WWE Raw results and reactions from last night (Jan. 30): Even better than the Royal Rumble
by Geno Mrosko on Jan 31, 2012 8:01 AM EST
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WWE Monday Night Raw last night (Jan. 30, 2012) emanated from Kansas City, Missouri, and featured Chris Jericho attacking CM Punk, Undertaker making his long awaited return with a terrible wig, and plenty of great wrestling.
If you want full results from Raw last night, click here for the running live blog. Time to get to reactions from the show:
- Since taking over Cageside Seats, I've done my best to make this a relationship between I, the writer, and you, the reader. It's always a fun and interesting time to interact with you crazy Cagesiders but it was especially nice to see that you guys can already peg how I'll feel about particular events and shows. Reading someone say, "Geno's gone through three pairs of pants by now," has to be a career highlight for me (and you were close, it was four). Thanks to all you awesome folks for helping make this such a great place to hang out to talk pro wrestling.
- Now onto the show, which was one of the best Raw shows I've ever watched. It had a strong opening angle, plenty of great wrestling and an intriguing show close with a major return and some comedy relief in between. If every Raw was something close to this, it would be one of the best shows on television.
- I talked about the angle setup with Triple H and Undertaker a bit already but I'd like to say here that I'm no different than many of you who have expressed your displeasure with yet another WrestleMania match between the two. This will mark the third tango and second in as many years. That's too many. Shawn Michaels could pull it off because he's Shawn Michaels and had a chemistry with 'Taker that was unmatched but Trips doesn't have that. Plus, it scares the hell out of me that Triple H is just egotistical and crazy enough to try to go over on Undertaker and end the streak. If that were to happen, he would surpass Hulk Hogan as the worst man in pro wrestling history as far as politics and ego are concerned.
- I am, however, going to do my best to avoid incessantly complaining about the match getting booked and instead try to focus on the interesting aspects of the program, which include the story they're getting ready to tell. If executed properly, it can be as compelling as any other story within WWE right now, so this is one of those rare times I'll accept the concept of "wait and see."
- Seriously, though, that ridiculous wig.
- John Laurinaitis lives to see another day ... I think. They didn't really make that clear and that's part of why last night was so great. It's nice to have a little cliffhanger and it's not even the focus of the closing angle, not ultimately after 'Taker returned, at least. When you think about it, it's amazing how much Laurinaitis has grown as both a character and a performer. Back in Aug. 2011, I was complaining about him being on my TV. Now? I was actively rooting for him to stay.
- Part of the reason the opening angle was so strong was they set up a match between two of the best wrestlers in the world today, CM Punk and Daniel Bryan, while getting them both in one place at one time so Sheamus, the Royal Rumble winner, could come out and state that he might be going after either one of them for their title at WrestleMania 28. The ensuing match between Punk and Bryan was probably one of the best Raw matches we'll see all year and completely blew away every match on the card at the Rumble pay-per-view this past Sunday night. Another cool wrinkle is that while Punk is really putting over the "Best in the World" character, Bryan is becoming the character the heel straight edge character Punk portrayed but Bryan is now using the fact that he's a vegan and doesn't eat meat. Adding that to what he was already doing and we're talking about one of the best in the entire company.
Thoughts on the rest of the show after the jump.
- It's good to see Chris Jericho finally make his move and attack Punk to cost him the match against Bryan, which got Bryan yet another cheap win and set up the feud with Punk and Jericho. I didn't like how Jericho just came off like another regular bad guy the way he did, especially with all the intrigue he created in his first weeks back but we can overlook that just for the simple fact that we're about to get a feud between Jericho and Punk. It's going to be awesome.
- Randy Orton and Wade Barrett continued their issue without ever actually interacting with each other, which is good because I'm still not a Barrett fan, though he's gotten much better since he's done spots on commentary. Orton instead had a four-star match with Dolph Ziggler, a truly great match that also blew away everything from the Rumble pay-per-view this past Sunday night. That's two matches on Raw that were far and away better than anything on the show we paid for. It's like we're dealing with TNA here or something. I won't complain, though, because hey, take it how you can get it. And before you blast me for not taking that stance with TNA, think about it for a second. Thanks.
- Brodus Clay is a Funkasaurus who is funky and he's from Planet Funk, y'all. I've heard complaints that he's getting booked in too many squash matches and I suppose I can understand that gripe, to an extent. But really, they're giving him plenty of time to get over (and he is) and they're not feeding him anyone that fans care about anyway. It hasn't ceased being fun, even if he's not calling out spots like he was in the beginning.
- I was fairly surprised that Kofi Kingston went over clean on The Miz. I suppose when they set the match up it came down to who to give the rub to from the impressive feats they both accomplished at the Rumble. Miz lasted the longest of anyone in the match, starting at number one and going for over 45 minutes but Kingston did the handstand and walk save that had Twitter and social media sites going insane for him. So, really, when put that way, it's not surprising that Kofi was given the clean win. Good on him.
- R-Truth did commentary for said match and while he took a less is more approach to it, I was entertained by him.
- Teasing dissension between David Otunga and John Laurinaitis was a nice touch in the storyline with Ace being so paranoid about potentially getting fired. I find that not only am I enjoying Laurinaitis' work on Raw, I'm also impressed with Otunga. He said he's happy in his current position and I would like to say that that extends beyond kayfabe. He's good where he's at now.
- How great was it hearing Triple H chide John Laurinaitis for the way he was "inserting himself into situations to the detriment of others for his own personal agenda of making himself a star?" It was like Trips was talking to himself and didn't realize it. Even when he admitted that he did the same when he was in charge of Raw, it spoke to who Triple H actually is and had me rolling when it was actually happening, especially since "The Game" had that shit-eating grin on his face the entire time.
