Another cluster of a RAW, saved by Shawn Michaels/Edge/Randy Orton, as everything else runs together, is boring or has lack of proper buildup. John Cena is still predictable but liked, Umaga bumps around for Cena after the Last Man Standing contract was signed (at least it wasn’t The Great Kahli), but the real highlight wasn’t Cena’s predictable “I am that crazy” promo, it is the brilliance of Estrada. He is a great mouthpiece for Umaga and makes the storyline bearable.
Nitro/Melina and Hardy/Maria was short and fun, I wonder how long they will carry this one. Maria and Hardy don’t have to make out on television to have good chemistry, isn’t that something? Maria also always looks like she’s having a good time, and you certainly can’t say that for everyone.
Edge/Orton who now match in clothing, gave a good, strong heel promo on the flatlining DX, but the Duggan thing was over the top. Not because they explaining why they beat him down, but because of the fake blood. Let me make this clear, I hate fake blood in pro wrestling. It demeans the times that the guys and girls do bleed, whether it is because of blading or actual injury. It’s insulting to everyone watching and the last thing anyone in wrestling needs is some outside critic who thinks wrestling is “fake” anyway, saying how obviously fake the blood was.
Instead of Ric Flair saving one of his fellow veterans from a familiar Rated RKO beating, he faced Dykstra for what feels like the thousandth time. Maybe I can blame my jet lag from being in San Francisco this weekend, but I didn’t care about this match.
Vince McMahon’s ego made his way back to the stage/ring as he tries to save face by giving himself heat for saying he decides what the fans wants and how last week’s debacle was a brilliant skit. This is Vince’s kooky way of saying that he acknowledges last week was horrible, but he’s going to continue with it anyway. Miss USA is being portrayed by Torrie Wilson and Carlito comes out to protect his woman. He of course gets squashed by The Great Kahli. The real message of this is, he really does believe he gets to decide what the fans like/don’t like and he will bring out one of the most boring big men ever in professional wrestling to squash a he-should-be-further-along Carlito.
Mickie James and Victoria put on the best wrestling match up to this point and the problem is the fans aren’t that into it. I completely blame the lack of building the storyline with promos. They need to make Mickie crazy again instead of the Stratus babyface. Speaking of Trish Stratus, Armed and Fabulous is funny as hell television. Trish looks great, and got the best push out of wrestling to date by being a highlight on The View, for being tasered shot. Way to go Trish! Trish also looks hot in a police uniform and is smart enough to tie her hair back. Latoya Jackson is so funny inconsequentially and Jack Osborne is a natural at being a cop.
Ron Simmons gets stuck trying to help put Chris Masters over, and the Masterlock Challenge continues on and on and on because of hokey heel ‘that didn’t count’ edicts. Damn.
Flair sold yet another beating by Rated RKO, I wonder if he gets a bonus every time he puts them over.
A singles match with tag team guys, Shelton Benjamin against JTG of Cryme Tyme occurs but nothing special happened during this match. Time burner, pin me, pay me.
Triple H and footage of his surgery, and old footage of his first comeback from serious injury. This means he’s going to come back just like last time and get the WWE championship again, look for yet another Triple H tries to come back sooner than doctors would expect parade. I’m waiting for him to come out within the next two weeks in a wheelchair or crutches and cutting a promo on Rated RKO.
The real passion of the night was Shawn Michaels and Rated RKO’s main event match up. It had everything a good wrestling match has – a buildup, a storyline and a clear cut underdog. Shawn Michaels does comeback/underdog better than anyone in wrestling today. The blood was a nice touch and everyone did a great job with executing a good story to wrap up the mess of the night. DX is not dead, of course, and Rated RKO for the night did not take out the Heartbreak Kid. Give Shawn the ball and watch him carry the show.
Always remember, for things to change, you have to make movement. Thanks for reading and for all the feedback, feel free to contact me anytime at Bam@4sternstaging.com.
