Instant Feedback: No TitanTron? No Problem!

I'll forgo the negativity for this review, not because there wasn't anything to be negative about. No no no, there were a few things to pick at, most glaringly being DX attacking a midget for doing what they want everyone in the audience to do, but because this RAW was fun and was really the best one they've had in probably a month. It all started with the guest host, who was someone who had charisma and, here's the key, CARED ABOUT THE PRODUCT!

Say what you want about Da Maniac Rowdy Roddy Piper, but the guy isn't an all-timer because he looks pretty. He's one of the great mic-workers of all time, and he showed it tonight with some classic lines that didn't get the love from the crowd that I thought they deserved. Uncharacteristically dead crowd in New York tonight, I expected better. Come to think of it, a few of their go-to markets have been pretty lame lately. Philly by all accounts wasn't all that hoppin' for Night of Champions. A message to everyone going to the Smackdown tapings tomorrow night... MAKE SOME NOISE! Don't let Jacksonville or Boston upstage us!

That out of the way, I thought they did a good job doing a show at their trademark arena. The opening match was great, and I like the dedication to pushing The Miz. He's the one heel they're giving clean wins to, and he's getting over. The Swagger/Bourne squash was pretty cool too, although I hope they don't continue down that road. I've said this many times before, but a Bourne/Miz/Swagger three-way for the US Title at Tables, Ladders and Chairs would be pretty sweet.

I also love what they're doing with Sheamus. I half-expected them to have Danielson come out and answer the challenge (even though it would have put them in a lose-lose situation), but what they ended up doing with it, having Sheamus bully the ring crew guy and then boot Lawler's head halfway to Bayonne afterwards was fantastic. Hopefully it doesn't lead to an announcer feud, but even if it does, I think Lawler can be a good foil for him.

Solid show all around. I'm looking forward to next week. I wonder if Ventura's going to work any of his crazy Truther theories into his act for the show...

ETA: Forgot to add... AMAZING spot from Kofi with the double legs across Orton's chest. IN one month, he's gone from meh to one of my favorites. I think they just sold me on Survivor Series.