-- 1/18 WWE Raw Reax

Jarel Barnes of Virginia Beach, Va. (3.0): Best: Opening segment with Undertaker. Worst Match: Tie between Divas and Mixed Tag Match w/Jon Heder. Honestly, Raw opened up a lot stronger than in recent weeks. The Undertaker's response to HBK's challenge was well done and executed very well. The only thing I can say that was wrong with this Shawn's DX fan-friendly attire in a "serious" storyline situation. Also, Vince McMahon was brilliant on the mic explaining to the crowd his feelings towards Bret and making it interesting and very compelling to the fans. Sadly, Raw went downhill from there. The guest hosts were horrible and Don Johnson isn't relevant to today's wrestling fan. Jon Heder was totally awkward and had zero sense of presence around the arena. Triple H said it best about no one caring about him. The mixed tag match made everyone involved look silly. Ric Flair is probably somewhere in Orlando pissed off about the robe gimmick. ... The Miz once again delivered in a strong promo. It's cool how I once detested this guy, but now I'm a fan of his work as a singles star. This may be an example of WWE force-feeding talent in hopes the fans eventually buy into him, but it will not work with Sheamus. The idea of him facing Orton is intriguing, and the attack on Orton was well done, but he lacks the charisma to build true heat at this time. ... The positive I have to say about this show is that I hope Carlito gets fired and gets a chance to go to TNA where he can be used as a legit talent. The guy has too much talent to look like Napoleon Dynamite in a "gag" skit.

Alex Mobley of Louisville, Ky. (7.0): Best Match: Cena/Kofi vs. Legacy. Worst Match: Hornswoggle main event. The HBK-Taker promo was done really well, as well as Vinny Mac's exchange with Taker. Jon Heder was excellent as a heel, but I'm so sick of Hornswoggle. One positive on the show was John Cena not getting all the glory in the tag match with Kofi against Legacy. My only real beef with tonight's show was the inconsistent storyline where a couple months ago leading to Survivor Series, Triple H and HBK had a shot at the WWE Title and were scripted not to care. Now, they have a chance to win a shot at the title and they're serious about it. Why do they care so much now? Overall, not a bad show, and I'm glad they're putting emphasis on the Rumble. The only question I have is, 'When will the Hitman show up again?'

Ryan of Chicago, Ill. (5.0): Best: Show open with Vince, Taker, and Michaels. Worst: Michael Cole. Raw featured a few interesting pieces of promise, but certainly not enough to make me feel that the ship is being righted. Vince's heel promo on Knoxville, Bret Hart, and fan hypocrisy was a compelling start. I also enjoyed his demeanor changing when Taker was circling him. Strong sell! Anyone notice McMahon say he "kicked Bret in the guts?" Guess those are located just to the left of "the nuts!?" Who knew? I don't know which Shawn Michaels I detest more at this point: over-acting serious, solemn Shawn, or the dumbfounded, brain-dead DX merch peddler. Mistrust within DX is the only thing that can possibly salvage Michaels's character right now. I'm hoping it sets up a long-overdue match between Hunter and Michaels at WrestleMania after Hunter tosses Shawn to cost him the Rumble and title shot with Taker. ... Sheamus vs. Evan Bourne - this is what the WWE champion is doing? That match should have been on Superstars. Are they even trying to give Sheamus cred? ... Most of the crowd had NO clue who Don Johnson was, which makes me wonder why they're bringing out guest hosts from the '80s on a show geared toward kids. Oh, and sweet leather bomber jacket on Show! It was straight from the glass case at the Hard Rock Cafe gift shop. ... I was kind of hoping Lawler's "Randy Savage" slip was Freudian and Savage was hanging in Heder's limo. Then again, I guess we'll never know. How did they leave that part unresolved? Was it The Miz? If so, that was some seriously piss-poor and nonexistent explanation of a tease that held great potential. What a kick to "the guts!" ... I am digging the build to the Rumble. Teasing that DX rift is enough to want to watch how it unfolds. I do fear they may be losing interest and momentum by teasing and delaying more with Bret Hart. Whatever DOES end up happening better be worth the wait. I was ultimately satisfied with Raw only because I've come to expect mediocrity.

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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