The following are highlights of the latest Jim Ross blog:
On where he feels WWE will end up on cable TV: “WWE should be so lucky as UFC has been with Fox when WWE signs their new, broadcast rights deal in America of which I fully expect to be an enhanced deal with NBC/Universal which will see RAW/Smackdown stay where they currently are. I do think that USA Network and their affiliates can do more to help promote WWE. I’d like to see Smackdown moved to Tuesday and go live. Going live with Smackdown on Friday night isn’t financially feasible or schedule friendly for WWE whatsoever.”
On having no desire to return to a weekly announcing gig: “I have no desire to return to weekly, pro wrestling announcing any where and especially where announcer’s are heavily produced and cannot be themselves. I don’t miss the travel or the politics. I also know that @MichaelCole @JCLayfield @Jerry Lawler don’t get the credit that they deserve under the philosophy currently utilized for their roles.”
On the fallout from Undertaker’s streak ending: “The Streak is dead. It isn’t being resurrected. Now the key is how WWE addresses Lesnar’s situation going forward and any future plans for Taker including when and where he goes into the WWE HOF. Those that are still in shock simply need to get over it and move forward. I did not like it either but I can see where the Streak ending can create unique opportunities on multiple, creative fronts.”
On the boxing documentary he narrarated for FOX Sports 1: “The video feature that I narrated for @FoxSports1 will air Monday night after their boxing event. It’s about the journey that the late, Tommy Morrison’s son Trey has embarked upon in pro boxing. The young, Oklahoman is attempting to follow in his dad’s footsteps. Many will recall that Tommy Morrison appeared in Rocky 5 and also defeated George Foreman to win the WBO heavyweight Title before lifestyle decisions helped end his career and eventually his life at the age of 44.”
Check out the complete blog online at JRsBarBQ.com. You can also order JR’s Bar-B-Q products online at WWEShop.com.
– Triple H recently tweeted the following about last night’s NXT tapings and the upcoming NXT Takeover special, which airs live on the WWE Network on May 29th.
Michael Cole’s latest sit-down interview features a conversation with WWE COO Triple H. The video is accompanied by the following description:
“WWE COO Triple H sits down with Michael Cole to address new WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan, the return of Kane’s monstrous side and Evolution’s plans for dealing with The Hounds of Justice.”
– The following is the latest edition of The JBL & Cole Show, which features an appearance by WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
– As previously reported, former WWE Superstars Chris Jericho and Edge noted that they would be attending the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony in Brooklyn this week. You can check out a photo of the two at the event below.
– WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin noted on his latest “Steve Austin Show” podcast that WWE legend The Undertaker has agreed to record an interview with him for a future edition of his show.
– Former NFL star Shawn Merriman, who was one of the members of the WrestleMania XXX pre-show panels, has signed a contract with WWE. JBL and Michael Cole noted during one of their recent podcasts that Merriman is “joining the WWE family” and will be reporting to the WWE developmental center in Florida.
Paul Heyman was Michael Cole’s guest for this week’s WWE.com sit down interview. Here are some highlights:
– Michael Cole questions Paul Heyman about why he refers to him and Jerry Lawler as “things.”
– Heyman comments on Brock Lesnar breaking The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak, saying that Undertaker knew deep down that Lesnar would win.
– Brock Lesnar is a conqueror and will demolish anything put in his way.
– He recruited Cesaro because he’s “the next great commodity” in WWE. If he choses to put Cesaro in the WWE World Heavyweight title picture, then Cesaro will be champion. If he instructs Cesaro to bring him the Intercontinental championship, then he will do so. Cesaro is the most capable star in WWE and the new “next big thing.”
– Heyman says Cesaro’s future is in his hands, so the future of WWE is in Cesaro’s hands.
– At the Scott Hall and Jake Roberts WrestleMania XXX party at the House Of Blues in New Orleans on Friday night, a number of WWE Superstars and legends made appearances. Among them, as pictured below, are Big Show, Diamond Dallas Page and Ric Flair.
– The latest edition of The JBL & Cole Show, which features Hulk Hogan this week, has been added to the official YouTube channel of WWE. The official description for this week’s show reads as follows:
“In case you missed anything, this edition of The JBL & Cole Show recaps ALL of the past months events involving the controversy around the infamous Golden Boot. Kane drops by and adds a new hashtag to the mix – #DropJBL #FreeCody #DropCody. Which will you choose?”
