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I liked the opening segment with DX, Orton & Edge. I usually don't like opening the show with promos but the back and forth between the two was pretty good and it's nice to see DX in a feud that may actually mean something. For all the rumors about Orton's sexual preference, he really wasn't helping himself with those chaps he wore to the ring. As long as Orton and Edge get put over or at least made to look like DX's equals, I'm all for this angle.
I enjoyed Cryme Tyme's debut. I like their TKO/neckbreaker finisher. They definitely have potential. As a black man, I don't think it's racist and I think it's a parody more than anything and I'm enjoying it. I've seen guys that act just like Cryme Tyme in some way or form so it's not like the stereotype isn't true in some way. As far as the characters and their in-ring skills are concerned, I'm enjoying it so far and hope to see more of them even though they are a watered down version of The Gangstas. I guess this is what New Jack would have been doing if he ever made it to WWE.
King Booker is the most entertaining character in WWE period! The way he reacted when his wallet was stolen was priceless. I like how he goes from regal king with a British accent to no nonsense Booker T when something happens to him. He absolutely kills with this character and I'm glad he's finally getting a nice championship run in WWE. I hope he keeps the belt until WrestleMania. He really deserves it.
It wasn't a good night to be a C-List celeb in Hollywood. Nice to hear Cena rap again and about of all people, K-Fed. I'm sure the FU on Federline will be all over the E! Television and MTV tomorrow. Also Steve-O and Chris Pontius from Jackass. I like their antics but I really enjoyed Umaga kicking the crap out of those two.
The IC Title Fatal Four Way Match was the hottest match of the night, no doubt. I love the Powerbomb/Superplex spot by Masters, Crazy, and Shelton. Why isn't Shelton Benjamin near the top in WWE? He's obviously the most athletic wrester they have. He reminds me of AJ Styles in TNA. So talented but they don't really know what to do with him. I know his promos aren't where they should be but that's what managers are for. Get him a mouthpiece to talk for him. Daivari's sitting at home doing nothing, why not have him manage him. If Tazz ever decided to be a manager, I would put him with Shelton as I think those two could click together. As far as the match, these guys had some nice chemistry together and it was nice to see Jeff retain. I'm enjoying his run as champ so far.
I absolutely forgot Rob Conway was still wrestling.
The main event was pretty decent. I thought Orton would get the win but I was wrong. Hopefully the heels will get a win to get their heat back and make the feud worthwhile.
Overall, a nice step forward from last week. The celebrities did make my enjoyment of the show better and it was nice that they also gave you some incentive to order Cyber Sunday.
Marques
Tampa, FL
**********
I want to give credit where its due, I thought last night's Raw was the best one in recent memory. I liked every segment.
I could have used more wrestling in the first match, but the fights we did see were great. The 4-way Intercontinental match was awesome and the division is starting to eclipse the X-Division for workrate, in my opinion.
Carlito did his thing out there. Cryme Tyme had the crowd behind them, looked pretty good and the Spirit Squad did a great job selling. Kenny losing his temper was interesting, as well.
The ladies match was fun and some of those girls, particularly Torrie and Candace, are showing a lot of promise. Maria was a surprise winner, but she deserves it after what she agreed to do back on ECW last week.
HHH vs RKO was fun and even though I think the wrong man won, the finish was screwy enough that Orton didn't look bad.
WWE also did the Jackass promotion the right way. Those guys got steamrolled by Umaga and I got to hear an Estrada promo. This was light years ahead of what TNA came up with last month.
And the burial of Kevin Federline made for great tv. The crowd crapped on him and he ate it up with some heelish mic work. Cena making the save with a rap was a lot of fun, and I always enjoy his raps. Sophomoric or not, the line about spearing Britney cracked me up. And seeing K-Fed and the Jackass boys take bumps in the ring shows me that they were better celebrities for the job than any real A-lister.
Great show.
************
What saved last night's show was that incredible four-way Intercontinental Title match. It wasn't a mess of action and each guy had a legit chance to win. Is there anything cooler than Shelton's leap to the top rope?
The tourney for the Women's Title is a joke. Orton as HBK was dead-on, while Edge really sounded like Hunter. Too bad they didn't dress Lita as Stephanie...or Chyna! In defense of Kevin Federline, I think Nitro is about as bad on the mic as one can get.
And why did Big Show look like he was ready to go bowling in that shirt he wore? Maybe he was. All in all, a weak RAW.
-Frank @ The Jersey Shore (off-season!)
**********
One of the better Raw's in weeks. The show started off hot and I'm looking forward to the DX/Orton and Edge feud. Cryme Tyme was over with the crowd and had a good debut match. The King Booker/Cryme Tyme meeting backstage was hilarious, and I love how King Booker loses his english accent when he gets mad. It was weird watching Kfed cut a better promo then some of the heels in the back also The WWE used those Jackasses the way TNA should have, with them getting the crap kicked out of them.
Gary G
Milwaukee
