This week on Raw

[Reaver]

LOL ok so wats the deal with brutus clay? lets rehash the flash funk gimmick and give him ernest miller's entrance music. somebody wanna call his mamma?


del rio's ring announcer calls out r-truth by saying his mother smells like a wet donkey LOL. he needs some punch to go with that. and now he's singing? wtf? REMIX!!

wheres MY date with eve?

edge and horsemen inducted in HOF? fuck ya!!

....and jericho did it again LOL awesome.

anybody else noticed they gave kane the mandible claw?

[Kid Dynamo]

First off, Johnny Ace once again proved that his persona is awesome.

Second, I give props to "Funkasaurus", if for nothing else, for being a complete surprise (and Brodus kinda has a dinosaur-like face)

Third, props to WWE for giving the Ryder/Eve storyline a point for having existed.

This was an entertaining show. PWTorch hated it, but they're snobs who want WWE = ROH, and that'd ruin wrestling.

[Blade]

Which one is Funkasaurus? I have no idea

[Kid Dynamo]

Bleacher Report has multiple articles arguing that this gimmick is better long-run than being the #3 monster heel (there will be time to be one after Kane and Henry retire)

[Johnny Rebel]

With any gimmick, it'll go as far as he wants to take it.

Zack Ryder proved that if you can get enough momentum and people to believe in your character, you'll get a shot. However, I'm still in belief that this was strictly a punishment for spoiling his re-debut a few months ago on Twitter.

[Jules]

Jan 10, 2012 7:39:27 GMT -4 Kid Dynamo said:

First off, Johnny Ace once again proved that his persona is awesome.

Second, I give props to "Funkasaurus", if for nothing else, for being a complete surprise (and Brodus kinda has a dinosaur-like face)

Third, props to WWE for giving the Ryder/Eve storyline a point for having existed.

This was an entertaining show. PWTorch hated it, but they're snobs who want WWE = ROH, and that'd ruin wrestling.

Finally got around to watching it this afternoon and having read PWtorch's review I think they got it spot on. This was not a good show, with too many pointless or poorly executed segments, and matches that did nothing for any of those involved.

Pros
- Y2J's tears was a brilliant touch.
- Punk/Swagger match (except the finish)
- Big Show/Daniel Bryan segment.

Cons (I will least just a few)
- Kane and his superpowers, although I did laugh at how farcical Kane's 'now you see me, now you don't' moments with Ryder were. I think the big red monster has a big red boner for Ryder - he even came out of the closet on this one!
- Sheamus/Mahal again. Totally pointless and does nobody any favours, let's just get on with the Sheamus/Barrett feud without all this fluff.
- Finish to the Punk/Swagger match.
- Brodus Clay - awful, just awful.
- Poor execution of the WWE Championship feud - glad Dolph is getting the push, but the way it has been given to him and handled since has been awful, and through no fault of Ziggler either.
- Miz/R-Truth/Rodriguez

[Jules]

Jan 11, 2012 13:28:26 GMT -4 Jules said:

Jan 10, 2012 7:39:27 GMT -4 Kid Dynamo said:

First off, Johnny Ace once again proved that his persona is awesome.

Second, I give props to "Funkasaurus", if for nothing else, for being a complete surprise (and Brodus kinda has a dinosaur-like face)

Third, props to WWE for giving the Ryder/Eve storyline a point for having existed.

This was an entertaining show. PWTorch hated it, but they're snobs who want WWE = ROH, and that'd ruin wrestling.

Finally got around to watching it this afternoon and having read PWtorch's review I think they got it spot on. This was not a good show, with too many pointless or poorly executed, and matches that did nothing for any of those involved.

Pros
- Y2J's tears was a brilliant touch.
- Punk/Swagger match (except the finish)
- Big Show/Daniel Bryan segment.

Cons (I will least just a few)
- Kane and his superpowers, although I did laugh at how farcical Kane's 'now you see me, now you don't' moments with Ryder were. I think the big red monster has a big red boner for Ryder - he even came out of the closet on this one!
- Sheamus/Mahal again. Totally pointless and does nobody any favours, let's just get on with the Sheamus/Barrett feud without all this fluff.
- Finish to the Punk/Swagger match.
- Brodus Clay - awful, just awful.
- Poor execution of the WWE Championship feud - glad Dolph is getting the push, but the way it has been given to him and handled since has been awful, and through no fault of Ziggler either.

I forgot to mention that Johnny Ace did have the line of the night...

'I'm not little Jimmy, I'm big Johnny'. That, I will admit, was very good.

