Mark Cuban: The host with the most on Raw
Anyone familiar with Mark Cuban already knew before Raw aired Monday night from Dallas that he’s a natural for pro wrestling, so it was no surprise that the flamboyant owner of the Dallas Mavericks hit a home run with his performance as guest host. Wait, wrong sport. Make that a slam dunk.
Cuban was like Bret Hart during his feud with Steve Austin in 1997 – a heel everywhere else but a huge babyface in his own backyard. Personally, I respect Cuban for his passion, his commitment to winning and being a non-conformist. He’s a breath of fresh air compared to the large number of faceless, stodgy owners of professional sports teams.
Cuban brought the same enthusiasm that he shows at Mavericks home games to Raw, and he had more of a presence on the show than any other host. Cuban sat in the front row (along with several members of the Mavs), handled himself well on the microphone, refereed a match and got put through a table by Sheamus. The latter was a SportsCenter moment. “Da-da da, da-da da.”
The only thing I didn’t care for was Cuban standing up to and shoving down Sheamus, who is being portrayed as a monster heel. Shaquille O’Neal putting his hands on a wrestler is one thing, but not a non-athlete should have backed off.
Also, because Cuban is so disliked outside of Dallas, it probably didn’t make anyone watching hate Sheamus for assaulting Cuban. It did get Shemaus on SportsCenter, however, which is good for WWE as far as getting his face out to a wide audience.
Other thoughts on Monday’s show:
WWE has been criticized for focusing too much on the guest hosts on Raw and not enough on selling its pay-per-views. Despite this being The Mark Cuban show, however, I thought WWE did a good job of hard-selling Sunday’s TLC show. …
John Cena cut another strong promo on Sheamus, and to be fair, Sheamus’ promo wasn’t bad either. One byproduct of Sheamus’ premature big push is that it’s making Cena more popular. It seems that even the anti-Cena contingent doesn’t want to cheer Sheamus. By the way, it’s not often that I fast-forward during Raw, but every time a video package of Sheamus aired, my finger hit the button. …
Chris Jericho and The Big Show’s beat-down of DX was very well done. It really made you want to see Jericho get his comeuppance at TLC because he has been mouthing off and backing it up, even getting the last laugh when put in a two-on-one handicap match against Shawn Michaels and Triple H. …
I was surprised WWE actually put on a match between Randy Orton and Kofi Kingston six days before they face each other on pay-per-view. It was kept short at least and it did make sense in the story line. …
I was thinking how lame the DX backstage skit was as they were babbling about Stars Wars characters, when suddenly Michaels and Triple H pulled scripts out of their pockets and remarked how awful the dialogue was. Now that was funny. …
Man, am I sick of Hornswoggle interacting with DX. …
Maryse is so great in her role. Her match with Gail Kim had more heat than most WWE women’s matches. …
It was so obvious that the referee saw Maryse’s feet on the ropes when she pinned Kim – and he had to sell that he didn’t – that Michael Cole said, “The referee apparently didn’t see it.” I was glad he emphasized the word “apparently.” Otherwise the announcers would have looked ridiculous. …
The Miz got an impressive win over Mark Henry. I liked the finish, as Miz turned Henry’s attempt at the World’s Strongest Slam into a DDT for the win. …
Chris Masters is actually getting over as a mid-card babyface due to his dancing pecs. It is pretty entertaining, but it probably has a limited shelf life, ala Charlie Haas’ impersonator gimmick. …
Evan Bourne and Primo, who lost again to Ted DiBiase Jr. and Cody Rhodes, make a good jobber-to-the-stars tag team. They won’t win, but the match will be exciting and they’ll make their opponents look good. It’s a shame though, that a guy as talented as Bourne is relegated to that role.
Comments
Mark Cuban pushing Sheamus to the ground had me thinking that Shane-o-Mac was back.
