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I thought this RAW was largely forgettable. I was watching the Redskins on MNF so I had to do a lot of channel flipping, it was annoying. Anyway, the only highlights of the show I thought were Edge's "rap" and the 6-man tag match with the three feuds. Other than that, nothing else really impressed me. This show didn't make me want to buy the PPV.
The MSG crowd could've cared less about her Trish's retirement and her final match for that matter. They were pretty dead for it which is a bit sad. The "Thank you, Trish" chants were pretty half-assed. Most people really don't care about women's wrestling and/or feel there's no need for it in this day and age and I also think that's really sad.
I saw bits and pieces of the main event and from what I saw, it was horrible. Vince throws the worst punches ever. I strongly dislike Hunter Hearst McMahon and this whole feud for that matter. I read a statement someone had made in this week's RAW recap and he stated that RAWs main event for the last two months are like Olive Garden's slogan. When you're here, it's all family. How true is that? Don't be surprised if this HIAC match is the main event on Sunday.
Overall, after watching this show, I came away from it really depressed and bored. Trish is sadly leaving and no one cares, the Spirit Squad have been buried...no wait....cremated and need to break up to get back any inch of credibility, Randy Orton fails a fucking drug test and is still on my TV screen taking up space (he's the real talentless bum in the WWE), Cena, a supposed top babyface gets cussed out and booed out of the building viciously (why hasn't he turned heel?), Nitro and Melina are worthless on the screen, DX is still together feuding with the McMahons, putting on main events that are the same worthless crap we've been seeing for two months now.
And all this crap is supposed to make me want to buy the PPV? Please. TNA, how I wish you were a huge wrestling promotion kicking RAWs ass in the ratings so they'd be motivated to put on better shows. Thank God I have ECW to look forward to tomorrow.
Darlene
D.C.
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I think that Raw needs a new writing staff and the paint on Melina and Nitro was funny but him running around in the ring all green in the last match ... its time for some fresh ideas.
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Overall, I liked tonight's episode of Raw; there was really good segments, but there were a few segments that I didn't care for at all. I thought the WWE handled the 9/11 anniversary well. My satellite signal was out for the first tribute, but the WWE 24/7 feature on the SmackDown following Sept. 11 was very classy. That segment brought back a lot of memories and showed the best side of the wrestling business. WWE gets a lot of attention for the things they do wrong, but they rarely get their due attention for the things they do right.
They also handled Trish Stratus's final Raw match well. She had a solid match with Mickie James and was given the chance to thank the fans. I don't necessarily like the sudden Mickie James face turn, but I guess they teased it a few weeks ago when Mickie challenged Lita for the Women's Title. The crowd really popped for Rowdy Roddy Piper, and the Highlanders get a rub from being teamed up with the Hot Rod. The promo was entertaining until the Spirit Squad showed up. The ensuing 6 man match was decent, but the Spirit Squad has no real heat on them going into the pay-per-view match.
The other 6 man tag match featuring Edge w/ Lita, Randy Orton, and Johnny Nitro w/ Melina vs. Jeff Hardy, Carlito, and John Cena was a good match, and the crowd was really hot for this one, which added to the atmosphere. Edge's promo before the match was great and having Nitro tap out to Cena keeps both Edge and Cena looking strong heading into the TLC match at Unforgiven. Nitro looked ridiculous with that paint all over him; it sure looks like he is in the middle of being depushed because not only does he get paint thrown all over him by Jeff Hardy, but he had to tap out to Cena in the match. As a side note, I really wish someone would explain to the WWE what the word "controversial" means. I realize they want to work the crowd reaction into Cena's character, but having some fans cheer and some fans boo does not constitute controversy. It just means he gets a mixed reaction.
On the other hand, there were some segments that really did nothing for me. Chris Masters obviously did nothing to improve his in-ring skills while he was away. Super Crazy looked good in the match, but he would look much stronger working with a better worker. If Nitro is indeed about to be demoted from the Intercontinental title picture, Crazy could have some good matches with Jeff Hardy.
When the Cryme Time segment came on, I flipped the channel to watch the ending of the Minnesota vs. Washington game on Monday Night Football. I just really don't care about the DX vs. McMahons feud at this point. The main event seemed like nothing more than Vince McMahon indulging in a public display of self-gratification. The Hell in a Cell match at Unforgiven really should be the end of this feud; it seems like the crowd lost interested in the match by the end.
WWE really did itself a favor by announcing the full card for Unforgiven last week; that allowed them to use the "go-home" edition of Raw to build feuds rather than hot-shotting angles for the pay-per-view. Despite playing second fiddle to DX vs. McMahons, the WWE title feud has been the best thing on Raw. WWE creative has managed to build a lot of interest in this match, and it just goes to show how effective long-term feuds can be if handled properly. WWE deserves credit for its handling of the 9/11 anniversary; if only they could show this much class with other sensitive events.
