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CALDWELL'S TAKE
CALDWELL: Slow down the drama and wait for Chris Jericho's return Oct 31, 2007 - 11:22:28 PM
Disappointment. In a word, it's how many viewers felt after Raw concluded and the only thing newsworthy on the show was yet another DX reunion. Who are they going to run through this time, The Highlanders?
Folks who read the 'Net weren't tuning in for that reunion, but the return of Chris Jericho. Everything seemed to add up into a nice, neat package with a book signing and secret code matching up with October 29 in Philly. Unfortunately, the X_29 code was about as useful as playing Monopoly at McDonald's.
It's funny. We'll get feedback from people who say they want to be surprised. They want to see something unique in a live situation on Raw. They're tired of squash matches on WWE TV. They're tired of going-nowhere segments from Kurt Angle on Impact. Not to say the same people are now complaining about Jericho not returning, but we received plenty of feedback after Raw from people who were upset the surprise return of Jericho didn't happen.
Here's the deal. The code hasn't been broken yet. The series of book signings coinciding with Raw could be a round of red herrings to manipulate folks who are paying attention. WWE wants to have a little fun with the 'Net. They had plenty of fun when one clue didn't materialize on Monday night and hardcore fans expressed untold frustration stemming from the bad taste in their mouths.
But, those fans tuned in. And the ratings went up. Will the viewers come back next week? Some will, some won't, but enough casual fans will show up for Austin and the official one-night-only DX reunion to make up for any pissed off hardcore fans boycotting the show.
Why shouldn't WWE have a little fun with the Jericho return? Readers say they want to be surprised, and here's a golden opportunity. Yes, we were disappointed when Jericho didn't materialize. So we missed the X_29 code. Wait for the next one. After all, WWE doesn't exactly have a slew of surprises or dream matches lined up beyond Jericho's return.
For casual viewers who are paying attention to the videos, but have no idea what's going on, there was a progression on Raw when most of us are focusing on a non-deliverance of a non-promise. There was the oh snap! moment when a second Save_US video aired right before Randy Orton walked out for the main event. The announcers didn't acknowledge either of the two videos this week, but, to casual viewers, the addition of a second clip must mean they're getting serious.
Let Jericho play coy. Let WWE have some fun with the codes. It gets people talking. And if that's how WWE is going to distract hardcore fans from more pressing issues such as Wellness Policy disclosure, wishy-washy doctors, and the health of the company's independent contractors, then WWE has already won this battle.
Wait for the return. It should be worth it once the time is right. Or, as Vince McMahon told William Regal at the end of Raw, things turn out how he wants them on his clock.
The time isn't right for the return. Next week is Austin and DX. After that should be the big hype for Survivor Series. Seeing whether Jericho fits into those plans will be part of the fun the next few weeks.
Let the emotions from a disappointing Raw play out. I'll be the first to raise my hand that I was disappointed. But, remember the old saying that patience is a virtue. And the result should be well worth it.
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