Little Danger's WWE RAW Review 5-9-11
58This episode has hit auto-pilot. There are some nice moments flashing here and there, but ultimately most everything is by the numbers.
The show opens with Ricardo Rodriguez introducing Alberto Del Rio. It's a bit strange to start the show with a Spanish speaking announcer. Luckily I know what is going on so I didn't have to check the SAP button on my remote. Rodriguez has a wonderful moment as he stays in the ring and emphasizes Del Rio as he speaks several times. Rey Mysterio comes out to argue over the fact that who is the new #1 contender. Like Smackdown previously more come out to throw their name in the hat. The Miz is out next followed by R-Truth. Truth finally starts to come into his own as a heel. He doesn't have any theme music coming out. His speech is a little bizarre talking about hospital food, but it comes together in the end. He still has a few problems to overcome if he is going to be a major heel in the company. He comes off as too much of a little child. The decision comes down to the GM for who will compete in a #1 contender's match. He excludes Truth from the match, and Truth goes from super excited to pouty. His child like anger expressions just aren't cutting it.
Brie and Nikki Bella vs Eve and Kelly Kelly
The only real surprise in this match is that it ends. Kelly manages to get the audience behind her as she powers through the end and gain the victory. Like last week Kharma comes out to show her dominance. It is a nice scene though as all four women look out in horror as Kharma calmly walks to the ring. The Bella twins make a mad dash for the backstage. Kelly Kelly looks like she's is going to run leaving Eve in the ring. There is a bad camera cut that looks like it was supposed to follow Kelly running, but she doesn't. It results in a shot of an empty ramp and a missed look of Eve attacking Kharma. Kelly finally runs and Eve is left beat down in the ring.
Mason Ryan vs Kane
Didn't we just see this match last week? At least Kane shows off some more agility than usual to take down Ryan. Also poor CM Punk. What is he doing being regulated to ringside? He should be in the main event title hunt. In the end as expected Nexus comes to the ring for a DQ. Big Show and Kane get the upper hand though and remain the last men standing. It's a sad state where WWE has left its stables. They can't find any direction for their groups any more and end up cycling through the same matches over and over. Big Show and Kane just did this with The Corre. Nothing new appears to be coming out of this storyline.
Santino Marella vs Dolph Ziggler
It's another tune up match for Ziggler. And he needs it. Ever since Ziggler has gotten his new look he has looked poor in the ring. He seems to be like Samson. All of his strengths were in his hair. Things are not looking bright for Ziggler if his in ring personality does not come back soon.
Backstage: R-Truth continues is rant about being overlooked. He mocks parents that have asked about his actions.
Backstage: John Cena is talking to Zack Ryder. Cena walks off and Ryder is left pumping his fists for way too long as Cena goes down the hall. It's funny.
Backstage: The Miz continues his degrading of Alex Riley about costing him his title again. Riley says he will prove his worth and goes out to challenge John Cena.
Alex Riley vs John Cena
In the words of The Miz, "Really?" Riley is not a threat to Cena. At no point does anybody say Riley has a shot. Cena spends most of the match tossing Riley around the ring. It ends with the all too familiar scene of Cena finishing off Riley while Miz watches from the ramp. This stare down tactic is nothing new and it is a clear indicator has to what is going to happen later.
Michael Cole continues to gloat about his victories. He says he will retire from in-ring competition. He is a sure fire Hall of Famer. Jerry Lawler of course cuts in. He challenges Cole to another match this time though he puts up his Hall of Fame ring and he will induct Cole himself. Cole turns it down. Most of this segment isn't anything special. Cole though does save the ending with the mention of Mother's Day and the fact that Lawler's mother died in February. That's cold. The bit ends though as usual with Swagger coming out to take down Lawler.
Jack Swagger vs Kofi Kingston: US Title
Here's somewhat a change of pace. We haven't seen these guys go at it for a few months now. It's a solid match with a nice ending. Lawler comes back out to the ring to distract Swagger and give Kingston the win. Usually whenever Cole or Lawler finish their segment one of them leaves for the rest of the show. Seeing Lawler come back is nice. He quickly disposes of Swagger then goes after Cole. He throws his chair into the Colemine. Lawler then gets a hold of Cole's tie and begins to smash his face against the glass. It's the crowd pleasing moment of the night. Cole deserves it and everybody knows it. Finally in bizarre move Swagger accepts Lawler's challenge on Cole's behalf. How Swagger can accept the match is anyone's guess. Maybe Cole will dispute it next week.
Alberto Del Rio vs Rey Mysterio vs The Miz: #1 Contender
This match is strong. These guys can deliver a good match up. Each one has a chance to shine against the others. The ending is as predictable as the rest of the night has been. Riley makes his return, causes a distraction on Mysterio, and allows Miz to get the pin.
Cena comes to the ring to congratulate The Miz and reveal the stipulation for their match at Over the Limit. They will be competing in an "I Quit" Match. Obviously the favors are in Cena's corner for this one.
Then just as they're about to close, a light at the end of the tunnel. R-Truth makes his return and attacks Rey Mysterio. Fade to black. Finally some kind of twist. The Del Rio/Mysterio feud might be taking a back seat after all. It will help Truth to feud with Mysterio for a bit. Mysterio does have the ability to give the younger guys a step up. Ask Rhodes or Del Rio as recent examples.
There is a difference between knowing an ending and knowing the path to an ending. WWE needs to figure out how to change the path to what the audience is ultimately expecting. Everybody knows the good guys wins in the end. It's how they get their is where the story lies.
