Before I even start to talk about the broadcast, I just want to say that the highlight of this week's Monday Night Raw was the return of Stone Cold Steve Austin. Now onto the show...
The show opened with the Undertaker coming out to Johnny Cash's 'Ain't No Grave', which couldn't be a more fitting song for him. He cut his promo for his match with Triple H at Wrestlemania XXVII. He mentions that this is more than just a match, it`s about two legends colliding in the squared circle. It is a 100% correct statement, as I have mentioned before these two are the last veterans in the locker room. The Undertaker says that many are speculating that his streak will end this year and he brings up his last two `Mania matches, which happened to be with Shawn Michaels. They then show a really well put together video package of their matches at both Wrestlemania XXV and XXVI. A stipulation is finally revealed for the clash of the titans, a NO HOLDS BARRED MATCH! I, for one, am excited about this, stoked even. I am just wondering how this stipulation will fit into the PG mind frame of the company. My best guess is that these two will be allowed to go as far as they want because they are the ones putting their program together. As Jim Ross would say, it`s going to be a slobber knocker!
The storyline between Randy Orton and Nexus continued this week, as Orton was attacked backstage by Ryan, Punk, and Otunga. He's ambushed and dragged to the ring where he is further assaulted by the Nexus, right before his match with David Otunga. The bell rings and the bout begins, Otunga thinking that he has an advantage because Orton was attacked. Orton goes for the win, David is then barred from ringside at Punk's Wrestlemania match. It ends with Randy Orton delivering a punt to Otunga. There is only one more member of the Nexus for Orton to take on, Mason Ryan. I'm hoping that he is also barred from ringside so that it is a fair fight, called right down the middle.
I didn't know that Rick the Sign Guy would be at this broadcast but his signs were hilarious as always.
It is announced that the Miz will not appear tonight and I breathed a collective sigh of relief. I know I have mentioned this many times before, I cannot stand him. I think he's terrible. Quickly after Christian comes out on Raw and is set to face Alberto Del Rio (who is accompanied by Brodus Clay). Del Rio says that Christian must face Brodus Clay before he can step in the ring with him. It was a pretty one sided match obviously, but he is a mountain of a man. With the right move set and gimmick, he will go far. He could be a possible rival for the Big Show or any other large superstar. It will be interesting to see how the WWE uses another giant.
A few smaller notes from the broadcast include the announcement of Sunny as the newest inductee into the Hall of Fame and an advertisement for Sin Cara. I wasn't really impressed with Sunny being announced as I feel there are many more females in wrestling that did a lot more and deserve it more. However, good for her for being recognized for her contribution to the wrestling world. As for Sin Cara, I cannot wait for him. I think he will be an amazing in-ring competitor and a worthy adversary for any superstar.
Eve faced a Bella twin for the Diva's championship and retained her title. The one thing that made my blood boil was Cole interrupting this match with his stupid banter. The women deserve as much respect during their matches as the men do. It was disrespectful and completely uncalled for.
Michael Cole finally gets to run his mouth about who his pick for guest referee. Turns out he picked JBL, it was refreshing to see him after being out of the ring for so long. He was playing a heel but he does it well, JBL ripped on Texas, talked about how 'awesome' Michael Cole is, and says how impartial he'll be while calling the match. Glass shatters and the man of the hour comes out, Stone Cold. The crowd goes nuts for him and Cole cowers behind Bradshaw like a little, well, you get the idea. Austin exchanges words, delivers a stunner to JBL, pours beer on Cole and JBL, and then signs the Wrestlemania contract. This will ensure that Jerry gets the fair shot that he deserves. I can't wait to see him put on the stripes, count to three and raise Jerry's hand.
Daniel Bryan faced Sheamus, who loses by a disqualification due to an ankle injury that he suffered when he was thrown out of the ring. He proposes a match for next week, if he loses against Daniel Bryan, he quits. How will this play out? Will he simply just be written off of television for a while? Will he go to Smackdown? Only time will tell, next week will be interesting. CM Punk faces R-Truth, with Mason Ryan at ringside. It doesn't take a genius to figure out how this one went.
They aired part two of an interview with HBK, regarding his thoughts on the Triple H/Undertaker match. Basically he just discusses his friendship with Hunter and his evolution as a performer. I personally think that it would have been nice if he was either commentating on it or interviewed in person. He has a unique perspective on this match, seeing as he has worked with both individuals.
Dolph Ziggler was revealed as a the newest member of the Raw roster, Vicki announcing that it was her negotiations that brought him there. I'm kind of iffy on Ziggler, I think that he could be great but he needs to drop Vicki and that stupid sleeper hold as his finisher. It just seems like he isn't even trying. He faces John Morrison and wins the match. The twist here is that the Raw General Manager says that he hired Ziggler back, but not Vicki. The stipulation for Vicki to acquire a job on Raw is for her to defeat Trish Stratus next week. I don;t really think there is any competition here but I am looking forward to seeing Trish in the ring after such a long hiatus. The last segment of the show is John Cena addressing the Rock. I really admire John Cena, the man can cut a promo and fight. He keeps the crowd entertained, whether they love him or hate him. Cena acknowledges his haters with a smile on his face, that always makes them hate him more. The Miz then appears, runs his mouth, delivers a 'People's Elbow', and the show closes. It's interesting to see how the Rock will factor into the Miz vs. Cena match at 'Mania.
It is going to be an eventful few weeks until the event, rivalries will play out, new ones will start, and it will be one hell of a ride.
Until next week...
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