Torch Feedback WWE Raw Reax #1: A Raw episode that "should not have been" or a Raw that effectively advanced Mania hype?
Feb 21, 2012 - 10:33:47 AM
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-- 2/20 WWE Raw Reax
Sam Weiss of San Diego, Calif. (5.0): Best Match: tough call. Worst Match: Divas, or maybe all of them. I was not entertained by Raw. Even more, it just seemed like the whole show just should not have been. The opening story should not have been about Eve. Cena especially should not try for the cheap heat by employing misogyny. Smackdown's chief badass - Mark Henry - should not have been fodder to Sheamus in a short match (given away on TV). R-Truth should not have been demoted (and being in a tag team in the WWE is a demotion) just so WWE can have a babyface team to face the champions, who should not have lost the first outing against a new team. The Undertaker should not help Triple H bury the current generation of talent. I'm also not sold on the "uncertainty" argument - about what does the Undertaker have to be uncertain? Santino should not have tapped out to Daniel Bryan in such a short match, right after a PPV in which Santino was the most over face. Precious time should not have been spent on a meaningless Divas tag match when Punk and Jericho did not have enough mic time to sell their match. Cena should not keep putting Rock down for not being there. Cena mouthing the deep resentments of Vince McMahon about one of his former stars surpassing him in success just isn't a good selling tactic. I don't care if Rock is not there week after week and Cena is there, simply because, too often, Cena being there isn't that entertaining. Finally, a battle royal just to get Jericho into the WrestleMania match with Punk should not have been. It was totally unnecessary, as there already existed a storyline reason for the match. The Feb 20, 2012 Raw - the Raw that should not have been. It wasn't very entertaining in most parts and, in large share, was unnecessary.
Matt of Westbrook, Maine, auto detailer (7.0): Best: Cena's promo / Punk on commentary. Worst: Barrett injured. I didn't order the PPV Sunday night and I'm glad. I thought this raw was much improved from last week. The starting segment with Eve trying to use people was a nice choice in direction for her character. Cena was great on the mic tonight. From making fun of Eve to his promo on Rock, he actually showed emotion and I felt he advanced his character to a new level in just a few short minutes. If he and Rock can keep the momentum going, their match at Mania will be historic... Sheamus is gaining strength and looks strong. As well as Daniel Bryan. Their match at Mania could be a show-stealer... I was pumped to actually see some good tag team wrestling tonight and I like the team of Kofi and Truth... Taker vs. Triple H was finally made official. And, Hell in a Cell at Mania is the type of match made in a video game. I love it and I think they both need this to cap off two incredible careers. I just hope they both can deliver... Tough night for Wade Barrett. That looked painful and now he will most likely miss Mania, which is a big loss for WWE. And, Jericho winning the battle royal wasn't surprising, but I do like it. Punk and Jericho battling for the next month will make for great build-up. Also, Punk on commentary was great. It helped the match tremendously and was a nice change of pace from the usual with Cole and Lawler arguing. Overall, hings are set into motion and Mania is starting to shape up nicely.
Jorge Lopez of Miami, Fla. (8.0): Best: Battle Royal. Worst: Triple H-Undertaker. I believe the show is moving in the right direction to WM28. The Eve segments are interesting and will lead into what I see as screwjob by her on Cena at WM28. With the major titles set, it looks like the Tag Titles will be next with a possible Kofi/Truth team going for gold. Also, a Big Show-Rhodes feud will build up to what??? And, the MITB field looks like it is taking shape if in fact it happens... I thought Undertaker-Hunter could have gone five minutes, and a HIAC match makes it easier for Undertaker to go 20-0. I will be excited to see photos of the Cell hanging in an open-air stadium for the first time... So here is what I see going down at WM28 based on Raw: Eve will screw Cena and will end up on the arm of the MITB winner, Alberto Del Rio. (Eve belittled the Bellas, who have been courting Del Rio.) Rock will boast about beating Cena on April 2. (Cena will not be at Raw after embracing the hate post-WM28 and being asked to stay home, as evidenced by Cena pointing to April 9.) Rock will cut a promo, glass breaks, and that will lead to WM29's main event being signed and sealed: Austin-Rock IV from MetLife. Now, that will put butts in seats.
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