-- 9/28 WWE Raw Reax

John of Cocoa Beach, Fla., Writer (4.5): Best match: Jerishow vs. MVP & Mark Henry. Worst match: Al Sharpton as a guest host. WWE wants you to watch the Steelers and Chargers this Sunday night instead of the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view. Is this their counter to the annual TNA all-cage-match pay-per-view? You really have to wonder if someone in the 'Gorilla Position' monitors Monday Night Football to see when Raw should or shouldn't go to a commercial break. You don't want to lose fans when MNF has a great play. The opening by Reverend Al Sharpton seemed like a forced PSA with both heels and faces breaking character. Then Jericho and Show returned to the heel persona when they have to wrestle. Looks like WWE has done away with the concept to offer a tease to purchase a PPV on the show before the PPV. A surprise appearance by a star, the old reliable "mystery partner," as was done in the territory days, or a special "guest official." What also sells someone on buying a PPV is when a babyface champ gets 'injured' right before the show by the heels. Can the good guy win? ... Looking at Mark Henry's wrestling gear, is he subtly promoting the WSM radio station? If I'm Evan Bourne, I want a ticket back to ECW. Jack Swagger is the next best heel, but he could use a manager. How about Dusty Rhodes? You can have 'stereo lisping.' I predict a return from Maryse to help Alicia Fox win the Women's Title from Mickie James. Mickie is super over with or without a belt; a title could help make Alicia into a Michelle McCool like bitch-heel. Justin Roberts did a great job ring announcing, but I'll miss his "THEEE UNDERRRRRRRR- TAKKKERR!! if he's leaving Smackdown permanently. From seeing DX last night, is there a Wendy's, Burger King, or McDonalds available for Shawn and Hunter to work at? Let's hope next Monday that Big Ben doesn't wrestle or flirt with the Bellas.

Terrie Neilson of Las Vegas, Nev. (8.0): Best: DX-Legacy promo; Swagger vs. Bourne (and after). Worst: Mickie vs. Rosa. I came into this show expecting a complete disaster considering the guest host choice. While much of the show was "been there, seen that," this was a decent go-home show. For such a controversial figure as Sharpton is, he didn't appear so here. It was good that his infamy in politics was acknowledged; once it was then the crowd got past that and didn't let that interfere. It was also good that it was acknowledged that MVP/Henry had already had a title opportunity. But they were getting another one fitting of guest host Sharpton and his reason for being there (his education platform and positive change). I actually wished that Sharpton was involved more than he was; unlike many of the previous guest hosts, he was handled smartly. Rosa has no business being in the ring. Mickie-Alicia might actually turn out okay, but this last piece of build was not very good. I almost added MVP/Henry vs. Jericho/Show to my best choices but MVP and Jericho just looked awkward together for some reason. Too many spots between them came across uncoordinated. The DX-Legacy promo had a lot going for it. There was the nice transition of moving from feud taking place in all parts of the building to the confines of the Cell. There was also Legacy backing off when DX made a front toward them. Biggest setback to the whole thing was Triple H trying to get around saying "asshole" when something else could have been put there. With no one really getting hands on the other team, barring whatever on Smackdown, nothing obvious is being given away finish wise. I do see a DX win (Shawn getting the pin/submission to get symbolic retribution for taking the loss at Breaking Point). Swagger-Bourne was again entirely too short, but what a sweet match it was. The moves flowed very smoothly during the match and Swagger showing strength to seemingly dead-lift Bourne to powerbomb him was impressive. Sadly, Bourne takes another loss and he's starting to be presented as a jobber. And logic finds its way back to full circle with Kofi getting his belt back in time for the PPV (unless it's stolen again at a house show). Chavo-Horny took what had to be the most surreal turn in the storyline with Chavo decking Masters. Surely, we're not going to see a Chavo-Masters feud over the issue of who has more rights to fight Hornswoggle, are we? The gauntlet match served its purpose of putting Cena behind the eight ball going into the PPV. That is, until Orton stepped out. Cena then no-sold everything that Jericho and Big Show had done to him (which was consistently telling the story of injuring Cena's back). He climbs up the Cell without much trouble (andthere was nothing to suggest that Sharpton gave him an out to use the cell in the gauntlet match). He FUs Orton and flashes his in-ring pose without much trouble. Cena technically wins the gauntlet with the first two DQ decisions, but what was the third? Complicating any predictions for that match is more often than not "last chance" matches are usually won. But Cena just won the title, and I wouldn't expect him to drop it back this soon. I just hope that this match isn't an overbooked cluster like their Summerslam match was.

We welcome your 0-10 score and comments on this show for a "WWE 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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