- 12/31/2013 (1:36:47 pm)
- Bob Mulrenin
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Thanks for stopping by and especially to those who have visited http://www.wweshop.com and have ordered the new, JR's packages, many that start under $10 and come with a @RobSchamberger piece of artwork personally signed by yours truly.
The last Monday Night Raw of 2013 was unique in many ways including not having a full compliment of talent due to also promoting a live event Monday night in Toronto.
Good to see a full house in Richmond, one of the old, Mid Atlantic Wrestling territory towns and one of the first cities I worked after joining Jim Crockett Promotions back in the day.
I vividly recall broadcasting NWA Pro Wrestling with Bob Caudle and going on first which was then followed by the 'A' show, Worldwide Wrestling, with Tony Schiavone and David Crockett which was then followed by an advertised 'dark match.'
Solid opening bout on RAW with Punk vs. Rollins. I was expecting more as I enjoy both talents' skills even though they are both at much different places in their respective careers. Punk is as good as there is and Rollins wants to be there some day.
Seems like there is an awful lot of in show, non wrestling, content during these three hour Raws and it seems as if it comes in waves. Perhaps that's just me but that is how it felt Monday night.
Enjoyed Stephanie's explanation of the Title bout at the Rumble between Orton and Cena. It felt old school and fundamental which I feel the business could better serve itself by getting back to in some aspects. She made an old match feel fresh.
The promos for next week's Old School Raw looked good and I'm sure that the "alums' will have a great time catching up next week. Much like telling "fishing stories," the first "liar" won't stand a chance. Catering will be a fun place to hang out.....ah, the crab cakes and the always friendly, Maryland Athletic Commission.
How cool would it be to see Hulk Hogan next Monday night in Baltimore? That's the epitome of 'Old School" booking for this themed RAW. (Someone has already said out loud, ("NO! Save Hulk for PPV!") One would expect WWE will have a few surprises up their sleeve for Monday night as it relates to the old school talents.
However, having Ric Flair on the show makes it feel very special. I haven't seen Naitch since Summer Slam but that's another story....
Hopefully, @HowardFinkel will be booked, too.
There was no build up on Raw for the IC Title match which was disappointing, the build up and not the match. It was presented as just another match on a 180 minute TV show.
If Big E is in WWE's plans, and I feel that he is, then this match should have had more lead time and sizzle. Plus, it didn't make the IC title feel special.
Summer Rae is looking more and more like a major player every week. She is a good athlete and judging from her work in the ring that I saw in NXT, Summer Rae can be special.
Not sure where this Bad News Barrett thing is headed.
Good to see Heyman and Lesnar back on RAW although I doubt that we see them together that much between now and WM30. I hope that I'm wrong on that one. Lesnar has and will sell PPV's if he is exposed strategically on Monday Night Raw. What is or isn't strategic is up for debate.
Lesnar just jumped to the top of my short list of favorites to win the Royal Rumble.....or Batista.
Will the WrestleMania 30 Main Event be Orton vs. Lesnar? Or Orton vs. Batista? Or none of the above? Hmm.
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