- Beth Phoenix picking up a squash win over Eve set up the Kane scenario so John Cena could make the save and embrace the hate just a little bit more. My only quarrel with this one, and it's relatively minor, is that Kane told Eve that essentially he's trying to get Cena to embrace the hate and all that crap and he won't stop terrorizing her and her boyfriend until he does. He then said that Cena knows he "can't beat me or The Rock until he embraces the hate." This means Kane is working to try to make it to where Cena can beat him. Sometimes I wonder if the WWE Creative Team actually bothers to proof read and take the time to go deep enough into a story to realize this kind of crap.
- Intense Cena that f*cks sh*t up is probably the best Cena. Other than heel Cena, of course.
Overall, this was an awesome show with very little filler that served its purpose of advancing all the storylines that needed advancement. The build to WrestleMania 28 really has begun and this show was fantastic in getting the train rolling. I'm hopping on and riding until the wheels fall off in Miami, Cagesiders.
The show gets a solid A.
But that's enough from me. Now it's time for you to sound off with all your thoughts on the show in the comments section below. What's your grade for Raw last night?
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I could have quit watching after Bryan vs Punk
and would have been happy for weeks. Actual wrestling with great story telling between the two. Would love to see them feud in the future. They’re one night has blown away anything Cena and Kane have “accomplished” over the past several weeks.
by SeanDubbs on Jan 31, 2012 8:12 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
It was a sad RAW to me Triple H is about to bury Taker, let’s be honest you are a WWE guy. I don’t have a problem when TNA upstages their PPVs and I saw no problem with RAW.
by MVP Raiders on Jan 31, 2012 8:24 AM EST via Android app reply actions
Ok seriously he’s going to bury him? This isn’t some Johnny no name with no pull. I love the complaints like “you know HHH will put himself over”. This is Taker, he has as much pull and calls his own shots.
by Chris Cutrer on Jan 31, 2012 8:35 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
In 20 years Taker never looked as week as he did last night, Taker isn’t suppose to chase matches. I said Triple H would go over Punk and I was right.
by MVP Raiders on Jan 31, 2012 8:46 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
That wasn’t chasing a match. He isn’t Ryder running around begging for a shot at HHH. He walked out and threw the gauntlet down
by Buckeye Brawler on Jan 31, 2012 8:55 AM EST up reply actions
It was the same as last year's except the roles were reversed this time.
Nothing wrong with that and only a complete hater would try and make it mean more than that.
Agreed. Taker is the Captain in the back room. The leader.
Moreover, He has got 20 years with the company and can tell Vince to stuff it whenever he feels like it. He has the money he has the homes, and seriously he dont need political bullshit. Hell he has his own ego so for someone above to say otherwise is either uninformed or a troll.
I've got something to say; it better to burn out than to fade away!!!
I'm still waiting for my CM Punk WWE Ice Cream Bar.
Go Chargers (oh yeah I said that)
X Box Gamertag: OneRabidDingo
It would lead me to believe that @bisping must have pissed off @danawhite something fierce. RT @drjamezkelske: @danhendo just out of curiosity, if the #ufc comes to you and asks you to fight Bisping again how do you respond?" -Dan Henderson
You're an idiot.
Follow @SBNLukeThomas
by Luke Thomas on Jan 5, 2012 1:40 PM PST up reply actions
I hope Bryan keeps up the character like it’s going since he is being an elitist for being vegan but also celebrating every win like it’s the biggest win of his career.
Also, is it me or did Cole seem to lay off Bryan during the match with Punk?
Greatest lover ever during the day, Trainyard Sleeper at night.
He did, its scripted that way, because Bryan is going heel. The best way for a guy to be heel is to be embraced by Vicky, Ace, or Cole.
Suum Cuique
by Rawuncutnxrated on Jan 31, 2012 8:28 AM EST up reply actions
Cole has been taking it much easier on the commentary recently
He’s also got to stop hating so much on Bryan with Bryan turning heel.
Some issues...
1st… no Kharma. I thought it would be great if she trounced Eve for Kane, setting up a spin off, but we don’t know if Kharma is coming in as a face or heel. Still, how can you not have her the next night or even mention her after the Rumble.
2nd… No Ricardo Rod, how does that piece of mastery not get any play at all? I mean that car looked like it got picked up off I-70 on the East Side, and dude rolled it out playing Berto’s music & playing the part. Not cool.
3rd… and I mentioned this on the live running blog, after it closed down. There was actual matches where not ONE single wrestling move or hold was announced. Orton v Ziggler had THREE moves called. That’s just horrible. Its a sad day in the world when you put in lineage Gordon Solie, Jim Ross, Michael Cole. . I just don’t understand how you can call yourself a play by play announcer & never actually talk about the plays? I 1st noticed it during the Rumble as I did play by play to help keep my nephew hyped up about it. But come one, how are youngsters ever supposed to learn the names of moves? That’s how I did, watching Superstars. That’s just sad.
4th… Taker’s challenge is exactly the same as what HHH did last year. They are f*ckin’ doing the same angle only in reverse.
Suum Cuique
by Rawuncutnxrated on Jan 31, 2012 8:27 AM EST reply actions
My guess is Kharma isn’t ready to come back on the road full time but they wanted to provide a nice surprise and remind everyone that she is out there waiting
by Buckeye Brawler on Jan 31, 2012 8:58 AM EST up reply actions
You'll probably have HHH reluctantly accepting the challenge
only after Shawn Michaels comes out to tell him he’s got to take the chance to beat the streak and can wait to take over as GM until afterwards.