[Jason Cashe]

Not a big fan of "Big Johnny" but I like his interaction with Punk most days. I'm on the fence about Brodus Clay. One dude doesn't seem to dance well enough to pull it off long haul. Two I get that he'd be #3 Monster if they went with what they wanted to do but this seems to be another case of WWE shitting on someone for behind the back jokes. "He looks like a Dinosaur from the Super Mario Bros Movie" and much like Lillan Garcia, who they make Horse Jokes about, this seems to be a joke gimmick for a big man who seemingly can move very well inside a match.

[Kid Dynamo]

First off, there's rumors that they took his gimmick and gave it to Mark Henry ( the hall of pain stuff)

Second, I still think Funkasaurus is great. Y'all people just need to lighten up. B-Funk is someone I'd rather see than Santino, and the monster face is incredibly underrated.

There's also hints that B-Funk will lead to a Jekyll and Hyde persons where he's Godfather happy til someone hits him then he's Mark Henry pissed.

ROH Final Battle proved that you have to mix it up or it's too much. My only complaint is that the Bryan Kingston match was too short and if they're gonna make Bryan an underdog heel, Kingston should have looked stronger.

And the finish to Punk Swagger was brilliant. Every other sport has botched refereeing so why not wwe? Plus it is helping the angle of whether or not Big Johnny screws Punk. At this point it's still a big mystery, which is great.

[Jason Cashe]

I like the Jekyll and Hyde thing, that'd be cool. I like Santino though, "The Cobra" rocks so you shut up! haha

[Kid Dynamo]

I'd love to see B-Funk no-sell the Cobra

but seriously, santino is great but his act is a little stale but the kids love it so its fine (his promo vs wade barrett was great - "the barret GARAGE!"

But Brodus can actually win matches, and if you check his interview on wwe.com, it REALLY shows off the short temper. remember sheamus is a monster face who laughs and jokes but then becomes a monster in the ring, so just because this is a little over the top doesnt make it bad.

Plus, something else worth noting thanks to B/r: those two dancers were wrestlers, Naomi from NXT and some girl who was on Tough Enough, so those girls have potential to get in the ring too. WWE could really use more credible divas because Beth needs opponents til she can feud with Kharma and the rumor is Vince will hand the Bellas diva tag titles soon.

[Jules]

Jan 11, 2012 22:37:34 GMT -4 Kid Dynamo said:

And the finish to Punk Swagger was brilliant. Every other sport has botched refereeing so why not wwe? Plus it is helping the angle of whether or not Big Johnny screws Punk. At this point it's still a big mystery, which is great.

Yeah, that's great if there were some history of bad calls by refs in WWE which require somebody else higher up to step into the high pressure situation, but even then it is ridiculous because even though refs will make mistakes (kayfabe) surely these refs are (kayfabe) trained to be refs - why is 'Big Johnny' such an expert?

Nevertheless, my problem with this ref angle is that its all the wrong way round. This botching of calls should have come before the special ref announcement, at least then there would have been a more credible pretext for the decision to make Johnny Ace special ref, rather suddenly forcing reffing mistakes (where there were none before) as an afterthought to giving Johnny Ace some kayfabe credibility as a ref. On top of all that this wasn't even an important match (non-title) and just makes the whole angle absurd.

I just wish WWE creative would sit down, formulate some short-medium term plans, run with these and stick to them (within certain perimeters), rather than simply throwing this rubbish together week to week and expect the audience to buy it.

All the momentum that could have been gained after MITB has been lost over the past 3 months with the poorly thought out and seemingly ad hoc writing that WWE creative is putting out, especially on RAW, on a week to week basis.

[Kid Dynamo]

The best thing that WWE Creative could do would be to put Steve Austin in charge. Everyone agrees he's got a firm pulse on the industry and would push wwe forward instead of relying on older stars, plus he'd be someone I think Vince would trust, since it's believed that it's V-Mac who forces last-minute changes.

[Jules]

Well if Vince doesn't trust his writers he needs to fire them, instead of vetoing whatever they put together in favour of some half-assed rubbish that you would expect from amateurs not professionals. Seriously, there are guys in APW right now putting together more entertaining and credible stuff than WWE.

PG doesn't mean your product has to be childish, I want to see some intensity back in WWE, which is why the Show/Bryan segment was probably the best thing about RAW: it was believable, well-sold, and it was a good hype for the match on SD (although WWE needs to stop putting the top title matches on free shows - it stinks of desperation).

[Kid Dynamo]

While I certainly don't mind title fights (and even title changes) but, yes, 3 title matches in consecutive weeks is not good booking.