Check out episode #71 of The JBL & Cole Show below:
Here we are the Raw before WrestleMania XXX. The go home show of all go home shows. Did Raw deliver? Check out our YES! and NO!
Brock Lesnar Finally F5’s after circling the ring 10 times. NO!
The Undertaker & Brock Lesnar The Undertaker comes out and cuts seeming the same promo he has each week he’s had a mic. Out pops Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman, eventually Brock circles the ring seemingly a dozen times, before the obligatory Paul Heyman distraction where he slips in with a chair, to distract The Undertaker enough so that Brock can “sneak” in and get his hands on The Dead Man.
I had such high hopes for this program, but I must tell you, I’ve been less than impressed. Paul Heyman cut an amazing promo a few weeks back simultaneously putting over The Streak, and why Brock Lesnar would break it (Undertakers age, wear and tear). Since then this has been a lackluster build for me. Am I really to believe that a huge man like Brock Lesnar is THAT afraid to get into the ring? I can buy into some trepidation, but this was ridiculous. NO!
Alberto Del Rio takes it to Big E. Good Match YES!
Big E. vs. Alberto Del Rio I thought Big E and Alberto Del Rio put on a great match, with several near falls and a clean Del Rio win. Of course why they constantly beat a champion, I’ll never understand. Does anyone remember when they actually had in-ring introductions for a Big E intercontinental championship match? That being said, YES!
Summer Rae vs. Natalya I liked how a clip was shown from this past weeks Total Diva’s and there was a match to tie things in. I suppose that’s the one thing we lack when it is seemingly all the Total Divas ganging up on AJ who didn’t want to be on the show. However, the conflict was clearly 100% manufactured, and if there was any ounce of reality to Total Divas before this, there isn’t now. YES!
The Authority implying that Daniel Bryan is a “Flavor Of The Day” like Fandango was last year.
The Authority’s Farewell To The “Yes!” Movement, Batista, Randy Orton Triple H and Stephanie come out and cut a brutally honest promo that blurts the lines between story line and reality. They made some interesting arguments about people wanting to be on a bandwagon, and support a cause. This brought out chants of CM Punk, Yes, and others including boring. After a Stephanie McMahon narrated promo about Triple H always beating the “Flavor of the Day” including Booker T, Chris Jericho, RVD, Kurt Angle and Jeff Hardy, Out comes BOOtista, and Orton. Pretty much the same song and dance. Objectively I think this was a good Heel Triple H Promo. But I’m exhausted from these Authority promos, and Batista and Orton coming out in succession. I’m tired from Daniel Bryan not getting anywhere in the stratosphere of equal mic time. By itself this was good, but after weeks of this, I’m over it. So I say NO!
The Usos & Los Matadores vs. The Real Americans & Ryback and Curtis Axel
This is basically the Pre-Show match with two teams combined. Less reason to get excited about the match itself. After an incredible year of tag-teams in the WWE in 2013, everything that I have enjoyed up to this point has vanished. Cody Rhodes and GoldDust were the hottest Tag Team attraction in WWE last year, they should have been in the tag-team titles mix, or facing each other, in a brother vs brother match that has been rumored for two years. The USO’s have been in line to win the Tag Titles since July of 13. What better way to elevate those titles then have them win it at WrestleMania XXX against the Outlaws? So another match, similar to what we will see on the small big stage, and I fear that The Uso’s who should retain this, may not possibly, so that a title change gets a reaction, or creates some sort of moment. NO!
Backstage Segment: The Shield & Roman Reigns vs. Kane I enjoyed this backstage segment from The Shield, they seemed like a cohesive unit here, and I hope to see more of this at WrestleMania. Could The Shield stay together for a while longer? Many thought the match would be all three members of The Shield in a triple thread at this years WrestleMania. I would dislike it to see someone like Dean Ambrose accidentally or deliberately cause a loss for the team. I’d like to see The Shield show their dominance over the last two years. YES!
