Official RAW Thread 5/10

[Gone Mad]

Jeriko finally wins the next-to-the-big one! I want the Y2J armbands J has on.

[ColdwaVer]

So how did the end go down? Have pity on those of us stuck at work!

[RawRocks]

Great finish to Raw.. and this time no intereference... guess the WWE Raw writers learned their lesson not to screw with a great headliner match.

[Corndad]

Raw actually wasnt too bad, Kane-Hardy thing gettin a bit boering to me but other then that, even the Eugene Segment was booked exactly right now u have a Eugene/Regal Fued down the line, the cage match wasnt long enough but still very enjoyable

[Gone Mad]

The ending was great, and looks like the fued between Xtian and J might be over now.
Ref. sent Tomko to the back because he threaten J from the outside. After that, it was all Jericho: Clothesline from top of the cage to Xtian, Double Arm Suplex from top rope, and alot of slamming CLB to the cage. And J also got some revenge on Trish as she tries to enter the cage and gets a Boston Crab. Xtian tries to escape, then J spinebusts him from top of cage to Boston Crab. Xtian,bloody face and all, struggles for a while but finallys taps for win. J then climbs the top, looking down on the losing team to end the show.

[Corndad]

oh... and at Christian trying to leave while trish in walls

[The CyNick]

For all the hype, I thought the show kinda felt flat.

Shelton-HHH was bait and switch at its finest. One day companies will stop doing that, or will they? And Who-hoo HHH vs HBK part 456,789....feel the excitment!!!

Batista-Tajiri was pretty well done actually, they did what they should, make Batista look scary.

Orton-Edge was beyond sloppy for the first 3/4 of the match, but they finally got it together and built to a really nice finish. Again, the right decision, put over Orton, but try to protect Edge. Edge seems really bland as a babyface, he has to work on his offence, its too mid card-ish. Main eventers dont throw leg lariats and they shouldn't jump off the top rope (unless its a finish). Not that I'm a fashion expert, or gay, but he should switch to briefs, again, its one of those visual things that makes you look like a main eventer.

A little off topic, anyone notice the rats in the front row going nuts for Orton and Batista? If I didn't know any better I'd swear they bought a ticket for Space Mountain V2.

Girls segments were bad, that division is really hurting without Trish. And whats with the booking? You have a babyface champ, who is struggling to get over and she's tapping left right and centre. Someone needs to read Booking Babyfaces for Dummies.

Eugiene was what it was, the fans seem to like it for now, its just ashame that when the joke is over the fans will move on but poor Nick Dinsmore's career will be over. Ah well, he can always be a Conquistador. And why are La Resistance not working tag team programs?

Kane-Lita sgement.........snore

And are they going to set up Hardy vs Christian next? Geez I hope not for Christian's sake.

I really liked the Benoit package, but I thought they should have used him on TV. He could have just come out after the package, and then demand to know from Bischoff whats going on with the #1 contender deal. Then they could have just had Benoit put Nitro in the Crossface to get a quick pop. Its just odd that on "the biggest RAw of the year" the WORLD CHAMPION couldn't get a spot.

Main event was a lot like the IC title match, the beginning seemed rushed and sloppy, and then when they finally settled it down for the final 5 it turned into a strong finish. I think they should have given them more time to tell the story more effectively, but thats life I guess.

I hope they come to their senses and dont give the #1 contender spot to Kane, but I doubt it. Jericho-Benoit would be nice as a secondary match at the PPV, but I guess they figure if they're already going to bury the WORLD TITLE why let it be a good match? Hopefully Jericho wins next week, but I wont hold my breath.

Good show overall, but not the blow away show I was expecting given the lineup.

[BasicThuganomics]

They should have saved the diva tag match for next week (or not at all) and let Jericho/Christian go for another ten minutes in the cage. The two of them are capable of putting on great matches together but they needed more time in the cage I thought.

[The CyNick]

Originally Posted by BasicThuganomics They should have saved the diva tag match for next week (or not at all) and let Jericho/Christian go for another ten minutes in the cage. The two of them are capable of putting on great matches together but they needed more time in the cage I thought.

yeah and its not like it was a bad match, but it seemed to be the end of the feud, so they should have given them a lot more time to tell a dramatic story. I think that finish would have been much better if the match was 10 minute slonger or so.

