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Before we start with a closer look at Raw, I want to offer a thanks and congratulations to Bradd (the extra "D" stands for "details"). He wrote last week with a correction about the amount of hours of Raw during the 800 episodes. I referred to 1,600 hours, incorrectly remembering 800 shows multiplied by two hours each. Bradd corrected me, reminding me that it wasn't always an hour long and estimated that it was closer to 1,400 hours. Taking into account special 3-hour episodes, the correct answer is probably somewhere in the middle. Regardless, thanks for taking the time to write. My excuse? I didn't know there would be any math on the test. Where is Dean Douglas when I need him?

Gus shall lead us

We start with our first candidate for sign of the week. Just over Batista's shoulder during his ring introductions is a sign that says "Urine Check Please". It's no surprise that we do not see that particular sign again during the evening. Other signs we do see? Several versions of "Fire Coach Childress". With Scott Linehan out in St. Louis and Lane Kiffen likely getting the boot in Oakland, could Childress be the third?

Manimal on DVD-Director's Cut

Santino Marella gave us plenty to discuss this week. First, when he calls Batista "Manimal", it's not simply one of his mistakes. "Manimal" was a show on NBC that featured a shape-shifting man who can turn himself into an animal. He's a man, he's an animal, he's a manimal. Oh, and he used that power to fight crime. As most of us would have done. 8 episodes aired. No, it did not win an Emmy.

I just don't have as many math brain cells

The human brain contains roughly 100 billion neurons, linked with approximately 10,000 connections each. Santino is on the right track. I could not find any information about manimals, although according to Marella's research, it is a much smaller number.

Frankie goes to Santino-wood

When Santino was backstage talking on the phone and he quickly tried to cover up and obvious call with a female, he used the name "Frankie". Take your pick, Frank Williams, lovable loser from the 80's WWF. Frankie, Koko B. Ware's feathered friend. Since we're in Minnesota, I'll take Frank Viola, just for some playoff mojo.

Marty Jannety is on line 2

Shawn Michaels obviously wasn't trying too hard to fool us with his possible tag team partner selections, but just in case you missed one, the Real American was referring to Hulk Hogan. The Texas Rattlesnake is Steve Austin and "The best there is..." is Bret Hart. Another reason why this segment was important is that many people feel the Michaels/Chris Jericho program is stalling and this is an example. When Michaels and Jericho were serious in their interviews, that intensity added to the program. Lately, Michaels is bringing more of the "Heartbreak Kid" smugness back to the air. His interview lacked the same fire and intensity as he seemed to have a different goal with the segment.

Thank you Michael

Michael Cole doesn't get much credit and it's usually obvious why, but this week he did a nice job of referring to The Miz and John Morrison actually facing each other last week on ECW. All of the shows plug one another, but this was a small, but solid way to remind viewers of what they may have missed last week and it planted a seed of doubt about the outcome of their match. They were a bit drained from facing each other just a few days ago and it gave an air of realism to the proceedings.

Unconfirmed proof that the WWE reads my column

Two weeks ago, I mistakenly identified the wrestler now known as Dolph Ziegler. Obviously, I wasn't the only one who missed his name the first time. Backstage, when he introduced himself to Jamie Noble and Jillian Hall, he was forced to repeat himself. Ha! I wasn't the only one. To be fair, his moments are short and he's not even on the Raw Superstars page of the WWE website. Hardcore Holly is still listed as is Chuck Palumbo and even Ron Simmons.

Damn.

Vote early and vote often

Another sign in the stands proclaimed "Jericho for President". Many people might think that would be impossible as Jericho is Canadian. Although he's proud of his Canadian roots, Jericho was actually born in New York. He was raised in Winnipeg and is the son of Ted Irvine, a former NHL player. For the record, Jericho has dual citizenship with Canada and the U.S.

Mrs. JBL

When JBL announced that his wife is one of the most powerful women in the world, he wasn't just being his normal, bragging self. He is married to Meredith Whitney, a managing director of Oppenheimer & Co., where she analyzes stocks. He was probably being very truthful when he said that it hasn't been a good week. It hasn't been a good week for many of us.

DX

I have a friend who has a 4-year old. He learned a joke, so he was excited to share it with me. I laughed, so he wanted to share it again. I laughed again, not nearly as hard as the first time, but enough that he shared it again. And again. And again. Each time diminished the effectiveness of the joke until he became painful to hear it and I wanted to do anything possible to NOT hear it again. Oh...DX reunited again.

Thank you for all of your comments, please continue to send e-mails to GLStevens.Torch@gmail.com and I encourage you to go Under The Microscope with me each week. Also, check out Michael, Curtis and John as they put ECW, TNA and Smackdown Under The Microscope.

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