It's interesting that Cuban was willing to get into Sheamus' face but wasn't willing to accept Cody Rhodes challenge to get into the ring with him. Let me qualify that. He said he would do it if the Mavericks won the NBA Championship next June. Imagine if Cuban had been allowed to buy the Chicago Cubs? Yeah, I'll get into the ring with you when the Cubs win the World Series.
As you can tell I'm not a Mark Cuban fan. While you might like his antics they come off as childish. His behavior towards NBA officials is boorish. Producing films promoting 9/11 conspiracy theories doesn't exactly endear him to me either. BTW, what is it with the WWE and guest hosts who dabble in conspiracy theories? First, Ventura and now Cuban. Whose next? Mahmoud Ahmadinejad?
I agree that Chris Masters' gimmick has a short shelf life. But I can see Masters as a viable face if booked with the right opponent. The Miz comes to mind. Masters vs. Miz for the U.S. title could work.
Posted by: Aaron Goldstein | December 8, 2009 4:48 PM
Anyone notice the poster of Hogan during the DX segment? What was up with that? It didn't seem to insult the Huckster so why would they show him?
RESPONSE FROM KE: Because even though Hogan is in TNA, WWE still has a Hogan DVD it is trying to sell.
Posted by: Bad News | December 8, 2009 5:11 PM
I won't say Cuban was my favorite host, but he was really good, very passionate and was willing to put himself through a table, kudos.
Man, I remember when I used to hate The Miz, now, here I am every week looking forward to seeing him wrestle. The whole John Cena angle was really dumb, but now he has really grown into that character and is really focused in his wrestling, he is a definite highlight to watching Raw, never would have bet on me saying that in the past.
Legacy looks really strong as a tag team, I hope they will be the ones to take the belts off Jerishow, all in due time of course, but I hope DX loses which pushes Hx3 and Michaels into some sort of disagreement and they fued going to mania.
Apparently, my Christmas present came early, Jericho not only didn't job last night, but DX got owned between a ladder, if only Horny would have been in there and Big Show sat on the ladder, then I would know I was a real good boy last year, lol. Anyone else notice the huge amount of Jericho Sucks signs, that was hilarious, I wish Jericho would have worked that into his trogledite speech.
All in all, I would say 8/10 on the Raw, pretty entertaining, just get King off the mic and put Striker back to keep Cole in check and I will never miss an episode.
Looking forward to Dennis next week:
Match of the year: Punk/Hardy retirement
Superstar of the year: Jericho/Punk/Hardy
Tag team of the year: Jerishow
I can't remember all of the other categories, but those are my picks.
Hopefully we have a topic on this to list em all out.
Posted by: Bret | December 8, 2009 6:06 PM
It reminded me so much of Mel Brooks when DX did their "commercial." First with Spaceballs:
Yogurt: "Merchandising, merchandising, where the real money from the movie is made. Spaceballs-the T-shirt, Spaceballs-the Coloring Book, Spaceballs-the Lunch box, Spaceballs-the Breakfast Cereal, Spaceballs-the Flame Thrower."
Then also when thry all pull out their scripts in Robin Hood Men in Tights.
Hilarious.
Good show otherwise. Funny to think Masters could probably get over as a face for real if they let him. I feel like he has to be a riot on the road.
Posted by: James C | December 8, 2009 6:22 PM
Wow Sheamus really took it to Cena during the hype for this showdown, maybe Cena puts him ove........(remembers how Cena has been booked for the last FIVE YEARS) eh nevermind. He'll just join the group.
Dr. - Ok everyone we have a new member tonight, would you like to introduce yourself?
Sheamus: My name is Sheamus.
GROUP: HI SHEAMUS
Sheamus: I put over Cena at TLC 2009, and I haven't been booked much lately.
Dr. Welcome Sheamus. Would anyone else like to share their tale with our new friend?
Khali: My name is Khali.
GROUP: HI KHALI
Khali: I was used to put over Cena two years ago...