View Page 2 to find out more YES and NO from WWE RAW
The following are highlights from a new Jim Ross blog:
On a “RINGSIDE” show in Toronto: “We’re doing another RINGSIDE show in Toronto on Friday May 9 at the Danforth Music Hall and tickets for the show go on sale THIS TUESDAY in Toronto at the box office of the Music Hall and via ticketmaster.ca. It’s one show only and it’s the night before the ROH-New Japan show in TO. VIP Meet and Greet tickets will go fast and are limited. We will h ave the meet and Greet before the show on the Friday May 9 event.”
On some upcoming “Ross Report” podcast guests: “Thanks for the great feedback on this week’s Ross Report with Lita aka Amy Dumas. Next week my podcast guest will be DDP Diamond Dallas Page who I suspect will induct Jake Roberts at the 2014 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony the night before WM30. That’s not a conformation but my personal assumption. Without question DDP impacted the lives of both Jake and Scott Hall in a major, life saving way.”
“Great lineup of guests coming to the Ross Report podcast via @PodcastOne including, the aforementioned Robert Flores, Jim Cornette, Gail Kim, Shawn Michaels, Bill Goldberg, ESPN’s Michelle Beadle and Eric Bischoff, among others.”
On WWE inviting him to the Hall Of Fame: “WWE has invited me to attend the WWE Hall of Fame next Saturday night in New Orleans. I’m going to endeavor to attend. Grat night for some very deserving performers.”
On reaction to him putting over Michael Cole recently: “Some seemed surprised that I applauded @MichaelCole work in WWE recently on the Q&A’s here. Cole is without question the hardest working on air talent in WWE and his job has become so multi faceted that it exceeds the boundaries of being a play by play man. I’m not even sure that WWE calls it play by play any longer but nonetheless Michael does a helluva job steering a diverse ship on 5 hours of prime time TV for WWE.”
The following are highlights of a recent Jim Ross Q&A update:
On Michael Cole filling his spot as lead announcer: “Absolutely. Cole’s working his tail off being all things to many masters. hardest working broadcaster in WWE by far.”
On old-school announcer Boyd Pierce: “Boyd was a true character with a terrific sense of humor. Loved the business passionately. Good man.”
On who should induct Paul Bearer this year and Undertaker when he finally goes in: “I’m anxious to see who does the inducting, etc at the WWE HOF. I have no idea. Curious though. I think that Vince McMahon should introduce Taker when that day comes.”
On Taz: “Taz is doing great and we still keep in touch. I will attempt to get him on my podcast without question.”
On if he’ll have Daniel Bryan on his podcast: “Perhaps. Not sue that he would want to be on or if I could get it cleared.”
– The three featured names that are scheduled to air on the edited version of the WWE Hall Of Fame 2014 ceremony on the USA Network, which airs as a one hour special after RAW on April 8th, are The Ultimate Warrior, Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Lita.
– As previously reported, the big WrestleMania XXX press conference will take place in New York City this coming Tuesday. WWE recently confirmed that the presser will air live on the WWE Network. Michael Cole will serve as the host for the press conference.
– WWE has apparently contacted several major names to be part of their milestone 30th edition of WrestleMania. As one report described, “every mega-draw” of the past several decades that are still alive were contacted to at least make a cameo appearance of some kind during the show.
– Chris Jericho will be a guest on IGN’s “Up At Noon” this coming Monday at 12pm EST.
– As previously reported, Dolph Ziggler, The Bella Twins, Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler and JBL all filmed a WWE-themed edition of the E! talk show, “The Soup.” That episode is scheduled to air on Wednesday, April 9th.
Michael Cole’s latest guest for his weekly sit-down interview series at WWE.com this week was WWE Hall Of Famer and the host of WrestleMania XXX, Hulk Hogan.
Hogan spoke to Cole about a number of topics, including the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal, Mr. T being inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame, his history at WrestleMania and more.
– The return of the Legends Of Wrestling roundtable will air live on the WWE Network on Friday, April 4th from WrestleMania AXXESS.
– Michael Cole and JBL revealed on the latest edition of their radio show that WWE will be airing a live WrestleMania Today show on the WWE Network, which will also take place live from WrestleMania AXXESS on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (April 3rd-5th).
– WWE personalities JBL, Michael Cole, Jerry “The King” Lawler, The Bella Twins, Titus O’Neil and Dolph Ziggler recently filmed a WWE-themed edition of the E! talk show, “The Soup.” There is currently no official word on when the show will air.
