In any genre of entertainment, best-of and reunion shows are always fun to watch, and last night’s three-hour special celebrating 15 years of Monday Night Raw was no different.

I thought WWE did a great job of compiling the old clips and bringing back Raw alums in an entertaining manner. The show’s current story lines took a backseat to the walk down memory lane, but at times they were woven into the fabric of the show.

The only thing that could have made the show even better would have been appearances by The Rock and Bret Hart, but both reportedly turned down invitations. I was surprised that John Cena didn’t appear in some fashion. Most of the other major names from the Raw years were there, with the exception, of course, of those under contract to TNA.

The returning stars who got the biggest reactions were Hulk Hogan and Rob Van Dam. The pop that RVD received probably surprised some in the company, but it really shouldn’t have. He never got the push he truly deserved when he was in WWE. I just wish Santino Marella didn’t have to be the one to get squashed by RVD. I hope that Marella’s recent losses are leading to him eventually getting more of a mean streak and some kind of a push.

As for Hogan, he got the expected big pop, but there also was a smattering of boos. Then again, Hogan, even at his most popular, always had his detractors. The Hogan segment was perfectly booked, as he came down to make the save for Hornswoggle in his match against The Great Khali. When Hogan was in his prime, Khali would have been the perfect opponent for him, but with Hogan’s age and Khali’s lack of skill, that match today would likely be a disaster.

After Hogan did his trademark comeback on Khali, he got on the microphone and delivered the “never say never” line, punctuating it by imitating Randy Savage’s “Oh yeah!” I’m not sure if we’re supposed to read anything into that or not. It’s no secret that Savage isn’t on good terms with Hogan or Vince McMahon, but the prospect of a big payday would likely trump any hard feelings.

Some other thoughts on the show:

The ladder match between Jeff Hardy and Carlito for the Intercontinental title was pay-per-view quality. My first reaction was that ladder matches should be used only when there is an issue between the wrestlers, and there was none between Hardy and Carlito.

But I do think the match served a purpose. It was a huge first step in rehabilitating Carlito as a character, for one thing. Carlito, who reportedly has decided to stay with WWE after giving his notice, showed what he is capable of when motivated. The match also played into Hardy’s story line. Despite winning the bout, Hardy will be heading into his match against Triple H Sunday at Armageddon banged up. …

No matter how many times I see the classic bit at the hospital between McMahon, Mick Foley and Steve Austin that ends with Austin hitting the WWE chairman over the head with a bedpan, I laugh out loud. …

Speaking of McMahon, he no one can say he wasn’t willing to be humiliated on his own show. Triple H verbally embarrassed him in the opening segment, and the show ended fittingly with McMahon getting a stunner and a beer bath from Austin. …

It was odd to see Mae Young walk down the aisle without The Fabulous Moolah. …

Jim Ross got off these great lines when The Godfather and his entourage of women hit the ring: “Even [Pat] Patterson is smiling,” and “Hey King, I think I see your new ex-wife.” ...

Chris Jericho and Eric Bischoff had a nice confrontation, but what was up with Bischoff’s Phil Donahue hairdo? …

The Evolution reunion was well done, with Randy Orton refusing to participate, which made sense. What didn’t make sense was that Orton and Edge were buddies again. Weren’t they arguing the last time they were together? …

In another one of those never-say-never moments, Marty Jannetty was back on Raw. I believe he holds the distinction of being fired – as in really fired, not story-line fired – the most times by McMahon. After he gave Jannetty the boot the last time, McMahon vowed that he would never return. Judging by how the crowd reacted to him – I swear I heard crickets during his match against Mr. Kennedy – I’m betting that we really won’t see Shawn Michaels’ former partner back anymore. …

It was good to hear Howard Finkel making the ring introductions in the nostalgic battle royal. I wonder if Bob Backlund being the second person eliminated was done as a swipe at TNA? And what would a Raw reunion show be without Pete Gas and Gillberg?