Posted by: MechanicalBull | December 8, 2009 6:33 PM
"I was thinking how lame the DX backstage skit was as they were babbling about Stars Wars characters, when suddenly Michaels and Triple H pulled scripts out of their pockets and remarked how awful the dialogue was."
I don't know, I think it kind of works if HBK's like a closeted nerd and HHH isn't. Remember this?
HHH: Cody, you’re a nerd, right? So, you know the Incredible Hulk, and then when he’s his alter ego Bob Barker…
HBK - It’s Bruce Banner. BRUCE BANNER!
HHH - All right, sorry.
HBK - BRUCE BANNER!
I loved how upset he got that Hunter got the name wrong. ;)
Btw, back in the '90s when Chyna was a part of DX and for a while just whispered things in Hunter's ear instead of talking to him out loud, I thought that was like Han Solo/Chewbacca. We didn't know what she was saying, but we found out after hearing Hunter's response. (No offense to Joanie Laurer, who I feel sorry for today.)
"Chris Masters is actually getting over as a mid-card babyface due to his dancing pecs. It is pretty entertaining, but it probably has a limited shelf life"
You mean it's not oddly mesmerizing no' mo'? :(
Posted by: Rob Brown | December 8, 2009 6:47 PM
I am really surprised that they allowed Justin to announce Cuban was part owner of HDNet especially with it being home of ROH.
RESPONSE FROM KE: That thought crossed my mind as well. Perhaps it was something Cuban had requested.
Posted by: Brian | December 8, 2009 7:11 PM
Kevin - during the DX beat down, it looked to me like Shawn Michaels sliced open his elbow during the ladder shots, but the cameras would not show it. Did you see it?
RESPONSE FROM KE: Yes, I thought I saw a trickle of blood on his elbow.
Posted by: Va Beach Bum | December 8, 2009 9:35 PM
Before I get to watch Raw I always read your blog to see if it is worth watching (it airs 26 hours later here) Over here we get an edited version each week usually missing about 15 minutes of content. This week I shall hope that 15 minutes is Sheamus.
It is a weekly pleasure to read your blogs, thank you for the effort you go to, to make these so detailed so that those of us who 1) don't get to see it live b) miss it all together can still keep the fans perspective (can't wait for the DX segment)
BTW who got comment of the week for last week? Or were there no worthy winners?
RESPONSE FROM KE: Fell a little behind responding to all my hate mail for my take on Jesse Ventura walking off a radio show. Comment of the Week will be up Wed.
Posted by: Angelique | December 8, 2009 10:49 PM
Maybe Russo isn't the only one that has a thing for inside jokes?
He's no longer in WWE, and DX still does inside jokes all of the time. I'm sure a lot of fans had no idea what they were truly trying to do.
Posted by: Jack Windham | December 8, 2009 10:53 PM
How 'bout loser of the Cena, Sheamus match gets spray tanned in the ring? CENA! CENA! CENA!
Posted by: melissa | December 8, 2009 11:13 PM
I thought it was a pretty good Raw, and Cuban was really good (his fast count in the Orton-Kofi match was event better than Scott Armstrong's in the recent Punk-RTruth). The Chavo/Jillian - Eve/Hornswoggle match was unnecessary, but the Chavo-Masters scene after that was quite funny. And I'm happy Mark Henry wasn't asked to rap again. And I like Sheamus, he's kind of fresh.
On a side note, to Aaron Goldstein: you already used the "Who's next? Ahmadinejad?" line when Sharpton was the guest host. Maybe you can try to come up with something new next time the guest host doesn't share your political views. ;-)
Posted by: Axl | December 9, 2009 5:11 AM
Aaron: you get frickin' Dennis Miller next week. Will that make you happy?
Posted by: Rob Brown | December 9, 2009 7:41 AM
I had no idea who Mark Cuban was going in to Raw this week because I live in the UK and am not as familiar with American sports team owners, but I must admit that he's definitely been one of the best guest hosts so far, up there with Bob Barker and Shaq in terms of entertainment value. He's obviously a genuine fan of the product and it was cool how they included his appearance at Survivor Series 2003, which I had not previously seen.
