By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE announcer Jim Ross posted a blog on jrsbarbq.com today reviewing last night's WWE Raw and talking wrestling subjects.

-- Ross called the opening segment of Raw with Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, and Vince McMahon "one of the best kickoffs to Raw that I can recall in a long while."

Ross added: "The Bret Hart episode on January 4 was stout too but for some reason the Knoxville Raw opening segment was really a fantastic way to kickoff the two-hour, live broadcast."

Caldwell's Analysis: The opening segment didn't have that type of "wow factor" like Michaels and Hart in the same ring together for the first time in 12 years, but there was something so effective about getting the stars in the same ring talking about and developing an issue in a compelling fashion that made for good TV. It also established Shawn Michaels's quest, hyped a PPV (the Royal Rumble), and created intriguing storylines going forward. It was simple, effective, and memorable.

-- Ross pointed out one of the big stories from the main event of Raw that's being over-looked - The Miz involved in a TV main event with Shawn Michaels and Triple H as part of Miz's "acceptance" in the main event scene.

"I felt that there was something special when HBK was in the ring with The Miz in the six-man tag. Michaels is simply extraordinary and Miz is one of the most improved, young talents that I have seen evolve in years," Ross said. "These two seemed to have excellent chemistry and Miz will do nothing but improve the more he is around Shawn Michaels."

-- Ross talked about last night's guest host Jon Heder having the right personality to be an efficient wrestling manager-type character that could enhance the product.

"Heder is the type personality that would likely make a viable, updated, wrestling manager in today's marketplace under the right introduction and presentation," Ross said. "Wrestling fans and those who want careers as performers in wrestling but aren't blessed with the athleticism or physique of a wrestler might find their way into the biz if they are good enough to be considered for a manager's, or whatever one would care to call it, role under the right circumstance."

Caldwell's Analysis: Wade Keller and I talked about this subject at-length during the VIP After-show following today's PWTorch Livecast. Heder could be a viable act on a short-term basis if he were to be booked for a WrestleMania, Summerslam, Survivor Series, etc. program to enhance a heel on TV who needs an extra boost for a PPV match. WWE doesn't necessarily need to dig up the old-school "male manager" toolbox, but in a PG-environment where you need heat magnets that can connect with the audience and rile up a crowd, a manager with Heder's type of personalty would be very effective to help make stars.

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

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