– Speaking of JBL and Michael Cole, here is the latest edition of “The JBL & Cole Show,” which features the latest drama in “Wrestler’s Court.”
– The official WWE website has added new sit-down interview with Michael Cole speaking to John Cena. You can check that out at WWE.com.
– Steve Austin’s 100th episode of the “Steve Austin Show” podcast is now available. You can check that out at PodcastOne.com.
– Also new in the podcast world is a new episode of Jim Cornette’s “The Jim Cornette Experience,” with his special guest, Lisa Marie Varon (aka Victoria/Tara). You can check that one out at MLW.com.
Triple H has words with BOOTista and Randy Orton, in the opening Segment YES!
In-Ring Segment: Triple H, BOOtista and Randy Orton Raw started off with Triple H in the middle of the ring, blaming the WWE Universe, for the events leading to the match between Triple H & Daniel Bryan at Wrestlemania. He said he had no chocie but has too end the #YesMovment. Out comes Batista, followed by Randy Orton. I really enjoyed the back and forth between all three. With Batista caling Randy Orton a “paper champion” and Orton saying if Batista was the big deal he was supposed to be they wouldn’t have gone on to cheer for Daniel Bryan.
Triple H tried to make his exit, Batista stopped him and said he has to fix things. That’s when Triple H went off on Batista, saying he hated when Part-Time movie stars come back and think they know how to run the business. Triple H also called out Orton, for being technically gifted, but still needs his hand held to win the match.
Triple H then annoucned a bombshell that if he wins the match between him and Daniel Bryan, he will enter the triple threat match at WrestleMania XXX, and win it to become WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
I thought this was a great segment, and I like that now Triple H has a shot to be in the Main Event at WrestleMania. That gives people some doubt that Daniel Bryan could lose his match between him and Triple H, which he wont. I like the direction this story is going in, as we are two Raw’s from Mania! YES!
Sheamus wins on St Patrick’s Day. NO!
Bad News Barrett & Hornswoggle Obligatory Hornswaggle segment for St Patrick’s day. Followed by an unfunny and predictable Bad News Barrett segment. Yawn. Someone tell me why Barrett is not wrestling, is he injured? NO!
Sheamus vs. Titus O’Neil Gimmick Match, the aforementioned Hornswaggle gets involved and becomes a chess piece. Christian on commentary was the bright spot. He attacks after the match, which also was predictable, I didn’t hate the attack though, but overall for me the segment was a NO!
The Usos vs. The Real Americans
Sold match, looks like The Real Americans are back as a cohesive unit. This win by The Real Americans I’m assuming will lead to their involvement in a 4-way tag match at WrestleMania. Perhaps on the grandest stage of them all, we will finally see Cesaro snap on Jack Swagger and swing him many many times. YES!
John Cena and Bray Wyatt, let’s hope the match lives up to the hype. YES!
John Cena & Bray Wyatt Promo Segment Obviously we won’t know until WrestleMania XXX if these two will have a good or great match. For all we know they could have an amazing match. But I have to say I really enjoy Bray Wyatt’s promo work here. John Cena is John Cena, I could do with out the comedy. His act is getting stale, and he is in need for a change, a big change. I think this this program is a good fit for both superstars, of course I would rather have seen The Shield vs The Wyatts, but since that ship has sailed, I’m enjoying what I see. YES!
Randy Orton vs Daniel Bryan……Part 20. YES!
Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton have good matches with each other, I enjoyed this one as well. Batista came down to take it to Orton, followed by Daniel Bryan sending Batista out of the ring with the Knee. This was a great live illustration to show what “could” happen at WrestleMania XXX. Batista power bombing Orton Afterwords got a decent pop. I have to say, seems a fair amount of heat on BOOtista is melting away, now that Daniel Bryan has the potential to headline with him and Orton at WrestleMania XXX YES!
Paul could sell a ketchup Popsicle to a woman wearing white gloves. YES!
Segment: Paul Heyman
Paul Heyman is a master wordsmith. He is perfect for someone like Brock Lesnar, who’s mic skills aren’t as sharp. I love the story they are telling here, acknowledging The Undertaker is getting older and it has been getting harder the last few years for him to win decisively. YES!
Interesting observation, did you notice how CM Punk didn’t exist on the promo they showed? Would have made great sense to use him, after all, The Undertaker beat CM Punk last year at WrestleMania 29 and, Brock Lesnar went on to beat CM Punk at SummerSlam. But no, he is erased.