They could ahve even taken time away from Edge-Orton which didn't settle anything, all it did was keep the title on Orton and probably transition Edge to another program.

[The Icon of Elisim]

It was a good Raw, a bit of a disapointment all things considered but still a solid show.

Batista-Tajiri and Eugene-Conway were perfectly booked and looked very solid.

I see nothing wrong with how HHH-Shelton ended, I think it could've gone longer before HBK interefered but they did what they had to. They couldn't have HHH lose due to interference and Shelton couldn't lose either.

Orton-Edge had an awful start but picked up after the commercial. I'm not feeling Edge as a maineventer, his character and ring psychology have been lacking thus far in my mind. I'm going to chalk up the slopyness to the broken hand and ring rust though

Girls segment and match were okay, I think that the women's divison needs to be reshuffled. Give the girls some new gimmicks and alignments. I'm tired of Gail, Lita, Molly, Jazz, Nidia and Victoria having no distinguishable characters. There are some great wrestlers in the divison, but they aren't going to get over with how they are being booked.

Lita-Trish segment was poorly acted but what do you expect. Same with the Lita-Kane segment, although I thought that it was better than last weeks. I don't know where this is headed, wether its a means of getting Matt over or pairing Lita with Kane, but get it over with.

Backstage segments were really bad tonight, it was confusing with the whole HHH-Christian-Jericho #1 contender thing. Would've made more sense had they shown Christian and Jericho talking to Bischoff or atleast aluding to it better.

Cage Match had a tight finish and lackluster start. Tomko looks really green, that was the second time he's botched that kick in his two attempts

[What Would Kevin Do?]

Am I the only person who DOESN'T think there will be a Regal vs Eugene feud??? The way I see it going down is that Eugene will slowly grow on Regal... Eventually, there will be a match that Eugene will easily be destroyed in, I'm thinking Eugene Vs Batista.... I'm thinking Batista goes to destroy Eugene like he did Tajiri, Regal tries to stop, but to no avail... Regal goes to nail him with some brass knucks, but gets stopped... Then Eugene picks up the Brass Knucks, slugs Batista, saves Regal, and everyone is happy.

[BasicThuganomics]

Yeah, the Jericho/Christian thing has been going on for like 7-8 months now right? They should have gotten like 30 minutes tonite if this was indeed the end of their fued....
Both men have been among the MVP's of RAW, and they should have gotten more time. It pisses me off now that I think about it.

Plus Tomko sucks ass, he's ****ed up twice, and already has a bad rep backstage. Get rid of his ass please!

[Heyman]

Originally Posted by What Would Kevin Do? Am I the only person who DOESN'T think there will be a Regal vs Eugene feud??? The way I see it going down is that Eugene will slowly grow on Regal... Eventually, there will be a match that Eugene will easily be destroyed in, I'm thinking Eugene Vs Batista.... I'm thinking Batista goes to destroy Eugene like he did Tajiri, Regal tries to stop, but to no avail... Regal goes to nail him with some brass knucks, but gets stopped... Then Eugene picks up the Brass Knucks, slugs Batista, saves Regal, and everyone is happy.

I can see this happening as well.

Anyone notice how 'over' Eugene was tonight? How long do you think this will last?

I was also impressed with Edge for the first time since he came back.

p.s. I hope Jericho wins next week. Hopefully - this will be the start of a two month long feud between Jericho and Benoit.

[The CyNick]

The problem with HHH-Benjamin was that they used to build the depth of the show, and then they had them work for like 2 minutes and then brought out HBK to get a no contest. Thats bait and switch, yeah technially you saw a match, but in reality it was a swerve to make the show seem more stacked. HHH could have lost that match with an HBK run-in and it wouldn't have hurt him one bit.

I dotn see Eugiene jumping to Batsita anytime soon, I'd expect to see him in lower card feuds for a while, but I agree with the thinking that Regal will eventually come to love him.

[The CyNick]

Originally Posted by Heyman I was also impressed with Edge for the first time since he came back.

Really? I thought Edge looked terrible.

[Heyman]

Originally Posted by The CyNick Really? I thought Edge looked terrible.

I dunno. I guess I expected him to be even WORSE (and so I was impressed with him ).

I think I also got caught up in the 'atmosphere' of the crowd. The crowd seemed to be really into the match.

