Raw 8-10-15

[Ramsey]

 

Taker is going over Brock, isn't he?

 

Grampa sag neck...Old Man Eyeliner...he's going to beat The Beast Incarnate...because that's great booking...that's happening, isn't it?

 

Or they're building up Taker so when Brock beats him it's still a big thing.

 

God I hope that's true. I have no faith that it is, but hey. keep hope alive, right? Also, New Day is amazing and I always want them on my television.

[Raziel]

 

Taker is going over Brock, isn't he?

 

Grampa sag neck...Old Man Eyeliner...he's going to beat The Beast Incarnate...because that's great booking...that's happening, isn't it?

 

Or they're building up Taker so when Brock beats him it's still a big thing.

 

Oh you sweet summer child...

[MonteCarl]

If they were going to have Stardust run in to set up the Amell bit, and the Barrett/Neville match was only going to go a minute before that happened, and then have Barrett inserted in to the tag match at Summerslam, why even have Barrett take the pinfall? Just have StarDust run in a minute in to the match to cause a DQ. Now Barrett looks (even more) like a loser jobber and him being in the tag match makes no real sense. Bad booking there.

 

EDIT: Also, check out the /r/Arrow sub-reddit. Almost every post on the front page is about Amell's appearance on the show, with everybody super-hyped about it and asking how to subscribe to the Network to see the match. This involvement is certainly bringing in a lot of outside eyes to the show

[Brysynner]

If they were going to have Stardust run in to set up the Amell bit, and the Barrett/Neville match was only going to go a minute before that happened, and then have Barrett inserted in to the tag match at Summerslam, why even have Barrett take the pinfall? Just have StarDust run in a minute in to the match to cause a DQ. Now Barrett looks (even more) like a loser jobber and him being in the tag match makes no real sense. Bad booking there.

 

EDIT: Also, check out the /r/Arrow sub-reddit. Almost every post on the front page is about Amell's appearance on the show, with everybody super-hyped about it and asking how to subscribe to the Network to see the match. This involvement is certainly bringing in a lot of outside eyes to the show

 

Probably because A. They want Neville to hit the Red Arrow as much as possible and B. They need a reason to shoe-horn Barrett into the match. Looking at how they spent the past few months it seems the plan was Stardust/Miz vs. Amell/Neville but Ryback being out derailed that and they feel it's more important for Miz to either win the IC Title or take the fall in the IC Title 3-way.

 

Is Neville slowly rivaling Kevin Owens for people he has ready-made feuds with

 

Stardust

Barrett

Sheamus (over MITB)

Rollins (overzealous pin cost him WWE WHC)

Cena (Rusev saved the US Title)

[MGFanJay]

There's not a single of those screen caps that couldn't benefit from a Brazzers logo.

Especially the Orton, Sheamus, and Lana/Summer ones.

[Greggulator]

The Orton/Sheamus deal felt like it was done to give that feud a hook beyond "These dudes don't really like each other." They slyly put in the commentary a mention of how many titles he has won, while also comparing him to Cena. That was a good way to put in place to the audience that Orton could end up winning the belt, especially since Rollins is finding a way to escape constantly (even if it's not through his own design). And they also tied in The Greatest RKO of All-Time and their history together. Just a good way to throw it out there that Orton has an amazing finisher and has used it to beat Rollins before.

Sheamus interfering to try and steal the title at Randy's expense adds that heat. Then Orton gets just deserts over Sheamus. WHAM. They cost each other the title and now an upper mid-card feud has some legs to it. I think both guys are snoozes, but they at least gave them something to work with for the time being.

Also, what's the big deal if Taker "gets his win back" or whatever against Lesnar? Lesnar used the first win over Taker to go on an absolute tear. And he also destroyed Cena along the way. They got 18 months out of BEAST MODE Lesnar. It's not like it's happening on next night's Raw. That's when that type of thinking stinks. And it also sets up a rubber match at the next WM if they have plans for that.

[Brysynner]

Also, what's the big deal if Taker "gets his win back" or whatever against Lesnar? Lesnar used the first win over Taker to go on an absolute tear. And he also destroyed Cena along the way. They got 18 months out of BEAST MODE Lesnar. It's not like it's happening on next night's Raw. That's when that type of thinking stinks. And it also sets up a rubber match at the next WM if they have plans for that.

 

Part of the allure with Lesnar is that he's been unbeatable since beating the Undertaker and it would be better business if someone else (Reigns/Cesaro/Neville are the first ones to come to mind) is the first one to pin Lesnar.

 

Of course the same arguement for Lesnar winning is the same one for why Lesnar shouldn't have been the one to break the streak

[muhammedboehm]

With in the 50/50 booking does it only count has getting back a win/loss if said win/loss is clean?