View Page 2 to find out more YES and NO from WWE RAW
– The New York Post is reporting that former WWE Diva Stacy Keibler is pregnant. Keibler married Jared Pobre on a beach in Mexico this past Saturday (3/8) after 8 months of dating. The two had been friends for years but didn’t start dating until this past fall, just a few months after Keibler and George Clooney split.
– WWE COO Triple H “no showed” this week’s sit-down interview with Michael Cole, playing up his frustration we saw on RAW due to Daniel Bryan’s #OccupyRAW movement.
The segment started with Michael Cole waiting for Triple H and recapping the events that transpired on Monday night. Hunter was supposed to explain why he gave in to Daniel Bryan’s demands and gave him a chance to wind up in the main event of WrestleMania, until Michael Cole “received an email” that Triple H was called into an “emergency meeting” related to the WWE Network.
Triple H will address the Daniel Bryan situation on Friday’s SmackDown. In light of Triple H’s absense, Michael Cole joked, “Can’t say that I’m surprised. Hopefully he’ll join us next week.”
Hulk Hogan’s WrestleMania XXX Announcement, John Cena & The Wyatt Family Hulk Hogan starts the show announcing an Andre The Giant memorial 30 man Battle Royal at WrestleMania XXX in New Orleans. Battle Royals have happened before at WrestleMania, with Andre The Giant winning the first ever Battle Royal at WrestleMania II. At Wrestlemania IV Bret Hart and Bad News Brown, both heels at the time agreed to share the trophy, well for a few moments. And who could forget the 19 man Gimmick Battle Royal at WrestleMania X-Seven. I don’t think anyone was expecting this, and at first I thought, the idea seemed silly, but this will get alot of talent on the card, and could be interesting to watch.
John Cena came out to have a Raw moment with The Hulkster. Dislike Cena all you want, he has been the top guy in WWE for the last 10 years. Buff Bagwell, made a ridiculous comment, that John Cena isn’t a Stone Cold Steve Austin, or a Rock, and that HE could have been John Cena, if he was pushed like Cena has been. That’s the most idiotic thing I’ve ever heard in my life. Cena is a true star, and any way you slice it this was a Raw moment, to see Cena posing down with the Babe Ruth of professional wrestling.
Bray Wyatt doing his thing as John Cena and the legendary Hulk Hogan YES!
I enjoyed the Wyatt involvement, the challenge was issued by Cena, for a match at WrestleMania, Wyatt would later accept. Prior to the Royal Rumble, when the heavy rumor was John Cena vs Bray Wyatt, I was scratching my head. After months of excellent build up of Bray and the Wyatt Family, I can honestly tell you, I’m excited to see this match, and love the Wyatt Family. YES!
John Cena vs. Erick Rowan Short match, between Cena and Rowan, with Rowan having the upper hand for a good portion of the match, Cena wins with a surprise pin. I’m not sure why he was so shocked. Hulk Hogan in Cena’s corner, makes me wonder if this will foreshadow some physical Hogan involvement in the match at WrestleMania XXX. YES!
The Authority Address Daniel Bryan I’m a huge Vince McMahon fan, I loved watching Vince McMahon verbally and sometimes even physically battle Stone Cold Steve Austin, back in the Attitude Era. Perhaps because I’m so over the last 7 months of beating Daniel Bryan to the ground, I just can’t stand Stephanie McMahon and Triple H as The Authority. When I say that, I don’t mean, “I can’t wait to see Daniel Bryan get his hands on Triple H.” I just can’t stand the way either of them are, at all. Stephanie does all the talking in this segment, demanding Daniel Bryan apologize or face severe consequences. NO!
Cessaro griping a bit too tight for Jack Swagger YES!
Big E. vs. Jack Swagger / Real Americans Break-Up Tease # 395 This match was basically a filler to highlight the inevitable break up of Cesaro and Swagger. It’s a shame that Big E has been pushed to the back in all this, I had high hopes that the Intercontinental Title would finally get more prestige. That being said I am enjoying the break up of The Real Americans, because Cesaro is going to be a break out star. YES!