Hopefully - we're not seeing Triple H part II in terms of Edge's return to the ring. I can understand his ring rust for now, but I hope he gets over it soon! ESPECIALLY - if the WWE are going to push him to the moon (the part that worries me, is that the WWE will push Edge ahead of the likes of Jericho, Benjamin, etc., even if he proves himself to NOT be the wrestler that he once was).

[The Icon of Elisim]

Originally Posted by The CyNick The problem with HHH-Benjamin was that they used to build the depth of the show, and then they had them work for like 2 minutes and then brought out HBK to get a no contest. Thats bait and switch, yeah technially you saw a match, but in reality it was a swerve to make the show seem more stacked. HHH could have lost that match with an HBK run-in and it wouldn't have hurt him one bit.

Benjamin already has 3 victories over HHH, one more and it would start to get tired.

I wouldn't have booked this match to start with, its unnecesary in my mind. I would've had Benjamin vs Orton match to blow off the Harley Race incident. And Edge and Benoit vs HHH and Ric Flair (if he were up to it), or Edge vs HHH with HBK doing the run in

[Heyman]

Originally Posted by The Icon of Elisim Benjamin already has 3 victories over HHH, one more and it would start to get tired. I wouldn't have booked this match to start with, its unnecesary in my mind. I would've had Benjamin vs Orton match to blow off the Harley Race incident. And Edge and Benoit vs HHH and Ric Flair (if he were up to it), or Edge vs HHH with HBK doing the run in

In terms of the Benjamin/HHH match tonight, I think the WWE played it off perfectly.

As TIOE mentioned, another Benjamin over HHH victory might've looked redundant.

At the same time however, Benjamin was in control of the match....so that made him look good.

[Heyman]

Who do you think will win the Battle Royale Next week?


-I think HBK will interfere with Triple H

-Edge and Orton will probably cancel one another out (Orton/Benoit will probably be saved for a later date, while Edge isn't ready for a World title shot yet)

-Batista won't win. And neither will Val Venis.


-It would be stupid for Christian to win because there would be no way he'd be booked to beat Benoit (since Christian just jobbed cleanly to Jericho).

-I'm thinking JERICHO. I'm thinking that Jericho will be used to JOB to Benoit a couple of times (the 1st of which, being at the next PPV).

[The CyNick]

Originally Posted by Heyman In terms of the Benjamin/HHH match tonight, I think the WWE played it off perfectly. As TIOE mentioned, another Benjamin over HHH victory might've looked redundant. At the same time however, Benjamin was in control of the match....so that made him look good.

Benjamin looked like a fool. They only went 3 minutes, and the last visual we got was HHH clotheslining Benjamin out of the ring. HHH was on top, and then HBK did the run-in. I dont see how that makes Benjamin look good. As for another win, it wouldn't be redundant, it would just show that Benjamin has Hunter's number. But you can tell by the crowd reactions to him, they've already blown it with him.

In terms of the crowd with Edge, I think thats a problem, Edge gets no heat as a babyface. They did build to a solid finish but I think that had more to do with the fans at ringside who were going crazy for Orton. After the near falls the other fans started to get into it. But in the beginning and the middle the fans didn't seem to have any passion one way or the other for Edge.

But the thing that scares me with Edge is that he doesn't seem to know how to work as an upper level babyface. He doesn't have any velocity in his punches, and he does too many moves that main eventers his size shouldn't be doing.

Its becoming more and more clear to me that they should have brought him back as a heel, but too late for that now I guess.

[The CyNick]

Originally Posted by Heyman Who do you think will win the Battle Royale Next week? -I think HBK will interfere with Triple H -Edge and Orton will probably cancel one another out (Orton/Benoit will probably be saved for a later date, while Edge isn't ready for a World title shot yet) -Batista won't win. And neither will Val Venis. -It would be stupid for Christian to win because there would be no way he'd be booked to beat Benoit (since Christian just jobbed cleanly to Jericho). -I'm thinking JERICHO. I'm thinking that Jericho will be used to JOB to Benoit a couple of times (the 1st of which, being at the next PPV).

Well this isn't who I think should win, but there was talk that Kane-Benoit would be the title match at Bad Blood under HHH-HBK. You figure, with a battle royal, they'll be able to put Kane in there and have him toss out half the other guys in the match, and win the thing.

