It seems the last couple of months have been building up to this Monday. Meanwhile back in Smackdown Land, I’m sure most viewers are going into this just waiting for RAW. It’s kind of a bit of a joke though, because after next week’s Monday does the three hour tour… they are going to be scrambling for things to do to fill that extra hour. And let’s be frank for a moment here, they are having problems filling two hours. So what are we in store for tonight? A holding pattern? Two hours of vanilla tout videos? Ryback squashing someone? Momma’s being called? The answer to all of these questions is likely, “Yes,” but since it’s backstage dance time, let’s hop to it shall we?
It’s Tuesday, you know what that means. Wait, it’s Tuesday? What in the blue hell? I’m not even supposed to be working here today! Great American Bash? More like Holla, Holla, Playah, Holla! It’s Teddy Long time, folks. So let’s just make our way down to the ring, shall we? No hopping to it this time.
Fortunately I got to watch this with my fellow smark “Kasan” on the Stickam account “Threewaydance”. While I generally am at work when it’s live, if you want fellow wrestling fans to break down the action with live, I highly recommend checking them out.
It’s time for Smackdown, but I know what you’re all wondering… will Stan Stansky be on the show tonight? Only one way to find out, let’s kick it, shall we?
Unlike last week, I am coming into this episode with a better attitude. Perhaps this is a result of a vastly improved RAW (well, at least by comparison) and a mildly entertaining live Impact on Thursday. I’m not sure why my mindset is linked to other grappling content I partake, but it is. Let’s see if the WWE can continue this trend as Sin Cara returns tonight! Let’s have at it, shall we? (more…)
We open with the annual Memorial Day tribute montage to our armed forces, asking us to reflect on all we owe them.
(Does that include health care and financial aid?)
Our “prologue” if you will, is a recap of everything you know by now if you watch WWE programs. Show double-crossed Cena at Over the Limit because no one felt sorry for him when he was humiliated and fired.
Back in present time, the Big Show comes out in the Big Suit. He points to the smile on his face and says that’s doing his job. All those times he came out and made us smile was just business. Now that he has an iron clad contract and a huge bonus, he doesn’t have to care about anybody but himself. He claims there’s no one in his league;
“No helmet, shoulder pad, 4 month out of the year, NFL player, no toothpick, noodle arm, NBA player, no Phony UFC fighter, and no one, in that locker room.”
Show claims what really upset him was how easily we moved on without him. Here we cut to a clip of Brodus Clay dancing with the ladies and kids.
“MY TEARS WEREN’T EVEN DRY!” – Big Show.
Apparently, we’re all shallow and phony to him, but the biggest disappointment was Cena not leading a mutiny in support of Big Show, how instead, he chose to mock Johnny Ace, and act like everything was a joke.
“I guess that’s all I am; one big joke.” – Big Show.
Show gives us a rundown of Cenas’ recent failures including the loss to Rock, the beating from Brock, and the loss to Johnny Ace, and promises to do all that and more to him at No Way Out.
“And that put’s a Smile on my Face.” – Big Show.
Punk vs. Bryan is announced while we watch Santino Morella get warmed up for his match with Alberto Del Rio.
Commercials
REWIND: LAST FRI, SMACKDOWN – Santino def. Ricardo Rodriguez.
We come back to the action with Alberto Del Rio driving in one of his expensive cars as RR introduces him, while Santino “power walks” to the ring.
Alberto Del Rio vs. U.S. heavyweight champion Santino Morella
Del Rio Charges before the bell.
Beats down Santino w/kicks to the legs and punches to the head.
Front face lock by Del Rio as he takes him to the corner.
Del Rio misses a charge into the corner.
Santino w/a hip toss/diving head butt combo.
Santino goes for the COBRA!
Del Rio w/a kick to the torso, front face lock, float over into the cross arm-breaker.
Santino taps out.
WINNER; ALBERTO DEL RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRIO!
Rodriguez makes a point of shouting right in the face of Santino and rubbing it in.