In-Ring Segment: The Undertaker & Paul Heyman This segment was pure brilliance, Paul Heyman with two amazing weeks in a row of fantastic promos. Playing the Chicago crowd expertly. Tying CM Punk’s departure into not being able to defeat The Undertaker, was a genius concept. I like how the story is now centered around Paul Heyman trying to get his revenge on The Undertaker. This could also set the stage for another CM Punk Undertaker encounter if he ever comes back and returns his ball. I’m cautiously optimistic for the Brock vs Taker match at WrestleMania XXX. YES!
View Page 2 to find out more YES and NO from WWE RAW
– WWE has posted several new job openings focusing on social media. For more information, visit Icims.com.
– WWE is at the annual SXSW (South By Southwest) Interactive Festival, which spotlights cutting-edge technologies and digital creativity, and features presentations and panels from the leaders in emerging fields of technology.
John Cena, Stephanie McMahon, Michael Cole and Perkins Miller presented, “Crushing Second Screen: The Ultimate TV Companion.” Stephanie said this to SXSW.com this week about the WWE panel:
“In our session, we will discuss brand and content distribution strategy, and reveal how WWE uses technology, storytelling and innovative product strategies to engage one of the most passionate fan bases in the world, including the first-ever live, 24/7 streaming OTT network.”
Check out this video from the panel, featuring Stephanie McMahon and John Cena talking about WWE’s Authority storyline:
Triple H’s weekly sit down interview with Michael Cole is online now online, with the WWE COO talking about his ongoing feud with Daniel Bryan.
JBL filled in for Triple H for last week’s interview because Triple H was down in Orlando preparing for the NXT ArRival special. However, Michael Cole pointed out that it was convenient Triple H was unable to do their interview after Daniel Bryan challenged him to a match at WrestleMania.
Triple H explained on RAW why he doesn’t want to wrestle Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania, but Cole pushed the issue again, wanting to know the true underlying reason. Triple H said he’s the COO of WWE. He’s extremely busy and doesn’t have time for Daniel Bryan. Cole pointed out that Triple H has wrestled The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar in recent years, to which Triple H responded – they’re both A+ players. Daniel Bryan is nothing more than a B+ player and he’s not going to interrupt his day to day operations to lace up his boots against Bryan.
How long can Triple H deny fans a match between him and Daniel Bryan? Triple H acknowledges that fans across the world want the match. However, Daniel Bryan is Best for Business. He’s very popular with the fans, he sells a lot of merchandise, he’s a B+, he’s pretty good. Why would he want to end all that by destroying him at WrestleMania? It’s not good for business. Let the immortals wrestle at the showcase of the immortals. “Bryan is a 185 pound sawed-off midget.”
If Triple H wanted to end the Yes Movement, he’d just fire him. But Daniel Bryan has value and “people love the little guy.”
Michael Cole tells Triple H that everyone he’s spoken to believes he’s scared of Daniel Bryan – and wants to know if it’s true. Triple H says he’ll give him the same answer that he gave Daniel Bryan – NO.
They’ll never be another person as great as Paul Heyman. Brilliant performance. YES!
Paul Heyman Opens RAW, Brock Lesnar Attacks Mark Henry Raw kicked off with a bang, CM Punk’s music hit and, naturally the crowd went wild. I’m sure most older WWE fans know this drill all too well. WWE loves pushing buttons (now called trolling). I fully expected to hear CM Punk’s entrance music hit at some point during the broadcast, it was inevitable. However after about 30 seconds, it became clear there was no CM Punk, it was Paul Heyman. Paul comes into the ring, goading the crowd to cant their heads off for the voice of the voiceless. Paul then sat Indian style in the center of the ring, and began to talk about CM Punk, and ultimately said that the fans were to blame for his absence. Paul tied it into CM Punk losing to The Undertaker at WrestleMania 29, and moved towards Brock Lesnar taking on The Deadman in New Orleans. Brock then comes out, followed by Mark Henry who eventually gets an awesome F5 into the announce table. I loved this segment, this was exactly how you capture lighting in a bottle. Paul Heyman was simply brilliant. If I have one criticism on this segment, I would have placed it towards the middle of the program. I think the crowd should have been given a bit of time to try to “HijackRaw” with their CM Punk chants, and then WWE would strike back with their response. YES!
