Official Raw/Smackdown Aftermath, Ratings and Review Thread

[Jack-Hammer]

I thought the show was really good last night. Sillyness was kept to a real minimum last night, more wrestling content was added to the show, DX's implosion was moved along very nicely, smaller feuds like the Miz vs. MVP and even Swagger/Santino were showcased well, the build up for Bret Hart's return was also moved along nicely, Sheamus keeps looking strong and probably wound up looking strongest last night since he won the title and, most importantly, build up for the Rumble has been great. I've looked forward to WWE ppvs, most of them anyway, but this is the first one in a while that I really can't wait to see.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot the best thing really. Hornswoggle was nowhere in sight last night and it felt like a warm summer breeze passed through. The only complaint I have really was that Cena was in damn near every segment last night but, at the same time, his presence wasn't horrible in any of them.

 

[Mighty NorCal]

Late -ass NorCal NightCap

Not bad, not great, but much better than my first week back.

Really enjoyed the furthering of the feuds. Miz and MVP did a great job, loved their promo. This feud has been a HUGE bright spot, probably the best thing on RAW for quite some time now. DX had a decent little interaction leading into the Rumble, liked the mic work on both mens part, and it puts over the rumble pretty well.

Cena's interaction with Mcmahon was VERY good. Ive said it before, and ill continue to say it, no one can touch John Cena when it comes to the impassioned speech. Loved it, and am pumped to see Bret next week.

Was VERY excited to finally see Swagger look strong, and not like a fucking idiot. its about damn time.

Decent ME action, actually a VERY good match between Cena and Sheamus. Maybe I sold Sheamus a bit short when it comes to ring work. Loved the finish, or did til they ruined it. I actually forgot Randy Orton was even a person who existed, til he came out of noplace and rocked Sheamus. I was excited to see Orton leave everyone laying, but the WWE once again shows their apprehension from making money, and keep Orton from getting face heat at all costs. Cena comes out on top to end it. *YAWN*

C+

 

[Melina]

I personally thought it was a pretty good show, especially compared to some of the duds we have been dealt recently. Good wrestling on many fronts. The Cena and McMahon promo came off very well to me. I am really looking forward to Orton/Sheamus, I think it will be great. Miz and MVP had pretty good buildup for their future title match (their mic work has been awesome). Hornswaggle was not on tv, and Dule Hill did a great job as host (not too involved, behind the scenes having some fun).

Overall I would give it a 7.5/10. Promos were powerful, matches were decent, and Jack Swagger did not job to Santino.

 

[Taker_fan_92]

A great Smackdown show last night. Seriously the best Smackdown since I can remember, the crowd seemed to be really into the show from start to finish!

Punk vs HHH was a great match to start the show and I liked the DQ ending and how Serena got herself involved, certainly adds a bit more heat towards the SES. I thought it was good how the SES also ganged up on HHH after the match and I'm interested to see where this feud goes after last night.

Jericho vs R-Truth. Great match and I like how Jericho is letting Truth get over in this little fued considering the Rumble is this Sunday.

Morrison vs McIntyre was a very good match, plenty of kendo sticks mixed in with good, solid brawling. Was perhaps a bit too short of a match but I don't blame WWE for keeping this one short, considering it is a PPV style match and the RR is only 2 days away.

The divas segment was very good, considering how some people say its lame and boring. It added extra heat towards Michelle and it makes her look like a bully even more.

HBK vs Mysterio was an amazing match, seriously if you've not watched SD this past week, watch it just for this! Sick spot with HBK superkicking Mysterio off the top rope. I know its been done before with Benjamin but it never fails to look an incredible move. I didn't mind the DQ ending with Batista or Taker double chokeslamming HBK and Mysterio.

Overall, all of the matches were great, promos were golden and the crowd was seriously into the night especially during the ME, when HHH attacked Batista and when Taker stood tall over HBK and Mysterio, certainly reminded me of pre-2005.

A+

All we need now is for JR to join the current best WWE commentating team and Smackdown will definitely be the A show.

 

[HBK-aholic]

Shawn/Mysterio shoots this straight up to a great Smackdown. There were good parts, as well as this, but there were also bad ones. What the hell is with the diva's? I mean, seriously, is anyone entertained by someone dressed as a pig? And people complained about the Little People's Court segments, this was SO much worse, I actually stopped watching for a bit.