After the Rumble someone hopefully suggested Ricardo find a mark Doctor and hit the gym.
by Chris Cutrer on Jan 31, 2012 8:37 AM EST via iPhone app reply actions
For everything the Rumble wasn't... This Raw WAS!
Yesterday, my interest in Wrestlemania was blown… until Raw. Like I commented, it has been a long while since my last PPV indulgence due to my overseas committment but my goodness if I wasn’t downright pissed about it… I am a die hard fan though and even though everyone around me questions why I am so into wrestling (I think Jon can attest just how into it I am….), I have stayed loyal to the business and will let it eat up my Mondays. (Still working on getting back into Smackdown…) Regardless, last night restored my faith in the wrestling world. Unfortunately, I think it was built to do that because all the story lines we expected in the rumble… That we paid to see, happened last night on TV. Think about it… We wanted the Taker to return in some fashion… We wanted Jericho to end the world as we knew it… we wanted some kind of something from someone… but all the matches left us, dissatisfied… to some extent at least… even the Rumble sympathizers have to admit it wasn’t the Rumble we are so used to seeing for years on end… As has been stated a million times, it’s hard to dork that PPV up. Of all of them… Anyways, on to Raw….
Funkasaurus is evolving. Anyone else see the mean streak coming out in Brodus? He seems to get less into the dancing every week and more into the mauling of his opponent… Last night, when he was dismantling Reks, you could actually see a smile on his face as he was throwing him around… Yes I know he usually is smiling but this is the first time he was “intense” about his smile. I liked the development. Brodus is playing his character perfect and I have a feeling the smiling funkasaurus is going to be a monster w/ alot of flavor…
John Lauranitis (SP i’m sure)…. He subtly changed his character last night (ok maybe not so subtle but something i’ve not seen anyone say)… He did not introduce himself. He simply went about talking. It was entertaining though and I caught it. Now, anyone think he flubbed his lines on purpose? I don’t but I wouldn’t be surprised if he did to give Punk ammo to pound him… Good on Punk for beating him up about it too. I liked it, shows Punk is involved in the show before his spot. As a wise man said, it’s the little things.
Punk vs. Bryan = next Wrestlemania. It HAS to. Last night was the WWE match of the decade so far. Someone tell me one better. Please. LOVE LOVE LOVE these two in the ring. The story, the wrestling, the intensity, the passion… It oozes from these great performers.
Ziggler vs. Orton = WOW… It would have been match of the decade had we not got the Punk/Bryan match… There is something here for the WWE to mine… To think, we got these two matches for free?! Geez. What a great hook for the road to wrestlemania…
Kane vs. Cena… Even serious Cena had a smile on his face after he was done w/ the serious stuff… If he’d have beaten the hell out of Kane and just walked to the back, or beat him to the back to leave him in a pile of something, I would have been happier than seeing pandering Cena at the end… I’m not a Cena hater but let’s see where this takes us… Rock has to make an appearance sooner or later and i’m sure he’ll have plenty to say…
HHH vs. Undertaker…. Initially… I commented to my wife, he’s going to show up behind HHH… then he got the full entrance… and it drug on…. and on…. and on…. and…. on….. I was like WTH, he’s just standing there, he’s going to point to the sign for WM… Nope, just looked at it… at HHH…. at sign… at HHH… for 10 whole minutes of the overrun, that’s what we got. Awkward. Seriously awkward. I didn’t really like it.
Jericho… predictable to the point I could have been Michael Cole for a minute w/ my on the spot commentary… but I still marked out. :-) Great match could have only ended that way. Great work WWE making the end of the world mean something to us.
GREAT GREAT GREAT job making the Elimination Chamber important… Even made me want to buy it. Kofi is a GREAT addition to the match and I totally get it. He was getting pushed by creative as WWE tag champ… the first team to bring relevancy to the division… now he has to do his own thing and he’s got the fans behind him and I LOVE watching him fly around the ring. He’s going to be the work horse of that match and I feel he may really be entertaining as a singles guy. Not quite world champ material but definitely a Jack Swagger/Cody Rhodes challenger…
Speaking of our US Champ… Where was Jack last night? And while we’re asking questions… I thought we’d get a Kharma show down w/ Beth too…
R-Truth entertains me. He was laid back on the mic though last night. I don’t like him quiet like that… I want him to be in our face crazy. He’s really good at it and it makes me laugh. Maybe I’m just crazy though.
William Regal should replace Michael Cole or at least join them at the announcer booth. He’s is entertaining. Has been for a very long time. Love the man and would like to hear more from him.
If Shawn Michaels does not ref the match b/w HHH and Undertaker @ WM, I will be severely disappointed.
Otunga = Terrible inring worker… but also = entertaining backstage sniveling heel character who you really want to like but just can’t because he’s too… white collar. He entertains me in a non-wrestling role. His ringwork is cringe worthy.
Perfect Raw at a Perfect time. LOVED IT. :-)
In the body of other posts, I am often admittedly high and tend to not want to edit a lot.
by willlinn on Dec 2, 2011 12:01 PM PST
if Wren gets Arenado from Colorado, I’ll give him a BJ.
by Scott Coleman on Dec 19, 2011 9:45 PM PST
wow... a little longer winded than I meant to be... hopefully y'all enjoy my perspective though....
