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The Specialists
UNDER THE MICROSCOPE - 11/3 WWE Raw: What I noticed that you might have missed
Nov 3, 2008 - 10:37:37 PM


By Lee Stevens, PWTorch Specialist

For a detailed recap of Raw, look for Wade and James on the main page. For a closer look at some of the details you may have missed, stay here. For a turkey sandwich, look in the back of your refrigerator. It's still there.

I was told there would be no math on this test

Back in September, when Raw actually had its 800th episode, I estimated that we had witnessed 1,600 hours of entertainment. An astute reader named Bradd (the extra "D" stands for "determined") wrote in to tell me that with Raw originally only lasting an hour, the number was probably closer to 1,450 hours. Tonight, as we celebrate the 800th episode, WWE acknowledged that it has been 1,500 hours of Raw. Congratulations Bradd, you were closer to the actual retail price without going over, so you win both showcases.

I'm just big boned

The opening match featured The Hardys, advertised at a combined weight of 461 pounds. The were facing The Brian Kendrick, tipping the scales at a robust 184 pounds and MVP, who, despite Jerry Lawler's generous mistake, was announced as weighing 229 pounds. The combined weight of all 4 wrestlers comes to 874 pounds. After their match, highlights were shown of the first Raw featuring Yokozuna, who reportedly topped 700 pounds at his heaviest.

Perfect for the holidays

In the highlights of the first Raw, you probably saw banners prominently displayed at ringside advertising for ICOPRO. You rarely, if ever, see any outside ads for non-WWE products and this was no exception. This was a part of Vince McMahon's failed World Bodybuilding Federation, with ICOPRO standing for Integrated Conditioning Program, a line of supplements marketed by McMahon. The WBF lasted from 1990-1992. ICOPRO lasted a few years after that.

The clean-shaven kid

Our trip back memory lane takes us to one of the biggest upsets on Raw, with the 1-2-3 Kid defeating Razor Ramon. If you didn't recognize the babyface wrestler with the baby face, yes that's Sean Waltman, X-Pac, Syxx-Pac. At the time, he had been wrestling as "The Lightning Kid", "The Cannonball Kid" and simply "The Kid" among other names. After getting the 1-2-3 over Ramon, he became the 1-2-3 Kid. It's amazing how a little facial hair can change a person's career path. Isn't that right, Mike Knox?

I hope they remember me when they come to Pennsylvania

If you knew where Raw was being held next Monday before the Battle Royal, you would have had a great hint as to who would win and become the #1 contender for the Intercontinental Championship. William Regal will compete for the title next week in England, which should come as no surprise to at least one person. The WWE frequently plays favorites with a local wrestler/entertainer/personality when they go on tour, with Davey Boy Smith headlining in England and the current champ Santino Marella originally winning the title in surprise fashion over Umaga in Italy.

Vice President in charge of Executive Titles

When Shane McMahon scolded Randy Orton and insisted that Orton should "Respect the position I hold in this company," he obviously was hinting that he was Orton's boss. Technically, he does hold a great deal of weight. Officially, he handles global media, including digital media, live events, and other functions. He's Vince McMahon's son, so Orton probably respects that position a bit more.

I quit

Just a little friendly advice: If you must quit your job, always give two weeks notice. Mr. Adamle, I'm talking to you. You will never get a good reference that way.

D-X, who are your friends?

Before D-X battled Miz and Morrison, classic footage of the gang "invading" WCW was shown, including X-Pac (our second Sean Waltman sighting), Billy Gunn and Road Dogg. Although the current TNA employees were shown, they were not heard as Triple H's voice was heard throughout the clip, even when The New Age Outlaws were speaking.

And down the stretch they come

Triple H mocked The Miz's yearbook photo by insisting he finished strong in The Kentucky Derby that year. The Microscope leaves no detail behind - Real Quiet won The Derby in 1998, Victory Gallop was second, and Indian Charlie was third. There is no record of The Miz finishing anywhere near the top 3.

Didn't you used to work for me?

No introductions were needed for the JBL-Undertaker match. You probably remember JBL as one of "The Dead Man's" acolytes. We saw the other member of "The Acolyte Protection Agency" later with Ron Simmons giving his one word contribution to the festivities. Remember what I said about giving 2 week's notice? See how Undertaker treated a former employee? Don't burn bridges.

Ahhh...old friends

Obviously, a celebration of Raw would feature The Rock, Stone Cold, and plenty of McMahons, but there were surprises, including a quick Paul Heyman sighting, plenty of Kurt Angle (although he was being destroyed by John Cena at the time), and even Brock Lesnar. Notable by his absence was Mick Foley. He's still in the opening, but not much else from Mrs. Foley's baby boy.

Hey, it's the guy from the razor commercial!

We had a Mr. McMahon sighting, even if it was only in video form during the John Cena tribute. Steph and Shane McMahon mentioned him late in the show, but apparently we're still supposed to wonder whether or not he perished in the backstage accident when the light fixture fell on him. If he's dead, the announcers are apparently dealing with the grief quite well.

By the way, Stephanie was texting someone. She DOES keep her phone on during Raw. If you can't trust Mike Adamle, who can you trust?

Lee Stevens goes "Under The Microscope" every Monday and reviews Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling every weekend. Lee knows he's not perfect, you don't need to remind him, however feel free to e-mail him at GLStevens.Torch@gmail.com

In all seriousness, he reminds you to please vote on Tuesday, November 4.

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