- 30,184
- 1,991
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2000
A lot going on in the WWE right now. The programs for WrestleMania are really hitting their stride right now. There is way more buzz around this year's WrestleMania compared to last year, and I expect it to be a lot better show. Plus, we have NXT which to me was a huge hit last week. Let's look at what materialized after last week's Raw.
Chris Jericho returned to Raw after being permanently banned at least 37 times. Why was he allowed back. To quote Jericho... "Because I felt like it." Anyway, Jericho cut a humorous promo only to be cut off by Edge. Edge told Jericho he would challenge him for the title at WrestleMania. I like how they didn't beat around the bush. Everyone expect this match to happen, and by not trying to use a dumb swerve, it made Edge's announcement feel important and effective. These two should have a great match and a ton of great build over the next four weeks.
After an amazing video package, Shawn Michaels once again challenged The Undertaker to a match at WrestleMania. A beat up looking Undertaker finally accepted the match. But he said the match and HBK's sole weren't enough. He made Shawn put his career on the line. I don't like this, because I expect Taker to win and then we have another stipulation with no teeth to it when Michaels inevitably returns down the line. However, I will definitely enjoy it the next four weeks.
Batista is the new WWE Champion. John Cena demanded his rematch. Vince McMahon came out and said Cena would get his rematch if he could win his match tonight... against Batista. This was supposed to be Cena vs Sheamus, but Sheamus suffered a concussion in the Chamber and was not cleared to compete last week. There was not a single mention of Sheamus losing the title the night before. The match itself never happened as Batista was immediately disqualified due to a low blow and proceeded to beat the living hell out of Cena. I'm really digging the badass, hitman for hire Batista character. I'm assuming we'll get some type of explanation tonight as to why Batista got himself disqualified allowing Cena to get the title shot.
Vince also announced that he was inviting Bret Hart back to Raw tonight to make amends. The rumor is that Stu Hart will be the next inductee to the Hall of Fame tonight. I really loved this angle before the silliness of the car accident two weeks ago. I'll give them a chance to dig themselves out of this hole tonight before I completely sour on the program.
The tension continued to mount between the members of Legacy last week after Ted Dibiase eliminated Randy Orton in The Elimination Chamber. It looked as though Legacy had a plan to turn on Orton last week. However, during a match against Kofi, Yoshi, and Bourne, Orton turned the tables and hit the hangman DDT on Rhodes before hitting an RKO on Dibiase. I don't know if I like how this program is going. Orton is going over as a face which was due. However, having Rhodes and Dibiase look like tools their very first week doesn't help things in getting them over. I would suspect we'll see a handicap match at Mania of Orton vs Rhodes and Dibiase, but we shall see. Tonight we have Orton vs Dibiase, but I would be shocked if this match actually happened.
Maryse won the Divas Championship in an awful match against Gail Kim. With the recent roster cuts, it wouldn't shock me to see Kim cut. She doesn't seem to be able to have a good match with anyone.
Charlie Haas is the latest cut. I'm shocked he lasted this long.
Also, Awesome Kong has been released from TNA. I don't see her coming to the WWE. My guess is she goes to Japan.