Jim Ross’ voice was the first thing you heard on RAW this past week- even the most sensible fan had to have goosebumps after that. While Ross’ appearance ultimately didn’t last long, the excitement did.
With Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock and Triple H all on RAW this week, the show had that late-‘90s feel, but without the wrestling action to back it up. In spite of a lack of high-quality matches, the show was still entertaining and set the scene for what the following year of WWE programming will look like.
The show wasn’t perfect though, as every commercial and free second felt like it had something to do with the return of the promotion’s reality series, “Tough Enough.†It’s understandable that the company would want to promote the show, but they may have gone overboard in the process.
For instance, the ten-minute segment where Stone Cold had all the contestants from the show introduce themselves was total overkill. However, it was smart to have The Miz come out and ruin the mushiness. Nonetheless, as much as he’s proving himself on the microphone, he’s got to prove himself in the ring. Who else better to do that against than Stone Cold? If that feud ever truly develops, it’ll be a great way for Miz to earn his stripes in the ring.
Speaking of earning stripes in the squared circle, a feud between Dolph Ziggler and John Morrison could provide some fantastic matches and elevate both of these young mid-carders to a level this company needs them. Desperate to create the stars of tomorrow, today, the WWE has a lot to gain to pushing both of these guys.
Another guy who looks to be the recipient of a push this year is Sin Cara, who made quick work of Sheamus and showcased some of the high-flying moves that make him such a special athlete. Make no mistake- this is the next superstar cruiserweight in the WWE.
Aside from the in-ring action, the show was hurt with Lawler not doing color work. Nothing against Booker T, but he made a fool of himself by uttering things last night such as: “Sheamus outweighs Daniel Bryan by 20-30 pounds.†If the WWE were smart, they’d do their best to keep Lawler behind the mic.
The final segment between John Cena and The Rock was an interesting one. After Cena showed The Miz some respect following their contest at Wrestlemania, The Rock came to the ring and cut a promo that sets up an angle between the two. After many complained about their last promo the week before Wrestlemania, this one was much better and set up what could be the biggest match in the history of the company.
But, you’ll have to wait for the match.
A year to be exact.
It’s never been done before. Will it work?
Matches:
Jerry Lawler vs. Jack Swagger: A match that did nothing but make Lawler look like he could hold his own in the ring with a young buck the likes of Swagger. We know the WWE loves the King, but enough is enough, Swagger is a blue-chip prospect and already a former World Champ; he needs to be involved in better angles than this. Sad when the best part of the match was seeing Michael Cole hit Ross with BBQ sauce and run off.
CM Punk and Cody Rhodes vs. Rey Mysterio and Randy Orton: Rhodes was in the ring most of the match and sold a ton of punishment. Punk played the role of the opportunist extremely well and made the most of every opportunity he had. Orton was resilient however and thanks to help from Mysterio, he delivered the RKO for the win.
Note to the WWE: Two commercial breaks during one match is a joke.
Alberto Del Rio vs. Evan Bourne: Wow, Bourne gets no ring music? The guy is one of the most exciting athletes the company has. Now, he’s a jobber? Del Rio made quick work of the young cruiserweight, but his future looks as much in the air as Bourne’s.
Dolph Ziggler and Vicki Guerrero vs. John Morrison and Trish Stratus: Two of the company’s best young athletes, one of their biggest heels and one of the most beautiful women to ever grace the ring- this match had possibilities on paper and luckily, it was a fun contest. It showcased a good combination of wrestling action and entertainment, with Morrison getting the win with his corkscrew senton finisher.
Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan: Bryan continues to prove that he’s the best worker in the company, while Sheamus earns his stripes every time he’s able to hang in there with him. Even though the Celtic Warrior botched his bicycle kick finisher, the guy continues to get better in the ring every time out. With Sin Cara now in the United States title mix now as well, Sheamus will have an opportunity to work with another great performer. However, does this mean a smaller role for Bryan?
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