It is good to see a fresh face at the top of the card, though I think Punk's booking since Wrestle Mania made it look like they were trying too hard to get the belt off of Edge. It would have been much better if they hadn't forgotten about him since mania.

I hope Punk hangs onto it for a while, then loses to HBK. Then bring back Undertaker and have a HBK undertaker main event. I'd originally hoped for HBK vs Jeff Hardy, but he's on smackdown now.

Hopefully they'll keep the belt away from Batista or Cena.

I'm glad Edge seems to be about to turn on Hawkins and Ryder. That angle was great when they first showed up as Edge lookalikes, but Edge really is at the level where he could be a stand alone heel champion who deserves to win clean. If booked correctly, Hawkins and Ryder could be used to help rebuild the decimated tag team divison. If Edge turns on them again, and then they both beat up Edge, it makes them look stronger and Edge would be free of them and stand alone. I think the upcoming HHH feud will be great, but I hope that if Edge wins, it will be clean, or at least without Hawkins Ryder and Chavo. (Or Vicki!) He defineltly deserves some clean victories.

Kevin,
What'd you think of Shane McMahon's statement at the beginning of the show?

I agree with you that DiBiase's "Priceless" theme is not ... priceless. Orton's new theme is awful.

"Biscuits and Gravy" and "Glamazon" seem to be the strongest two offerings of the past year.

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: The draft and Night of Champions are what fans care about right now. I think most people were apathetic about Shane's statement.

Whoever booked the Punk world title win deserves a medal. A great way to shake things up and a thoroughly deserving champ who's technical ability is second to none. I think the likes of Cena, Batista and Edge now need to be kept away fromt the belts for a while just to let other guys like Kennedy, Hardy, Punk and Umaga show what they can do and keep it fresh because the Cean/Orton/HHH and Big Dave/Taker/Edge merri-go-rounds were really starting to kill the World title pictures.

Kev - What the heck has happened with Beth Phoenix?

I liked Crime Tyme being matched up with Cena. I thought it would work better if Cena turned heel. Crime Tyme would be like the hip hop Ryder/Hawkins. Especially if Cena went back to his Dr. of Thugonomics/Eminem Gimmick, Cryme Tyme would be like the Wrestling D12.

I am still not sure why Kevin hates Crime Tyme so much.

I expected Lance Cade to get more involved with the Y2J/Kingston Match. A program with Kingston/Cade allows the Michaels/Jericho feud to continue, while keeping Jericho somewhat involved in Kingstons affairs.

I thought they could have gone one of two ways with Batista. He should have come to the ring and congratulated Punk after beating Edge, or went to the back and cut a promo on how Punk just stole the title on the back of his work. I thought he kind of gave punk "the look" when he came out with the ref and the MITB case on the ramp.

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I'm not a fan of Cryme Tyme's gimmick. Playing into negative racial stereotypes doesn't do much for me. With a gimmick makeover (something a little more serious), I think they could be an asset.

I have just finished watching RAW and was impressed that they have given the strap to CM Punk. The end of the JBL match was a bit iffy with the distraction, but CM jumping into the fight as soon as he saw it showed class. Always been a CM Punk mark since his ROH days, as well as Joe...just wish that both companies would let these guys use their full aresenal of moves and abilities rather than limiting their move sets so much. Just hope Danielson doesnt get the same treatment as well.

Also, they REALLY need to change DiBase's music...really doesnt suit the image at all

Punks win to me confirmed one thing. WWE writers are reading this blog. Kevin DEMAND some royalties.

"the problem is that he would be completely justified in complaining"

I don't know as that's a problem. His whole schtick right now is based on justifiable complaints (about how Michaels faked the injury, fans cheer HBK no matter how big a jerk he is, etc) so this might play right on into that. Especially if Kofi picks up more fan support so that they do just cheer for him regardless of how he beat Jericho.

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: If the fans see Jericho as having legitimate complaints, why should they boo him (which is the desired reaction)?

