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WWE Raw Reax #4: "It's not funny, it's actually pretty sad that's all the WWE writers can come up with. Is this the circus?" Jan 15, 2008 - 8:08:22 PM
Russell Jaffe of Chicago, Ill. (8.0): Best Match: HBK vs. Murdoch. Worst Match: Take your pick. Okay, it wasn't a great night for in ring wrestling, but it was a mostly enjoyable, exciting Raw. Flair's "push" doesn't seem like too much of a push since he still cheats to win or gets a default win by DQ. It's more like waiting to see who can prevent themselves from getting DQ'd and retire Flair. Still, the heat on most of the wrestlers was awesome, and the midget battle royal was actually funny. Maybe because it was a parody of their own stars rather than just telling the audience to laugh at the midgets because they are small. And the main event bump. Come on, previous reaxers. It's pro wrestling. It's a huge spectacle. Was it dangerous? Yeah! But I will bet anything that Hardy probably really wanted to take that bump and that it was his idea. And that wooden thing is totally padded. Have we gotten to the point where any sick bump, or any controversial move, for that matter, can be deconstructed and complained about? It was cool and Hardy is really fresh and over, and it makes the whole show seem interesting. Great reactions to HBK, Kennedy, JBL, Hardy, Orton, Flair, and Finlay made me feel like WWE is moving into a new upper tier comprised of legends and up and comers, and I think for that reason Raw was a great pro wrestling show to watch. But no Santino.
Matt Guerra of Bayonne N.J. (4.0): This show only got a 4.0 because of the last match. Up until Hardy and Orton gave me a reason to care, this Raw was one of the worst shows I have seen in years. From the comical throwing of a sledgehammer through a fake TV screen, to the long-winded fireworks for JBL; this show was bad. JBL has "X-Pac" heat. Enough with the small people, enough already. It's not funny, it's actually pretty sad that's all the WWE writers can come up with. Is this the circus? At least they gave you the tidbit of the "deal" Finley and McMahon have. That peaked my interest a little. I think I blinked and missed the Flair-Regal match it was so short.
Matt Allen of Brisbane Australia (7.0): Best Match: Hardy. Not Orton vs. Hardy, Just Jeff, he's that good. Worst Match: Mini Rumble. Raw hasn't even aired in Australia yet. I got home to read the results and I couldn't wait for tomorrow, so I went and watched it. This show was shocking for a few reasons. Jeff Hardy getting mic time: WWE is really getting behind his push now. Hunter ripping the entranceway screen was lame because we all know it wouldn't have exploded. Nice to see Hunter get angry again, though. Michaels vs. Murdoch was pretty average, but a submission hold actually winning a match? Is my dream of submissions returning finally coming true. And, of course, padding or not, Jeff is one crazy man. The V1 sign at the end was a great ending. Welcome to the main event, kid.
We welcome your 1-10 score and comments on this show for a "Raw Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. Just to add a twist to this feature, include not just your hometown, but also your occupation (mechanic, lawyer, stay-at-home-dad, college student, etc.) so readers get a flavor for what everyone does as "day jobs." To contribute your thoughts on Raw, click here.
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