WWE Tag-Team Championships The New Age Outlaws (c) vs. The Usos With a crazy night came this tag team match. I was pretty surprised that The USO’s won the contest and became The WWE Tag Team Champions. For some reason I thought we would have to wait till WrestleMania XXX to see The USO’s win the tag team championship, there is still 4 weeks before WrestleMania so as they say anything can happen. I’m happy for The USO’s they deserve the championship. YES!
The Real Americans Hugging it out… For now.
Big E. vs. Cesaro & Big E. vs. Jack Swagger I’ve been seeing Jack Swagger interrupt many Cesaro matches. Earlier in the night Swagger again caused the DQ by attacking Big E during the match. Later Big E pulls double duty taking on Swagger Cesaro returns the favor. Obviously these two are destined for a breakup, but when? And how does Big E’ Factor into this match. I wouldn’t mind seeing the three of them go at it in a triple Threat Match at WrestleMania, where we can see Cesaro finally turn on Jack Swagger. YES!
The Shield vs. The Wyatt Family What an incredible match these 6 young up and coming SuperStars had at The Elimination Chamber PPV, This match was great too, with Seth Rollins proving he is not the weakest link in The Shield. Flying across the ring! I like Rollins walking out of the match to further the breakup of The Shield. I think The Shield vs The Wyatts much like The Rock vs Triple H will go down in history as two matches that should have taken place on the grandest stage of them all, WrestleMania. Still an awesome showing and a great way to keep the momentum for Bray Wyatt who got the pinfall. YES!
Renee Young Interviews Batista BOOtista turning full heel on Smackdown! this past Friday night, now on Raw calls the Daniel Bryan #YesMovement the the dumbest thing he’s ever seen in his life. I like heel BOOtista. Well maybe I don’t. I didn’t like WWE trying to keep Batista a face when the crowd would have none of it. There’s your real change! We actually turned him heel. There was no other choice anyway, I don’t want to get my hopes up for the SEVENTH month in a row, but this seems to be heading towards what most of us are hoping to see at WrestleMania XXX.
Santino Marella & Emma vs. Fandango & Summer Rae I’m still not sold on Emma. It must be because of Santino. Or that music just doesn’t feel big enough. Again I get it she was very over in NXT, but that arena holds 500-800 people. (I’ve been to a NXT Taping at Full Sail) Sometimes things don’t play as well on the big stage. I hear that music, and I hear a pin drop. Then again, this might be another Fandango in the making the night after WrestleMania XXX. NO!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78HUkVvnLXg
To much talk, Daniel Bryan should have kneed them both. NO!
Daniel Bryan, Triple H, Stephanie McMahon & Kane Promo So here’s the problem I have with Triple H vs Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania XXX. I don’t want to see it. I want to see Daniel Bryan vs Batista vs Randy Orton for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. I don’t want to see Daniel Bryan face Triple H even for a chance to be in that match. Why? Because I’ve invested wasted seven long months waiting to see the payoff from a story that began at SummerSlam. I attended SummerSlam, Hell-In-A-Cell, Survivor Series, and The Royal Rumble. I don’t want to see Daniel Bryan beat up Triple H the character. Although I might not mind Brian Danielson decking Paul Levesque, for this frustrating half year plus. I’m just not into seeing this match, I’m turned off. 2-4 months ago, I would have been into the idea of this match, and invested in it. Now all I want is for him to win to get put in the championship match at the end of WrestleMania XXX. It’s a shame too, because Triple H vs Daniel Bryan should be a featured marquee match, on it’s own. I just don’t see myself enjoying the match as much as I would if I didn’t have this bad taste in my mouth from the last seven months.
I hate when people compare Daniel Bryan to “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Daniel Bryan is mega over right now, but back in the Attitude era Austin, the whole business was over way more. These hijack shows though are starting to offer up more of that attitude era feel, I will say though. The thing is with Stone Cold Steve Austin, he gave his blood his sweat and tears to be WWE Champion. He stopped at nothing and got physical along the way. I was not a fan of Daniel Bryan just standing there, taking abuse from Triple H and Stephanie. I wanted him to beat the crap out of both of them. If I were Daniel Bryan, I’d offer up the stipulation that we all expect to eventually happen. If he can Beat Triple H at WrestleMania, he gets inserted into the WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match. But I still don’t want to see the match at WrestleMania, too turned off from the last few months. NO!