Still really liking the Orton/Kingston program. Hopefully this is a sign of bigger things to come for the exciting Kofi in the future, as this has certainly put him on the map in terms of breaking into the main event. I think a WWE title program between Kingston and Cena would be great. Perhaps this could take place next month at the Royal Rumble.
Speaking of the Rumble Kev, I would like to know who you think deserves to be booked to win the event this year. It was pretty obvious that Orton was going to win it last time because of the evolution of his character and his feud with the McMahons at the time. At the moment though I can't really think of anyone who would be an obvious choice to bag the Main Event at Wrestlemania 26..
Posted by: Paul | December 9, 2009 8:10 AM
LOL After my posting here, that I was looking forward to the DX segment, we got Sheamus and No DX wweshop segment.
But after seeing the Cubans/Sheamus push... I think Cubans was supposed to push Sheamus and him not budge, instead he tripped over his own feet and fell.
During the Masters segment I found myself thinking he was cute (first time I have thought that about Masters, I promise) must be white knight syndrome, actually it was a good way to get him over, by having him stop violence towards a female, now if only Hornswoggle had been nowhere near that scene I would have been happier.
Posted by: Angelique | December 9, 2009 9:22 AM
Every week i love Maryse more and more. I know Kelly Kelly is hot, but did she look grumpy on the mic? Chris Masters can play a mid-card type role and challenge for a title, but they need to get rid of his pecs, and get him on the mic at some point. WWE does a good job of making it seem like Sheamus could win, but I just dont see him winning after only being on Raw for a month. DX is lame, yet oddly entertaining, kinda how the Miz was. I would love to see Big Show be the one to climb the ladder and grab the belts at TLC-thats something nobody would expect. Does Jillian have the flattest butt ever? Gail Kim looks real good, would like to see her get a push. I hate when someone is getting wrecked and all of a sudden comes out of nowhere with a clothesline and all momentum has changed. As corny as Michael Cole is, hes doing what WWE wants--to promote the PPV.
Posted by: iron mike sharpe | December 9, 2009 10:05 AM
As we saw Monday and numerous times in the past a TLC match can easily draw blood from any of the contestants in the match. I know it's on PPV so the rules are different but just what if Someone gets busted open late in the match? Especially in a crucial spot? Are they really can do the Cena treatment, ala Braggin Rights? Or will WWE be forced to bite its tongue and just show the blood?
Posted by: Kevin | December 9, 2009 11:47 AM
I for one am all for giving new young talent a push but why is the WWE trying to bury Sheamus? They could have given him a Goldburg gimmack which might have worked.
Putting him a main event program just for TLC is just wrong. It's not like Sheamus will be facing Cena at the Royal Rumble or beyond.
Posted by: Dale | December 9, 2009 12:19 PM
I liked Raw. MAryse is so hot I don't have words to describe her. Cuban was fantastic for a guest host. His interaction at the end was very good. ithin kit helped elevate Sheamus.
DX is DX. The script stuff was the best. I guess little peoples court would have been to offensive or did I miss it?
I wonder if they could hook up Masters and Mr. USA as his handler. It might make sense from a strong man's perspective. Down the road I would like Masters and Miz to have a program together.
Posted by: Patrick Johnson | December 9, 2009 12:33 PM
RESPONSE FROM KE: Fell a little behind responding to all my hate mail for my take on Jesse Ventura walking off a radio show. Comment of the Week will be up Wed.
WOW, I NOTICED THAT!!!
Did that entry get press elsewhere that brought in new readers that don't usually read your blog, or did it just get regular readers to (try to) articulate a response to that entry?
Or perhaps, was it one upset person coming up with two dozen names for new ways to say the same thing over & over again?
