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Eric Gall of Bridgeport, Conn. (7.0): Best Match: Chris Jericho's opening promo. Worst Match: Santino-Snitsky. First off, a quick message to Titan Tower: Kevin Dunn, this isn't Hollywood; this isn't a comic book; in wrestling, a champion ALWAYS comes out last. Just like Keller's disdain for the "invisible backstage cameraman," I've always hated inappropriate use of ring entrances, and Batista should not have come out second, even though that "would get a bigger pop." Despite what some in WWE management may think, its fans are not easily programmed Pavlovian dogs - at least, I hope not. Jericho pointing out his match with Michaels was unsanctioned was a nice counterpoint to those saying Shawn would have been a better choice to replace Punk last night. Boy, Candice looked hot tonight. Jamie Noble is still a heel, right? His Scrappy Doo role is ripe for a face turn. Let's hope they play this storyline right, because it has potential to boost him to the next level. I like Charlie Haas's impersonator gimmick, but I think he should be "Bloodshot Eyes" Charlie Haas, like he was one week a few years ago - that would be money! I guess it was DiBiase's turn to get slapped, but I think it would be funnier if Randy Orton just keeps slapping Cody every week. It's interesting how vintage NWA footage is now referred to as "WWE programming." I wonder if they call the old stuff "sports entertainment," too. In all, Raw is infinitely more watchable now than it has been most of the year. Simply placing the right people in the right spots can do wonders for a show.
Mike Carrier of Anchorage, Alaska (8.0): Best Match: Bourne & Mysterio vs. Miz & Morrison. Worst Match: Mickie James vs. Beth Pheonix. All I can say is, Chris Jericho is a serious champion. He owns the mic and gets a reaction from the crowd like no other. He is going to put people in their seats easily, filled with people who want to see Jericho's butt get whopped! I am still a fan of C.M. Punk, but think he needs more time to develop, both with personality, and physicality in the ring. With him not legitimately losing the title, the steel cage match with Jericho next week looks like a way for Punk to prove himself once again. I am liking where this is going. Though I don't like the so called "talent exchange program" between the brands, I was pleasantly surprised to see my four favorite wrestlers in the ring tonight with Miz & Morrison taking on Mysterio & Evan Borne. Evan Bourne is absolutely SICK, and he is winning over fans VERY rapidly. The chemistry in the ring between all four superstars was second to NONE. They put on a show like no other tonight and have given fans reason to perhaps vote this as a match of the year candidate. I think what really impressed me is the progressions of the various storylines, and there seem to be a lot of things going on right now. Finally, intriguing stories that are slow moving and leave you wondering what is going to happen next. I for one am anxious to see what happens next week. The only downside to the whole night? Batista. I still think he is a VERY weak looking wrestler; notice the fans were pretty silent when he threw punches or did other "non power" moves? That's because he lacks the ability to make anything look believable besides his power moves. I'm not impressed with Dave Batista; his physicality is lost somewhere.
Nick Haynes of Windsor, Mo. (6.5): Best Match: The Santino promo and... Worst Match: None, really. Why? Because there was nothing to write home about, but there was nothing to boo the performers out of the ring on. Santino Marella continues to crack me up on a weekly basis. I'm trying to figure out how long it will last before the "Honky-Donky Man" interferes in a match and costs Santino the title. The continuous burial of C.M. Punk continued, with Kelly Kelly pleading with GM Mike Adamle because she "feels sorry for him." Great, a weak in-ring competitor in the women's division shows pity for the former World Heavyweight Champion. C.H.L. was actually the first Haas character that I kind of laughed along with. Michael Cole has been getting better, but he made the same mistakes he usually makes. For example, two commercials into the show, we're informed that there's no way Jericho can win because he's facing Batista coming off of last night. Okay, there goes Batista into the loss column. Also, I'm kind of starting to get tired of Batista, since he's following the same formula week in and week out (either in a match or post-match): He gets double or triple teamed, they stomp on him for a while, he turns it around, grabs the ropes and stomps around for a bit, hits a spear, hits a spinebuster, and hits the Batista Bomb. He walks back looking like Bill Goldberg (if Goldberg knew how to work a little bit more), and two or three heels lie in the ring having been dominated by someone they had given a multi-person beating to. Is Batista the only person who doesn't need someone to run in to save him occasionally? Overall, not bad, especially coming off of a PPV, but it felt kind of dialed in.
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