Jamie
Kentucky
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The 9/11 tribute was first class! And Lilian’s singing is so melodious! But it’s ironic that this is coming from the same man who, just six days ago, gave the go-ahead to make fun of a celeb tragedy. Vince McMahon can be a pretty polarizing figure in the world!
The Umaga segment served its purpose. That’s to push his PPV match with Kane. I’ll say that the beatings they gave each other did a good mid-card sell.
Speaking of McMahon, his first segment was simply to feed his classy ego.
For the first time, I actually enjoyed a Highlanders segment! Wasn’t it great to include THE HOT ROD at an MSG show! Their interaction with the Spirit Squad was so funny, and as for the match, it was quite enjoyable. Piper has always had it!
The backstage interview was just more Foley-denouncing stuff, until Jeff Hardy arrived. I popped for the paint throwing!
Nice way to promote Trish’s retirement match. And speaking of gorgeous women, the Black Dahlia…ahhh…Scarlett Johansson.
Edge’s pre match promo had its ups and downs. His “rap†was well-delivered, but we could have done without the New York references on this date. As for the six-man, I really enjoyed it. But remember, I’ll be rooting for Edge this Sunday, since moving Cena to Smackdown will be like a fresh new start for a new TV season!
Cryme Time is starting to be stereotypical.
I’m looking forward to “Friday Night Lights.†Nice cross-promotion!
Super Crazy vs. Masters. OK, but it won’t be long until Crazy becomes part of the Heat family.
Trish’s MSG farewell was well done! Her match with Mickie was great, and I think she’s going to give it more than her all in Toronto this Sunday.
The main event was there for two reasons. First, it was Vince’s latest ego trip. Second, it pushed Hell in a Cell. But why it has to be more important than the WWE title is anyone’s guess.
By the way, I have mixed feelings about the Hell in a Cell history promos. It was a good way to promote the match, but why use some of the less memorable bouts? You mean Kevin Nash really did a HIAC match a few years ago? The same with Chris Jericho?
For the first time in 2006, I’ll be ordering a single-brand event. They did a good job selling several of the matches, and it would make one wish that WWE would do this year-round.
Overall Grade: B+
Ken Kibby
Benicia, CA
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Overall the go home episode of RAW was not too bad. They did a great job of promoting all of the matches for Sunday. They had a great match in the middle of the show which I liked – the six man tag. I also like how they handled Trish’s last match – very classy. The “main event†was stuff we have seen a million times and really took away from the night.
I liked how they opened the show with a 9/11 tribute. Very classy and Lillian did a good job with God Bless America.
Flair/Umaga – The Kane run in was VERY predicable but I really liked how they beat the heck out of each other. Kane throwing the steel steps at Umaga (even though he got his arms up to protect himself) was also very good. I didn’t like how they made Flair look but I understand that they want to make Kane look like a monster in comparison and want people to believe that Kane has a shot against Umaga at Unforgiven.
It was really good to see Piper at MSG again. He has his moments on the mic doesn’t he? The match between the SS/Highlanders and Piper wasn’t anything special and we could have done with out it. Talk about just filling some time. Piper has gained just a few pounds.
Nice promo for Unforgiven featuring Trish – very classy and deserving for her!
Hey, Edge raps better than Cena – who would have thought.
Six Man Tag Match – Why wasn’t this match the main event? The crowd was really into this match which was awesome. Nothing like those NYC crowds – I was surprised that Cena got as much support from them as he did. I liked how they gave this match some time as well – overall a very good match as all participants got to do their thing. Hardy crashing and burning on the jump to the outside was a little scary but he looked to be OK by the end. All six worked hard and helped further their matches on Sunday. Great ending to this match – I think Vince likes messing with those traditionalist fans by having Cena win with his “submission†move on Nitro. HA – Great stuff!
Masters/Crazy – I was hoping when Masters lost all of that weight that he would be better in the ring – NOT! Thankfully this was kept VERY short.
Trish/Mickie – I am really going to miss Trish. I am not sure that having Mickie as her last opponent on Raw was a good idea since no one really cares about Mickie anymore. But it was a nice send-off for Trish and the crowd was classy after the match. I also like the handshake and hug that Trish/Mickie shared – very classy by all involved.
HHH/Vince – Disappointing ending to a decent night. There is no way this should have been the main event tonight. Not a good match and didn’t we see DX get beaten down like two weeks ago? I do like how they continue to book the Big Show as a monster who destroys everybody. But Vine – did you hear the silence from the crowd for most of this match? That’s because everyone is sick of DX vs. the McMahon’s and everyone is sick of you! Time to get the heck off of our TV’s - hopefully this Sunday will FINALLY put an end to this feud. I did like the Hell in a Cell flashbacks that they played all night long.
John
New Hyde Pk. NY