[Kid Dynamo]

Back to Brodus, y'all should check out his interview post-match on wwe.com

vids.wwe.com/14586/wwecom-exclusive-brodus-clay-on

He DOES still have the intensity ("you ask Hawkins if I should be taken seriously") and he even retained his catchphrase ("and you DO know that") which is succinct catchy and versatile.

I personally think this is EASILY us/ic title worthy, and I personally would LOVE to see him go up against Miz or Del Rio.

And I really hope "should I get him?" stays as a catchphrase. Along with "my bad".

I personally think he was excellent, and this gimmick, whether or not it's a punishment, is gold, and I think it is a great blend of a PG Godfather and next generation's monster heel.

[Jason Cashe]

Very flowing like talker, I love that!

[Kid Dynamo]

The name of the game this week was "subtle". Raw did a great job letting everything sneak up on you instead of bashing you over the head.

DZ was AWESOME and deserves to be the top heel on Raw. I still think the Zig could be the next face of WWE after Cena passes the torch, but that's a ways down the road.

Punk threw that "best wrestler in the world" line back out to keep Punk/Y2J on simmer. Again, subtle.

I'm a little concerned now that Johnny Ace is officially heel because his cleverness had been in his weasely attempt to play both sides. He's great as the unintentionally hilarious Dilbert character, but WWE got lazy and made him Vince jr instead of just letting Punk and Zigs promo each other til it felt personal.

I'm glad they brought back the mid match lines for B-Funk, but I'm ready for a real opponent. Even someone like Otunga. I want to see him fight a guy who can execute a move of offense.

Glad P&E got to keep the belts. The house show change was textbook and I'm happy they didn't hotshot the belts back to Air Boom

Wait and see with Swagger and Ryder.

Jericho did it again. Congrats.

All in all, almost as good as an episode of Overdrive.

[Jules]

Jan 17, 2012 2:34:33 GMT -4 Kid Dynamo said:

The name of the game this week was "subtle". Raw did a great job letting everything sneak up on you instead of bashing you over the head.

DZ was AWESOME and deserves to be the top heel on Raw. I still think the Zig could be the next face of WWE after Cena passes the torch, but that's a ways down the road.

Punk threw that "best wrestler in the world" line back out to keep Punk/Y2J on simmer. Again, subtle.

I'm a little concerned now that Johnny Ace is officially heel because his cleverness had been in his weasely attempt to play both sides. He's great as the unintentionally hilarious Dilbert character, but WWE got lazy and made him Vince jr instead of just letting Punk and Zigs promo each other til it felt personal.

I'm glad they brought back the mid match lines for B-Funk, but I'm ready for a real opponent. Even someone like Otunga. I want to see him fight a guy who can execute a move of offense.

Glad P&E got to keep the belts. The house show change was textbook and I'm happy they didn't hotshot the belts back to Air Boom

Wait and see with Swagger and Ryder.

Jericho did it again. Congrats.

All in all, almost as good as an episode of Overdrive.

I agree, this was a much better episode of RAW, and the DZ promo with Foley to open the show was excellent; I also like Daniel Bryan's promo too. Good mix of entertainment and wrestling, and almost all of it was meaningful. I wasn't really that keen on the finish to the show, and I think WWE creative should take the Divas off television for a while and re-think what direction they want to take division. Okay, these matches only last a minute, but with the entrances etc it ends up being a waste of 3-4 minutes of air time and it doesn't offer anything to the show other than maybe a bit of eye candy, but then I'm not watching for that.

[Kid Dynamo]

I agree but Vince is clearly not interested in the Divas have any wrestling credibility since it's rumored that he considered reinstating the divas tag titles...for the Bellas. Not Beth/Nattie or even K2/Eve.

The thing is the fix is easy. Apply the Rosa Mendes model and get the Divas attached as valets, let Beth take a month off and when Kharma comes back have the two of them feud.

[President Jeff]

Jan 17, 2012 2:34:33 GMT -4 Kid Dynamo said:

Glad P&E got to keep the belts. The house show change was textbook and I'm happy they didn't hotshot the belts back to Air Boom

They won and then kept the belts because Evan Bourne is suspended again

[Kid Dynamo]

Venus Grant says that proof that the shooting star is the greatest move ever is this:

Name another potential-less midcarder who would busted for spice twice and NOT get fired.

Seriously though, it may piss off some people, but I think he should be immediately fired, no courtesy injury write-off, announce it on wwe.com if not Raw and send a message that the WWE does not condone drugs. The R-Truth incident was a black eye and if they care about their PG image, they need to drop a guy who clearly doesn't appear to have an interest in correcting his drug habit. If spice is legal (?) then what he does is fine but if it's against the rules, then they need to show that their rules have teeth, and 60 days for a guy who probably wouldn't've been on tv now that he's not champ isn't gonna cut it.