At this point, I think Batista would be a better choice than Kane. even though he's green, the match wont healdine the show, so there is less pressure, and they already have a history from the tag title stuff that has been going on.

Hopefully they come to their senses and go to Jericho, just so he and Benoit can have a good match, but I got a feeling Jericho's going to be stuck with Tomko or something dumb like that.

[BasicThuganomics]

Originally Posted by The CyNick Hopefully they come to their senses and go to Jericho, just so he and Benoit can have a good match, but I got a feeling Jericho's going to be stuck with Tomko or something dumb like that.

I REALLY REALLY hope that doesn't happen!!!!

[Disturbed316]

K just downloaded Eugene vs Conway

Was pretty decent, nice to see some old school moves (Atomic drop, Airplaine spin)

BOO REGAL

Nice roll up at the end, although I thought he might have used the Regal Stretch to make Conway tap

[The Forgotten One]

My cat was watching RAW with me. He actually fell asleep when Edge's music hit.

[Heyman]

Originally Posted by The CyNick Benjamin looked like a fool. They only went 3 minutes, and the last visual we got was HHH clotheslining Benjamin out of the ring. HHH was on top, and then HBK did the run-in. I dont see how that makes Benjamin look good. As for another win, it wouldn't be redundant, it would just show that Benjamin has Hunter's number. But you can tell by the crowd reactions to him, they've already blown it with him.

I think it's WAY too early to say that the WWE have already 'blown it' with Benjamin. If Benjamin continues to get some solid victories, then I think the fanfare will come. Benjamin can still feud with and defeat the likes of Christian, Batista, and even Kane.

One thing I noticed about Benjamin (with his music), was that it sounded kind of "D'Lo Brown-ish" (if that makes sense). This may sound strange, but I think Benjamin should watch some old tapes of D'Lo Brown.....and watch how he used to work the crowd. D'Lo had average talent, but Benjamin has far more. If Benjamin can match D'Lo Brown's charisma, then I think he'll be fine.

In terms of the crowd with Edge, I think thats a problem, Edge gets no heat as a babyface. They did build to a solid finish but I think that had more to do with the fans at ringside who were going crazy for Orton. After the near falls the other fans started to get into it. But in the beginning and the middle the fans didn't seem to have any passion one way or the other for Edge. But the thing that scares me with Edge is that he doesn't seem to know how to work as an upper level babyface. He doesn't have any velocity in his punches, and he does too many moves that main eventers his size shouldn't be doing. Its becoming more and more clear to me that they should have brought him back as a heel, but too late for that now I guess.

I don't think it's too late. Keep in mind, that the WWE have not associated Edge with Christian thus far. Therefore, the WWE can EASILY have them hook back up.

I like my idea of having Edge and Christian "share" Trish. Not only does this make Trish look like a COMPLETE slut, but it gives Edge his heat back. Edge was at his best when he was aligned with Christian. They could do the odd tag match, while Trish could manage both men as singles competitors. Get rid of Tomko.

[The CyNick]

Yeah that could work. I just dont see it with his book coming out in the fall, but like you said if yuo have them form an alliance, and just tag occaisonally it could work pretty well, especially with Trish.

The thing with Benjamin is they have totally dropped the ball with him since his 2nd win over Hunter. Yeah he got a win over Flair at Backlash, but beating Flair means nothing these days. Then they gave him a week off, and since then he's been lost in the shuffle. Last night I thought they killed him off as a main character on the show because he looked so insignificant, which shouldn't be the case if they want to push him. I just feel that whole thing with Hunter was a waste at this point.

[aaronkyle86]

Dang I missed RAW... but hopefully Jericho will win. I've heard that Kane may win it, but he'll be doing a storyline with Hardy and Lita wont he?

[Savio]

So many botches Randy had one Tyson had one....

[MVP]

I agree that Shelton Benjamin did not look like the credible competetor that he's been booked to be since he joined RAW, but I don't think it's too late for him either. Let's not forget that Shelton is very young, and a little green in the upper midcard level so he just needs to be a regular competetor in the midcard for a while until he's built up enough charisma to move into the upper midcard.

I really like the idea of Shelton Benjamin building up "D-Lo Brown" charisma seeing as how he was one of the most colorful (not a racist remark) characters in WWE back in the Attitude era, and Sheloton most certainly has the wrestling ability to match up with several superstars.

