Well it's been the pattern that after a shitty RAW, they come back with a potentially shitty guest host and then exceed expectation with a decent show at least. Tonight's show however shattered the low expectations. Absolutely tremendous. Where to start? Well, first off, how about Evan Motherfucking Bourne? I've been pimping this guy for the better part of a year, and finally, he gets a showcase fitting his talents. He was put over huge tonight, and it was a complete effort. He sold like a Champ for Edge in the opening segment and during the match. Hell, he stuck the landing on his neck for one of Sheamus' elbows. His offense was crisp and superb. And I praise John Cena a lot here, but he deserves even more for marking out for Bourne during and after the match. Pending follow-up, he was made a star tonight.
Second, hey, Daniel Bryan everyone! You know what, I'd love to just shove all the criticisms about how he was handled during NXT in the faces of everyone because the last three or four weeks, he, Miz and Cole have been the best thing on WWE TV. Tonight was another example, and between the win and him launching Miz into Cole after the match, he was put over HUGE. Lawler acting as cheerleader for him during the match was huge too. Huge markout moment.
Thirdly, hey let's hear it for Vince McMahon! Seriously, I was in stitches when he came out and tried to get the crowd to pop for him. Smarmy, cocky heel Vince is the best. His interaction with Bret Hart was amazing, and really, for all the hate he gets, Vince as a character is great in sparing doses, especially when he's interacting with guys such as Hart, Roddy Piper and the like.
The Edge/Orton stuff worked pretty well. I loved the simplicity of Edge slamming a door into Orton's injured arm. Simple yet effective. Ashton Kutcher, despite obviously not being there, was entertaining. It's always better when the host is a legitimate wrestling fan, much like Rampage Jackson is for next week. Not sure about Bradley Cooper or Sharlto Copely though. Kutcher's interactions with Zack Ryder were pretty cool, although the payoff was kinda weak. All in all, it was a pretty nice RAW, very entertaining and fresh. I love this formula - have your established guys deliver in spots and then build new talent. I was afraid guys like Bourne and Ryder would have gotten lost in the shuffle, but so far, I've been pleasantly surprised
Remember you can contact TH and ask him questions about wrestling, life or anything else. Please refer to this post for contact information. He always takes questions!
Banner by K. Sawyer Paul