Ok, like I said last week, WWE did what they planned on doing..got a casual fan to wanna tune in and watch RAW. I did last nite, and was looking forward to it. I enjoyed the first segment w/ Edge, and enjoyed the CM Punk win and the way he was yelling at the ref to ring the bell, it was very well done. BUT, after the commercial break, they have Mickie James vs Jillian. Wow. So me, like every other casual fan, turned the channel, and guess what? I never came back. That was horrible booking. They needed to come back from commercial w/ something a lot more entertaining than Jillian. I did flip back later and saw Rey Mesterio and Santino in the ring, and I couldnt believe what I was seeing, so I kept flipping chanels. I think I am just never gonna be able to be the huge fan I once was in the 90's and early 00's.

Kevin - What in the heck has happened to Beth Phoenix? I didn't think it made sense for Jillian to fight MJ since Katie Lea has a rematch clause.

As much as I've hated RAW recently, I actually enjoyed watching this one a little. I was prepared to give them a pass anyway since I thought we were going to be "Vinced" to death with whatever they were trying to sell from last Monday, but ShanoMac made it clear, clean and quick there wasn't going to be a lot said about it. Thank You!

Farewell Speeches, most retirements and long winded promo's are things I really can't stand with Wrestling for obvious reasons. I couldn't believe they were going to follow up Shane with Jim Ross. Then Edge saved us. Now I was waiting for the Jim Ross gratuitous beat down, but when Edge had Heckle & Jeckle show Ross out it set all the motions in gear. The end result was extremely predictable. Even my Kids called the Batista beat down. Is Batista hurt? It didn't appear he was chasing Edge at full speed, Edge had to fall down in order for the Animal to catch him.

Cena returning to interfere in the Championship match was predictable, Cryme Tyme wasn't how ever, maybe Cena might start rapping again?

As far as Punk's Championship reign, you answered your question in the Miz/Hornswaggle Tag Team match a couple of days ago. This title reign will go as long as the WWE wants it to go. If The Miz holding the tag belts 7 Months and counting, then Punk will have them at least through the end of the year unless he fails a pee test or the fans are board out of their minds.

I loved Raw last night!(Except for that Priceless entrance. That just flat out sucked!) I can buy Punk as an underdog champ. Even though I think he is better suited to be a FUTURE champ, putting gold around him was a great twist. While I'm still wondering where the Animal fits in, I like this turn of events. I see a triple threat match between Punk/JBL/and Cena or Cena & JBL fighting for a number one contender's spot at the next PPV! I'm excited to see how this story line pans out.

Punk has huge potential and appeal as you point out. He has to be sold as an underdog champion because of his relative size, but WWE should be able to work that.

Last night was the first entertaining Raw in quite a while. A lot happened to develop the new roster in some new ways, thank God! I hope they keep it up.

When Edge can to Raw last night, I saw the Punk move coming right away in that he had the only valid opportunity on the horizon to bring back a belt to Raw. WWE played it well holding him off until Batista was nearly out the door. I would have been hugely dissapointed if Punk did not take advantage of the Edge situation, with or without Batista. It would have made him look either to tentative, weak, or stupid to take advantage of opportunity when it was presented.

Very well done WWE!

That was the best opening segment of Raw I have seen in ages...and you can chalk it up to Edge. You knew something was about to happen the second J.R. started to repeat himself...Edge came out and cut one of the strongest promos I have seen from him in a long time. The heat he got from that was amazing to watch. And as he walked arrogantly to the back...you could feel it again. Something was coming...The Animal was coming. Now the CM Punk thing on the back end...that was just hilarious to me. The last Money in the Bank cashed in was Edge picking the bones of a fallen Undertaker after a beating from Batista. So Punk picks the bones of Edge after a beating from...Batista. So it all comes full circle.

I can't remember the last draft setting up so many great storyline possibilities. This draft was true genius and will finally balance the brands. Kennedy has still not paid Edge back for stealing his Money in the Bank last year. Though they have been in a few matches together, Triple H and Edge haven't had a real program against each other before. Cena/Batista will have to emerge. Rey Mysterio has a lot of guys on Raw that he can face. The only guy I see getting the shaft is Jeff Hardy. He is now having to prove himself all over again on another show.

I liked the fresh feel Raw had last night.

Young guys ascending to the top.

No 20 minute HHH promos.

No million dollar giveaways.

