-- 2/1 WWE Raw Reax

Justin James of Columbia, S.C., IT professional/author (8.0): Best Match: Triple H-Swagger. Worst Match: Henry-DiBiase. I was really looking forward to Raw tonight, and while I didn't get everything I wanted, I liked what I got. Shatner was an awful host, but his role was so limited that he didn't impact the show much. The opening segment was good, and it got some much-needed heat on Sheamus. Edge looked a little weak in the leg leaving the ring, though. The E. Chamber qualifying matches were generally good, but there were some real inequalities. Cena and Triple H faced mid-carders, but Shawn Michaels had to go against Randy Orton (and vice versa)? DiBiase against Henry was a typical, boring Mark Henry match, but it was good to see Ted get the win and start to flirt with the main event. I hated the end of Kingston-Big Show, even though the match itself wasn't terrible. I liked that Jack Swagger made Triple H deliver a different match from the usual Hunter formula (just like he has done with John Cena in the past). The Legacy situation is interesting, and it looks like the final break-up is slated for Elimination Chamber. I was very disappointed with the addition of Miz/Big Show to the Tag Title scenario. What did they do to deserve it? Play best friends with Josh Heder? The Straight Edge Society was owed a straight title shot after winning a qualifying match. It just completely devalues the idea of a #1 contender for a title. C.M. Punk should have been pitching a fit about the idea, not agreeing to it. Plus, a SES win over DX would have elevated them, even if it was due to outside interference (probably from Serena). I didn't like the ending segment much at all, but the participation by Batista was a real surprise to me; I had Hunter pegged for the role, or perhaps HBK (to get Vince to give him the match with Taker). Between the Rumble and tonight's Raw, I feel like the next few months of Raw will not be bad at all.

Terrie Neilson of Las Vegas, Nev.: Best: Michaels throughout the night. Worst: Cena vs. Rhodes. Well, I have to say that this was a nice outgoing show from the Rumble. Christian the ECW champion getting completely ignored in Edge's choices seems like a slap, but it could be part of the story (one can hope). The idea of Edge taking the "smart way" and waiting until after The Elimination Chamber PPV would make the build worth his return. "Except for Edge..." being constantly repeated keeps giving me the impression that while the Rumble win may be his, the title shot may not be, though. Short list of Edge challengers down the road to make it interesting: Jericho, Michaels, Punk, and Rhodes. Cena-Rhodes was nearly pointless except to put John Cena into the Chamber. At least Jack Swagger had something of a chance to look good against Triple H. Ted and Kofi winning were surprises since WWE seems to like to put big guys in the giant cage for "crush 'em" moments. I'm not sure I like the way Big Show lost unless it comes back to Jericho somehow. The lack of follow-up didn't help. Finally, the feeling of tension between Legacy seems to be sticking. Two straight days of waiting for the back-off and nothing happened, so it's on. Meanwhile, Gail and Maryse agreed to show Smackdown ladies they're more mature, then they got no air time to prove it. Wow. ... Michaels-Orton was a 50-50 spilt on possibilities. Catching a schoolboy on Shawn off the kip-up was a pretty cool match finish. Long before the whole Michaels-Taker II storyline had its first words uttered on TV, I've wondered aloud how Shawn's retirement storyline would go. I'm pretty much seeing it flash in front of my eyes. His obsession with Undertaker is more pronounced than the place Shawn would be at in my thinking. Still, he would hit a wall/rut that would shake his self-confidence to the point of vowing to "figure it out" by WrestleMania or hang up his boots regardless of his opponent Mania night. The only thing that could derail my thought at the moment: the fact that he has tangled with the three remaining members of Evolution (Hunter, Orton, and Batista), and all three are ripe for a reunion. ... Bret's return did what it was supposed to do in terms of the whole Vince McMahon feud. Batista getting involved will hopefully be explained on Smackdown.

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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