[Heyman]

Originally Posted by MVP I agree that Shelton Benjamin did not look like the credible competetor that he's been booked to be since he joined RAW, but I don't think it's too late for him either. Let's not forget that Shelton is very young, and a little green in the upper midcard level so he just needs to be a regular competetor in the midcard for a while until he's built up enough charisma to move into the upper midcard. I really like the idea of Shelton Benjamin building up "D-Lo Brown" charisma seeing as how he was one of the most colorful (not a racist remark) characters in WWE back in the Attitude era, and Sheloton most certainly has the wrestling ability to match up with several superstars.

Speaking of D"Lo Brown, I really hope that WWE re-hires him (or D'Lo gets incentive to work again........one or the other).

I truly believe that D'Lo Brown could've (and should've) been a main-eventer that could've DRAWN.

Lord knows why the WWE screwed over D'Lo Brown during his last run.

D'Lo would be a perfect fit on Smackdown in my opinion.

[John la Rock]

Originally Posted by Mr. JL Since the 'lottery draft' I have found RAW absolutely intolerable. I have not watched RAW since the draft. Too much Triple H. I've regularly watched Smack Down! though. Besides for a few incidents (jacqueline's cruiserweight championship reign) I've been quite entertained with Smack Down! Especially Guerrero, JBL, Undertaker, Booker, RVD & Mysterio, the Dudleys. BUT the ratings show that people are thinking otherwise. They need to make Smack Down live!

Too much HHH? I'd rather watch too much HHH than too much Bradshaw anyday. At least HHH is an established star that the majority of people pay too see (unlike what dumbass internet smaks say)

[MVP]

Originally Posted by Heyman Speaking of D"Lo Brown, I really hope that WWE re-hires him (or D'Lo gets incentive to work again........one or the other). I truly believe that D'Lo Brown could've (and should've) been a main-eventer that could've DRAWN. Lord knows why the WWE screwed over D'Lo Brown during his last run. D'Lo would be a perfect fit on Smackdown in my opinion.

Agreed, D-Lo is the shit.

[Ferocious]

Originally Posted by MVP Agreed, D-Lo is the shit.

Dlo's Head JJiggles round like The Rocks spastic foot before he stomps someone also

Lo'Down > Frog Splash/Money Shot/Five Star Frogsplash

Sky High > Derailer (although not the same move slightly similar)

[The CyNick]

Originally Posted by John la Rock Too much HHH? I'd rather watch too much HHH than too much Bradshaw anyday. At least HHH is an established star that the majority of people pay too see (unlike what dumbass internet smaks say)

I could point out that the last two weeks of house shows, all the SD events hedalined by Eddie-Bradshaw outdrew the RAW events headlined by HHH-Benoit.

But I dont really like Bradshaw either, so I wont bother...oops

I agree though, HHH is better than Bradshaw in the ring.

[Ferocious]

Originally Posted by The Forgotten One My cat was watching RAW with me. He actually fell asleep when Edge's music hit.

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

[Azriel]

I miss D-Lo

And Ferocious, what's with the avatar? Yech.

[Fox]

Originally Posted by Mr. JL Since the 'lottery draft' I have found RAW absolutely intolerable. I have not watched RAW since the draft. Too much Triple H.

Okay, so you haven't watched RAW since the draft, yet you've found it intolerable since then. Can we say: "contradiction"?

Anyways, I thought RAW was extremely average Monday night. However, I really enjoyed the Eugene/Conway match, as it went exactly how it should have, and the angle between Dinsmore and Regal is going beautifully. Still, it's going to suck when it's over, because Nick Dinsmore is a great wrestler, but will find himself stuck back in OVW.

As far as the battle royal goes, it's very unfortunate. I say that it's unfortunate because, chances are, Kane is going to win and face Benoit at Bad Blood, as has been rumored. This is ridiculous. Kane has absolutely nothing going for him. He looked great after he demasked, but went on to feud with Shane (for 3 months!), got his ass kicked by Undertaker, and now he's a rapist. Why not present a challenger who can actually, y'know, wrestle? Jericho vs. Benoit would be a dream come true, but we all know it's not going to happen.

As I said, an average RAW. It was probably better than Judgment Day is going to be though.

[Ferocious]

Edge has that Battle Royal sewn up Dammit