Long Live The “Share”…And Other Thoughts From Last Night’s RAW

The WWE often gets criticized for some of their ideas about entertainment.  Anyone who lived through the painful “Million Dollar Giveaway” fiasco knows that sometimes, this bashing is right on the mark.

However, there is one idea which, in my opinion, has worked out brilliantly:  The Talent Share system between RAW and ECW.

This program has brought RAW viewers talent such as the excellent tandem of The Miz &  John Morrison and placed them in a feud with Cryme Tyme.  I hardly ever watch ECW.  I knew these guys existed, but I never knew how good and how damn entertaining they really are. 

Conventional wisdom says that all three brands should be kept separate for merchandising and promotional reasons.  But the WWE has never been about “conventional”.  Instead, they push the envelope and don’t allow themselves to become discouraged when they fail.

True, the ratings are down…but I honestly haven’t seen a roster of wrestlers this entertaining in a long time.   

Other thoughts from last night’s show:

- One wrestler who I feels detracts from the excitement of the show is JBL.  Anytime he exits that stupid limo of his, he slams the brakes on whatever momentum the show has going.  He needs to exit the title picture now.

- Lance Cade must go to bed every night and thank his lucky stars that he was dropped into the Feud of the Year.  Each week, it becomes more and more apparent that he has incriminating photos of somebody at WWE because he sure doesn’t add anything to the proceedings.

- Please, WWE directors:  No more extreme closeups of Shawn Micheal’s face.  His skin tone has gone way past “tan” at this point…I’d call it “charred”.  His face, up close, looks like an old saddle with lips.

- Regarding the main event, not one person in that arena was surprised when Triple H was revealed as HBK’s partner and yet the crowd reaction was unbelievably raucous.  DX remains one of the greatest creations the business has ever seen. 

- It seems as though the inevitable breakup of “Glamarella” has begun.  Too bad…I was hugely entertained by this duo at times.

- Speaking of entertaining gimmicks, Charlie Haas really hit the mark with his Great Khali impersonation.  Even the big man himself got a genuine chuckle out of it.

- Kelly Kelly, and not Candace Michelle, will be the Diva who ends up with the Women’s title some point soon.  Mark it down now…the push she has received has been nothing short of a tidal wave.

- Speaking of the Divas, I never hear Katie Lea’s name thrown around when guys discuss who the most beautiful one of all is.  I’d have to take issue with that…. she is stunning.

- Finally, kudos to all the participants in the 8 man tag match.  Every week, at least one of these guys raises the bar on their personal performance level.  I’d watch this match again anytime. 

Like this post? Share it »

Last post (s) by Frank Mazzola

• On the Island: Oilers edge Isles 3-2 - January 6th, 2009
• Plenty of Shame to go around - January 5th, 2009
• On the Island: Sharks edge Isles 5-3 - January 4th, 2009
• Fantasy Hockey Roundup - January 3rd, 2009
• On the Island: Coyotes top Isles 5-4 - January 3rd, 2009