Backstage: We see Eve close up. Alex Riley is with her, trying to sweet talk her into something when Big Show walks in. Eve informs Show that Johnny Ace has authorized him to pick his own opponent for tonight and leaves. Riley tries to make nice with the Show which results in Show sending a message to the whole locker room, by slamming Riley into the wall.
Commercials
Shot of Bourbon Street
Up next is a WWE TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH!
Champs Kofi Kingston/R-Truth are out first.
Vicki Guerrero comes out and starts with the “EXCUSE ME!” bit.
Crowd shot: Sign -“There’s no excuse for you Vicki!”
Vicki introduces Jack Swagger an Dolph Ziggler.
Tag Team Title Match: R-Truth/Kofi Kingston vs. Dolph Ziggler/Jack Swagger
Swagger/Kofi each go in first.
Collar-elbow lock up, into the corner.
Swagger misses a charge.
Kofi w/2 shots to the legs and a dropkick.
Tag to R-Truth.
There is a Double hip toss on Swagger.
Truth w/a dance and a leg drop for a two count.
Swagger whips Truth into the ropes.
Truth hits the breaks and gives a shimmy.
Swagger charges.
Truth ducks.
Swagger over and out to the floor.
Ziggler runs in.
Kick by Kofi connects with Ziggler.
Double wrist lock/jumping snap kick to Ziggler.
Double baseball slide kick sends Ziggler to the floor.
Commercial
Back from commercial.
Swagger with a double arm hook on Kofi.
Recap: During commercial, Ziggler distracts Kofi, Swagger hits a shoulder block, and Kofi hits the floor.
Kofi fights off a double teaming, but is sent hard, back into the corner.
Swagger w/shoulder blocks.
Ziggler starts choking Kofi w/tag rope.
Swagger w/a body slam to Kofi and tags Ziggler.
Ziggler drops an elbow and gets 2 w/sloppy cover.
Chin lock/arm bar on Kofi by Ziggler.
Both men up.
Kofi gets two hits.
Ziggler kicks him into the corner, misses a charge.
Ziggler gets a tag.
Kofi makes a tag.
R-truth hits Swagger with flying thrust kick, boot to the stomach, DDT for a 2 count.
Ziggler makes the save.
Truth launches Kofi up/over/into Swagger.
Swagger tries a roll-up, for a 2 count.
Swagger hoist Truth up, charges the corner.
Truth slips behind.
Swagger hits the corner.
Truth jumps up, grabs his head, and pulls him face first to the canvas.
Truth scores the 3 count.
WINNERS/STILL CHAMPIONS: R-TRUTH/KOFI KINGSTON
Ziggler is not happy.
He tells off Vicki and Swagger and bolts.
Backstage: Santino is walking hurt with some help when Show rolls up on him and grabs his face. He teases calling out Santino as his opponent when Brodus Clay steps up and dares Show to pick him. Show agrees.
“Forget about dancing. You won’t even be walking.” – Big Show.
Commercials
Did you know? WWE’s “Be a Star” Campaign made it into the records in congress.
Johnny Laurenitis Larinitis Meningitis Ace, GM of both RAW and SMACKDOWN rolls out in his motorized wheelchair with David Otunga and Eve Torres in tow. He introduces himself and announces he will now make several announcements. Big Show will face Brodus Clay tonight, and at No Way Out, Cena vs. Big Show is now a CAGE MATCH. Johnny claims to be “the most popular WWE superstar in history,” and talks about people wanting HIM on the cover of the new WWE 12 video game. John pulls the cover off an easel to reveal his face beaming off the cover of the game box.
“This Will Be Bigger Than Pac Man!” – Johnny Ace.
We hit the song “Cult of Personality,” and here comes the WWE champion, C.M. Punk. Punk hits the ring, and alls out Johnny on his bull-shinola.
“Neither Pac Man nor you have ANY testicles whatsoever.” – C.M. Punk.
Punk basically calls the formerly Dynamic Dude out of touch and reveals the TRUE face of WWE ’12. We hit the fireworks and drop the canvas. C.M. Punk stands cross armed, straight edged, and ready to fight on the cover of the new game.
“Take the hoeski and Carlton and get outta my ring.” – C.M. Punk.
