I actually agree, though my opinion can change on a week by week basis. I was impressed with the Rumble this year, as well as the follow up RAW. How long the ball keeps rolling, I don't know...
Yes, it is Wrestlemania time. Everything always seems to pick up right about now and for good reason. Basically, all year long is to build characters and setup feuds that can start to blow off at Wrestlemania. For the WWE, it is the ultimate beginning and end to all story lines. So, just like any good book, the best moments are right around the climax, and should leave any viewer with a sense of finality and satisfaction.
What I like particularly about recent shows (the Rumble and this RAW in particular) is the way matches are booked. Obviously, I'm not in the creative room and don't know how things are expected to go and how matches are supposed to end. However, everything seems to be flowing very nicely, especially the following:
1. The midcard titles are being represented. McIntyre will likely grow into his title, as I've enjoyed his blowoff(?) match with Morrison. The Miz is bringing some note to the US title as well. I especially liked his comments on RAW that stated he and the Big Show would win all the titles and RULE RAW. Not that this will happen, but it gives the illusion that whoever holds the titles runs the show. It makes me think back to Evolution days there.
2. There are 2 Tag Team title contenders. Granted, one of them is a makeshift team, but the other is basically a forming stable. The recent problems WWE has had with this division is their constant need to build a team to change the title holders. If the creative team is pleased with the way things are going, perhaps future teams are already being built up to challenge whoever takes the titles off of DX. My mind immediately jumps to Croft and Barretta (spell check on that one) from ECW who could be a tag team of the future.
3. Sheamus vs Orton. I liked the way this was booked. Orton is more experienced. Sheamus thinks he's the big dog, but Orton is basically a better heel in almost every category. Sure, the finish was warranted to the breakup of legacy, but I still like the booking here. As for legacy, I hope Cody isn't buried completely and Ted goes somewhere. Interesting, if not predictable, build up, but I'll take it over nothing.
4. RAW and the elimination chamber qualifiers. This RAW was everything I like about the product: WRESTLING and building storylines. While I understand that many are unhappy because Swagger and Cody got defeated by Cena and Triple H, but it really went the way it needed to be. Both matches weren't squashes, and the guy that needed to win, won. At the end of the day, ONE match of a PPV got booked. Good show.
5. Bret Hart. Bret and Vince had a great promo to end the show. This is slowly building something for a PPV two months away. I'm glad they aren't making a huge mistake and rushing things here. Batista is now cemented as a monster heel in Vince's pocket. Perfect. This also likely will yield a Cena/Batista match at Mania. Another match that needed to get done.
6. Shawn Michaels. The HBK angle can go in so many directions that all lead to a similar destination. I'm very happy they took the road less traveled and are getting Shawn over as a consistent loser rather than a consistent contender. The Heart-Broken Kid will obviously be in one of the bigger matches at Wrestlemania regardless of who he faces, and if it takes a brief losing streak to get him there (maybe even as a heel) then so be it. Variation, even if it leads to a rematch, is so key in this business and not nearly represented enough.
7. Edge and his Rumble win. Edge is perhaps my favorite character of the recent years. It doesn't really matter why I feel that way, but I love the realistic approach to his promos. His character tonight was in direct contrast to HBK's, and that is exactly what the show needs. He doesn't care about breaking streaks or rematches. He cares about cashing in on an opportunity, something that everyone can relate to in some form or fashion. He also doesn't jump to conclusions, and wants to "wait" to name his opponent. While this isn't really out of the ordinary, it shows that not just the people but the characters can think, and this is good.
8. Finally, I like the friction certain characters are having with each other. HBK is interacting with Vince, Bret, the Undertaker, Triple H, Hornswoggle, and Rey Mysterio all at the same time while having a match with Randy Orton. Sure, this may be a bit much, but even lesser characters like the Miz are interacting with 3 or more different people consistently. This shows more character depth and is very much more realistic. It makes the viewer feel that the characters (and the locker room) are not one dimensional, something that has seriously been a problem in recent years.
I left out my opinions on the divas and all the specifics. These are just some generalizations as to why I feel the product is better, or just improving. Granted, this time of year improvement is familiar territory. But, that doesn't mean I can't enjoy the ride.
Just my 2 cents.