I agree completely with the poster above though, Shawn/Mysterio was so good. I just watched it again, and stopped it after the Sweet Chin Music. I've decided that's where it ended, because THAT would have been a great match. The energy and chemistry between the 2 were great and I definitely wouldn't mind seeing more. What the hell was the point of Batista though? What are they trying to set up here? Whatever it is, I don't want to see it. The ending with The Undertaker was good though.

 

[Dagger Dias]

This was a great Smackdown. It had good matches, good promos, and it made me more interested in the upcoming PPV than I already was. Punk & DX had a good segment which led to a decent match between Punk and HHH. Then we had two great matches in Jericho VS Truth and Morrison VS McIntyre. Both matches were some of the best I've seen in a while. I also enjoyed the divas segment, this angle just keeps getting better every week! Easily the best divas angle in 4 years. HBK VS Mysterio was a pretty cool match that could have been PPV quality but just got a bit overbooked at the end with all the random run-ins. Overall, a VERY good episode of Smackdown because it got me even more excited for the Royal Rumble and was entertaining from beginning to end.

A-

 

[mcflyboy]

I don't have too much to say, except that I find it surprising that Jericho keeps losing. His promos he keeps touting being the best in the world, but it seems like he hasn't won an important match in quite some time. And a loss to r-truth just seems strange (although maybe that was punishment for his recent arrest?)

Unless creative wants to build up a "losing streak" similar to what they did with mvp a while ago, I'm just not sure I understand why jericho can't win matches anymore.

 

[Melina]

I thought it was a 9.5/10 quality show. Every promo was good, even the Michelle McCool Piggy James segment was decent (although it was Layla who made that segment great). Each match was top quality, and told great stories.

Punk vs HHH was a very good match, and I like the way it ended. Better that than having Hunter beat the Straightedge Society one on three. I would have rather had Punk pick up the win after interference, only real negative mark for this show.

R Truth vs Jericho was a fantastic match. Jericho is so good, I think he could wrestle a garbage can and get great heat. He has made R Truth look great, even though Truth's Superstars Promo was subpar at best. Ending was a little cheesy, but I like it that they let Truth go over on Jericho in almost a fluke fashion.

Morrison vs McInteire was great. Morrison pretty much carried that entire match on his shoulders, but McInteire also looked damn impressive in the ring. He really has a great look, and I hope he can develop more in the ring.

Mysterio vs Michaels was very good, and set up the Rumble, and the WHC match extremely well. The ending was very well done as well.

This was the best WWE televised (non PPV) show I can remember in a long time. If WWE can keep putting on great shows like this, they will bury TNA.

 

[BladeRunner]

My February First Raw Review

Could it be? A good RAW?

Why yes it is!

Ok, starting out with an Edge promo, good stuff, good to seem him back. Is he a heel, is he a face? A tweener perhaps? Something to build on there.

Then 2 squash matches that everyone knew the outcome on. Those I could give or take. We knew HHH was going to win and we knew Cena was going to win. But I suppose you gotta have at least 1 squash match every once in a while.

But really good promos throughout, including Shatner's.

The last 2 matches were also good stuff. Orton versus Shawn to build up Shawn's underdog status, and Big Show getting the old screwjob courtesy referee.

And top it all of with an awesome Bret promo to end the night.

Ah yes, I forgot to add that it was a lot more adult in parts that needed to be, while also having funny comedy without any of it being sacharine sweet or too campy. Right when Hornswoggle was about to ruin it, he went back away and it got back to where it needed to be. I hope they keep this up.

 

[LongHessa]

A really good RAW tonite with good wrestling and an amazing ending segment. The Bret/Vince segemnt was the best thing on WWE TV in years. Who in the hell says Bret cant work the stick, are you kidding me. His promo tonite was one of the best ive seen in years, and vince was outstanding. It all felt very real...from the cursing to the "you couldnt wear my dad's jockstrap" line. Bret looks a lot healthier and his offense tonite looked good, plus Nashville came UNGLUED when he went for the shaprshooter, if he had got it on it would have been insane. Great shit.

 

[y2jnumber1]

I really liked Raw this week. Storylines were continued like Edge/Jericho,HBK/Undertaker,and Bret/Vince. We also possible get a Cena vs Batista from the outcoming of Raw ending as well.

 

[Kenny Powers]

It's kinda sad when you think about how Bret Hart's return to WWE takes a back step to a possible Cena/Batista feud. It's odd seeing Edge as a face after all these years. I don't know how a Edge/Sheamus match would go down. After Sheamus' last two matches against Cena and Orton turned out uneventful. I would want my money back if I were to see Sheamus in the main event at Wrestle Mania.

