-- 2/22 WWE Raw Reax

Allen Sale of Natchez Miss., Executive Producer (6.0): Best: Overall WrestleMania 26 build up. Worst: Overkill of NXT cut ins/ads. Start the show off with an immediate decision on which title to go for, stir in one vengeful fan favorite, sprinkle in two gloating personas, and you have an opening segment that was too crowded. (Perhaps a little more time could have been given for the six-man tag, for example.) As a writer of audio drama, I still look for what the storyline writers do in a professional wrestling conflict. Michaels-Taker was a predictable segment. A wrestler's career being equated with his soul might sound cool for the younger viewers, but for me, it sounded stupid. Now, if there would be a casket involved in this rematch, Taker's "soul" line would have me more intrigued. I am mixed in the sense that I want to see this match in particular, but the result seems like the writing is on the wall already. I like the fact that Orton is finally getting a face turn. What distracted me throughout the night was the constant barrage of NXT. Yes, it is a big deal. But if it *is* such a big deal, why has WWE decided to wait until now (and the previous two-to-three weeks) to try to gain interest? It took away from the in-ring product as well as clashed with the WrestleMania build up. Add to this the fact that tag and women's titles seem pointless, and you have yourselves a reason why TNA moving to Mondays is a good thing.

Richard H. of Wilmington, Ohio (4.0): For a follow-up to a PPV and setup for WM26, I found it disappointing overall. The rating was due strictly to the Edge-Jericho and Taker-HBK confrontations. And look how short they were! Not a single match stood out to me and the guest host nonsense needs to be fixed or scrapped altogether. While not as painful as the Springer skit, bullriding divas was almost as bad and to quote Singh from last week: " a big waste of time." Filler like this is just asking fans to switch over and check out TNA. Lastly, the Batista beat downs are getting repetitious and predictable. Cena's WM26 match is going to have to be some kind of gimmick match to sync up with the spin Vinny Mac is putting on it. It seems that he doesn't trust Batista to put on a watchable match. The pickup of Christian and Yoshi Tatsu looks promising and provides new blood to a stale product. The "injuries" to Triple H and Sheamus seemed to fit in with the actions by the grapplers from their Chamber match Sunday. Raw needs to fix itself before it starts being the pumping point for an untried and untested concept like NXT. Here's hoping they make it work.

Keith Wiltse of Chanute, Ks. (8.0): Best Match: The one we did not see. Worst Match: Maryse vs. Gail Kim. Raw had almost everything it needed this night. The opening segment with Chris Jericho had me rolling on the floor laughing with hysterics. That guy is just too good. I remember one Backlash PPV in the late '90s in Kansas City (not that one) where Chris Jericho came to the ring and talked for 20 minutes to take up some time for a delay backstage. I thought: this guy has phenomenal mic skills. Last night, although brief, but hilarious, proved this point all the more. Edge could have done a better job accepting, but I'm sure they are waiting until Smackdown to elaborate on the storyline. The highest moment for me was Taker-HBK. I have figured this would be Shawn's final year. And what better way to go out than dropping to Taker at WrestleMania. Undertaker saying, "This year you put something on the line," and Shawn replying that he has no career if he cannot beat The Deadman at The Grandaddy of 'em all was perfect. Sorry, Ric, had to use it. McMahon's explanation for using Batista was good. Batista did a great job of being quiet about it, letting his rage speak for him. John Cena also sold the beat down tremendously. The low point, of course, was the Divas grinding on the Mechanical Bull. Kelly Kelly, who is carrying child, should know better to be on that thing in her condition. Big Show did a great job sparing that moment and The Miz is doing so much better on the mic; he is going to be great someday. Lastly, WWE seems to be going through with Hitman vs. McMahon. Vinnie Mac inviting Bret back next week and saying he would send an ambulance and provide a wheelchair for him was kinda funny. All in all, a great Raw.

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.

[Torch art credit Grant Gould (c) PWTorch.com]

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