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WWE Raw Reax #1: "I'm supposed to fawn over Mayweather because he gives out free cash and he's got spirit?"

Feb 26, 2008 - 7:12:07 AM
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Terrie Neilson of Las Vegas, Nev. (9.0): Best: Jericho vs. Hardy; Michaels-Flair promo. Worst: Umaga vs. D.H. Smith (default). A solid show from start to finish. WrestleMania build is in full swing, and the card is starting to take shape. MITB is full on the Raw side as far as I'm concerned. Quickly Jim Ross gets out of the way that Jeff Hardy loses nothing if he loses the match; that gave away the finish, but the match was still very good. The finish fit the story that Chris Jericho really had to work to get the job done. There were points of frustration, but instead of giving in to temptation and turning heel, Jericho just keep charging along. Also, Jericho is back to being Canadian again. He should stay that way as he has no New York (Manhasset) in him. Show-Mayweather was made important by injecting Shaq's input. More of those, including some by the rosters and they're on their way. Vince explained things well enough - that JBL was only supposed to keep Finlay at bay while Vince punished Hornswoggle - but then came what I saw a mile away: that Finlay is Horny's dad. JBL's playing manipulator to Vince (seemingly as face here) and saying that Finlay knew it all along kinda contradicts Finlay's supposed deal with Vince. Taken literally, it almost makes Vince just as knowledgeable about Horny's paternity as Finlay. I'm waiting for JBL's proof before I call this segment convoluted. The only thing I questioned about Shawn Michaels vs. Lance Cade was why wasn't it mentioned that Cade was one of Shawn's students? The match seemed randomly booked, though nicely executed. Poor Shawn's nose; just as it probably starting to heal, it gets nailed again. Michaels-Flair will play out a match of respect and honor; I very much like the idea myself. And there is a god: Shawn didn't turn. I wasn't expecting so, but there were more than a few times tonight where the faces were in positions with the door open to walk through and turn heel. The only one who seemed to go was Triple H, but he didn't do enough to convince me he went fully. The booing was less here than in other places, but Cena's return is still not being accepted. I'm almost beginning to wonder if the heat Cena is receiving is go-away heat.

Shane McKinley of Danville, Calif. (7.0): Best Match: Jericho vs. Hardy. Worst Match: Santino/Carlito vs. Holly/Rhodes. It's Triple H vs. Cena II, but the wildcard is Orton. I like the fact that I honestly have no idea who will win. Kennedy also got some momentum from his promo and match. The Raw tag team title picture is a joke right now. Mayweather pulls a Trump. I'm supposed to fawn over this guy because he gives out free cash and he's got spirit? He's still a outsider punk. I'm hoping that WWE doesn't lose too much in this deal and make Show look like a chump (meaning Mayweather doesn't get touched at all at their big match). I always will give high marks for when wrestlers reference history with each other. Simple but effective. Jericho vs. Hardy not only made the MIB a big deal, but they kept things fresh with counter-moves and such. Sometimes all you need is two good wrestlers and a simple premise for a big match instead of outside hoopla. This was the Jericho return match we have been waiting for. Now there is no clear definite face/heel in the Hornswoggle angle. The logic is feasible and it provides a out for everyone involved after Mania. At least they didn't mention the in-bad-taste "brain hemorage" and hopefully they'll realize they shouldn't go in that area. Quietly Umaga gets a push. Hunter vs. Umaga didn't quite catch on fire. Paul Burchill can be used as Regal's boy, with the lady playing Paul's sister. Oddly enough she's the most interesting (and wicked) diva in WWE now, and that's not saying very much. Cade & Murdoch back in the tag team division? Please? Flair-HBK bit.... effective and genuine gestures toward each other, and the fact that the respect issue is played up is refreshing. Phoneix Shaq was a nice touch. Don't get rid of Kennedy's "Mic Time" before the match.

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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