Triple H and Swagger put on a good match. It's nice to see Swagger actually be in a match for once. HBK and Orton wasn't bad, but there was too many rest holds to keep interested. I seems like they are sewing the seeds for a DX and Legacy break up. I just hope it happens sooner than later. Big Show vs. Kofi was atrocious. Why in the hell is Big Show still employed? He is sloppy as hell and doesn't attribute anything except his size.

I thought Shatner was good but a little too corny at times. Bret and Vince's showdown part 2 was better, but still as Bret put it "pathetic". Batista could of caused the same damage to Bret if he hit him with a pillowcase in the ring. It's really sad. Vince waited way too long to bring Bret back. Just like he waited too long to bring Superfly and Jake Roberts back.

I have to say I am interested to see where WWE is going on their Road to Wrestle Mania. I just hope it isn't a huge letdown like last year. I don't want to see a Bret/Vince match at Mania, but I would prefer that to Bret standing in Cena's corner. It seems WWE is where Legends come to die or job to Cena. I think Vince will put the final nail in the coffin to Bret's career at WrestleMania.

 

[avi01]

Hart-Vince=gold. That was excellent...really awesome. Terrific ending with only 1 flaw: the fucking commentaries. Seriously King used to be my favorite but sound so dull now. And Micheal Cole`s low tone dramatic commentary when Bret was beating the hell out of Vince=megafail. Jr would have perfectly call that.
Now, I don`t really want to see Batista-Cena coming out of this. Really don`t think they would fit right there and it would be a step backwards considering the excellent turn this feud is taking.
I`m starting to like that Sheamus guy, dunno why but I`m digging the persona, the accent and everything. The opening promo with Edge was pretty good.
And about Shawn Michaels, all his whinnings is getting old. I see him entering the smack down e.chamber and eventually facing Taker. First thing that came to my mind when he lost.

 

[Lexy]

Was at the show last night and don't have a voice today. But my wife and I had a blast and it really had a "Pay-Per-View" feel to it. Like I said in another post, I don't know why that was. But the atmosphere was electric and the crowd was a pretty hard leaning Cena arena.

I think most of the matches, even the two dark matches (they will be on Superstars), were great and seeing Vince there was cool! This was a RAW where one certainly got their money's worth instead of seeing a typical laid back RAW like you typically see after a big PPV. Lots of fun and was it me, or were we really loud at times last night on TV?? I recorded it but I haven't watched the taping. But I know in the arena, there was times it was really, really loud. Almost "Attitude Era" loud at some points.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

I thought Raw was great last night. Fall out from the Royal Rumble blended seamlessly with build up for the Elimination Chamber ppv, there were some pretty good matches last night, Hornswoggle was kept to a bare minimum, HBK's downward spiral continues, a great tag match is set for next week and I love how the Raw Elimination Chamber is being set up with three long time, legitimate main eventers and three young, up and coming guys involved. It's a great opportunity for the careers of DiBiase, Kingston and Sheamus to be elevated.

The segment with Vince and Bret Hart was great, better than the one a month ago in my opinion. With each and every word they said to each other, I could legitimately feel some realism coming out. After all, given their history, you know that there had to be a good amount of truth in what they said and how they felt towards one another. Batista coming out and pulling Bret off Vince was unexpected, though I think they're toying with the idea of John Cena vs. Batista at WM and last night was the very beginning of it.

When Raw went off the air last night, it left me wanting more and that's always a great thing. Anticipation is high for next week and I can't wait to see what goes down.

 

[Power & Glory]

Unless I had a blackout, "advertised" match between Maryse and Gail Kim never took place last nite. Why? They clearly stated that tonight we will have the finals of the tournament plus the little interview segment backstage, Maryse talking to Gail about "tonights" match... What the hell?? Raw in all wasn't as bad as it can be, it wasn't dull imo. Just strange that divas bout never happened as well as Batista's interference which probably is a hired gun scenario but i don't get why it was Batista that they choose for cuz he has his agenda on Smackdown, getting the WHC title back ofc. Weird night

 

[Lexy]

Unless I had a blackout, "advertised" match between Maryse and Gail Kim never took place last nite. Why?

The match didn't happen. I was there and I remember the promo that you're talking about. As for the reason, I have no idea.

 

[Power & Glory]

The match didn't happen. I was there and I remember the promo that you're talking about. As for the reason, I have no idea.