Johnny, not wanting to incur the wrath of the B.O.D. ; simply limps out the ring with underlings in tow, while Punk trashes Johnny’s picture.
Punk v. Bryan next
Commercials
Crowd Sign: YES!
We come back with Punk in the ring and Bryan making the big entrance, while the announcers –Cole and King- bring up the recent unpleasantness with Kane and some folding chairs.
Recap: Bryan attacking Kane w/Chair last Smackdown.
WWE Champion C.M. Punk vs. Daniel Bryan
Lock up.
Bryan w/the wristlock into a side headlock, both men back into the ropes.
Bryan hits a shoulder block off the ropes.
Bryan shoots off the ropes, over Punk.
Punk leapfrogs Bryan.
Hip toss, arm drag, Punk w/the arm bar.
Bryan gets up on his feet.
Punk puts a wristlock on Bryan.
Bryan rolls over/benches up, hooks Punk at the waist, takes him over with a suplex variation, into the arm bar.
Bryan bends Punk’s hand backwards, presses it to the mat, stomps the elbow, and locks in a hammerlock.
Punk elbows free, shoots off the ropes.
Bryan goes down.
Punk goes over.
Bryan jumps up.
Punk catches him, hits a reverse atomic drop, and a kick to the torso.
Punk drops the knee five times and leg scissors Bryan.
Punk ties up Bryans’ legs and gets him into the surfboard.
Bryan rolls out, lands on Punk, 2 count.
Punk sweeps the legs, gets a 2 count.
Bryan hooks the legs, flips on top, and gets a 2 count.
Punk bridges up. Both men struggle for a back slide. Punk hoist Bryan up on his shoulder and drops him back first into the knee for a 2 count.
Punk hooks Bryan into suplex position but drops him on the top rope.
Punk moves in, Bryan grabs the arm and drops down, pulling the arm across the rope.
Bryan hits a flying knee off the top rope and slide kicks Punk to the floor.
Bryan dives, Punk side steps and hits a kick to the mid section.
Punk hits a moonsault off the ropes onto Bryan.
AJ comes to ringside.
Commercial
We return w/Punk putting the boots to Bryan in the corner.
Replay: Bryan hits a flying knee on the outside.
Punk tries a suplex, Bryan slips out, whips into the corner, reversal. Bryan climbs the corner and flips over Punk, runs into Punks’ boot. Punk misses a moonsault and lands hard.
Bryan hits with a running charge/low dropkick, and works Punks’ arm.
Punk fights back w/kicks, but Bryan hooks a wristlock and pulls the arm hard across his shoulder.
Bryan goes “YES!” 3 times and scores a running dropkick into the corner, 2 count only.
Punk hits some kicks but Bryan hooks the arm and takes Punk up/over w/a suplex for a 2 count.
Bryan goes back on the arm.
Punk gets 2 hits. Bryan works the arm again but runs into a knee by Punk.
Punk hits a charging forearm, shoots Bryan into the ropes. He hits a jump-thrust kick for a two count.
Punk scores a running knee lift in the corner, but Bryan shrugs off the bulldog attempt.
Bryan misses a kick. Punk gets 2 w/a roll up.
Forearm twice by Bryan, reversed Irish whip, Punk up/over to the ring apron, shoulder block by Punk and a clothesline from the top rope for 2.
Punk tries a flying elbow, but Bryan hits the rope and Punk drops crotch-first on the corner.
Superplex by Bryan gets 2.
Bryan heads to the corner and unties a turnbuckle.
AJ gets up on the ring and tries to tell the ref.
Bryan shouts at her, Punk scores a kick to the head for 2.
Punk yells at AJ, charges Bryan, Bryan hoists him up, face-first into the exposed corner for a 3-count.
Bryan celebrates until Kane attacks him w/a chair. He choke slams Bryan out.
AJ throws Punk a chair, Punk fights off Kane.
WINNER: DANIEL BRYAN. (YES! YES! YES!)
