Torch Feedback WWE Raw Reax #2: "I don't recall many other times wrestling mattered so little on a show - even a WWE program."
Jun 10, 2008 - 10:44:04 AM
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A.A. Norman of Tulsa, Okla. (10.0) Best Segment: Hardy vs. Triple H; Worst Segment: Idol sing-off. Not a perfect show, but was a good show in spite of any minor flaws it had. I know that money giveaways are a pathetic way to get people to tune in, but I'm sure it worked, because there's probably not a viewer out there who didn't register and was hoping for the phone call last night - and kept looking over to the phone every time a new money segment started. I must say, to the lady that wins $2, I saw that in the official rules and thought it was a joke... but there you go! Do what I would have done - get the check framed and get it in writing that when Vince McMahon gave away a million dollars, your cut was $2! Okay, enough on the sideshow that turned into the main interest after awhile... I thought all matches were solid and if people were tuning in for the first time in years, they would have enjoyed the in-ring action. The new WWE watching drinking game is "Every time Triple H puts himself over by getting the last word in promos or the last shot in a match, take a drink." This was once again the case in the john Cena backstage promo, so it is impressive that Triple H allowed for Jeff Hardy to get the last blow in of what will likely be a higher rated show than other recent shows. Kennedy continues to be a rising star and Santino segments are never to be missed, especially when you know he's going to lose in an embarrassing fashion. Very solid women's match, even if they're making Beth Phoenix look weaker than Santino. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the heel turn of Y2J. It's about time he "save us" from the fickle fans of WWE and their inability to boo longtime stars regardless of what they do in the ring. Way to call them on it, Y2J! Now, please turn this into something cool.
Ron M., therapist, Intercourse Pa. (5.0): Best Segment: Highlight Reel; Worst Segment: Million Dollar Snooze Fest. Mr. Kennedy and Paul Burchill put on a nice match and I am interested in this feud; but if I were writing this, I would have had Birchill painted as a more nasty and ruthless heel, play that out for awhile building tension before Kennedy tops him. They have Kennedy topping him repeatedly already, so I am hoping for something fresh here, but we know better than that, don't we? Mickie / Melina and Glam = snore. Cena and JBL = snore. Y2J and HBK in the Highlight Reel = I liked it, it was a little tired, but these performers are so top notch and I am interested to see where this goes. Umaga and Snitsky as a team? Ummm, okay, why not? Ted DiBiase Jr. and his partner winning the tag titles at Night of Champions... Anything is better than Rhodes and Holly. Cryme Tyme = m'eh, more sad to see Santino wasted on this, and Carlito needs to go to TNA and be done with it; he is just going through the motions at this point. Jeff Hardy's win was a good showing from him in a waste of a match. What does it say when the budding talent is used as a sideshow and afterthought to boost the same match up that we have been seeing for months?
Matt of Phoenix, Ariz. (10.0): Best: McMahon getting Rickrolled. Worst: Everything else. Historic moment in television history indeed!
John Dupont of Baton Rouge, La.: (3.0) Best Match: Triple H vs. Jeff Hardy; Worst Match: Paul Burchill vs. Mr. Kennedy. It's not that wrestling mattered much on this show. It was all about the cash giveaway, and wrestling spots just filled time between givaways. I fear that next wrestlers losing their matches will receive consolation prizes, like a supply of Rice-a-Roni or Samsonite luggage. Maybe Vince should hire Don Pardo. Frankly, he should try giving Green Stamps at house shows to boost attendance. As for the wrestling, the Kennedy-Burchill almost followed the same line as the Cade-Murdoch quickie from last week. The Kennedy quick pin killed any chance of building up Burchill or a decent program. The ladies match was not bad until Melina got involved, making Mickie - the champ, by the way - seem weak and inconsequential. JBL vs. Cena was decent, and the main event was passable. My favorite portion of the show was probably The Highlight Reel, which I'm hoping will lead to a strong program for Y2J and HBK. Both are badly in need of a good program. I think the main reason I've scored this edition so low was that I don't recall many other times wrestling mattered so little on a show - even a WWE program.
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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