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CALDWELL'S TUESDAY CHAT w/GREG PARKS: Raw, Smackdown, TNA PPV discussion - MSG crowd, Survivor Series hype, Kofi breaks out, CSI:Miami vs. 30 Rock
Nov 17, 2009 - 2:47:54 PM |
James Caldwell: This is Torch assistant editor James Caldwell joined by Torch specialist Greg Parks for the weekly Tuesday afternoon chat talking Raw, Smackdown, and a little TNA Turning Point if we have time today. Greg, what is your view of last night's Raw - some Torch readers say it was great, some say it was terrible. I'm a thumbs up due to Kofi-Orton and the main event over-riding the horrible Survivor Series build-up. What are your thoughts?
Greg Parks: I wish WWE booked Raw like they were in MSG EVERY week...I mean, you could tell they put a lot more effort into this one, and hey, give the crowd credit, they helped make the show what it was too. Take away the MSG atmosphere and the crowd, and I thought it was barely a thumbs up. The Piper stuff fell flat, Bourne jobbed again to Swagger, there was little wrestling on the show, and the hype for the PPV again sucked, but I think the Kofi brawl and the hot crowd has kind of blinded some people to the not-so-good aspects of the show.
JC: While I was awaiting your thoughts, I kept thinking about the three-star rating I gave for the main event and I believe the crowd added an entire star to the match because they were so hot and so energetic for that match, as well as from start to the finish of the show to cover for some of WWE's usual issues. They really made a difference. I want to focus on Kofi-Orton for a second. Will their brawl and Kofi's boom drop be something that stands the test of time as a memorable moment to show Kofi's official arrival or will it be a mere blip on the radar in a few weeks/months? How do you think this will this stand out over time?
GP: Well, WWE has the power to MAKE it something that stands the test of time; see the "MSG moments" video for a prime example. It was clear they set out to make another MSG moment tonight, and with Cole harping on it, you knew it'd probably happen. I'd like to think Kofi will stand the test of time, but I've seen the rug pulled out from under wrestlers like him before.
JC: WWE had that type of moment for Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase a few weeks ago - right before the Bragging Rights PPV. Ted had a memorable match against Orton fighting the urge to fight back against Orton. Then, that element was gone and it was back to Legacy as lackeys (and now disappearing from Raw last night). I'm expecting this to be completely different with WWE really making this a special deal with Kofi's push to the top working opposite Orton, who is trying to make a star. On the opposite end of the spectrum, when was the last time DX was positioned to make a star, ya know? So, looking at Survivor Series, the general feeling is that Hunter is winning the title after he took the fall against Cena in the Raw main event. How do you see the PPV main event playing out?
GP: I don't necessarily know if that'll be the result, but putting the belt on one of the DX members could cause some tension within the group, which is okay by me because the sooner they are broken up, the better. But then again, with the title, they'll be on TV even MORE probably.
JC: I definitely don't see Michaels winning, as he's been presented poorly as Robin to Hunter's Batman, but I am willing to go along with Hunter winning if it leads to something completely new and different compared to the direction DX has currently been going. It's just too much now. They literally sucked the life and energy out of MSG in the first hour with that Hornswoggle bit. Anything else jump out at you on Raw last night - celebrities, Piper-Vince, Divas, Miz-MVP?
GP: I'm a big "30 Rock" fan, so I liked seeing Judah Friedlander. And hearing Sheiky baby rant every few months is good for the soul. I was disappointed in Piper's performance but at least he looked good, and that's what matters. Miz vs. MVP, to me, was just a way to get Sherri on the show, since MVP did nothing to earn a U.S. Title shot.
JC: Good points all around there. I've never watched an episode of "30 Rock," so Judah is one of those guys who I would probably like if I watched the show, but have no interest in him since I'm unfamiliar with him. I would be ecstatic if Horatio from CSI:Miami hosted a future Raw, though. But, that's a different story. Let's talk Smackdown. Batista-Rey continuing their program leading to a singles match at Survivor Series. Jericho-Taker first-time-ever. What stood out from Friday's show?
GP: Oh God, I can't stand David Caruso. I had to watch him Monday because of the CSI crossover and I nearly gagged due to his acting. What stood out on Friday was the Batista vs. Rey contract signing; they've played that feud perfectly so far. I predicted here last week that they wouldn't give away a full Taker vs. Jericho match, so I'll eat crow on that one.
JC: I was in the same camp of hating on Caruso's acting before I started watching CSI:Miami, but now that I've watched 100 episodes and I've been hooked on the show, I think he's simply amazing. Best babyface on TV. Back on topic...how do you see the Batista vs. Rey singles match on PPV in terms of the chemistry they'll have in the ring when the focus will be on them since it's the only singles match on the entire PPV?
GP: I think they'll be fine....it's not like they're just being thrown onto Smackdown and asked to wrestle 15 minutes with no real story to tell in the ring. They DO have a story they can tell within the match, and I think that'll help not only the work rate, but it'll help the crowd's overall enjoyment of the match.
JC: I expect the match to flow with Rey teasing comebacks, then Batista back on the offensive, then a full comeback from Rey, and the finish. I don't think the match will be a major factor in people's decisions to order the PPV, but I think it will help determine people's enjoyment of the PPV. It really depends on how much the crowd on Sunday is into this program. Like you said, I think WWE has done a good job building this story, which will help at the PPV. ... Quick thoughts on the IC Title picture and C.M. Punk being bumped down the card?
GP: It's the reason why I'm not completely sold on Kingston's push yet; one minor slip-up (and I mean MINOR) behind the scenes, and it can all be taken away. I really think Ziggler needs to win the IC Title at some point in the near future, but he and Morrison have a nice little battle going on for it, that's for sure.
JC: Good point, especially with Vince McMahon's temperament. Final thoughts for today wanting to get your thoughts on the Turning Point PPV - Angle vs. Wolfe and Styles-Joe-Daniels?
GP: The final two matches were just plain awesome, and really show the high ceiling TNA has as a company. When creative gets out of the way and lets guys tell the story in the match without over-the-top stipulations, overbooking or constant interference/ref bumps, they can produce something really special, and that's what happened Sunday.
JC: That's about as concise and perfect of an explanation as there is on TNA's current position before Hulk Hogan jumps into the fold. Well done, Greg. Thanks again for the chat today!
GP: Always a pleasure.
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