Something about JBL's security team just cracked me up. You could tell that they kept emphasizing the anarchy theme. That obviously opens the door for either Flair or Regal to come back and fill the leadership void.

i think Raw needs to find the new "Stone Cold"....someone with a GREAT gimmick that gets the view excited...that is what the show is lacking now a days. I just miss the gimmicks.... the beer trucks...the hospital visits from stone cold.....just plain fun which brought the ratings!

I really think WWE dropped the ball by not having Punk cash in at Night of Champions. Would have been a complete Karma move against Edge and fit with his character. He could start arguing that it was wrong to take advantage of the situation, and bringing on some hypocrite heat. Now it will probably run into an angel where he calls off the wedding and possibly turns Vicki face (although if they could do an angle where she was not on TV, that would be great. Her Mic skills are terrible)

I like that Edge will be chasing HHH. I think HHH did not drop to Cena, because even though others may think this is not true, he will never break Flair's record title wins. I think he respects the business and Flair too much for that. In fact, I would not be surprised if HHH holds the belt for quite a while and finally loses to Edge or Hardy, and then never holds it again. I think he realizes his body won't hold up too much longer.

Michael Cole did a good job, as expected. He was excellent when he filled in for Ross back in 1998 or 1999, when Ross missed time for health reasons. I actually liked Cole's play-by-play before Ross returned with Dr. Death for his "pirate" broadcasts on Raw.

Honestly, I was surprised that Punk cashed in the title after Batista beat up Edge. It was a welcome surprise, though. Edge had it coming. He cost Punk the ECW title.

Was it just me, or did Katie Lea Burchill seem distracted in the backstage segment with Jamie Noble?

I am giving a pass to the tights-holding disqualification. It fits into the story of Jericho's thinking that other people get away with things that he does not. Cole pointed out that Kingston had grabbed Jericho's tights.

Much like Samoa Joe, I'm still not convinced Punk has that "it" that champions need. With all the youngsters holding belts, I'm hoping that their reigns won't all be presented as winning only through deception or escapes, as they were the last two nights. Deception makes sense for "Priceless", but both Punk's and Kingston's reigns already seem headed down the Mysterio fluke and luck path, which is hardly a good thing.

Overall it was one of the better RAWs in quite some time. Every segment had a purpose and elevated many of the participants. Well every segment after the pointless McMahon angle. Punk's win was a big shakeup, and the matter in which he won could be the fuel for Batista to turn heel, or a heel turn of his own. Still, more should have been made of the "poetic justice" of Edge losing the title in the exact manner that he gained it. Rhodes looked much better as a heel than he ever did as a face, and he and DiBiase could be great as champs if given the time to reestablish the belts as important. Speaking of heels, there were so many great heel promos last night, Edge's gloating, JBL chiding Punk and declaring martial law, Y2J further pushing the best WWE feud in years (the changing of the Save_Us to Save_Me is a nice touch), Santino drawing huge laughs as usual. However, the experiement to turn Cena into The Rock v. 2.0 is failing miserably. Sally Jesse Raphael, seriously? The WWE has taken some risks finally after years of being formulaic, let's see if they have the fortitude to ride it out.

As I was saying yesterday, the PPV was a ridiculous concept, which was further driven home by the fact that after people shelled out 50 bucks, every RAW title was defended for free one night later.

I love that, with the Draft and now with Punk's victories last night, Raw is going back to the idea that *anything* can happen. The irony in Punk doing what he did to Edge is, I think, enough to keep him solidly as a face. Which, frankly, isn't a bad thing. Yes, he's great as a heel, but I enjoy him immensely as a face too.

What boggles my mind is the myriad of people who complained that the veterans had a stranglehold on the titles and are now complaining that CM Punk isn't championship material. How do they know? He did a great job with the ECW title, I understand he did a great job with the ROH title, and I'm betting that he'll do a great job with the World Heavyweight Title on Raw.

And for all the people I've read elsewhere that say they only did this so that Raw would have a Champion - why not let Batista win at NoC? Why not have Cena go over Trips? They didn't do those things and they have an excellent opportunity to prove that they are capable of elevating younger talent. Besides, Punk is likely going to be a long-term star for the WWE. He works hard and he's over with the crowd.

