series of strikes and submission attempts. Sandow, however, responded with his own calculated strikes and power moves, looking to incapacitate Del Rio. The crowd was on their feet, cheering and jeering at the same time, as the two men fought tooth and nail for supremacy.
**The Turning Point: Sandow’s Mental Warfare**
As the match entered its later stages, Sandow’s mind games began to play a significant role. After taking a few heavy strikes from Del Rio, Sandow feigned injury, prompting the referee to check on him. This tactic bought Sandow some precious time and allowed him to regroup. When Del Rio approached, Sandow quickly caught him off guard with a surprise neckbreaker that left the WWE Universe stunned.
Sandow took control of the match, using his psychological edge to frustrate Del Rio. He taunted Del Rio, mocking his wrestling ability and boasting about his own intelligence. This strategy worked as Del Rio seemed to lose his focus momentarily, allowing Sandow to strike with devastating force. He followed up with his finishing maneuver, The Terminus, but Del Rio was able to kick out just before the three-count.
Sandow’s psychological tactics had the desired effect, but Del Rio’s resilience was on full display as he fought back from the brink of defeat. It became clear that neither competitor was willing to back down, and the match was approaching its boiling point.
**The Finish: Del Rio’s Resilience Prevails**
As the match reached its climax, both superstars were exhausted, battered, and bruised. Sandow attempted to go for another Terminus, but Del Rio countered, lifting Sandow into the air and executing a huge **Backbreaker**. The impact left Sandow struggling to recover, and Del Rio saw his opportunity.
With the crowd rallying behind him, Del Rio launched himself at Sandow, landing a series of stiff kicks and punches. Finally, Del Rio locked in the **Cross Armbreaker**. Sandow tried to fight it off, but the pain was too much, and he was forced to tap out. The referee signaled for the bell, and the match was over.
Del Rio stood victorious in the center of the ring, his hand raised in triumph as the crowd erupted in cheers. It was a hard-fought battle, but Del Rio’s resilience and technical skill had earned him the win over Damien Sandow.
**The Aftermath: What This Victory Means for Del Rio and Sandow**
For **Alberto Del Rio**, this victory was a much-needed boost to his momentum. After struggling to maintain his position in the upper ranks of WWE, Del Rio’s win over Damien Sandow proved that he still had what it takes to compete with the best. His submission skills and technical wrestling were on full display in this match, and the victory solidified his status as a top contender in WWE.
Del Rio’s win also helped reignite his rivalry with other top stars in WWE, setting the stage for future title opportunities. His dominance in the match showed that he could weather any storm, and he was prepared to challenge anyone who stood in his way.
For **Damien Sandow**, the loss was certainly disappointing. Despite his intelligent approach and psychological tactics, Sandow was unable to secure the victory. However, Sandow’s performance should not be seen as a failure. He showcased his wrestling ability and mental toughness, and while he didn’t win, his time in the spotlight was far from over. Sandow’s arrogance and intellect would continue to make him a dangerous opponent in future bouts, and this loss would only fuel his desire to prove himself in WWE.
**Conclusion: A Hard-Fought Battle for the Ages**
The match between **Alberto Del Rio** and **Damien Sandow** on February 11, 2013, was a thrilling and intense encounter that kept the WWE Universe on the edge of their seats. The contrasting styles of Del Rio’s technical wrestling and Sandow’s mental warfare made for an exciting spectacle. In the end, Del Rio’s resilience and submission skills prevailed, as he overcame Sandow’s psychological tricks and secured the victory.
This match not only showcased the talents of both competitors but also set the stage for future rivalries and storylines. Del Rio’s victory propelled him back into the spotlight, while Sandow’s performance continued to establish him as a force to be reckoned with in WWE.
The February 11, 2013 Raw episode will always be remembered for this explosive battle, and both Alberto Del Rio and Damien Sandow’s journeys in WWE continued to evolve, with this match being a pivotal moment in their careers.