Kevin Wang, Torch VIP of Dallas, Tex. (7.5): Best Match: Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase (Jr.) vs. Kofi Kingston & C.M. Punk. Worst Match: Jillian & Layla & Katie Lea vs. Kelly Kelly & Candice Michelle & Mickie James. I really enjoyed how certain parts of this episode played out, much more than last week's show. For the most part, the wrestlers superstars performers entertainers men idiots (thanks, Mr. Mitchell) did their part well and put on a show with passion. The World Tag Team Title match was a solid regular match until the finish, which was excellently booked and flawlessly executed. Now I hope that we'll get to see all of Team Priceless in some 6-man squash matches to build them back up. My pick for the best part of the Santino vs. Haas non-match is a toss-up between Santino's everything, Hass's spot on homage to Beth Phoenix, and Goldust's line about hating cross-dressers. I almost made Mysterio vs. Bourne the best match, but a bit of sloppiness detracted, as does the fact that these two have no issue with one another. Good start with both guys exchanging moves without striking each other at first. All in all a good, solid show that delivered enough and didn't seem to hold anything back even with next week's three-hour extravaganza. (When's the last time Vince used that word; is it banned, too?)

A.A. Norman of Tulsa, Okla. Best match: Bourne vs. Mysterio. Worst match: Santinopalooza. I never thought it'd happen, but the Santino act finally felt tired and old this week, possibly from the inclusion of the former wrestlers, but probably from the inclusion of Haas, which should have been better than it was. Skipping right to the best match, Rey Mysterio deserves all the cheers and adoration he receives from the crowd because unlike some experienced wrestlers (wHHHo could I be referring to?), he seems genuinely interested in helping younger talent, not to mention interacting with fans. It was a great match, and if the WWE agrees that the weekly Santino charade has gone on long enough, let Rey be IC champion and have him and Bourne fight for it. The tag team bout was a great showcase of newer talent, so I have hope for the future direction of WWE. But, it amuses me that one champion seemingly got punished for declining ratings on one show, while the cHHHampion on the other show just keeps getting pushed like ratings aren't permanently stuck in the 2.0's.

Patrick Michael of Rochester, N.Y. (6.0): Best match: Punk/Kingston vs. Priceless. Worst: Diva tag. Overall, a good show to follow up the PPV and hopefully start moving toward the Survivor Series PPV. The show really built around the younger workers and everything seemed to click. The company really needed to push the importance of the Heavyweight title and Jericho has come across very well making the title seem to mean something more than just a prop but really something that he has a emotional investment in. Randy Orton was also very strong in the opening but I wish he would have given a mention to TNA as a place to go. It would have given more of a reality to his comments as a frustrated employee of the company instead of just making generic statements about the other major promotion. Only gripe is they need to get Manu some form of personality because he adds nothing to the 2nd generation stable and looks like a lackey. He is a good worker and needs to be moved away from them or at least get rid of the played-out, bland Samoan gimmick.


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