-- 4/12 WWE Raw Reax

Henry Jenkins of Seattle, Wash. (8.0): Best: The Miz-David Hart Smith. Worst: Baywatch match. Tonight's Raw was once again built around rising stars. I loved it. The Miz is obviously working his butt off to improve and earn a top spot and his comments about the Hart Foundation and the British Bulldogs had me howling. This is also the first time I have ever noticed David Hart Smith showing the potential to be as good as his dad was at times in his career. ... Batista's comment that David Otunga resembled a 'young him' was true! I could feel Batista's frustration when Otunga tapped out, but it only made the resemblance stronger. Their partnership is a fantastic way to elevate Otunga and keep the main event story fresh. ... Kofi Kingston and Sheamus used the contrast in styles to their mutual advantage in their match. Even though Kofi got destroyed again it was much more respectable than last week. David Hasselhoff embarrassed himself, but I get the feeling that's nothing new. I like how Eve tried to make a statement with that moonsault and fancy pins. I just don't think she has the polished talent to lead Divas storylines or PPV matches yet. I would have stuck with Maryse as champion.


Terrie Neilson of Las Vegas, Nev. (8.0): Best: Miz promo; Orton vs. Batista. Worst: Baywatch match. David did a mighty fine job as Guest GM (and yes, he was GM). He played up to the crowd nicely, but for once didn't give the suck up "I'm a WWE fan" statement. His booking of Orton vs. Swagger for the PPV wouldn't be the first PPV match booked by a guest host, so no trouble there. But the booking needs some backup on Smackdown: Teddy Long giving the okay (since Swagger apparently has), plus an explanation how Raw's Randy Orton is allowed a Smackdown title shot without foreshadowing a potential Draft move. It does tweak the PPV to now set up an apparent Edge-Jericho Falls Count Anywhere match in motion. Miz ruled in the ShoMiz-Harts segment. D.H. Smith winning would have been too easy a way to get the ShoMiz-Dynasty tag title match that will come. I'm curious how next week with Bret and Miz will work out, in a good way. Is it just me, or did David Otunga get a royal burial? And is it just me, or did John Cena use...WRESTLING moves? How often does Cena do old-school basic moves in any match? Sheamus-Kingston II was a much better match, with the right DQ to illustrate the shift to the PPV match. Hasselhoff s only weak spot as guest GM was the same weak spot with everyone - the comedy segment. Finally, for Cole and Lawler discussing Sheamus's title loss, he lost the WWE Title by being pinned! He was pinned in the Elimination Chamber match, thereby losing the WWE Title to whomever was the last eliminated. For this asinine exchange I ask, who wrote this crap?

Jimmy Eaton of Kissimmee, Fla., IT Technician (7.0): Best Match: Batista vs. Randy Orton. Worst Match: Divas Title match. Raw was far better than last week for me. Some of the things that blew my mind last week were not only explained, but improved upon. Seeing Swagger do a run-in at the end of the show helped him tremendously after last week's joke. While I feel we may see another quick title change, I think things are setting up for a Swagger clean win over Randy Orton. At least I hope so for his sake. Bret Hart was used well with the Hart Dynasty and I continue to be amused by The Miz. He's more entertaining than anyone else on Raw. Some of the mid-card matches I thoroughly enjoyed as well including Evan Bourne vs. Carlito, Miz vs. D.H. Smith, and Sheamus vs. Kofi Kingston. I like how Kofi got some mic time and Sheamus still looked strong in the end. I'll still bet money Kofi is heading to Smackdown, where he'll be much better off. As I wrap up the positive here I really can't say enough about how much I'm impressed with Sheamus. As a character, on the mic, and in the ring, he's just doing a great job, and continuing to work with Triple H won't hurt either. Some cons are the usual with Raw. The horrible, not-funny guest host buffoonery, pointless, insanely short women's matches, and match times in general. Seriously, who would have thought a four-to-five minute match on TV would be called long now? And Ted DiBiase, Jr.'s absence doesn't make much sense after his rant with the Million Dollar belt. Hopefully if he and Christian stay on Raw and he develops a "Fortunate Sons" group, it won't go the exact same way as Legacy. All in all, Raw was a fun show and an improvement over last week.

We welcome your 0-10 score and comments on these shows for a "TV 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 and Impact, click here.

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