As an additional bonus, when Undertaker comes back to the WWE, the feud with Edge can be about how La Familia screwed him as opposed to the title.

Kevin

I have been reading for about two months. I stumbled upon it by accident. Your blog is best thing goin'. You have great commentary and your writting skill is excellent! Your last post concerning the 6/30 Raw show was on target. Although far from the Attitude days this was the best show in a while and I hope it is a sign of a new direction. My only hopes is that the WWE will begin to interject more of the realistic back stories and cutting edge 20 somethings that would give us a WWE that we could really appreciate.
I am 40 years of age and come from the old Civic Centers days when tickets were $7. I consider the wrestling seen so-so now-a-days, nevertheless it is the behind the scenes news and watching how the writers handle wrestlers carrers that keeps me interested. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

I’m glad CM Punk won the Heavyweight Title, although I’m not surprised it was Edge who had to job to Punk and not Triple H. And yeah, it does suck for Jeff Hardy considering he’s been around much longer and has had matches that were way more exciting than anything CM Punk has ever had. Hopefully it’s not too late for Hardy to be recognized as a world champ.

JBL declaring martial law makes it seems as if he’s auditioning for a spot as the Raw General Manager. It would be a better role for him since he’s been doing nothing but losing almost every match he’s had since returning to the ring. And it would make sense because he’s always been aligned with Vince. I guess it depends on what they choose to do with Regal when his suspension is over.

Overall, Raw seems to be improving. It’s becoming more interesting to watch again. I just hope they don’t blow it and make fans lose hope, like how George Sherrill lost the game for the Orioles twice in a row!

The title WOULD have been on Jeff instead of CM Punk if he didn'tget suspended. John Cena NEEDS to become a heel. I understand WWE's reluctance to do it because of their 12 year old and under fans who idolize Cena but it would make wrestling A LOT more interesting.

I like Kofi Kingston, he has potential I just hope they don't make Kofi Kingston's character grow stale like Shelton Benjamin. Now that's a waste of talent.

I'm glad I wasn't the only one that thought the 'Priceless' music was god awful.

I, also, had never seen a DQ because somebody had a handful of tights. I was expecting Jericho to lay out the ref. And what was the point of having Lance Cade out at ringside? I know he and Jericho have aligned themselves, but he didn't interject into the match. He didn't even make an entrance with Jericho. He was just kind of there are the commercial break.

Right on the mark again Eck! I really enjoyed the show last night, it gave me new hope that we will start to see some impressive and memorable Raw moments. I think the move with having all this young talent as the top of the brand will make it a little more intriguing television. But as you said, what are they going to do with the big vets like Cena, Batista, and "Da Batman"? As long as we don't see boring PPV after boring PPV with the same match-ups, I'll be more than happy. Great show last night and looking forward to more!

Quick question: Do you see Edge returning to his feud with The Undertaker (once he returns, which I'm assuming is soon) or entering the WWE title picture vs HHH? I'm hoping for Edge v Undertaker to be without a championship on the line, because like the HBK/Jericho feud, it really isnt about the title.

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I think it'll be Edge-Taker first, then Edge challenging Triple H for the belt later.

So after watching last night's Raw, does anyone else see the new stable being formed? JBL mentioned several times how he was wealthy. The new tag champs seem to be branding themselves as "priceless". I would be willing to bet we see an 8-man tag main event next monday. Cena, Cryme Tyme and Punk Vs. JBL, "Priceless" and a mystery partner to fill out the stable. Not sure who it would be, but it would be cool to see a heel stable again.

Hopefully, the almost universally positive reactions to Punk winning the WHC lead WWE to giving him a decent run with the belt, and not just drop it right off the bat at GAB to Cena or Batista.

"As I was saying yesterday, the PPV was a ridiculous concept, which was further driven home by the fact that after people shelled out 50 bucks, every RAW title was defended for free one night later."

WWE PPVs are $40, not $50, and,2 out of the 4 RAW titles were defended last night (World and IC). Rhodes, DiBiase, and Mickie did not defend on RAW.

Are you guys serious? CM Punk as your brand representative is ridiculous. Sure all you internet guys who read wrestling blogs love him and some of you have even seen him grow from ROH as Kevin glowingly admitted, but the guy is not a prime-time player. JBL blew him out of the water in their promo. Punk couldn't even play the "I'm just excited to be champion" part well.