Backstage-Eve sends Teddy for some coffee while Johnny Ace berates her and Otunga. He points out that Otunga taped out in 10 seconds to the STF, while Johnny took two at the last ppv. He berates Eve for not getting Sheamus to apologize to him. He threatens to stay on the job another 20 years and Eve spits her coffee on Teddy. That’s more of my attention than it deserves.
More commercials
I-C Champion Christian vs. Miz (surprise!)
Lock up.
Miz w/a knee, gets a side headlock.
Christian shoots him off the ropes.
Christian ducks down.
Miz goes over.
Christian w/a flying shoulder block.
Christian w/a boot to the mid-section, sunset flip off the top rope.
Miz rolls out and hits a kick to the face for a 2.
Miz takes Christian face first into the corner. He beats him down w/a knee and punching.
Miz walks back, and hits a charging leap clothesline.
Miz scores a double ax-handle for a 2 count.
Chin lock by Miz.
Christian fights out, but Miz scores his reverse face lock, knee drop, neck breaker combo for 2.
Miz drops down on Christians’ back and works a chin lock.
Christian fights his way to his feet, Miz takes him to the corner. Miz hits 2 shoulder blocks and sets Christian up on the corner. Christian fights him back and scores a missle drop kick for 2.
Christian springs over the top rope, hits a shot to face on Miz.
Christian climbs the corner, hops over Miz and scores a reverse DDT.
Christian tries a spear, but eats a boot to the face, Miz gets 2.
Miz wails on Christian in the corner, Christian hits a double kick to the face, and a flying elbow from the top rope.
Christian gets distracted by Cody Rhodes, Miz gets 2 w/a roll up.
Christian goes to the corner and hits a kick to the midsection. He hops up on the corner ropes but Miz grabs an ankle and pulls.
Christian hits the mat face first.
Miz tries for the “Skull Crushing Finale,” Christian reverses it into a “Killswitch” attempt, but Miz shoves him into the corner.
Miz misses a charge and hits the corner. Christian hits the Killswitch and gets the 3.
More Commercials
We’re back, and Miz is peeved about not being treated like a star. He’s not leaving the ring until…
Cue Randy Orton.
Orton hits the RKO and basks in the cheers.
Backstage: Dolph thinks he should be getting cheers like Orton. He wants out of his tag team with Ziggler. Vicky will see what she can do.
Next: Sheamus v. Otunga.
Before the next break, we get a special Memorial Day voice over message from John Cena. It’s basically an elaborate “thank you,” to our Armed Forces for their service. I agree with the sentiment, I just think it’s a little bit pandering to have Cena be the only one to do it.
Commercial
We come back to David Otunga making his entrance to a round of boos. Sheamus comes out next.
World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus vs. David Otunga
Otunga charges in strong w/kicks and punches, but Sheamus fires back.
Sheamus tries a whip, Otunga reverses it, but a hip-toss attempt is met w/ a clothesline.
Otunga rolls out.
Sheamus goes after Otunga. Otunga pulls Sheamus neck first into the rope.
Otunga charges, Sheamus scoops him up into a slam attempt.
Otunga slides down, and sends Sheamus into the corner. Otunga hits a solid clothesline for a 1 count.
Otunga hooks the head and peppers Sheamus on the chest with clubbing shots.
Otunga shoots off the ropes and hits a low shoulder block. Otunga makes 3 pin attempts in a row, but never gets more than 2.
Otunga takes Sheamus to the corner and works him over w/knees and clubbing forearms. He flexes for the crowd.
Otunga whips Sheamus into the corner, Sheamus bounces back with an axe-handle smash, then another. He sends Otunga over the top rope, Otunga hangs on. Sheamus clubs his chest with forearm shots. He pulls Otunga in and hits the “white noise.”
Sheamus ends this with the “Brogue kick” and a 3 count.
Crowd Shot: Kid rocking The Sheamus look.
FUNKASAURUS up next
Commercial: ECW Unreleased, vol.1
Madagascar 3 – interest 0
Recap: Over The Limit – Big Show’s betrayal, and subsequent sucker punch on Cena.
We have the intro –you know the drill.
Funkasaurs, Funkateers, Funka-dactyls, and I go Funk myself.
The announcers remind us Brodus is 22 and 0 so far in his run.