In the body of other posts, I am often admittedly high and tend to not want to edit a lot.
by willlinn on Dec 2, 2011 12:01 PM PST
if Wren gets Arenado from Colorado, I’ll give him a BJ.
by Scott Coleman on Dec 19, 2011 9:45 PM PST
by Klemson Krash on Jan 31, 2012 8:42 AM EST up reply actions
About Thwagger
He’s building up the US title in Superstars…
Losing to R-Truth i think.
Maybe...
HHH v Taker doesn’t happen. After all, HHH said he was done letting personal stuff influence his work. The stuff he was talking about with Ace, and the way HHH walked away from the challenge, although its very reminiscent of how the whole thing went down last year, with HHH using the throat slash and all that. So maybe we’ll get a new challenger for Taker. Maybe that’s the new plan since Orton didn’t win the Rumble?
Suum Cuique
by Rawuncutnxrated on Jan 31, 2012 8:49 AM EST reply actions
I’m getting the same feeling. It just felt like HHH isn’t going to take up the challenge. Maybe WWE finally realized there is such disinterest in it.
by Buckeye Brawler on Jan 31, 2012 9:07 AM EST up reply actions
If HHH doesn’t do the match, he better make it clear that Undertaker is the better man. I get the impression that HHH thinks he lost the match but won the war. The way HHH patted Undertaker on the back looked condescending to me.
by Manolo Has Pizzazz on Jan 31, 2012 7:02 PM EST up reply actions
It looks to me like Trips is tripping again. I somehow see this scenario as the angle they run with HBK in their second match, where HBK went through all the trouble getting the match and got desperate doing it. I just don’t want to see Taker being the one to chase someone… I hope I’m wrong, but it is highly possible that they would make it look like Trips is the one holding the streak instead of Taker, when the fact is that Taker already beaten Trips twice in Mania.
by Man from Manila on Jan 31, 2012 8:12 PM EST up reply actions
That’s what certain idiots who defense Triple H don’t get he always makes himself look better.
by MVP Raiders on Jan 31, 2012 10:44 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
If you buy into some of the Jericho theories
Jericho is going through every trick in the book, which would include things like saying he will win the rumble and running in on a match with the current WWE Champion. Until their match at WM, I am going to reserve any negative opinions on the Jericho angle. I will mark out for anything he does until then.
I think these shows can work with that malevolent backstage figure
And Ace gives you that. Though I think he could’ve gained a bunch of points by dropping “I gave you great matches like that fantastic one CM Punk and Daniel Bryan had earlier tonight” as a list of reasons to keep him. I also agree that Otunga workds well as a lackey. Yeah, he can’t always stay a lackey, but you have to develop some sort of role before anything can grow.
I like the idea of a Punk-Jericho feud but I agree, could’’ve started out better. Maybe with an actual highlight reel appearance by Punk that leads to a war of words.
Writer (and a handsome one at that),
And the Valley Shook
I agree that Raw was great this week.
And I’m not about to say, “But blah blah blah Michael Cole blah,” like I usually do. Not because he wasn’t annoying (though he was toned down a bit), but because I’m obviously not fixing anything by doing it.
Instead, let’s be positive. The Bryan/Punk match was the tops. Jericho feuding with Punk is a good idea. I like Sheamus and will be happy to see him wrestle Daniel Bryan. Brodus Clay broke out a few different moves against Tyler Reks, which is what I’ve been hoping for. Intense Cena is good. Johnny Ace sticking around is the best. Beth Phoenix got on TV. Kofi Kingston might not be in the doghouse anymore. I’m satisfied with wrestling on my TV again. I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and gosh darn it, people like me!
I think I’m getting a little carried away…
Did I accidentally create a meme on ccs?
I'm big, I'm white, I'm Irish, and G*d damnit people like me!
by C. J. Bradford on Jan 31, 2012 10:04 AM EST up reply actions
CSS*
I'm big, I'm white, I'm Irish, and G*d damnit people like me!
by C. J. Bradford on Jan 31, 2012 10:04 AM EST up reply actions
Intense Cena is good
but Cena has to hide that shit eating grin of his if he’s going to be all intense. I don’t even mind him pandering to the crowd some by yelling its time to party. That’s fine. But when he is actually throwing steps at Kane and throwing him around the outside of the ring, please don’t be smiling so much.
I think the grin was good because
He is embracing the hate and he is liking it. The hate is like a drug getting him high. It was a nice touch.
I am not a Cena fan but he has been winning me over since MITB (minus Survivor Series)
"80 percent of this thread is rangerjae's sig". -Jim Margulus 6/16/11
Follow me on twitter @michaelcaserno and read my blog, it sucks but its fun
It wasn't an evil grin or anything though
It was a Cena running to the ring after he says something barely audible to the cameraman grin.
I know it was goofy.
It worked IMO because he was getting “off” on kicking his ass. He always says stuff barely audible to camera
"80 percent of this thread is rangerjae's sig". -Jim Margulus 6/16/11
I didn't have a problem
I liked when he went around the ring and yelled out that it was time to party. I like that he is happy to kick the living crap out of Kane. I just wish he had a grin that didn’t make him look like his usual happy self. It was the smile he had (as an example) when he took out Wade Barrett at TLC and dropped all those chairs on him. That wasn’t Cena embracing the hate, that was him having fun with his job.
Well he couldn't twirl his mustache now could he.
I've got something to say; it better to burn out than to fade away!!!
I'm still waiting for my CM Punk WWE Ice Cream Bar.
Go Chargers (oh yeah I said that)
X Box Gamertag: OneRabidDingo
It would lead me to believe that @bisping must have pissed off @danawhite something fierce. RT @drjamezkelske: @danhendo just out of curiosity, if the #ufc comes to you and asks you to fight Bisping again how do you respond?" -Dan Henderson
You're an idiot.