Don't get me wrong, I believe that Cena, JBL, Batista, Kane, etc have grown stale and I'm always for new blood getting the belt (I loved it when Benoit and RVD captured gold) but CM Punk just doesn't have "it" and he was booked HORRIBLY going into this. Surprise title changes for the sake of mixing of it go straight back to the dying days of WCW.

Oh one last point. For those of you who think last night was a great RAW, you do realize that there was really only about 20 minutes of wrestling and 5 matches? The rest was promo after promo after promo.

Sure, the wrestling was rather sparse last night, but most of the big name guys had just been in a PPV the night before. It makes sense to give them a break for the night. That way, there is less chance of injury due to a tired body.

Despite the beatdown by Batista on Edge, it still seems nearly impossible to believe that a champion should be so easily and quickly defeated. Oh wait, I guess Hulk Hogan beat the Iron Shiek for the belt in just a little larger amount of time and there was no soffening of the Shiek first.

And didn't the "greatest" IC Champ of all time eventually get defeated by the Ultimate Warrior in mere seconds?

The fast championship wins just seem like they're pushing the new guy a little too hard.

While I understand the elevation of Punk , I , as several other readers don't feel he has the "it" factor . But good for him . WWE has gotten very stale over the last year so any change could be considered good . ( I can't believe I said that since I'm a TNA fan ) . WWE should continue with youth movement as shuffling of bodies A to B & C to A doesn't really do much in the long run to allieviate the problem because it's still the same old faces . That's my semi - positive wwe comment Kevin.

Aside from me being a big fan of Chris Jericho (but also an HBK fan) I think I along with other fans find it hard to boo Chris Jericho because they really do think he is in the right in turning on Shawn Michaels. I for one think Chris Jericho's explanation for turning on Shawn Michaels is actually a bit justifiable.

Punk does need some work on his promos. He should take some lessons from Edge, Y2J HBK and others on how to cut an interesting promo.

Otherwise, I can see some good things ahead with him particularly if WWE lets him turn loose more with the MA stuff.

Also, his "straight edge" gimmick is a good one in my opinion and has hardly been leveraged at all over the past year, so I think there is a lot of untapped potential there to make Punk appeal to a widespread audience.

Kevin,

Regarding CM Punks booking over the last few months, I've noticed a pattern in WWE over the years where someone targeted to be an underdog champion, like REy Mysterio, Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit, RVD, for example, goes through a bad stage immediately prior to the change. This helps magnify the effect when the underdog gets their resurrection as champion. I think that was part of the rationale behind Punk's recent missteps.

Would you agree?

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: It's a valid theory. I'm not sure that booking plan always yields the desired result.

It was cool seeing the title change hands on Raw for once, but I would be totally shocked if CM Punk has the title by the time Summer Slam comes around. He should seriously be the champion for 6 months at least, but we know that will never happen.

I know this is off topic but I was thinking hypothetically what a shot in the arm to WWE someone the likes of an A.J. Styles would be . I know it's a nonsensical thought as I have to plead ignorance to knowing what kind of contractuial obligation he is currently under . As a TNA fan of course I'd rather it not happen but , his talent appears to being wasted . Vince would probably sign him then bury him though .
Just like what REALLY happened when Kevin left WCW to come to the "Sun" - money talks, and you know what walks .

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: Unfortunately, WCW left me, I didn't leave it.

"If the fans see Jericho as having legitimate complaints, why should they boo him (which is the desired reaction)?"

Part of Bret Hart's transition to heelhood was Stone Cold's costing him the WWE title in a match with Sid. The Hitman had a legitimate complaint, but his angst over that and other things was part of the development of his heel persona.

The fans booed Bret, so his legitimate complaints didn't win him much sympathy.

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: The Jericho turn sure looks as if it's being patterned after the Hart turn. However, I think Bret played the part better than Jericho (at least so far). And the thing that really got fans to boo Hart was that he constantly praised Canada and criticized America. Again, much of what he said was valid, but no one wanted to hear it.

RH,
The fact that RAW was only about 20 minutes of wrestling and 5 matches is what helped make it such a good show.

