-- WWE Raw Reax 4/30

Darren of Roseville, Calif., travel agent (9.0 for opening segment, 2.0 for the rest of the show): I haven't watched Raw live since last year (I usually DVR it and fast-forward), and this is the main reason why I will continue to do so. The opening segment was fantastic, Lesnar showed a lot of promise, and I hope he continues this momentum until he wrestles Taker at WrestleMania. Lesnar will thrash and destroy every single WWE Superstar, referee, and member of management until the savior Undertaker rescues WWE from this Tasmanian Devil. The only comment I'm going to make about the last three-fourths of the show is Yes! Yes! Yes!

Richard H. of Wilmington, Ohio: I was made to feel uncomfortable watching Raw, and the reason seemed to be the Lesnar angle. Yes, Brock was always a brute and did not play well with others, but I did not remember him being an uncontrollable mini-version of The Hulk (the big green Hulk, not Bollea). Attacking Trips because he did not get his way and "breaking" his arm sure did not seem PG to me. Then, after WWE got the audience wound up, Eve came out and killed whatever mood there was by ruining a simple introduction to the Beat the Clock challenge. At least they sent Teddy off-screen so we did not have to see the usual bullying from Laurinaitis & Eve. When they kick Johnny Laryngitis off the show, can he take Eve with him? Overall, the best bit was the unnerving opening, but the worst was the Kane-Khali debacle. Khali may have one of the most impressive upper bodies in WWE, but his lack of mobility and leg strength make him a detriment in the ring. And, the ending segment with Lord Albert, his stooge, and the Big Stooge attacking an injured Cena just killed the show for me. Cena should not have been on TV Monday night. Both for his sake and ours. I was really looking forward to not seeing him live on Raw for a month or so. Oh, well, at least the untalented Bellas are gone.

Brent "Doc" Hall of Hudson, Wis., Medically Retired Navy Corpsman (2.5): Best Moment: Brock's beat down of Triple H. Best Match: Randy Orton vs. Jack Swagger. Worst Match: Kane vs. Great Khali. I let myself believe again... I thought WWE righted the ship. That PPV was a thing of beauty. Brock Lesnar lost without losing credibility, storylines were tied together, and, for once, all of the main events delivered. Then, Raw happened and it was like that PPV was an aberration. It started well, enforcing Lesnar as a destructive, ruthless, monster who will destroy anyone, COOs included. But, once I saw Eve announce the Beat The Clock Challenge (poorly), and the first match only lasted 4:18, I knew the show was in trouble. Orton vs. Swagger was strong, though, hopefully giving Swagger a push. But, never let Kane and Khali wrestle each other again, please? And why put Bryan over Lawler?! What did that accomplish? Why not give him an opponent that offers a modicum of credibility? Finally, I'm willing to believe that maybe Cena actually thought he was injured after his match at the PPV. After his impassioned speech at the PPV, he finally had some hardcores back on his side. Why not give him a month off, instead of having him wrestle John Laurinaitis? Who is this helping? What does it develop story-wise?

Aaron Lester, PWTorch reader (7.5): Best Match: Orton vs. Swagger. Worst Match: hmmm. Usually, Raw loses me with the '90s-style opening segment. But, this one made sense and told a great story that will lead to money long-term. That's how you clean up the Lesnar mess. A perfect world, Cena turns heel at Mania to beat The Rock, then comes to Raw bragging about beating everyone hes ever faced. Then, Lesnar's music hits and he comes out whoop Cena. Boom, there you go from there. But, secondly, I wish the Bryan-Punk match was at Mania in a Unification match. It would have been perfect for Mania. Instead, WWE still has two champions... WWE has done what no other promoter in the world was able to do, get John Laurinaitis over. I love it. And, that's not a good thing. Don't get me wrong, I believe he's very good at what he's been trying to model himself as, Mr. McMahon, but what helps him is he's old-school and he made every hit he landed on Cena count. I believe they have money here.

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We welcome your 0-10 score and comments on this show for a "WWE Raw Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. Just to add a twist to this feature, include not just your hometown, but also your occupation (mechanic, lawyer, stay-at-home-dad, college student, etc.) so readers get a flavor for what everyone does as "day jobs." To contribute your thoughts on Raw, click here or email us at pwtorch@gmail.com.

[Torch art credit Travis Beaven (c) PWTorch.com]

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