Follow @SBNLukeThomas
by Luke Thomas on Jan 5, 2012 1:40 PM PST up reply actions
by dandeman on Jan 31, 2012 12:35 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
LOFL. Well if he came out like that in New Mexico I can gueradamntee Insta HEEL!!
I've got something to say; it better to burn out than to fade away!!!
I'm still waiting for my CM Punk WWE Ice Cream Bar.
Go Chargers (oh yeah I said that)
X Box Gamertag: OneRabidDingo
It would lead me to believe that @bisping must have pissed off @danawhite something fierce. RT @drjamezkelske: @danhendo just out of curiosity, if the #ufc comes to you and asks you to fight Bisping again how do you respond?" -Dan Henderson
You're an idiot.
Follow @SBNLukeThomas
by Luke Thomas on Jan 5, 2012 1:40 PM PST up reply actions
If the WWE “swerved” us by having Sheamus win the Rumble, why can’t they do the same with the H/Taker re-rematch? It seems that more people have been calling this one for a longer time and much less people want it to happen.
Anyone got a pic of Taker’s wig? Stupid DVR cut off the run-over and I missed Taker completely.
Regal and his conjoined twins FTW.
Regal deserves a late career gold-watch push like JBL got.
I forgot about that.. but hell ya, that was great stuff. “I keep them in the attic John.”
Suum Cuique
by Rawuncutnxrated on Jan 31, 2012 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
My first time commenting on a Raw, so here goes it
Geno, you hate HHH too much. Its so 2005. LOL! He might just beat the Taker to piss off more people and fuel the speculation of his whole political agenda you speak of. I’m sorry he is one of the greatest ever. IMO, best heel ever. Loved the whole thing with Johnny Ace and did not want see Johnny get fired because he has grown on me. I actually look forward to seeing him because he is “Mr Excitement.” LOL! I do not want to see HHH and Taker, but the build might be worth it. However, I agree with most of you. As much as I love HHH, he shouldn’t beat the streak. They need to do it with a younger guy who could use the push.
The Punk/Bryan match was awesome and Jericho’s run in even greater, and I loved that Bryan got all excited that he won again. Jericho/Punk could be the feud of the year.
I like when John Cena embraces the hate. No moronic salutes to the crowd in the beginning, no talking to the camera happy go lucky. He just went down there and kicked Kane’s ass. Good for you Hogan 2.0. Perhaps with moments like this, we can call you John Cena instead.
Orton’s match with DZ was awesome as well, but Barrett being up in the skybox was kind of annoying. Just let him do commentary. He does well with that.
We all hate Michael Cole, but I feel like last night someone knocked him down a peg because he wasn’t trashing people all night. I loved R-Truth’s commentary. “Lil Jimmy is looking at you right now.” Priceless.
I want the Miz to go back to who he was before he was completely pussified since Survivor Series. I felt like his mic work went back to that a tad yesterday, but you have to yell Awesome dude! Not just try to look threatening when you say it. The Miz is an obnoxious sniveling arrogant ass. Not a wanna be bad ass like he has been. Go back to what works. To the most must see superstar in WWE history, yada yada, yada.
I knew Sheamus was going to win RR and he has been on a roll. Hope it goes somewhere. By the way, the Rumble itself was very fun. Most of the pay per view was dog shit though.
I know no one cares about the diva division, but I am happy Beth Phoenix isnt jobbing to anyone lately and has been winning. I would love to see more women who can wrestle and not yell so much. Yes bring Kharma back, see if this Tamina girl can wrestle.
Those are my thoughts. Be gentle. LOL
"80 percent of this thread is rangerjae's sig". -Jim Margulus 6/16/11
Follow me on twitter @michaelcaserno and read my blog, it sucks but its fun
A couple of points I disagree with.
He might just beat the Taker to piss off more people and fuel the speculation of his whole political agenda you speak of.
Speculation?
It’s as clear as the nose on Trips’ face. He’s buried more people than I can even keep up with. He’s the ultimate backstage political player. There’s no speculation to it. It’s pretty much common knowledge.
I know no one cares about the diva division, but I am happy Beth Phoenix isnt jobbing to anyone lately and has been winning. I would love to see more women who can wrestle and not yell so much. Yes bring Kharma back, see if this Tamina girl can wrestle.
I care about the Diva’s Division. And Tamina can wrestle. She’s up there with Natty & Beth and Kharma. She’s just NOW getting a push.
I'm not about to say she can't wrestle
but I’m not sure she’s in that group with those other divas. I just haven’t seen her in anything more than a few short matches or matches where she was only in there for about 30 seconds of action. I’m just wondering if you’ve seen her on Superstars or something and seen her have some good matches.
Fair...
You might care, but I get the feeling the majority here don’t. The names you mentioned should be the divas division and build off of that.
As far as HHH goes, I am talking about what his agenda is moving forward. I hear the stories about who he buried and quite frankly, many of those people had no business in a main event capacity because of difficulty to work with, botched moves, attitude, etc. The one person who I feel HHH tired to “bury” and he was dead 100% wrong about was Jericho. And quite honestly, who has made it to the top and hasn’t buried people? Truth be told, HHH marrying Stephanie attaches this stigma to him more so than his ego and what not. HHH ihas earned a powerful position in the WWE for many reasons besides marrying Stephanie. He has the ability to create great matches, he did something what was a huge no no, took his punishment and came back and worked harder. He finished a main event match with a torn quad to the conclusion. His work ethic cannot be questioned.