Who watches WWE for the "wrestling" anymore? I got a lot more enjoyment out of watching JBL punk C.M. punk in a promo than in those two bumping around the ring together for four minutes.

"Oh one last point. For those of you who think last night was a great RAW, you do realize that there was really only about 20 minutes of wrestling and 5 matches? The rest was promo after promo after promo."

You do realize a majority of impact is usually the worst announcing duo ever trying to shove an angle or story down someone's throat instead of telling a story. Or it is JB doing some pointless interviews. I love the talent in TNA, at least some of the talent, but the producing and the announcing is terrible on Impact.

Benoit was a great champion, but he didn't have any mic skills either. To say JBL had a good promo is like saying Santino has a serious career, it can't happen. JBL's promos are so predictable and are so boring. He really is one of the most boring people in the WWE in a long time, and his wrestling is average at best. He probably is a great booker and teacher, except he usually can't stand younger talent, so I am surpirsed he even agreed to do the job last night.

Punk is on the scene now, and I'm starting to like Cena in some "i love your waist without a title" kind of way. I really didn't understand all the "boo" "yeah" thing at NOC when HHH and Cena were exchanging fists.
Now that the guy has no more an unbeatable odds-defying gimmick, people could be less harsh with him.

The "anarchy" thing was great, because RAW didn't really looked different since Regal's suspension...

Just wanted you to know that WWE homepage is wondering which matches fans would put in a "intercontinental dvd" of some sort.
Which matches would you like to see?
If you answer this, please try to mention at least 2 from my generation (I'm 21)...

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: OK, now I feel old. Actually, this would make a great topic for the blog. I'll give this some thought, come up with a list and post it. Thanks for the idea.

Yes i do agree the "priceless" music does not well at all, but i love the new heel tag team..two cocky rich kids...i love it..its was raw needed after cade and murdoch went sour. I do hope they play up kingstons role...he has great in ring ability and he is so much energy. As for CM punk...i like the change in faces...it good for cena not to have the belt ...he needs to get his fan base back. And the Boo-Yay punching w/ HHH at NOC is just like the "What" chant. I look at it as BOOM not Boo..lol

"If the fans see Jericho as having legitimate complaints, why should they boo him (which is the desired reaction)?"

Why should they boo him for pointing out what a deceptive jerkwad HBK has been, and how Michaels turned on all those people in the past? Yet, they did anyway (at least somewhat). And while Kofi is certainly no HBK, if his popularity increases with the crowd, they'll be more willing to overlook things like the tight-pulling in favour of just cheering him over Jericho regardless.

Something like that, anyway. I'm wording it poorly, but not coming up with anything better at the moment.

"WWE PPVs are $40, not $50, and,2 out of the 4 RAW titles were defended last night (World and IC). Rhodes, DiBiase, and Mickie did not defend on RAW."

Price aside, unless you're arguing that Mickie's and Priceless' matches were non title matches, then I maintain that RAW was basically a mini version of the NoC PPV for free.

RH, are you crazy! That was THE BEST Raw in recent weeks. Punk has proved himself over and over. What do you want, for him to beat BOTH the Bros. Of Destruction in one match. Or maybe u want him to beat everyone in the locker room at once. The guy is just what the WWE needed to get the belt of the same old guys. You really need to actually think before you post because you are the only one here who thinks that Monday's Raw was bad. Sheesh!

I love Orton's new theme music! His old one was getting really old. And I chuckled when I heard DiBiase's new one. It's not too bad and very catchy, but kind of laughable which is probably not the intent for a major upcoming heel.

And I think the WWE should push Cryme Tyme more. They get some insane fan reactions, if you've ever been to a live show with them on the card you know what I mean. They need to be portrayed a bit more seriously, but the humor thing works for them so I wouldn't abandon it completely.

"Price aside, unless you're arguing that Mickie's and Priceless' matches were non title matches, then I maintain that RAW was basically a mini version of the NoC PPV for free."

How do you figure? The Tag Team and Women's title were not defended on RAW, and the World title match involved two people (Punk and JBL) were not on NoC at all.

Looks like Edge and HHH will come first at GAB. I'll keep my prediction though, and say that Taker will interfere, reigniting their feud. Agree?