WWE Raw was one hell of a show, with the build for Wrestlemania really kicking into effect. This will be a review, not a report, so if you want the latter, click here. Let’s review.
Raw began with a John Cena promo. He called out the rug in “thuganomics†form, rapping a comeback to Rock’s comments last week. Here’s a look at first Rock’s instant classic promo, then Cena’s response:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdG1Ty_XdKM&feature=fvst
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYVd-zH7XMI
So, that was fairly epic on both sides. Even if it goes no further, Cena showed that he can hang with the Rock on the mic. I am, however, concerned with why it took this for John Cena to return to that, more over, promo. There are times when that would fit phenomenally and add a dimension to his character. Incase he failed to notice, the crowd wasn’t split on this promo, even as much as they love the Rock; they were just behind Cena. He’s allowed to be funny and creative in the rapping role. Despite it being a gimmick, it feels more natural than his usual character. Cena the Rapper should make regular returns.
Next, we had the return of the Undertaker, who had a staredown with the likewise returning Triple H:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgfmzibRUbo
I, for one, am happy we are getting Triple H vs. Undertaker at Wrestlemania and not Undertaker vs. Sting. Sting, and if you’ve seen his TNA work you know this, is not good anymore. Undertaker may be great at Wrestlemania, but I can’t remember the last time he carried an inferior talent and, at this point, Sting is an inferior talent. If Sting did face Undertaker, it would be a set up for disappointment for fans. Triple H? He can work extremely well when motivated. While the match could still be disappointing, it could equally likely be amazing. Triple H also, with the crotch chop, showed this to be about Taker retiring his D-X buddy Shawn Michaels the year before. Without a word we have a great moment and logic for the feud. I’m also, disappointment or not, looking forward to a MOTYC.
We got set up for two more Wrestlemania top matches. First, we have CM Punk vs. Randy Orton. Punk got a big win over John Morrison. Morrison is showing himself to be a great worker in the ring, but Punk has become the Best in the World. I’m thrilled Punk got the big win and got to look strong. Now, Punk will get to face Randy Orton at Wrestlemania. After another fantastic Punk promo where he basically called Orton out, Randy emerged to chase the scared Punk away. Or is it that the mastermind will not face Orton on any terms but his own? Either way, this will be fourth from top after the Streak and two title matches, and the match will likely get more heat than the Smackdown Title match as well. This is a match between two of the best workers in the business and can steal Wrestlemania in terms of heat.
We also got the Miz vs. John Cena build. Miz cut his usual promo, then almost did the wacky mismatched tag team partners that hate each other with the titles. Miz and Cena defeating Corre for the titles was fine by Miz when Miz got the pin. When it was to be Cena getting the glory, Miz wasn’t okay with it. Given how badly Miz has, for years, tried to replace Cena, this is perfect for the characters and I have high hopes that they can build an intriguing feud if Rock and Cena don’t take them off track badly. Then again, doing a WWE glory child angle with Rock, Cena and Miz just might be golden.
We’ve got Jerry Lawler challenging Michael Cole for his Wrestlemania moment. We are all but certain to get Alex Riley involved here, but for now Cole is doing an excellent job being despicable, while Lawler is equally phenomenal being justifiably upset with his supposed partner. Cole is really channeling Danny Davis of late, mixed with a bit of Andy Kaufman and that, that is something Jerry Lawler is unparalleled at playing off.
Josh Matthews was quite good in Cole’s seat for the portion of Raw he was the voice of WWE. He’s a very good commentor, even if he isn’t fully comfortable live yet. I still don’t see WWE trusting him at Wrestlemania, so looks like the final piece of this seeming Attitude era tribute in Atlanta (Vince seemingly still vindictive) will be Jim Ross taking over the playcalling.
Our Wrestlemania Card So Far:
The Sure Things:
The Miz © vs. John Cena – I’d guess The Rock is involved as either guest referee or enforcer and we get the big Cena win with a passing of the torch type moment after the match. The feud will be built around Miz thinking he has surpassed Cena who, of course, thinks he is more loyal than the Rock.
Edge © vs. Alberto Del Rio – This one could be really excellent. Edge showed at Elimination Chamber that he still has something left in the tank. Del Rio, meanwhile, is not only great, but also carries himself like he’s a big deal. This match should be very good, at least as good as last year’s Jericho vs. Edge match. We may have Christian involved her after a manner, but, besides a 5-second pose after the match, I wouldn’t.
Undertaker vs. Triple H – There’s a ton of speculation about this too being Streak vs. Career or, better, Streak vs. HBK’s reinstatement, but for now, it being about H looking for revenge is enough. The match should be fast-paced and excellent, as these are both epic big match performers.
Randy Orton vs. CM Punk – Orton is really developing as a babyface, while Punk is untouchable right now. This will be all about storytelling, little movements and making the crowd care. These two can and should go out to steal the show a la Savage vs. Steamboat at Wrestlemania 3. If they’re smart, they go to Pat Patterson to put the match together.
Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole (and probably Alex Riley) – This is about Lawler getting a feel good Wrestlemania moment. It’s also the match most likely to see Hall of Famer interference, as they tend to stick together at Wrestlemania. There’s plenty of time for Riley or Cole to piss them off. Lawler should be able to make this watchable with his great storytelling.
The Rock Host Segment – This will just be 20+ minutes of mic work. No idea who they’ll sacrifice as his foil for the show, but Dolph Ziggler and Vickie Guerrero would make a lot of sense. We will eat it up.
Possible Matches:
Corre vs. Nexus vs. Kozlov and Santino – The tag titles will likely be up for grabs and it’d be a waste to not have the Corre go against their former stablemates in Nexus. Still, two heel teams won’t be facing off at Wrestlemania. They’re far more likely to include Borscht Marinara here so the fans have someone to cheer for. It’ll be bad, but there need to be a few break matches.
Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan – With Sheamus in Bryan’s face backstage, there will be a match, we just don’t know if it’ll be at Wrestlemania. I hope it is, as this is another match between guys who could utterly steal the show. King vs. US Title is also a great hook.
Money in the Bank – I’m rooting for this to be here so that John Morrison can win this. It doesn’t seem likely at this point, however.
Big Show vs. Wade Barrett – They’ve been holding off on this feud for awhile and it only makes sense to run it now. Barrett has attacked Show with Nexus a few times, so now it’s time for the face’s revenge. They could also end up doing Big Show vs. Kane, but I think Kofi vs. Kane might be more likely.
Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes – Well, this has been pushed, but Rey is a big enough deal that he could be moved elsewhere. Rey injured Cody’s “Dashing†face, so Cody will have to get revenge. Supposedly Rey handpicked the match, and while I believe it, all internet rumors should be taken with a grain of salt.
John Morrison also needs a match if not in Money in the Bank. Strangely, none seem immediately available. He is, therefore, likely to end up in the Raw vs. Smackdown match of the show. I’d like that to be against Ziggler- they have excellent chemistry- but it’s more likely to be against Kofi Kingston. That’ll be good, but I don’t love face vs. face matches.
That’s it for Mania so far. What do you think? Reply in the comments below.
