1. God that was a GREAT way to kick off the 20th anniversary show. No not Vince McMahon in the ring. I’m talking about the trip down memory lane with every Raw opening over the last 20 years. I was ten years old when the very first Raw aired on the USA Network so to say I’m nostalgic would be an understatement.
2. I actually went out of my way to watch the Alberto Del Rio vs Big Show match from SmackDown this last week and was thoroughly impressed with how Del Rio was showcased spectacularly! Everything about that match made Del Rio into a legitimate top babyface and one that could possibly overshadow Rey Mysterio… in time.
3. I was going to write an entire article about my booking for this year’s Elimination Chamber but I figure since more people read this than any of my other articles, I’ll just put it in here.
Firstly, CM Punk needs to retain the WWE title at the Royal Rumble. He doesn’t necessarily need to BEAT The Rock but he needs to hold onto the belt. Cue Rock’s entrance into the WWE title Elimination Chamber match. The Rock goes on to win the WWE Championship since the Chamber match is the only big match he HASN’T won and faces John Cena at WrestleMania 29 while CM Punk continues his quest for respect against The Undertaker. In the World Heavyweight Championship Chamber match, the last 3 men will be Alberto Del Rio, Sheamus and Randy Orton. Orton, realizing his “good guy” behavior is getting him nowhere, low blows Del Rio, throws him threw a Chamber door and gets the heelish pin. This leaves Orton and Sheamus in a stare down where Orton eventually triumphs and wins the World title. Now you have Orton versus either Del Rio or Sheamus at WrestleMania (or a triple threat match). That leaves you with John Cena vs The Rock. Randy Orton vs Alberto Del Rio &/or Sheamus. The Undertaker vs CM Punk. And Triple H vs Brock Lesnar.
4. Imagine the match we might have gotten if CM Punk had the opportunity to wrestle Tyson Kidd this week instead of Brodus Clay. While it was nice to see a different side of Clay during his promo, there’s was absolutely nothing new in the ring, as much as you know Punk wanted to pull something out of him. I just think Clay’s been watered down far too much and might need a “Husky Harris”-type of reboot.
5. It was really cool to see the “Rock ‘n Sock Connection” back again on Monday Night Raw. I know it hasn’t been that long but it still feels special to see these two legends together. And honestly, besides The Undertaker, I can’t think of anyone else to induct Mick Foley into the Hall of Fame besides The Rock.
6. Is it just me or are all of the legends segments seeming very forced and the Ric Flair segment just put it over the top. Now don’t get me wrong, Ric Flair has always been over the top but now it’s purely in the comedy way. I don’t see a 16-time legend any more. I see a monkey dancing to the oldies just to pay the numerous bills and debt that he brought onto himself. It’s sad to see and I’d rather not see him on TV then see him in segments like that.
7. What do all WWE weddings have in common? Destruction and breasts.
8. The only way this would truly be a retro night is if CM Punk pulled a “Honky Tonk” and blast The Rock with his own acoustic guitar.
9. “Biotch, You Look Horrible Tonight” could finally surpass on “Gangnam Style” on iTunes. Someone needs to make that happen.
10. That brawl to close out the show definitely sold PPVs. Both men showed intensity and complete hatred for one another compared to the mutual respect the John Cena/Rock feud was built on. Rock was able to go out, entertain, have fun and get the people to love him but then was able to flip the switch and turn this upcoming match into an actual FEUD. And absolutely half (or more) of that recognition goes to the talent of CM Punk. His facial expressions and the way he carries himself pushed him to The Rock’s level, which not many people expected him to be able to do. I just hope that the people who make the decisions in the WWE are noticing how well this feud is working and don’t just brush it aside as a one-off match.