Big Show comes out. He claims to be a fan, and compares embarrassing things he’s done (sumo match at mania in a diaper,) to Brodus doing embarrassing things every night. He suggests Brodus get some make-up/a wig and be the new Doink.
“The Difference btw you and Doink, Doink actually had talent.” – Big Show.
Brodus dares Show to step up. Show responds with a spear that shakes the arena (or at least a cameraman.) And from that point on, it’s pretty much a mugging. The Funkasaurs is bitchified all over the arena floor while his backup dancers stand scared in the ring. Kofi and R-Truth run out to try a save, but Show tosses Kofi into R-Truth and resumes the battering with a piece of the announcers table. Show brutalizes Truth. Kofi gets a big kick in, but gets sent through the Barricade. Truth gets sent to the stairs. WMD to Clay and Show leaves 3 men down.
Raw ends with Johnny Ace raising the Show’s hand, up on the stage.
RYTMANS’ RESPONSE: Ya know, at this point, I like it when a show goes on autopilot like this. We get more actual wrestling, and interview segments that actually go somewhere (for the most part.) However, right now, I’d like to address all the people who were complaining that WWE wasn’t giving the Punk/Bryan program enough attention.
ARE YOU HAPPY NOW?!? WE GOT KANE AND AJ BOTH SHOVED INTO THIS! ARE YOU HAPPY NOW!? THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WWE PAYS ATTENTION TO SOMETHING WE LIKE! ARE YOU HAPPY NOW!?
For the record, I can’t hate on Kane or AJ, and I’m good with them making a check. I just don’t know why we have to pile on sub-plots to a story we’re happy with.
Show was awesome tonight, and actually got the crowd chanting big for Cena. Show makes an awesome monster heel, mainly because he‘s got charisma and personality peppered into his rage.
Side Note: I’m actually wondering if any of that stuff he said about being treated like a joke was a shoot.
Side-Side Note: BOD = Board of Directors
So, there’s my first ever official RAW recap. Hope you like it.
Take note. A guy who hadn’t been on WWE Television since he was unceremoniously fired from the company in 2006 is the most over guy in all of professional wrestling right now.
2. Triple H (NR)
A guy working a very limited schedule is the second most over guy in pro wrestling right now.
3. CM Punk (NR)
The WWE Champion rebounds into the top 10 with a tag team victory on Monday.
4. Chris Jericho (3)
Chris Jericho impresses in tag team AND singles action last Friday, and continues against Orton on Monday.
5. Kevin Steen (NR)
Ring of Honor is finally represented in the power poll by way of a new World Champion, Wrestling’s Worst Nightmare Kevin Steen!
6. Bobby Rhoode (NR)
TNA’s current World Champion makes the top 10 this week as well!
7. Christopher Daniels & Kaz (NR)
The new TNA Tag Team Champions make the power poll!
8. WGTT – Shelton Bemjamin & Charlie Haas (NR)
As do the new ROH Tag Team Champions!
9. John Cena (NR)
John Cena may well have saved the show on Monday, and he makes the Power Poll for it.
10. Ryback (8)
Taking Damien Sandow’s discarded opponent doesn’t net Ryback any Power Poll cred, but it’s enough to keep him from falling off the list.
Fallen Out Of The Top 10:
Lord Tensai, Daniel Bryan, Sheamus, Alberto Del Rio, Brodus Clay, Randy Orton, Kofi Kingston & R-Truth
The Power Poll is an opinion poll conducted each week among various professional wrestling sites to pick out the definitive top ten professional wrestling personalities of the week.
1. Paul Heyman (NR)
Want to hit the top of the Power Poll? Show up unannounced after being gone for five years. Welcome back, Paul!
2. Lord Tensai (NR)
Along with the number one contender at Over The Limit, Tensai decimated the WWE Champion on RAW.
3. Chris Jericho (NR)
He may have lost his two WWE Championship opportunities at WrestleMania and Extreme Rules, but can he push World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus Over The Limit now that he’s made his way into the Fatal Four Way?