Rant over.

[Jason Cashe]

From what I've heard, they might allow Medical License for a reason to NOT test for Marijuana and/or Spice. (I've never smoked Spice myself)

This comes also with News that RVD wants to return to WWE after his contract is up and they'd welcome him back. Hmmm...Weed shouldn't be penalized if you have a Medical License. I am against though someone smoking it while it's illegal and they have a big sporting job like that. There are rules and to keep your name in those lights, the rules need to be followed regardless of your own position on the matter.

[Calvin Ingram]

Jan 17, 2012 9:39:25 GMT -4 Kid Dynamo said:

I agree but Vince is clearly not interested in the Divas have any wrestling credibility since it's rumored that he considered reinstating the divas tag titles...for the Bellas. Not Beth/Nattie or even K2/Eve.

The thing is the fix is easy. Apply the Rosa Mendes model and get the Divas attached as valets, let Beth take a month off and when Kharma comes back have the two of them feud.

I think people will see diva tag titles as WWE stealing something from TNA. Vince said he's not worried but countless times he was like take care spike your hair on Ryder's shirts promote Spike TV...Yeah Vince paranoid eh. I'm not too sure why people can't enjoy whatever . I love all wrestling and critique both at ease. Hell even Orton gave his honest pros and cons about TNA on twitter one day. He's not biased at all though maybe he'll get flack. Only thing I think WWE is short on is making a star there's seriously something that TNA does on that department because well it's a glorified indie. TNA is the place where the roster changes time after time but for the most part the E barely switches fresh meat in or keeps some of the new guys on TV...Husky Harris. He was good yet now he's back in FCW and doing house shows as a ohckey player gimmick...that's horrible. But if WWE can actually build credible interest then their future is fine but now the WWE isn't all characters. Most guys are people who wrestle which is fine for shoot fighting but pro wrestling needs more characters. Jon Moxley aka Dean Ambrose is a great talent that I hope the E doesn't screw up on. As ROH or other places always make do on great talents when the ball is dropped. BTW Jeri-Troll comes back to the E that's cool. But agian people who claim loyal to a company are kind of liars. Christian went to TNA due to WWE not giving a push back in 2005/2006 etc. Y2J said he almost went there near that period. I like to say that if TNA wasn't competition then why certain guys or legends made appearances. Classic ex. Tatanka vs. Jay Lethal like two years ago. All in all it ties into the topic of why is WWE doing diva tag belts... But we all know the answer.

[Odin Balfore]

Drug use has always been in wrestling, always will be. diffrence is the times.

if jake roberts does drugs, his fans, child or not arnt going to immitate it. same with stars of the 80's. been when the biz was still low key.

with the transparency of wrestling now and the push of smaller, more " average " looking stars. drug use as a means of immitation becomes more of a concern.

if i was a young evan bourne fan and he smoked pot. I might want to do it. Bournes a small, likeable star that connects with people and young fans.

punishment should be fitting. I feel Bourne should be fired.

[Jason Cashe]

I feel you should get on AIM more...So Shuddup you big bastard! haha

[Jules]

Thoughts on 30/1 edition of RAW, anyone?

I think this was a strong show, with probably the best wrestling I've seen on TV in a long while.

Really impressed again with Daniel Bryan this week, he more than handled Punk in the promos, which is good to see because Punk has burying opponents too easily and too readily of late, but Bryan gave as good as he got, and that sly smile when he was announced as winner was a nice touch. Their match was also top drawer, the best TV match since Punk/Ziggler the night after SS.

Ziggler/Orton was good too, and Kofi/Miz put on a solid match, I'm pleased to see Kofi get the clean win. Taker's return was a nice surprise and brought some much needed star quality to the start of the road to Wrestlemania.

The only thing I didn't like was the Cena/Kane segment. Kane's promo to Eve was awkward, and why the heck did Kane haul ass? I feel all his credibility just evaporated with the way that segment ended, and what the heck is with Cena going from super mad and intense to super cheesy again within seconds. I am at a loss about what WWE are trying to achieve with this angle, other than keeping Cena away from the title.

[Hometown Heroes]

WWE will not do anything great with the women wrestler they have. They don't truly care that much about the division as much as TNA does.

So no diva tag team will happen. If they even do them. they will only let the twins have them. Since Vince is so in love with them.

[Jesse Nuñez™]

I seriously hope they don't pair Taker with HHH at Wrestlemania again. That would be horrible.

[Hometown Heroes]

I have a feeling it will be a part 2