-- WWE Raw Reax 1/30

Josh Parry of Kissimmee, Fla. (9.0): Best Match: Punk vs. Bryan. Worst Match: Divas, by default. While the Rumble PPV was decent, overall, I didn't find myself upset when it was finally over. However, I didn't want Raw this week to end. It was a straight two hours of entertainment that actually tapped into the seemingly perfect combination of wrestling and talking time... I can confidently say that Punk-Bryan and Orton-Ziggler were two of the most enthralling TV matches in recent memory. Orton was just so fresh and on-point that he was able to find a nice foil in Ziggler to take bumps. Barrett in the skybox was a unique touch, also... Are there any words for Punk-Bryan? Bryan is so good at making his moves look painful, while also conveying pain with his expressions. Simply an awesome match, and the Jericho interference, while expected in the next few weeks, came as a pleasant surprise... The highlight of the show for me was definitely Undertaker's return. It was an interesting diametric to see Triple H and Taker perform a roll reversal this year, in that Triple H will seemingly be the one to reject the initial challenge. I'm pumped to see follow-up next week... Finally, while I can honestly say I enjoyed every match on the card, including the Divas match, which delivered on its purpose, the only detriment was no Kharma. What's up with that?! Nonetheless, I hope the next two months deliver as strongly as Monday's Raw.

Frank of Anaheim, Calif.: (5.0/5.0): This is how you kick off The Road To WrestleMania. Best Match: Punk vs. Bryan. I hoped Punk would beat Bryan, but Y2J interfered to set up the beginning of the Punk-Jericho feud. Sheamus will probably face Daniel Bryan (that's if he weasels out of the Smackdown Chamber match). Also, John Cena finally showed a spark and brought back memories of 2006 Cena. Hopefully John shows more frustration with Kane. Triple H rejecting Undertaker's re-match?! That is a huge cliffhanger. And, The Rock hype was perfect. I cannot wait for WrestleMania and I like this Road to WrestleMania.

954, PWTorch reader (9.0): Best: Punk vs. Bryan. Worst: Cena-Kane scrap. Wow. What a difference a night makes. This episode of Raw should be the formula that is followed here on out. Good, solid matches and equally good set-ups for future bouts. The only thing that I disliked was the Cena-Kane exchange; if Cena's supposed to be "embracing hate," then why did he have the goofy grin, play to the crowd, etc. during the beat down? A little more RAGE would serve him and this angle well... Orton vs. Ziggler was very good, especially the pacing near the end. Punk vs. Bryan was great from start to finish, plus the setup for Y2J vs. Punk at Mania came off flawlessly. Even the comedy segments were good... The set-up for the Taker-Hunter Mania re-match was solid, too. And, let us not forget that Big Johnny dodged the bullet of being future endeavored. Might this lead to him in a match before or at Mania to defend his coveted job title? (Dun-dun-DUUUUUUUUUN!)

Matt in Westbrook, Maine, auto detailer (9.0): Great show with great matches between Orton and Ziggler and Punk and Bryan. This made the Rumble seem even worse than it was. Also, The Funkasaurus is on a roll, Sheamus going after the World Title should be an interesting match and clash of styles with Bryan, and any time Undertaker shows up, it's awesome. (Sorry, Miz.)... I thought Ziggler losing clean was a step down for him, but a step up for Orton as he looks to keep his feud going with Barrett... Punk vs. Bryan was great back and forth wrestling. I wish they had a full match as they could have burned the house down, but Jericho taking out Punk was a solid way to start their feud... Miz vs. Kofi was okay. I was glad to see Kofi win clean, making him seem relevant going into the Chamber... I believe Kane vs. Cena keeps getting better. I like how Kane was on the Titantron telling the world that Cena can't beat the Rock without Kane's anger. I want to see Cena go to the next level as a border-line heel... Triple H not wanting to battle The Phenom is a great way to set up how this story will play out. I hope their match at Mania is one for the ages... The Road to WrestleMania has officially started.

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 Travis Beaven (c) PWTorch.com]

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