James Caldwell, Torch Assistant Editor (6.0)

I know why we didn't receive as many reactions to Monday's show following the PPV. For one, people were watching Monday Night Football. Two, it was just a mild show in terms of the reaction it generated. It wasn't a horrible show like a few weeks ago. It wasn't a great show like WWE is capable of hitting on all cylinders. Lukewarm just doesn't generate a hot or cold reaction.

One of the key figures from this show was Batista, who typically generates a lukewarm response. He's got that superstar look and he's capable of contributing when surrounded by other stars, but there just isn't that "I can't wait to see him on TV" vibe to his character. It's just...well, Batista.

What stood out the most on the show was Ted DiBiase being given a lot of offense against Shawn Michaels in their singles match. Michaels was willing to give up a tremendous amount of credibility in the ring to make DiBiase look good. It would have been nice for DX to actually acknowledge the victory by DiBiase and Rhodes at the PPV on Sunday, but at least they didn't laugh off Legacy's pre-match promo and Michaels didn't squash DiBiase in eight seconds. The post-match brawl was well done, but they needed follow-up. Something cool would have been their brawl disappearing, then suddenly re-appearing in the middle of the six-person tag match because it couldn't be contained anywhere in the building to turn it into a ten-person chaotic scene. That would have been memorable.

John Cena's promo backstage was memorable and effective. He's hit his stride without resorting to the poopy jokes and other silliness. Very strong performances from Cena on the mic lately. ... U.S. Title picture is sad. Miz takes the belt and Kofi apparently went back to the hotel without a peep. Again, needed follow-up. They were only given three minutes in the ring and WWE didn't do anything to make Miz's heist seem like a big deal. Apparently just another basic, bland Raw mid-card storyline.

Bruce Mitchell, Torch Senior Columnist (6.0)

Trish Stratus had a decent night as Raw guest host. She was treated for the most part with respect and looked just fine in the ring. The Legacy didn't just give their win immediately back to DX, but Triple H and Shawn Michaels need to put them over on the mic too. Batista's story in out-smarting and getting Randy Orton in the ring for revenge was basic good story-telling but his early return from rehabbing his injury is a foolish risk.

Greg Parks, PWTorch.com Contributor (5.5)

Eh. This Raw was OK, but I was expecting they'd do a little more with Trish Stratus. I think she had only one backstage segment. You knew they'd find a way to get her back in the ring, but a mixed tag match with Beth Phoenix on the other side has been done before. Lilian's only got one week to go, and it sounds like she's checked out, announcing the women's match as a triple-threat. Match was fine, and Alicia has certainly gotten better. Can't help but think that Gail's title opportunity could've been stretched out a bit.

The "we're officially mid-card" tag re-match from Superstars was fine, but you don't get the sense that a win for any of these guys means anything right now. Michaels vs. DiBiase was very good, and it was nice to see the DQ ending, rather than have Michaels get his win back here, as I'm sure most would've predicted. Hopefully, we've seen the end of Hornswoggle vs. Chavo with Guerrero giving up last night, but somehow I doubt that.

Batista vs. Orton was smart in the sense that Orton constantly trying to get a weapon gave Batista time to catch his breath, since it is his first match back; plus, it fit Orton's M.O. I hope not too much damage is done losing two nights in a row in two very high-profile matches. Batista on Smackdown provides some interesting match-ups, although it wasn't made clear just HOW he was able to jump to Smackdown. Details....

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