I think one thing that can be said about HHH is the role he played with Punk right around Summerslam and Survivor Series. He obviously saw a good thing to piggy back on and failed to execute. I don’t think he wants to hold back Punk (despite calling him the short order cook or whatever) because Punk is good for business right now. I believe HHH makes most of his decisions based on whats good for the business. However, sometimes a wrestler may think he is good for business and sometimes with him, he was incorrect in that assumption.
I might be one of the biggest HHH marks and perhaps it’s clouded my judgment. But I believe he is one of these guys who thinks his moves will impact business. However, in the case of good old Katie Vick (and can someone tell me who was responsible for that one, Vince? I heard HHH talk on a radio show it was Vince’s idea) things dont always go as planned.
"80 percent of this thread is rangerjae's sig". -Jim Margulus 6/16/11
The majority of us care about the Divas divison
We just don’t care about what they do with it. If WWE isn’t going to give a shit or storyline, then we won’t either. Once they start doing something real I think most people here will be excited about it
I'm big, I'm white, I'm Irish, and G*d damnit people like me!
by C. J. Bradford on Jan 31, 2012 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
I can get on board with that.
I have only been reading you guys since July 2011. The rise of punk and fall of the divas. Does that sound about right?
"80 percent of this thread is rangerjae's sig". -Jim Margulus 6/16/11
The rise of Punk, definitley
The Diva division has been bad for longer than that. At least a year or two. It has sunk really damn low though recently.
"Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes!" Gil Hodges IS a Hall of Famer.
Ryder or Riot #WWWYKI
AA Gamethread Embiggening Record Holder- 458 posts (08/24/11)
3rd Place- 2011 AAOP Contest | 1st place- 2012 AAOP Contest
by Brooklyn Dodgers Mets Fan on Jan 31, 2012 6:40 PM EST up reply actions
I hear the stories about who he buried and quite frankly, many of those people had no business in a main event capacity because of difficulty to work with, botched moves, attitude, etc.
Wow….just…WOW.
If he doesn’t like someone for ANY reason, he’ll bury them. Any reason whatsoever. It’s happened before, it’ll happen again. Which leads me to…this…
I might be one of the biggest HHH marks and perhaps it’s clouded my judgment.
It kind of has. I’m a HUGE Lita mark and even I know that she’s not 100% perfect, had more than a few crap matches and was iffy on the mic. He’s a solid worker, he’s very savvy towards the business and cuts a mean promo…but…he’s in it for himself and his…and no one else. There’s probably some kid in Skittletits, Nebraskhoma that’s working his way into FCW that could very well be a literal wrestling god…and there’s a good chance that Trips would bury him…because the kid didn’t use the right urinal or something.
I believe HHH makes most of his decisions based on whats good for
the businesshimself.
But I believe he is one of these guys who thinks his moves will impact business…but they really only impact himself.
FTFY.
Hey!
I got a cousin in Skittletits, Nebraskhoma!
I'm big, I'm white, I'm Irish, and G*d damnit people like me!
by C. J. Bradford on Jan 31, 2012 8:33 PM EST up reply actions
Go for the skittles
Stay for the tits
I'm big, I'm white, I'm Irish, and G*d damnit people like me!
by C. J. Bradford on Jan 31, 2012 10:44 PM EST up reply actions
hey you stole my quotes lol
I think well see how wm goes down. If he beats taker I will be disappointed because the right guy to beat taker is one of the guys in main event status trying to elevate to that level.
Personally I trust him to do the right thing next to no match at all. Honestly these two should not wrestle again
"80 percent of this thread is rangerjae's sig". -Jim Margulus 6/16/11
by rangerjae on Jan 31, 2012 8:53 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I agree this was a very good show...
If somehow they don’t book Taker vs. HHH who would they use? Taker has to be close to the end, and this would have been a good time for him to put over one of the younger stars… If they are really serious about giving a push to Shamus, he would have been a good choice to end the streak.
When Mike Ditka calculates pi it's decimal representation ends.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 31, 2012 11:07 AM EST reply actions
Ziggler or Rhodes. They are the future main event heels
by Buckeye Brawler on Jan 31, 2012 11:11 AM EST up reply actions
Why end the streak
just facing Undertaker will make a guys career there is no need to end a streak that took 19 years to build.
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Clemson should've stopped turning the ball over" Dana Holgorsen when asked about running up the score in the Orange Bowl
by WVPiratesfan on Jan 31, 2012 11:23 AM EST up reply actions
Being the guy that ended the streak will be with a guy forever
He’ll carry that honor like a championship… going out with a loss is kind of the norm for all the top guys
When Mike Ditka calculates pi it's decimal representation ends.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 31, 2012 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
I agree that Taker probably should, and will, go out on a loss to put someone over big time. It just won’t be, and shouldn’t be, at WrestleMania. Especially to Triple H.
by The so-called Beautiful on Jan 31, 2012 12:50 PM EST up reply actions
Being the guy who ended the streak won’t mean squat a year or two from now. Once the undertaker retires for good no one will care and it will fade from memory. Heck it looks like whoever fights him will end the streak regardless as it will most likely be the undertakers last match.
Get a young heel to fight the undertaker and lose then have the undertaker retire in the ring and have the young heel claim he ended the streak at 20 and you can get plenty of heat for a guy.
by who me on Jan 31, 2012 1:12 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
You get a guy like miz
Not only was he the main event at Wrestlemania, but the guy who ended the streak. He will bring it up every chance he gets bringing some more much needed heat. Not saying it will but beating the Undertaker at WM is like a calling card.
"80 percent of this thread is rangerjae's sig". -Jim Margulus 6/16/11
I agree...
