Read on for my thoughts on last night's Raw.
Ambrose as a talk show host still feels weird. It doesn't really fit with the anarchist vibe. I get that he's a PG version of himself now, though.
Shane diving off the Cell was really scary. I'm glad he ended up OK.
It's weird to see Shane take credit for people like Styles, Sasha, and Zayn on the main roster. It does beg the question who made those signings/pushes in kayfabe. It's not like Authority leader Triple H would do something like that for the fans.
I like the idea of Owens thinking he's the Stone Cold to evil Shane McMahon.
I really wonder how the people who aren't familiar with Owens/Zayn from before WWE (or even before NXT) are taking their feud, since it relies heavily on the fact they've worked together so long elsewhere.
Jericho's a pretty fun heel.
Two more exciting matches for Payback.
I like Shane not putting himself over as more important than the talents. He just makes the matches and goes back to the back.
- Zayn vs. Y2J:
I like Jericho trying to "shut down" the amazing high-flying of Sami.
That was all pretty good. It's clear where both men are on the pecking order, but the action itself was good.
Didn't take long for those two to show up again.
I'm a little surprised AJ did invite Gallows and Anderson, since it seems like they're working as heels.
I wonder if this angle is getting press for NJPW and the "real" Bullet Club that still exists over there.
I'm so glad to see Enzo and Cass on a big stage. They've been killing it in NXT for a while now.
I also really like that the Dudleys didn't cut off Enzo and Cass and treat them like meaningless rookies.
- Enzo/Cass vs. Dudleys:
Enzo's an effective face in peril.
WHOA. Clean win for the NXT duo. Good for them. It's time to make some new tag team stars.
Roman's more confident on the mic. He's probably going to have a tough year like Cena did in 2005, but he'll emerge a top guy if they don't throw away his momentum.
Roman vs. Styles should be really good if Reigns steps his game up to match the former NJPW star.
Good back-and-forth between the tweener (?) champ and AJ.
Gallows and Anderson aren't wasting any time making their mark in WWE.
It'll be interesting to see if they do turn AJ heel to join his NJPW buddies. It's not like that'll make the crowd boo them and cheer Roman.
- Corbin vs. Fandango:
I like how Corbin's just a rough brawler instead of doing fancy spots.
Another effective demolition by Baron.
Corbin vs. Ziggler should be pretty good. I feel sorry for Dolph having to put the less-experienced and less-polished guy over, but they should want to make the new guy a threat.
Funny stuff backstage with Miz and Maryse. They're a really entertaining duo.
Miz and Cesaro played off pretty well. Miz has a lot of personality.
Cesaro and New Day should be a pretty fun pairing.
- Cesaro/New Day vs. LoN/Miz:
This is a pretty good multi-man affair so far.
It's fun when tag matches just turn into everyone fighting.
Pretty good match overall. I wonder what's next for LoN after eating another clean loss.
Wait, did they keep the title from Sasha just to cash in on the sympathy for Bret? I REALLY hope they don't give the title to Natalya just because of what Bret's going through. Nothing against Natalya as a talent and my heart goes out to Bret, but that feels really cheap.
- Natalya/Sasha/Becky/Paige vs. Charlotte/Naomi/Tamina/Summer:
Another fun multi-person collision so far.
Natalya's been an impressive performer for a long time now. She's still on her game.
Nice ending to set the stage for Payback.
Primo and Epico... bleh. I'll care more if they have El Torito rebooted as part of it, too. Don't act like heel unmasked Torito wouldn't be hilarious.
- Usos vs. Vaudevillains:
Well that was quick! I guess that shoulder was hurt pretty badly.
I like the idea of the two recent NXT teams getting a big showcase for the titles.
- Crews vs. Slater:
The idea of Crews joining the Outcasts is funny.
Crews is really impressive as an athlete as always. I hope he gets more of a character going forward.
- Owens vs. Ambrose:
I like matches that turn into fights. These two excel at that.
It's always a little weird to see Owens doing something like a frog splash. It's not like he needs to be flashy to beat his opponents given his size and power. When he's the bigger wrestler and working heel, it seems out of place.
That was pretty solid overall.
Y2J is making an effective upper-midcard (?) heel. I wonder how long he'll continue that role.
More wrestling coming up.
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