4. Daniel Bryan (5)
He may not have pinned the WWE Champion, but it’s a victory for Daniel Bryan nonetheless.
5. Sheamus (4)
Sheamus went from having one opponent in Alberto Del Rio at No Way Out to having three. Taking an RKO on Monday didn’t help his Power Poll rankings either.
6. Alberto Del Rio (NR)
Being named number one contender on Friday and then having it changed to a Fatal Four Way on Monday isn’t exactly what Del Rio wanted, but his work has impressed the Power Pollers regardless.
7. Brodus Clay (NR)
Today’s Mother’s Day. Somebody call your Momma!
8. Ryback (9)
After weeks of squashing enhancement talent, Ryback steps up to squash Heath Slater. What’s the difference? One step on the Power Poll, apparently.
9. Randy Orton (7)
A Brogue Kick from Sheamus on RAW knocked Orton down a few notches, but the comeback RKO and the fact he’s now got a title opportunity at Over The Limit allow Orton to hang on to a top ten slot.
10. R-Truth & Kofi Kingston (6)
The new WWE Tag Team Champions continue their roll and cling to the bottom of the Power Poll.
Fallen Out Of The Top 10:
John Cena, Brock Lesnar, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Layla
First off, Adam “MCA” Yauch of the Beastie Boys passed away. I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan. This really sucks. So since the WWE puts up their own memorium messages at the start of their shows, I am putting my own one up for the start of my reviews. He will be missed. I’m going on a B-Boy marathon this weekend.
You’ll never guess who shows up on Smackdown tonight! Oops…
Seriously, let’s just hop to it, shall we? My day was lame, started off with a flat tire, had to cancel my day gig, got the tire fixed while I watched The Avengers. At least the movie kicked some serious ass. (more…)
The night after Wrestlemania. The debut of Mankind, Brock Lesnar. The season premiere that will begin the story that will climax at Wrestlemania 29. It begins tonight.
Johnny Ace begins begins with a new era. He sets up a match for Santino vs. Ziggler vs. Swagger. Punk smarts off to him and heckles Ace. Ace puts him in a match against Mark Henry. The new theme in his era is Power People.
Rock came out. The crowd was electric chanting “Boots to Asses” & “You still have it.” Rock came out and did his thing. It was everything it needed to be.
The first match was Ziggler vs. Swagger vs. Santino. This match was just kind of there for me. But Santino beat both. As Swagger and Ziggler beat on Santino after the match, Santino ran up the ramp and was saved by Brodus Clay. Ziggler charged Brodus Clay and took a crazy bump on the ramp. Ziggler is the most underrated wrestler in the business.
We had the debut of Lord Tensai. The crowd chanted A-Train at the top of their lungs. I was hoping they would chant “Hip Hop Hippo.” Alex Riley began his Future Endeavored Tour. I liked the debut of the Tensai character. And of course, Larry Stanley died when he saw “The Claw.” It reminded me of a early 90’s monster. Let’s see where they go with him.
So Punk-Henry was not the same match he had with Daniel Bryan. It was as good a match as Mark Henry is capable of having. This was such a good match. Both guys really brought it. It ended in a countout. I love the booking as this sets up Mark Henry as credible again. Jericho comes out of the crowd and says that after that beating, he and Punk need a drink. What happened to them has to be seen to be believed.
Sheamus came out to celebrate and then Alberto del Rio’s music hit. Ricardo Rodriguez started up and the crowd went nuts. For Daniel Bryan. Sheamus and Alberto del Rio delivered their lines and went through their motions all the while ignoring that the crowd was cheering someone else. Rock, Austin, Foley, Flair, Piper, those men would have never let a crowd get away with that.
We came back to get Cody vs. Kofi. Big Show came out to show Cody losing. I thought the story they told was very entertaining. Kofi got a nice win.
Abraham Washington gave Mark Henry his card. I’m not sure it was him or Teddy Long in a timewarp.
Eve cut a promo that was not horrible.
The main event was Miz vs. Ryder.
John Cena came out cut a promo on The Rock. The crowd was chanting for Lesnar at the top of their lungs. And then they got him. F5 on John Cena.
