-- WWE Raw Reax 1/25

Liam Renner of Baltimore, Md. (7.0): I thought this was one of the most focused PPV lead-in shows I've seen from WWE in a long time. Just about every segment hyped one of the matches, or the Rumble itself. I don't like that Dolph Ziggler is a total afterthought in a WWE Title match, but I liked the ending with him ruining the "big moment" for Punk. I'm not particularly excited for Kane vs. Cena, but I thought the build-up was good. Cena sold emotion better than he has in a long time, I thought. There also seems to be some sort of inner conflict over what he is facing. Perhaps he will start reacting differently, rather than laughing off the heel like WWE usually has him do.

Richard H. of Wilmington, Ohio (5.0): Best Match: Vickie's business associates vs. Team company. Worst Match: The overlong, over-the-top beat down of L'il Zak. Wait, can I pick the relative lack of push to the 25th Royal Rumble as the worst? I thought the show was only average, at best. It seemed to concentrate on side issues (Zak, Big Johnny's intentions, and Cena's mental state) and push the Rumble as a footnote. After watching Raw, I certainly felt no urge to buy this PPV. Miz and Truth also deserve some props for having a decent match with tangible consequences. Elsewhere, why Mahal is still being thrown under the Sheamus bus is beyond me. The Funk-a-saurus is entertaining and fun to watch - for now. His gimmick can get old quickly, just like Jericho's already has to me. With the exception of Ryder's "injury," there was not much I'd consider memorable about this episode of Raw.

Darren of Roseville, Calif., (TBD): I'm giving Raw a rating of TBD. It left me with several questions to ponder. What is the "end of the world as we know it" Royal Rumble by Jericho? Also, Miz as a #1 entrant leaves me to believe he will have a HBK-type run where he will be one of the four remaining wrestlers, or rather "entertainers" left in the ring. Will the "removal" of Laurinaitis leave Funkasauras returning as a monster heel? If Laurinaitis is removed, who will C.M. Punk feud with? There are several things TBD. I suppose that could be a good thing for WWE in that it may increase viewership and buys for the Royal Rumble PPV, as well as viewership for next week's Raw.

Joe Ward of Raleigh, N.C. (6.0): Best: Highlight Reel. Worst: Zack Ryder's "broken back." Overall, I say it was a good show with some interesting moments. I was enjoying the Kane-Ryder fight until they showed Cena trying to act concerned as he lay on the floor under the stage. Cena's face was comical. Eve was great, though... Punk vs. Laurinaitis is playing out nicely. I think WWE should play this up and have a veteran like Mick Foley or Arn Anderson actually educate the audience on Laurinaitis and explain that "Johnny Ace" was a legend in Japan and not to take him lightly. Maybe have him Google the Ace Crusher. I like Laurinaitis more and more each week... Cena-Kane, while compelling, is developing so slow that it seems like it's going to leave very little time to re-establish Cena-Rock before WrestleMania. I think WWE should play it out that Rock "employed" Kane and set the whole thing up to mess with Cena's head to prove to him that he's already beaten him before stepping foot in the ring. It would be because The Rock made Cena turn on the very fans that made him.

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 or email us at pwtorch@gmail.com.

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

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