RAW Retort – What happened to you Triple H?

Usually when something strange happens in the WWE, like when DX used to take over the show, or like tonight when Big Show was on the tron, those in charge never seem to be able to take control of their own show. Under normal circumstances, nothing would get through that they didn’t want to get through, but that wouldn’t make the shows much fun, would it? Especially back in the days when DX was wreaking havoc on Vince and Shane. I love that Steph worked hard to get Big Show removed from the tron, then spent the rest of the show trying to figure out how Big Show got through and on RAW. It’s about time someone focused on that!

Bryan continues to shine

I have to say that Bryan just gets better and better. Okay, like everyone, he did have a botch in this match, but I’m not sure if it’s him or Ambrose who should be blamed. And speaking of Ambrose, that man is going to be a huge star in his own right. He reminds me of a very young Razor Ramon in how he moves in the ring, reacts, and some of his facial expression. If Ambrose continues on this path, working with the likes of Bryan, Rollins and Punk, the sky is the limit for what he could become.

Elvis has left the building

The best part of Santino’s match was the way he got King up on the announce desk. I enjoy Santino when he’s being silly, but running with Khali and Hornswoggle doesn’t work for me. Honestly, I’d love to see Santino be able to really show some of his skills once in a while. He’s very talented in the ring, but isn’t able to show it for his character. I wish, now and then, he was allowed to break out all the stops and really work the ring more than a few hip tosses. And I can say the same thing for Slater. He’s stuck in a rut, and we all know he’s so much better than he’s been showing lately, he proved that working against the Legends leading up to the 1000th episode of RAW.

Orton pulls back a bit

For a while there Orton was destroying everyone in his path, and easily. Him doing that made it really hard for him to find solid opponents. Now that he’s backed off a bit, his ring work is looking more solid, and more realistic. All that being said, Orton still was a little reckless in this match, and if Ziggler hadn’t rotated as well as he did, he’d have landed on the back of his neck rather than his shoulders when Orton threw him. That was the second botch of the night.

Bellas by leaps and bounds

Even though Nikki has been out of the ring for a while, and showing some ring rust, she’s still stronger than she’s ever been in the ring. I wonder if the Bellas got sick of hearing that they were all beauty and no ring skill, because it sure looks as though the two of them have improved in a huge way. I wish the same could be said for Tamina. She had the third botch of the night. I also have to mention that AJ looked really thin this week, I hope she’s doing okay since her concussion.

Punk vs Heyman

Between Punk’s lovely speech in the ring, and Heyman’s impassioned speech backstage, the two did a wonderful job of working the mic, and fighting against each other, while never looking eye to eye. It was fantastic, and a lovely way to set up for Hell In A Cell!

The Wyatt Family gets stronger

Speaking of looking better in the ring, Rowan and Harper looked that much better this week. Rowan’s strength is astounding, but it was Harper’s death roll with Miz in the front facelock that looked fantastic! We haven’t seen that move in years, and only from the failed Skinner. I love that Harper is using the death roll (something alligators do to kill their prey) as it fits right in with their southern cult characters. I love that Bray is working the religious tones into his patter, it goes with his character as the cult leader, and something I’ve been wondering if the WWE would be willing to touch in this day and age. With WWE being PG, I worried that they might skirt the religious issue too widely, but it looks like they’re going there.

Vickie botches on mic

I loved how Vickie decided to change the match that was underway into a tag match, the problem was that Big E’s match with Axel hadn’t even started! Oops.

Ryback runs stiff

I’m thrilled that Big E has finally turned face. This man is a natural face, and it was horrible that they forced him into a heel role. I don’t like that Ryback is paired with Heyman, as it isn’t working out, but it’s better than keeping Big E heel and forcing him into more of a role that wouldn’t work for him. I love Big E as a face, and I think this is a huge step in the right direction for him, and it doesn’t hurt that both Vince McMahon and John Cena big fans of Big E. I wonder if that might be why Ryback was working so hard against Big E, maybe his too large ego is bruised.

Matilda returns

Back in the day, and I mean way back in the day, Dutch Mantell carried a bullwhip named Matilda. It looks as though Zeb has brought her out of the mothballs. I don’t know what the plan is for her, but every little bit helps right now, as Zeb has been a bit of a joke lately. Working with El Torito hasn’t helped his situation. What also hasn’t helped was Funkasaurus’ botch in this match. It wasn’t a big one, but before Cesaro’s giant swing, Funkasaurus looked like he was taking a nap on the mat as he was waiting for Cesaro to swing him around. On the other hand, I love that Cesaro is running with the giant swing and again making it his thing.

Cena grows up

I loved the video they showed about Cena’s start in the WWE with Kurt Angle, and how he grew through the years, I just wish they’d shown more of Cena’s earlier years. I also have to mention that Angle’s integrity this weekend. He was supposed to be inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame, but turned it down when Sting handed him the ring, because he didn’t feel like he deserved it. Between the time Angle was announced for the TNA HOF, and when he was inducted, he was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, and spent time in rehab. I give Angle huge props for standing by his integrity.

Tag team match for nothing

I really enjoyed watching the Usos working against Reigns and Rollins, but I wish it had come to some sort of fruition. I also need to go back are re-watch the match so I can enjoy the mic work of Cody and Goldust on announce. I know they were great, but I was so busy writing the moves as they happened, so I didn’t get a chance to really enjoy listening to them. I am sure that this Triple Threat Tag Match at Hell In A Cell will be fantastic, but I’m not big on mutli-team matches, especially booked during a gimmick pay-per-view.

Big Show drives right in

I’m usually not big on contract signing, because they’re usually all the same. Everyone talks big, then someone takes a swing and the set is trashed. I have to give WWE creative huge props for changing things up with this one. It was smart to have Trip and Steph in the ring, but downright brilliant to have HBK there. I enjoyed the banter back and forth between Orton and Bryan, but it was the way HBK questioned what Trip turned into that made this contract signing so much more than just names on a piece of paper. And then there’s Big Show in that truck. Yes, it’s been done before, and a number of times, but it’s been a long time since it happened, so like the ring breaking, it’s worth using again. Stone Cold Steve Austin always did a great job of bringing vehicles into arenas, but he never looked as big and bold as Big Show standing there in black leather in the doorway to that truck! That ending was just what the WWE needed for their go-home to Hell In A Cell.