Torch Feedback WWE Raw Reax #2: Second batch of reader feedback on Hunter-Michaels dissension, Hart-McMahon storyline-stretching, Latest tease of a Legacy split
Feb 10, 2010 - 10:01:21 AM
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-- 2/8 WWE Raw Reax
Terrie Neilson of Las Vegas, Nev. (8.0): Best: Shawn Michaels; ShowMiz post-match promo. Worst: Gail vs. Jillian. This was a well-focused show and Carl Edwards was one of the better guest hosts in terms of being a guest GM booking matches. I liked the segment where it was debated whether he should book the Elimination Chamber-related matches or let next week's host, Jerry Springer, do it. I would like it just as much if Springer tweaks the matches so as not to give us Hunter-Cena again. The DX promo with the dissension over Shawn wanting to wrestle as Team DX for his WrestleMania "silver lining" while Triple H was focused on the WWE Title gave us a subtle tease of a potential heel turn, but for whom? It was also great in stark contrast to the MizShow promo where they set their sights on all the gold. The Legacy segments still feel like the same tease-but-not-tease as before, though a split seems more likely. With Ted, Sr. going to the Hall of Fame, the split may finally drive down the road. The only fault I saw in the triple-threat tag match - a major one at that - was Shawn visibly holding the pin in place (with still enough light to show he could have kicked out of the finish). ... This "will they or won't they?" game of Vince-Bret is running my patience a bit thin, but it needs this pace to peak at just the right moment. The Michaels downward spiral storyline is a tour de force in performance. But if Michaels-Taker II really is the end game, there's not much more space left before it's written into a corner. For all the noise about The Sequel, does anyone think HBK vs. Hunter at WrestleMania is the actual end game? I would. I was glad that both Shawn and Big Show have been fined on paper for recent referee abuse, as they should be. With this in mind, Shawn should not be seen on Raw Monday (or longer) to sell a suspension for attacking Teddy Long. We'll see if continuity reigns supreme next week. And, going with the storyline: if Shawn really thinks his career is over because he didn't end The Streak, why didn't he crash Edge's party on Smackdown? And could Michaels find another route that isn't shut off to him on WrestleMania night? WWE is being short-sighted that they probably think we won't pay attention to what's coming. But count your briefcases. I am.
Samantha of Washington, D.C. (8.0): Best Segments: HBK and Triple H backstage. Worst Match: Cena vs. DiBiase. This was a very good episode of Raw. Carl Edwards was a good host; he remembered everybody's names and he was mildly entertaining. I was glad to see DX drop the belts to ShowMiz. Seeing C.M. Punk on Raw was great, but I thought having the Subway guy was dumb. Yeah, I get that Subway is a sponsor, but it was still lame. Shawn Michaels is now the highlight of Monday nights, even if he isn't the WWE champion. I am anxious to see if he shows up on Smackdown in the coming weeks. Rhodes vs. Orton was very intriguing and it will be interesting to see what Rhodes does next. Cena vs. DiBiase was a letdown in the worst way. Could Ted have looked any weaker? The end segment was both good and bad. Vince and Bret were great, but it was pretty ironic for Cena to be accusing somebody of being all about the money. I do not feel that he or Botchtista have any place in this feud and they ultimately detract from it. Finally, that Ted DiBiase Sr. video was a real treat. He was one of the most entertaining guys ever and I am glad to see that he is being inducted into the Hall of Fame at last.
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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