TPWW Forums - View Single Post - Official RAW Thread for 08/01/11

**Xero** · 08-01-2011, 11:59 PM

Just watched this on a bit of a delay. I actually really enjoyed it. Felt like the second hour kind of dragged with the tag match and Bourne/Del Rio, but otherwise it was a damn fine RAW. I'd say it keeps RAW's momentum going in terms of consecutive good shows.

Marked out quite a bit at the opening promo, with what Punk was saying. But I couldn't shake the feeling that they were trying to make him into a "super face" at first. The crowd definitely wasn't solidly behind Punk. It was probably 60/40 at best in Cena's favor. And in the long run, if that doesn't change, it could be bad for Punk, and WWE could call him another failed experiment if they so chose. Also, the way Hunter/Punk came across all I could think was that it was happening how I would have expected that rumored script of Del Rio cashing in after a Hunter burial. Thank God that didn't happen.

I do think RAW has a different feel than it did just a month ago. Beth going over, good, long matches on the show, the multiple interview segments backstage for the final segment, King going into his old school persona for a second with one of his screeches. It just feels better overall, even if some segments were off. Which is to be expected, not every segment or show can be great, let alone amazing.

I do feel that they're starting to book more towards the type of fans who left, because they obviously know that there's more excitement over the product now in the main stream and otherwise than there has been since probably the Attitude Era.

I liked the closing segment. Not as much as the opening, but it was still solid. Cena has a pretty spot-on Laurinaitis impression and made me laugh. Honestly didn't mind Cena in this segment. Thought the dueling music was a nice touch, too. Just wish they had a mix ready to go for when they both put the titles up.

Overall, I'd say it was a very solid show and I enjoyed it. It accomplished a lot to set up SummerSlam, even if the Punk/Cena/Hunter stuff was obvious. It needed to be done to set it up. My only real gripe is that things feel a little rushed for the undercard, but obviously they needed to scramble for something for Del Rio. My guess would be that Kofi was supposed to get Ziggler, but with Del Rio out of the title picture they were forced to find something for him to get him on the show.

I won't even say it's poor long-term planning on WWE's part. They really had their hands tied with the Punk thing, so I don't really have that big of a problem with it. Just wish there was a week or two extra before SummerSlam.

08-01-2011, 11:59 PM	#2
Xero He's Here Posts: 60,735	Just watched this on a bit of a delay. I actually really enjoyed it. Felt like the second hour kind of dragged with the tag match and Bourne/Del Rio, but otherwise it was a damn fine RAW. I'd say it keeps RAW's momentum going in terms of consecutive good shows. Marked out quite a bit at the opening promo, with what Punk was saying. But I couldn't shake the feeling that they were trying to make him into a "super face" at first. The crowd definitely wasn't solidly behind Punk. It was probably 60/40 at best in Cena's favor. And in the long run, if that doesn't change, it could be bad for Punk, and WWE could call him another failed experiment if they so chose. Also, the way Hunter/Punk came across all I could think was that it was happening how I would have expected that rumored script of Del Rio cashing in after a Hunter burial. Thank God that didn't happen. I do think RAW has a different feel than it did just a month ago. Beth going over, good, long matches on the show, the multiple interview segments backstage for the final segment, King going into his old school persona for a second with one of his screeches. It just feels better overall, even if some segments were off. Which is to be expected, not every segment or show can be great, let alone amazing. I do feel that they're starting to book more towards the type of fans who left, because they obviously know that there's more excitement over the product now in the main stream and otherwise than there has been since probably the Attitude Era. I liked the closing segment. Not as much as the opening, but it was still solid. Cena has a pretty spot-on Laurinaitis impression and made me laugh. Honestly didn't mind Cena in this segment. Thought the dueling music was a nice touch, too. Just wish they had a mix ready to go for when they both put the titles up. Overall, I'd say it was a very solid show and I enjoyed it. It accomplished a lot to set up SummerSlam, even if the Punk/Cena/Hunter stuff was obvious. It needed to be done to set it up. My only real gripe is that things feel a little rushed for the undercard, but obviously they needed to scramble for something for Del Rio. My guess would be that Kofi was supposed to get Ziggler, but with Del Rio out of the title picture they were forced to find something for him to get him on the show. I won't even say it's poor long-term planning on WWE's part. They really had their hands tied with the Punk thing, so I don't really have that big of a problem with it. Just wish there was a week or two extra before SummerSlam.