The Specialists
UNDER THE MICROSCOPE - 8/25 RAW: What I noticed that you might have missed
Aug 25, 2008 - 11:14:47 PM |
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By Lee Stevens, PWTorch Specialist
When you think Science Fiction, you think Wilkes-Barre. Let's look at the Sci-Fi channel of version of Raw is Pennsylvania.
Did I say Chicago? I meant Scranton
C.M. Punk opens our evening against John Bradshaw Justin Hawk Bradshaw APA Acolyte Layfield. Last week, Punk performed in front of his hometown crowd and received a solid response. This week, the fans of the Northeast corridor provided a strong welcome. Perhaps his summer home is near Allentown. A great live crowd can give credibility to the man holding the belt, even if he is in an untraditional spot of opening the show.
Grammar Police, do you know why I stopped you?
Thanks, King. Jerry Lawler quickly pointed out Michael Cole's use of the word "outquicking". The problem isn't that the word wasn't used correctly. The problem is that it isn't a word. Then again, maybe I'm nitpicking. Perhaps I'm outnitpicking.
Just like in rehearsal, C-M-P, COME ON BRIAN!
At the end of the match, fans of the champ celebrate. Several fans brought signs, while a clever row of observers brought red cut-out letters. Check the spelling again. Yes, it read C-M-P-N-U-K. Whoops. Check your ticket stubs, because where you are sitting DOES matter.
I'm fine, how are you?
After Punk flew through the ropes and into JBL, hitting the announcer table in the process, you did indeed hear him ask "You alright guys?". This is a case when it's necessarily a bad thing when the microphone picks up a conversation during a match. If Kobe Bryant would drill Craig Sager on the sideline, he would ask if he was okay. If Joseph Addai bowled over Rachel Nichols, he would, at the very least, apologize. If Albert Pujols accidentally tossed a bat into the stands striking Erin Andrews, he would check on her condition. As would most of us. Some of us would check twice. In this case, it added a touch of realism to the match. They're fine, Mr. Punk, thanks for asking.
Are you ready for some football... jerseys?
Nobody incredibly noteworthy was in the stands on Monday night, however we did have people saluting Denver Quarterback Jay Cutler, Dallas Wide Receiver Terrell Owens and #52 for Washington. It could have been former Linebacker Neil Olkewicz or current Linebacker Rocky McIntosh. I'm glad to see that these three could sit together in peace and harmony. I'm also glad I could refer to Neil Olkewicz and Rocky McIntosh.
That better be the airport
Just a few rows behind the guys contemplating whether or not to draft a QB in the second round of their respective fantasy drafts was a gentlemen sporting the latest black t-shirt with three simple letters. L-A-X. Either he's a big fan of flying to southern California, or TNA got past the WWE cameras. Perhaps it was a trade for the Highlanders exposure on "Impact" several weeks ago.
Equal Time
While Shelton Benjamin and his friends were at the Democratic Convention, Mike Adamle ensured that we were bipartisan for the night, with the return of the Ronald Reagan portrait in his office. No mention was made of "Dutch", perhaps he's saving it for next week as the Republican Convention will kick off.
Primo Colon, hardcore legend
Yes, Primo Colon is the brother of Carlito and the son of WWE hall-of-famer Carlos Colon. More importantly, yes, that was a cartwheel in the middle of his match. Primo's given name is Edwin or "Eddie". His father was known for epic, bloody battles. So far, Primo is known as the guy with the cartwheel. Somewhere in between is his brother, spitting apples. Thanksgiving must be muy interesante at the Colon household.
24/7
I absolutely love the 24/7 Classics On Demand segment. Not just to see former wrestlers during the prime of their careers. Did you see the audience during the Curt Henning vs. Bret Hart match? No signs. No signs saying hello to Buck Jackson's mother. No signs with your name and an arrow pointing downward. No signs calling for the return of Jack Tunney or Billy Jack Hanes or Outback Jack. Nothing. Plus, it's always a pleasure to hear Gorilla Monsoon.
Did someone say Gorilla?
During the Y2J segment, he reminded Shawn Michaels that he "literally tore him apart." I know, grammar police again, but if he literally tore him apart, the PG rating that the WWE is going for would clearly be gone. Gorilla Monsoon was famous for lines such as "They literally blew the roof off!" and "They're literally hanging from the raftors!" I literally miss Gorilla.
Cryme Tyme
Did anyone else notice who was sponsoring the luxury box where Cryme Tyme was hanging out tonight? Luxury Limosuine Party Box. They clearly haven't seen how Cryme Tyme treats this mode of transportation. Speaking of JBL's limo, this week it was pine tree air freshener-free. Pennsylvania limos just smell better. It's all of that Keystoney goodness. Although I'm grateful they acknowledged the theft of the belts one week later, it still seems strange that they were allowed to keep them for seven days. I expect The Repo Man to be involved in this feud at some point.
Left, right, left again.
Congratulations to Dave Batista who made it up the steps, onto the ring and through the ropes without falling. If you watched carefully, you saw him slow down long enough just to make sure. Even the longest journey against the Big Red Monster begins with a single step.
We'll meet again next week. Next Monday, we're back on The USA Network
Lee Stevens looks closely, but doesn't catch everything. If you saw something he didn't, e-mail him at GLStevens.Torch@gmail.com. If you saw something nobody else did, please see your doctor.
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