[Nice Guy Eddie]

So...we've gone from WWE naming diva stables after porno titles to naming them after electronics.

Team PCB? Really? Team printed circuit board?

I guess they really did get gun shy after the first two flubs.

EDIT: And yes I know it stands for Paige, Charlotte and Bayley but it's still pretty bad.

Each time Michael Cole said Team PCB, it sounded like he was saying Team PCP. The mental image of Paige, Becky, and Charlottle smoking PCP, savagely beating Team Bella and Team Bad, before trying to eat their flesh is highly amusing to me.

[nate]

I kept hearing "Team TCB."

[JRGoldman]

If they are going with Team PCB, I demand a "Paigin' Care of Business" shirt. 

 

Also, I know we shouldn't be surprised that a professional actor was able to cut a good promo, but it really put in perspective just how bad some of the roster is at saying words. Also, Arrow looked super athletic and was laying in those forearms. I thought he was going to be one of the "just having fun out here" celebrities, but dude brought some fire. He looked like an Abercrombie model doing a Brock Lesnar impersonation.  

[Eivion]

Also, I know we shouldn't be surprised that a professional actor was able to cut a good promo, but it really put in perspective just how bad some of the roster is at saying words.  

Amell did a better job acting here than he does on Arrow

[Jamal]

The Main Roster Divas have always had their good moments, mainly on Main Event or Superstars, but this is the most consistently good they have ever been on Raw in a while. See, WWE, all you had to do was give them time and treat them seriously. The six ladies tag was good but I loved the brawl afterwards. And yes, Naomi's drop kick was gorgeous.

 

I also marked for "Summer, Crush". Glad to see Summer Rae bounce back from character limbo. 

[turk128]

Also, I know we shouldn't be surprised that a professional actor was able to cut a good promo, but it really put in perspective just how bad some of the roster is at saying words.  

Amell did a better job acting here than he does on Arrow

Nah.

[GuerrillaMonsoon]

 

Also, what's the big deal if Taker "gets his win back" or whatever against Lesnar? Lesnar used the first win over Taker to go on an absolute tear. And he also destroyed Cena along the way. They got 18 months out of BEAST MODE Lesnar. It's not like it's happening on next night's Raw. That's when that type of thinking stinks. And it also sets up a rubber match at the next WM if they have plans for that.

 

Part of the allure with Lesnar is that he's been unbeatable since beating the Undertaker and it would be better business if someone else (Reigns/Cesaro/Neville are the first ones to come to mind) is the first one to pin Lesnar.

 

Of course the same arguement for Lesnar winning is the same one for why Lesnar shouldn't have been the one to break the streak

 

 

Shut the front door....

[Charlie M.]

The Orton/Sheamus deal felt like it was done to give that feud a hook beyond "These dudes don't really like each other." They slyly put in the commentary a mention of how many titles he has won, while also comparing him to Cena. That was a good way to put in place to the audience that Orton could end up winning the belt, especially since Rollins is finding a way to escape constantly (even if it's not through his own design). And they also tied in The Greatest RKO of All-Time and their history together. Just a good way to throw it out there that Orton has an amazing finisher and has used it to beat Rollins before.

Sheamus interfering to try and steal the title at Randy's expense adds that heat. Then Orton gets just deserts over Sheamus. WHAM. They cost each other the title and now an upper mid-card feud has some legs to it. I think both guys are snoozes, but they at least gave them something to work with for the time being.

Also, what's the big deal if Taker "gets his win back" or whatever against Lesnar? Lesnar used the first win over Taker to go on an absolute tear. And he also destroyed Cena along the way. They got 18 months out of BEAST MODE Lesnar. It's not like it's happening on next night's Raw. That's when that type of thinking stinks. And it also sets up a rubber match at the next WM if they have plans for that.

 

Because the goal should be to move forward...Strange concept, I know.

[Jiji]

 

The Orton/Sheamus deal felt like it was done to give that feud a hook beyond "These dudes don't really like each other." They slyly put in the commentary a mention of how many titles he has won, while also comparing him to Cena. That was a good way to put in place to the audience that Orton could end up winning the belt, especially since Rollins is finding a way to escape constantly (even if it's not through his own design). And they also tied in The Greatest RKO of All-Time and their history together. Just a good way to throw it out there that Orton has an amazing finisher and has used it to beat Rollins before.

Sheamus interfering to try and steal the title at Randy's expense adds that heat. Then Orton gets just deserts over Sheamus. WHAM. They cost each other the title and now an upper mid-card feud has some legs to it. I think both guys are snoozes, but they at least gave them something to work with for the time being.