When Mike Ditka calculates pi it's decimal representation ends.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 31, 2012 4:26 PM EST up reply actions
That Bryan/Punk match was the best I’ve seen since I started watching again. I honestly had no clue who would win and it didn’t make Bryan look weak like he’s been booked lately.
by 8bitDan on Jan 31, 2012 12:40 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Kofi Kingston
Does anyone agree that Kofi Kingston is one of the best Wrestlers the WWE has? I think he is long overdue for a character change, and heel turn. They should have him start getting cocky about how he does shit no one else can do (like the ups he gets on the top rope cross body, or rumble handstand). That he doesn’t get the credit he deserves and use that to build heat then character change over to a “superstar athlete” type of character (the Pope?). Rock the fancy suits and what not. I think it could help finally propel him into the main event level. Thoughts?
by megamanhadouken on Jan 31, 2012 12:44 PM EST reply actions
Kofi, the West African Riddler. He’s not that good, he just jumps high.
Suum Cuique
by Rawuncutnxrated on Jan 31, 2012 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
All he needs is a solid push and some mic time and he could get to the main event level
Instead he gets half assed pushes every now and then and mainly just stays over pretty big as a face based on nothing more than his in-ring work. He doesn’t need a character change right now, just a program with someone where he can finally go over in the end.
Kofi is good, but turning him into a heel no good
The kids like him. He appeals to that audience in this family friendly age IMO
"80 percent of this thread is rangerjae's sig". -Jim Margulus 6/16/11
wrote this on another blog . . .
went over well there so I figured I might as well be lazy and copy/past it here as well:
I want to start a new “THING” like planking or Tebowing. It will be Road to Wrestlemaniaing. I will walk around and randomly point to signs off in the distance. Restrooms signs, road signs, Arby’s signs, doesnt matter.
by AverageJoeEveryman on Jan 31, 2012 1:24 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I love that idea.
But got to come up with a different name for it. Wrestlemaiaing is too hard to say. Gotta make it easier for the little people.
"80 percent of this thread is rangerjae's sig". -Jim Margulus 6/16/11
Respectfully Disagree
I respectfully disagree. I found Raw to be boring last night with the exception of a few moments during the show. I guess I have grown tired of the same old characters. I am burned out on John Cena and Randy Orton. No offense to those guys they are entertaining, but I like when Raw throws us a curve. I may be the only person in the country who has never been an Undertaker fan.
You thought Orton vs. Ziggler and Punk vs. Bryan was boring?
Forget it Donny, you're out of your element.
Those are pretty much the WWE's top 4 in ring guys, right?
I can’t think of anyone I’d take over those guys in the ring right now.
I don't know man
Justin Gabriel is very over right now. Especially when he helps hornswoggle (sic)
"80 percent of this thread is rangerjae's sig". -Jim Margulus 6/16/11
Then Id . . .
throw him out over the top rope. I think Cody right now is an adequate to good performer in the ring and his character is good, he just doesnt have the pizzaz or oomph that those other 4 do.
by AverageJoeEveryman on Jan 31, 2012 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed
Rhodes is second tier, but he will be up there real soon.
I'm big, I'm white, I'm Irish, and G*d damnit people like me!
by C. J. Bradford on Jan 31, 2012 4:29 PM EST up reply actions
I also have to agree
I don’t think he is main event material, but good Intercontinental material. He can surpass that soon. I think he will work hard enough.
"80 percent of this thread is rangerjae's sig". -Jim Margulus 6/16/11
He just needs a good program. I think he has the skills ready to go, now the booking just needs to catch up
by Buckeye Brawler on Jan 31, 2012 6:10 PM EST up reply actions
I don't watch Smackdown
Who is he feuding with now? It’s been a few weeks since his Booker T feud. What’s he been doing? Just kind of treading water until the Rumble?
"Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes!" Gil Hodges IS a Hall of Famer.
Ryder or Riot #WWWYKI
AA Gamethread Embiggening Record Holder- 458 posts (08/24/11)
3rd Place- 2011 AAOP Contest | 1st place- 2012 AAOP Contest
by Brooklyn Dodgers Mets Fan on Jan 31, 2012 6:41 PM EST up reply actions
Who do they have to feud with him, who isn't already involved in some program?
"Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes!" Gil Hodges IS a Hall of Famer.
Ryder or Riot #WWWYKI
AA Gamethread Embiggening Record Holder- 458 posts (08/24/11)
3rd Place- 2011 AAOP Contest | 1st place- 2012 AAOP Contest
by Brooklyn Dodgers Mets Fan on Jan 31, 2012 10:07 PM EST up reply actions
He's been going at it with Justin Gabriel for a little while
I'm big, I'm white, I'm Irish, and G*d damnit people like me!
by C. J. Bradford on Jan 31, 2012 10:46 PM EST up reply actions
What can we say this was one of the best raws in a while. If you didn't like it, well what can we do.
We cant have Raws where Mai Young gives birth to a hand all the time. Just enjoy the wrestling. Which was on overdrive.
I've got something to say; it better to burn out than to fade away!!!
I'm still waiting for my CM Punk WWE Ice Cream Bar.
Go Chargers (oh yeah I said that)
X Box Gamertag: OneRabidDingo
It would lead me to believe that @bisping must have pissed off @danawhite something fierce. RT @drjamezkelske: @danhendo just out of curiosity, if the #ufc comes to you and asks you to fight Bisping again how do you respond?" -Dan Henderson
You're an idiot.
Follow @SBNLukeThomas
by Luke Thomas on Jan 5, 2012 1:40 PM PST up reply actions
Overall, I was plesantly surprised
I’d give the show a solid B.