I have been watching Raw for the past year pretty much consecutively. This has been the best Raw in ages. 90% of that was the crowd. But the work was great. Lesnar coming back was perhaps one of the most electric things I’ve ever seen.
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I remember Wrestlemania XX. That was the night that Chris Benoit won the title in the main event and then was greeted by Eddie Guerrero who had defended the other title that night. Very few times in my wrestling watching experience have I ever teared up not involving a death. That moment was one. Those of us in the IWC felt like we all had a moment. OUR two darlings were champs.
Last night was another one of those nights. Our two indy darlings-CM Punk and Daniel Bryan-finished the night as champions of both brands. Now I’m not in some disillusioned world where I think WWE is going to magically turn into Ring of Honor. I’d just be happy to have some exciting, risky booking that means something. Punk and Bryan are people that we can care about. With the right booking, we can see them remain good champions.
We opened it up with a drum roll and Punk introducing himself. Punk got a really good reaction. Then they introduced Zack Ryder who got such a good reaction. And then they introduced Daniel Bryan who got another huge reaction. Punk, Bryan and Ryder all began in the ring to start the show. Daniel Bryan had a lot of fire. They were interrupted by Miz, Ziggler & Del Rio. This segment would have been perfect had it not been for Michael Cole’s sheepish bleating he calls announcing. And the Johnny Ace came out to kill the segment. Actually, considering he has no voice, it was a pretty good segment.
I saw Richard Lewis do comedy live once. It was every bit as awesome as I thought it could be.
We were treated to Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett, which I’m glad I didn’t pay $44.95 for. Randy Orton is a 9-time World’s Champion. It amazes me how little titles mean in the WWE. Wade Barrett put Orton through a table. Had no idea of what happened. I thought the work was very solid.
Then Alicia Fox was wearing one of Mario’s fur hats or something. Then she pinned Beth Phoenix in record time. Then she wanted me to have a Foxy holiday. I really want to have a Foxy holiday. I will now ask my wife.
Excuse me. I need to get up and get some ice for my jaw. Out comes Sheamus wearing the next t-shirt I will buy once Johnny Ace is off tv. And now we have Jinder Mahal? Sheamus killed him. That is as it should be.
John Cena came out to the ring and talked to his confidant The Cameraman. He is again Shiny Happy Cena. That’s normal for anybody who Kane attacks. (<-sarcasm font) Mark Henry interrupted him and had some nice focus. Then Kane came out in El Zorro’s mask. He destroys Cena. Him not being Super Cena is good for long-run Cena. Cena had some good facials. Well-done.
We got Primo & Epico vs. the Usos. Do we have a tag team division? It was a well-crafted tag match. I could really get behind this feud.
Then Cody Rhodes cuts a pretty decent promo and was interrupted by Santino. He then beat Santino. Santino does a lot of things right. He is very good at selling and getting himself over in his role.
They showed a recap of Tribute for the Troops which they used as an excuse to pimp out their PPV. That was when I stopped watching last week.
The Bellas are again backstage with Johnny Ace. The Vicki tried to schedule a rematch and ended up getting kissed by Hornswoggle. Cute. Then we had an interview with Zack Ryder’s… dad? Big Show gave a very honest, in-depth interview.
This was such an awesome moment. Daniel Bryan and CM Punk both came out of the crowd. For the first time since Summerslam, I actually feel like the WWE is giving me what I want. This is quite possibly the best match on Raw this year.
A good Raw, except for one glaring minus-Michael Cole. If WWE actually spent their time listening to their fans on Twitter, rather than shoving it down our throats, they would know how much he hurts their product. I’m definitely not deceiving myself that this will be permanent, but this has been a great Christmas present.
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It’s kind of a bit of a joke though, because after next week’s Monday does the three hour tour… they are going to be scrambling for things to do to fill that extra hour. And let’s be frank for a moment here, they are having problems filling two hours. So what are we in store for tonight? A holding pattern? Two hours of vanilla tout videos? Ryback squashing someone? Momma’s being called? The answer to all of these questions is likely, “Yes,” but since it’s backstage dance time, let’s hop to it shall we?
