-- WWE Raw Reax 4/30

Darren of Buffalo, N.Y. (3.0): The Lesnar-Triple H angle at the beginning of the show was the highlight, unfortunately. Coming off what I thought was a solid PPV offering, I had higher hopes for Raw. I have trouble with the returning stars working limited dates from the standpoint that it really highlights how difficult it is for WWE writers to establish consistency when they are working with specific dates stars won't be appearing. I understand someone like Lesnar not wanting to work house shows, but having the writers shift focus so quickly from one story to the next because of a TV hiatus - this time to John Cena and John Laurinaitis - really felt like a letdown. Is WWE so afraid to make a new Cena/Punk-level heel star that they keep forcing the heel authority figure storyline as a placeholder? I felt that they had taken a step forward with Cena's speech after the Lesnar match by getting hardcore fans back on his side and setting him (and the audience) up for a much needed break, but it now appears that won't happen. With two more Raws before Over the Limit, they have their work cut out for them in selling this PPV.

Steve in Pompano Beach, Fla. (0.0): Um...did that Raw really just happen? Seriously, did I just see that? I thought this show was the epitome of "going off the rails," and I fail to see any benefits AT ALL coming from a match between Cena and Laurinaitis at Over The Limit, both long-term or otherwise. I also don't get why anyone would think that Brock Lesnar would get any major heat for attacking Triple H - Trips is one of the least sympathetic characters in the business. So, fans who know what he's done to his opponents in the past are now expected to feel bad for him...why, exactly? If anything, Brock'll be more over for it. And, why is Punk-Bryan happening at Over The Limit instead of at a major PPV like Summerslam? Plus, the Bellas got "fired" instead of mauled by Kharma? Another pair of singles wrestlers as new tag champs? W-e-a-k. Such a waste of a show.

Dave Harlequin of Charlotte, N.C. (5.0): Best Match: Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H. Best Actual Match: The Miz vs. Santino. Worst Match: Great Khali vs. Kane. Not the best Raw I've ever seen by any stretch, but certainly not the worst either. I loved the Triple H-Brock Lesnar bit to start the show. The attack was very well done, and it really helped to continue getting Brock over as a monster heel, which never hurts after a PPV loss, regardless if the loss didn't make him look weak... The Beat the Clock challenge served its purpose just fine, and provided a few good TV-quality matches, even if it was all very predictable. Bryan-Lawler was okay, but I do wish Bryan would have scored a more credible win against a top star to earn the title shot... Why is The Great Khali on Raw Raw at all?! This guy is by far the worst wrestler I have ever seen... New tag champions, not that WWE, or anyone else these days really cares. Poor Primo & Epico, I guess we'll see them back on YouTube soon enough. Then, there's also the Divas Title picture, Bella Twins's firing, Brodus Clay undefeated against every jobber in YouTube Land, and John Laurinaitis vs. Johnny Superman at historically one of the worst PPVs of the year. At least they're not giving up on Tensai, regardless of his character not getting much reaction. Giant Bernard is a beast, and I personally love him back in WWE.

***

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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