The Punk-Bryan match was awesome. We got some great wrestling, we got some storyline advancement, and we got Jericho.
I was cooking, so I only saw parts of the Orton-Ziggler match, and it was alright. Neither does much for me.
The Miz-Kofi match was eh. I missed most of it, and only heard commentary. I was expecting R-Truth to liven it up more. He wasn’t bad, but…
I was starting to tire of Brodus Clay. but his opponent actually got some offense in, so it looks like they might start putting him in actual matches, instead of 30 second squashes? I hope so. And, I gotta say, I liked the red that the dancers wore, but those blue outfits really brought their best attributes.
The Beth Phoenix-Eve match, at least Beth didn’t lose. I get that they wanted to use it as part of the Cena-Kane story, but it just continues making the women look useless. Either have them wrestle decently (not 30 second matches), or make them valets and don’t have them wrestle.
The HHH and Laurenitis dragged on too long. The Kiss My Ass thing was pretty unnecessary. Instead of going 20 minutes (more or less) over, they probably could have trimmed off 15 minutes or so if they didn’t air the Rock Wrestlemania promo again (5 minutes), shaved off some of HHH mocking Laurenitis (5 minutes), and trimmed off some of the pointing and staring that Undertaker and HHH did (5 minutes).
Overall, Undertaker returning automatically made the show decent, at the very least, just for the surprise factor. Wasn’t expecting it tonight. There were too few matches, though. Shave off some of the extraneous things and filler, and that’s like 15-20 extra minutes, good for another match. That’s my main gripe with RAW, lately. Too few matches (even if, like tonight, the few that they have are good).
"Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes!" Gil Hodges IS a Hall of Famer.
Ryder or Riot #WWWYKI
AA Gamethread Embiggening Record Holder- 458 posts (08/24/11)
3rd Place- 2011 AAOP Contest | 1st place- 2012 AAOP Contest
by Brooklyn Dodgers Mets Fan on Jan 31, 2012 3:47 PM EST reply actions
If you didn't watch, you can't grade
You can’t write a book report on a book you didn’t read. I mean, you could, but it would suck.
I'm big, I'm white, I'm Irish, and G*d damnit people like me!
by C. J. Bradford on Jan 31, 2012 4:30 PM EST up reply actions
I obviously watched, or else I would not have been able to write a review of the entire show
"Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes!" Gil Hodges IS a Hall of Famer.
Ryder or Riot #WWWYKI
AA Gamethread Embiggening Record Holder- 458 posts (08/24/11)
3rd Place- 2011 AAOP Contest | 1st place- 2012 AAOP Contest
by Brooklyn Dodgers Mets Fan on Jan 31, 2012 4:37 PM EST up reply actions
are far as brodus is concerned
I kinda liked the loud spot calling. think about it, he is telling you what he’s going to do to you, daring you to stop it. And no matter what the poor soul tries, he cant stop the Funkasaurus
“Plus, it scares the hell out of me that Triple H is just egotistical and crazy enough to try to go over on Undertaker and end the streak. If that were to happen, he would surpass Hulk Hogan as the worst man in pro wrestling history as far as politics and ego are concerned. "
couldn’t agree more.
Now, count up your crimes!
by Cyclonejoker on Jan 31, 2012 4:25 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
If he was to do that...
Everything I wrote in the above paragraph I would take back. I honestly don’t think HHH would do that, especially if he is going to play baby face.
I hope I am right about him
"80 percent of this thread is rangerjae's sig". -Jim Margulus 6/16/11
That would be the worst night ever.
Undertaker losing to HHH just because he has political stroke and not the talent AND The Rock losing to Cena.
Now, count up your crimes!
by Cyclonejoker on Jan 31, 2012 4:37 PM EST up reply actions
If HHH were to be Taker
And their pull down the fourth wall and create like a Montreal Screwjob effect where HHH is drunk with power and all that where Taker becomes Mark Callaway, that would work for me. Otherwise, it would be shitty. And Cena has to lose to Rock, but I think he wont. Which troubles me
"80 percent of this thread is rangerjae's sig". -Jim Margulus 6/16/11
beat Taker beat beat not be sorry
"80 percent of this thread is rangerjae's sig". -Jim Margulus 6/16/11
Or if Taker beats HHH and
he lets the venom fly about how he is the future and how he got screwed. That would be something else. I don’t know if todays WWE can pull it off though
"80 percent of this thread is rangerjae's sig". -Jim Margulus 6/16/11
I actually like heel HHH, because all the bulllshit he does in real life fits his heel character.
It’s like a “what are you gonna do, hate me? Ok I’m a heel anyways.”
Now, count up your crimes!
by Cyclonejoker on Jan 31, 2012 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
Daniel Bryan looked great last night
Put him away from the giants and you see that he can wrestle a credible offense and look like a challenger to the “Best in the World.” That’s exactly what he needs to get over, even if in the end, he is going to be escaping with fluke wins. Bryan-Punk did a lot to help the three parties involved, but I’m especially happy with the direction of Bryan’s character.
Fish Stripes, a Florida Marlins blog
Author, Baseball Prospectus Fantasy
I am saddened by the destruction of John Laurinaitis
There was once a time when Big Johnny didn’t even flinch at CM Punk faking a punch. Fast forward, now he has become a man on his knees with his lips puckered for a buttocks smooch. The character has lost all dignity in just three weeks. How can he be taken seriously as an authority figure anymore? Triple H can just fire him any day he wants. Mr. Excitement was a high point each week on Raw for me.
by Manolo Has Pizzazz on Jan 31, 2012 6:57 PM EST reply actions
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