Ok thank you on the feed back. WWE had done this before as we all know, I just dont understand why the match didn't happen when we all saw that both participants were there last nite.

Anyway, as one fan to another, i'm glad you enjoyed your show last nite. Cheers

 

[gd]

Great show last night. Edge is actually pretty cool. I remember why I liked him. The crowd isn't too big on him at the moment, because they are too stupid and don't realize he's a face. How are they going to get Jericho the belt in time for WM? We'll see.

Pretty much all the EC Qualifier matches were good. Actually, they got progressively worse for the most part, but it's still ok. Cena/Rhodes was a squash, as expected. HHH/Swagger was actually a pretty good match. Is Swagger going to stop losing matches to Santino now? I was pretty surprised at Orton beating HBK. Not really, but at least that one was up in the air. Really like the HBK heel turn that's building up. Psychopaths are always interesting.

Dibiase with Orton in the EC is intriguing, to say the least. However, it'll ultimately fail since they are both bland as hell. As a side note, Henry is useless at this point. We had like an hour until the next match, or so it seemed. The last match seemed kind of silly. Why was Big Show so concerned for the ref? What's the point of Kofi/Show matches anyone? Strange.

Shatner was a great guest host. He only had a couple of segments, but they were epic. Look for Punk's cult to win the tag titles next week.

Awesome closing segment to the show as well. Great crowd and the Batista run in was surprising if nothing else. I wonder what they're doing with Hart at this point? I'm guessing him and Vince will be in the corners of Cena and Batista at WM, or something.

Anyway, good show tonight. First time in a while.

 

[Lexy]

Great show last night. Edge is actually pretty cool. I remember why I liked him. The crowd isn't too big on him at the moment, because they are too stupid and don't realize he's a face.

Well, with all due respect, the majority of the folks in the crowd are probably not members of the IWC. So, it's likely they don't have a clue yet because when he left with the injury, he was a heel. What do you expect when someone comes back to wrestling the night before after being away for 6 months? Calling the crowd "too stupid" isn't how I would go about it.

 

[gd]

Well, with all due respect, the majority of the folks in the crowd are probably not members of the IWC. So, it's likely they don't have a clue yet because when he left with the injury, he was a heel. What do you expect when someone comes back to wrestling the night before after being away for 6 months? Calling the crowd "too stupid" isn't how I would go about it.

Well, I think I was being sarcastic there. Maybe not though. You are right in saying that you can't expect most of the crowd to know whether or not to cheer him though, or maybe not.

First of all, he just looked so awesome coming out there. How couldn't you cheer him? He also talked about how he and Jericho are enemies for awhile, and the crowd sure hates Jericho, right? Plus, he beat the shit out of that big Irish bully. I think that's enough to get a few cheers.

 

[Lexy]

Well, I think I was being sarcastic there. Maybe not though. You are right in saying that you can't expect most of the crowd to know whether or not to cheer him though, or maybe not.

First of all, he just looked so awesome coming out there. How couldn't you cheer him? He also talked about how he and Jericho are enemies for awhile, and the crowd sure hates Jericho, right? Plus, he beat the shit out of that big Irish bully. I think that's enough to get a few cheers.

Hey, I have to admit, I've struggled with cheering him and just listening to him since he came back. When he came out at the first of RAW on Monday, my wife and I stood up at the arena and cheered him and the rest of the crowd did too. Afterwards, it was a mixed bag until Sheamus came out and then things were all pro-Edge after that. LOL!!! It was hard until Sheamus came out because it was causing one hell of a complex with me and the other folks sitting around me. HAHA! I had to have a Aspirin after all that.

 

[ben.stewart96]

SmackDown! at the moment is better than RAW! Smackdown is very entertaining, and the match for the EC is going to be a good build up! Two mid-carders, Two FUTURE hall of Famers and Two main eventers, gonna be a show for everyone!

 

[quagmire]

With Jerry Springer guest hosting next week, I would not be surprised to see HHH and HBK in a Jerry Springer type intervention where Springer is the host of course. HBK and HHH go face to face a few times with "security" holding them back. But, out of anger HBK super kicks Springer and leaves the ring. Who else can HBK super kick? He started with a ref and now he super kicked a GM of a brand...... Only thing that is left is super kicking a guest host which Springer brings in the opportunity for HBK to do.

 

[hyperion]

the biggest issue i had with last night's show is the fact that cena came out and absolutely squashed one of his opponents in the (likely) main even of the ppv. i dont know how they could have made ted look any weaker.