WWE RAW Review: John Laurinaitis Gets Punk’d

Last Monday night the WWE delivered a solid show that furthered a few storylines and planted seeds for a handful of others likely to unfold over the next few months as the company builds towards Wrestlemania.

Things kicked off with Mick Foley making an appearance in hopes of being named to the field for this year’s Royal Rumble. However, Dolph Ziggler quickly spoiled the lovefest between Foley and fans by taking Foley to task, explaining he didn’t deserve the opportunity based on how hard the rest of the roster works throughout the year to get a slot in the Rumble. I thought Ziggler’s promo was actually better than Foley’s, blasphemy to some I suspect, and I enjoyed the element of reality involved as it made complete sense for a full-time guy to have a problem with a part-time legend filling one of the coveted slots. My assumption is that the feud between Ziggler-Foley will continue to build until they face off at Wrestlemania since neither is likely for a headlining position. Given Ziggler’s workrate and rising star I could even see WWE putting him over, likely by cheating. Either way it should make for an excellent affair with solid mic-work and one I didn’t see coming (but appreciate all the same).

The Tag Title match between Epico/Primo and Air Boom was also solid albeit a bit short. My guess is that Evan Bourne and Kofi Kingston are going to be broken up in the next few months, at least based on the fact Bourne not only ended up giving up the belts at a house show but also was the one who got pinned on RAW. I’m not sure who will be the heel in their eventual feud but each needs a boost in the personality department so I’m simply happy to see them both potentially getting one down the road.

At first look I didn’t like the notion of Jack Swagger taking Zack Ryder’s United States Championship but given the pay-off with John Cena I quickly changed my opinion. Ryder can always win the belt back once he’s “healthy”, and the way the WWE used the storyline to have Cena flip out was a stroke of brilliance.

The Divas’ tag-team match featuring Perez Hilton was a stinker. I have no interest in seeing Hilton in a WWE ring and his fear of being assaulted by women was ridiculous. The way he hid behind Kelly Kelly and Alicia Fox might have been funny to some, just not me (or the people in attendance based on their lackluster reaction).

R-Truth is growing on me to an extent and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t smile when he told the crowd, “Don’t ‘WHAT’ me…okay, ‘WHAT’ me.” I’m glad to see his personality start to shine more and more each week. The Disney montage had its moments too. All in all it was a nice “over the top rope” set up for the Royal Rumble where I suspect the issues between Miz, Sheamus, Wade Barrett, and R-Truth will continue to develop.

As I mentioned earlier, I really enjoyed Cena going apesh*t on Swagger and “embracing the hate” to Kane’s enjoyment. I sincerely hope they continue fleshing out Cena’s anger and turn him from being a somewhat generic “face” to a character with a bit more going on internally than always being so happy-go-lucky.

Brodus Clay was a welcome sight as well (and his dancers even more so). However, I’m concerned about his ability to put together an actual bout instead of squashing guys like JTG. Either way, he’s entertaining and unique, both factors working in his favor without question as far as long-term success.

Finally, while the six-man tag was fun, the true highlights were The Twistercution…er, Chris Jericho…leaving the ring and CM Punk’s verbal barrage on Laurinaitis. Clearly Y2J is goofing on the fans by getting them excited, then bailing, and I love that he STILL hasn’t said a single word yet! Beyond that, Punk running down everyone’s least favorite executive was one of the best promos he’s cut in a few weeks. He was passionate and executed his lines as brilliantly as could be done. The bit afterwards with Foley/Laurinaitis was okay and it least it brought some more personality out of “Interim GM”.

PHOTO CREDIT – WWE