-- 6/4 WWE Raw Reax

Dave Harlequin of Charlotte, N.C. (4.0): Best Match: Punk vs. Kane. Worst Match: Ryberg vs. jobbers. It really seems like WWE is just out of ideas. A bunch of Smackdown re-matches, Michael Cole in the main event, and bringing back Vince McMahon for more "corporate drama" - man, this just shows how shallow of a kiddie pool we're all swimming in, so to speak... I enjoyed Sheamus-Ziggler and Punk-Kane for what they were, and I still don't understand why Sin Cara always has that "special" lighting for all his matches. Other than that, just not much worth saying. I'll give this first three-hour Raw a chance, but, if it disappoints, I'm tuning out for a while and going back to watching ROH on Saturdays.

Steve in Pompano Beach, Fla.: Looking back at Raw, it seems to me that there was more to Cena's obliteration of Michael Cole than just "make the crowd happy." I mean, it started with Cole telling Cena what he thought of him, along with what he claimed to have heard/read others say about Cena - that he's gotten lazy, that he's overrated, and some other terms that many other fans have used to describe Cena. And, what's the first thing John did when presented with the opportunity? He opted to face someone nowhere near his size or level of physicality who was unable to defend himself against someone the likes of Cena, and who voiced an opinion of Cena that differs from how Cena seems to regard himself. Despite the match that anyone watching Raw regretfully saw, it was more than John Cena vs. Michael Cole. It was John Cena vs. everyone who isn't a John Cena fan. It was essentially WWE's (read: Vince McMahon's) not-so-subtle way of telling those opinionated fans to shut up.

Kevin, PWTorch reader (2.0): Another snooze-button Raw. The opening segment with Michael Cole was very lame - he's had his 15 minutes of fame already. Big Johnny is even worse than Cole, and I'm hoping Vince McMahon bids him the best in his future endeavors next week... The Dolph Ziggler vs. Sheamus match was disappointing; it was another up & down ride for Dolph Ziggler. I don't understand why this talented Superstar is being wasted and why we have to endure the boredom of Funka-JYD, Albertensai, Ryberg, and Sin Cara and his funky lights! Dolph could be another HBK with the right backing... The re-match between Kane and C.M. Punk was decent. Personally, I believe C.M. Punk needs a new feud; Daniel Bryan is like another Lance Storm, but with somewhat better mic skills. I know a lot people like him, but to me he's boring and he's not going to sell out future WrestleManias. I would like to see Punk versus Orton if Randy could stay off suspension... On the main event, parts of it was somewhat entertaining, but mostly boring. I'm just tired of Cena vs. Big Show for the third time! What's next, revamping Cena vs. Batista again or maybe Cena vs Triple H? Man, I miss Edge!

Scott of Orange County, Calif., a Front Office Supervisor (former courier): I must confess that I didn't watch the television program, as work was a whole lot more entertaining than slathering up a broadcaster in BBQ sauce. And, speaking of Mr. Smiles, "rising above the hate" is this generation's no-sell. I wish I could get a sports entertainment knockout twice in 24 hours and have a smile on my face. Hey, John, you're killing the business by not giving the fans the possibility of your opponent getting one over in you. If fans aren't made to believe (or made to care) that opponent X has a shot, then they won't watch the free crap, let alone spend money to watch the paid crap. Fans aren't stupid. We're the consumers of the product and the product sucks. I long for the times when watching wrestling was fun.

Ryan in Long Island (4.0): Best Match: Punk vs. Kane, Dolph vs. Sheamus. Worst: Cena not Being A Star. I have written a few times recently and have been very negative. I have been hoping for a turnaround in WWE and it just seems like it's not happening. I get Cena's place as the face of the company. That said, his presence only boosted the rating to a 2.92. He didn't move the dial drastically. My fear is with a three-hour Raw era just around the corner, Cena is going to be threaded throughout the show since WWE fails to/is afraid to create new, interesting stars... Punk and Kane continue to impress me with their matches, showing great chemistry in the ring. While I am not excited to see Kane feuding for the title, I respect his work and how, for a big man, his style seems to mesh with smaller guys like Punk and Bryan. In similar vein, Dolph and Sheamus have had a nice series of matches as well. Like most 20-to-30-year-old male fans, I am a Ziggler fan. This guy can go with anyone and, unfortunately, WWE will use him to make others look good for now... It's a shame WWE gives more mic time to guys that are about to be destroyed by Skip Ryback than other guys on their roster. Lastly...everyone's favorite Hero. Mr. Hustle, Loyalty, and RESPECT picked a fight with an announcer, ripped his pants off, dumped BBQ sauce on him, and beat him during the 11:00 p.m. hour. I'm glad Vince got a good laugh because this viewer did not. Instead of having Cena show intensity and talk about Big Show being a threat, they just had him toy around for 20 minutes with Cole. WWE barely has me making it through two hours without cringing and wanting to change the channel, so I can't wait to see what they do when they extend to three. Hopefully things change and with an extra hour and they let some young talent shine, but I fear things will not change.

***

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 Grant Gould (c) PWTorch.com]

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