Also, what's the big deal if Taker "gets his win back" or whatever against Lesnar? Lesnar used the first win over Taker to go on an absolute tear. And he also destroyed Cena along the way. They got 18 months out of BEAST MODE Lesnar. It's not like it's happening on next night's Raw. That's when that type of thinking stinks. And it also sets up a rubber match at the next WM if they have plans for that.

 

Because the goal should be to move forward...Strange concept, I know.

I know it's not a particularly good book but I just finished reading The Death of WCW for the first time a few weeks back and one of the bigger issues that led to the demise of WCW  was their reluctance to elevate new stars and their reliance on old wrestlers. It was fun going through their list of theories as to why WCW failed so stupendously and seeing WWE commit a lot of the same errors. WWE isn't going anywhere but they sure could be learning from obvious mistakes that others and they themselves had made in the not too distant past.

 

The obvious counterargument is that they tried to make Roman a star. Sure, but they misread the situation so badly and failed miserably only to (once again) call a late audible to save their asses. I'm sure they'll try again and maybe he'll be more ready but who knows if it'll work. Just how many times have they cut guys off at the knees because they weren't the endorsed choice as the next guy? Rollins has been the champ for months but has he really been elevated to star status? I like me a chicken shit heel and all but all the interactions with Kane just killed my interest in his character until I tuned out and he's not even getting that much heel heat. 

[Charlie M.]

Turning Reigns heel and basically giving him the Lesnar push between now and Mania is so obvious and easy but they just won't do it. They think an endless midcard feud with Bray Wyatt is going to have people clamoring for Roman to be their hero.

 

The way to make Reigns a babyface is to make him such a bad ass heel that people have no choice but to respect him.

 

And not the Authority heel in a suit either. Just one man, on his own, destroying everyone in his path with violence and rage.

[Eivion]

You do realize that the current feud with Bray actually has seen Reigns getting more over with the audience?

[turk128]

I think one of WWE's biggest problem is they simply don't have that many strong faces. Cesaro is looking to be transitioning into that position but I can't think of anyone else.

 

Ambrose is in a weird limbo right now and a returning Ziggler won't help (his current face run is equivalent to Orton's previous face run; simply awkward).

 

With just a little bit of a tweak, I think Rusev has potential to be a great face. Just twist the storyline with him and Ziggler, do a double turn, and Ziggler'll be relevant again.

[jstout]

Rusev should turn face and pretty much become the wrestling equivalent of Yakov Smirnoff.

[BobbyWhioux]

Rusev should turn face and pretty much become the wrestling equivalent of Yakov Smirnoff.

 

 

"In WWE Universe, cheating is babyface move!  What a Country!"

[goc]

I think one of WWE's biggest problem is they simply don't have that many strong faces. Cesaro is looking to be transitioning into that position but I can't think of anyone else.

 

Ambrose is in a weird limbo right now and a returning Ziggler won't help (his current face run is equivalent to Orton's previous face run; simply awkward).

 

With just a little bit of a tweak, I think Rusev has potential to be a great face. Just twist the storyline with him and Ziggler, do a double turn, and Ziggler'll be relevant again.

I am 100% on board with this plan but ONLY if Ziggler's motivation is that Rusev crushed his larynx and caused him to never be able to speak again. Then Lana can just do all of the talking and I never have to hear another Dolph promo. 

[Charlie M.]

You do realize that the current feud with Bray actually has seen Reigns getting more over with the audience?

 

In what way? At the PPV, Bray was pretty much the babyface in the match.

 

Don't confuse when Roman hangs out with Ambrose with Roman being over and liked.

[Zac_Fu]

Very enjoyable show. Loved the divas tag as usual with their matches lately. Really liked how into it the crowd was. Big pop for Sasha tagging in, going nuts for Brie's bryan tribute, hot finishing stretch, good stuff. Loved the triple threat, awesome finish and had me looking forward to the main event. Summer's Accolade ruled. Glad they're going through with Amell getting a match at SummerSlam. Barrett being awkwardly thrown in by getting squashed by Neville in a minute was a bit odd though. Amell was great in his parts tonight, looking forward to the match. Guessing the add Cesaro/Owens and that'll be 8 matches for SummerSlam, even though it's 4 hours that usually seems to be the amount they stick to. Good to see Ryback return with a big reaction as well. Enjoyed the main event and false finish. Sheamus and the ref's struggle over the case was amusing.

 

VINTAGE SQUARED

 

Highlight of the show lmao. Loved that, always pop for Vintage as it is but Vintage..... VINTAGE! Randy Orton was greatness.

 

There's not a single of those screen caps that couldn't benefit from a Brazzers logo.

 

Scrolling back up to check cracked me up, funny stuff.

 

Summer Rae with that accolade might as well be Human Centepede 3: Advanced Configuration.

Also, is it me or is that Crossface reference to Cesaro's move be the first non silenced mention to Benoit since he lost his shit?