I’m enjoying this story more and more each week. YES!
John Cena Addresses The Wyatt Family I liked what John Cena had to say to the crowd, the CM Punk chants were beginning to get on my nerves by this point. I’m enjoying Bray Wyatt and what he has to offer, he could be a top Hollywood horror actor. It wouldn’t surprise me if after Mania he stars in a film. YES!
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Hulk Hogan Opens Up RAW The big announcement earlier this week was of course the return of the Hulk Hogan, and how he will be The Host of WrestleMania XXX in New Orleans. What can be said about Hulk Hogan? He’s the Babe Ruth of wrestling, and icon and legend. He deserved to be in WWE in come capacity, and why on earth he was in TNA for as long as he was, I’ll never know. Wade Barrett took a verbal shot at hogan at The Elimination Chamber Pay Per Vew, and was no were to be seen on this show, so I can only wonder, if he will fill the role of Hogan’s Punching bag at WrestleMania XXX, time will tell. YES!
Alberto Del Rio vs. BOOtista / Randy Orton Interrupts. WWE is now starting to acknowledge that BOOtista is getting booed out of the building. Well it’s about time! How long can you go jamming someone down the audience’s throats that is clearly not connecting positively with the fans? Let me make myself clear, I don’t hate Batista, I hate the idea that WWE felt they needed Batista to fill some gap at WrestleMania XXX, and injected him into the Main Event, in spite of an organic rise of Daniel Bryan. Clearly a large portion, and not a vocal minority is in agreement with this sentiment. Batista is already starting to
BOOTista is going to WrestleMania XXX #DealWithIT NO!
lean towards heel tendencies, making a crying face, after his entrance, and his #DealWithIt catch phrase, is quite antagonizing. So Big Dave loses to Del Rio after Randy Orton distracts him. Orton acknowledges the recent crowd reception Batista is receiving. Batista responds while sweaty and slobbering all over, that the fans have a choice, and he’s okay with their choice. I’m just turned off to this story. I’d be happier if Batista went full on Heel and Batista Bombed the crap out of Daniel Bryan, get him in this story, because this is boring me, and even if they inject Daniel Bryan into the Main event, I’m not sure I can take 5 weeks of build up to Orton vs Batista. NO!
WWE Intercontinental Championship Big E. (c) vs. Cesaro The match was good, Ceasaro is definitely getting a face turn soon, and rightly so, there is a big drop off on faces, and I would argue to you he already is a face, based on the crowd reaction he’s getting, and his Ceasaro Swing. Looks like Jack Swaggar is going to be Cesaro’s opponent, eventually. YES!
John Cena Injured during his interaction with The Wyatts NO!
John Cena Addresses The Wyatt Family Thirty days after John Cena was screwed out of the WWE Championship at The Royal Rumble, and one night after he was screwed again from The Wyatts, John Cena finally decides to address the situation. He must have had that on his iPhone to-do list and kept forgetting to take care of this task. You know if the WWE World Heavyweight Championship is the most prized possession in sports entertainment, and they were combined because of your challenge to Randy Orton in December, you’d figure John Cena would have had have a bit more fire, than to wait 30 days. Bray Wyatt vs John Cena, has the potential to be a good story, and maybe even a good match, although Erick Rowan, may have changed the whole situation, because Cena appeared to be legitimately injured. Time will tell. I wouldn’t be terribly upset with a plan B of The Shield vs The Wyatts at WrestleMania. YES!
Sheamus with a Brogue Kick to Christian NO!
Christian vs. Sheamus Match was okay, nothing special in my opinion, but I must admit, it was just a match, and I was quite bored from it. Heavy rumor is Heel Sheamus vs Cesaro WrestleMania, I think that would be a good match. NO!
View Page 2 to find out more YES and NO from WWE RAW and our Overall Raw Rating
John Cena suffered a legitimate injury during the attack he suffered from The Wyatt Family at Monday’s post-Elimination Chamber edition of WWE RAW.
The injury took place when Erick Rowan took him down as soon as The Wyatt Family hit the ring to start their attack. There is early fear that Cena either dislocated or hyper-extended his knee.
As seen on RAW, Cena was taken out of the ring on a stretcher. Michael Cole informed fans that he had a lot of swelling around his knee and was being checked on by WWE trainers backstage.