RESPONSE FROM KE: It was linked to a web site for the radio show. Then the hosts began talking about it on the air and actually called me and invited me to be on their show. I declined. I guess I should thank whoever provided that link because they spiked my traffic numbers.
Posted by: Mr. Sarcasm | December 9, 2009 3:37 PM
Will there be a Slammy Preview Kevin? I gotta think Punk wins(ok, that may be a bit biased...but he did have a great year, hell he won the triple crown in the same year)
Posted by: Todd | December 9, 2009 4:21 PM
Mark Cuban shows all us IWC junkies that we as internerds CAN hope to accomplish something, if that something includes making well over $2 billion, buying an NBA franchise, bitching constantly about said NBA franchise and the officiating thereof, being hated by most (but not all) of the country, having our voices crack on live national TV, getting RKO'd, getting speared through a table by someone that no body knows or cares about and being the most entertaining billionaire in the sports world today.
Yes, kids stay on frozen to your screens, because where I'm sitting (Indiana University to be exact) is the same place as Mr. Cuban. Now all you have to do is get a MBA by paying your way through school with dance lessons.
Posted by: Jon | December 9, 2009 5:12 PM
I don't think that being shoved down made Sheamus look less dangerous. Anyone can be surprised. That said, it did make Cuban look like an idiot. Brave, yes, but a brave idiot.
Posted by: John Wilding | December 9, 2009 6:01 PM
Melina did nothing in this episode to show me that she isn't the greatest wrestler in the world.
;)
Posted by: Elevation | December 9, 2009 7:06 PM
Yeah she did Elevation. She stood next to Kelly AND Maryse. =\
Posted by: Jon | December 9, 2009 11:49 PM
Gail Kim showed some of her best moves in that far too short loss to Maryse. Have not seen that from Kim since her TNA Wrestling days. Hope it signals a push for Kim. She has been with WWE for ten months now, and it is about time for her to triumph.
Posted by: John | December 10, 2009 4:44 AM
I totally endorse Evan Bourne as a modern version of S.D. Jones/Tony Garea, serving as a fan favorite underneath guy.
Thanks to his athletic ability, if WWE actually booked the way they did in 1983, Bourne could stay popular, even when doing the jobs to the bigger stars.
Posted by: Adam Annapolis | December 10, 2009 9:29 AM
"Mark Cuban pushing Sheamus to the ground had me thinking that Shane-o-Mac was back."
Well, there is a slight resemblance if you tilt your head sideways and shut one eye.
(But then again, I'm the resident Shane mark around these parts.)
Posted by: Amy | December 11, 2009 7:23 AM
A commenter mentioned that they would like to see "The King" off the mic.
Not me. In fact, I miss the "King" and J.R. duo myself. That particular mix of quirkiness and seriousness seemed to match the "selling and going over" that was going on in the ring. It is kind of like being on the inside of a good joke. Especially when sophisticated "wraslin" fans, such as those that read your blog, actually know what really going on in the business but still enjoy it for the wrestling entertainment that it is.
In fact, in many respects, professional wresting is more "real" than all those popular reality shows that are out there. Some of my friends give me a rough time because I like watching pro wrestling and have done so since watching Bad Boy Shields, Gene Kinisky, Haystack Calhoun, Sweet Daddy Seeki and others that used to tour western Canada. Yet, my friends will watch Jon and Kate plus 8 and consider themselves to be high-brow.
Keep up the good work Kevin.
Posted by: George in Vancouver Canada | December 12, 2009 2:51 PM
NGL never thought he'd get this big, I mean to think I watched him on UPW and what not, The Miz reminds me of The Rock. I hate him, but he has this way of making me root for him eversince he left Morrison, I even watched him in ECW, right now he's quicker, more cerebral, an oppurtunist, it's wierd. He's improved big time in the ring, a few more move sets and he's going to equal what Orton got to 3 yrs ago.
Posted by: Lenny | December 13, 2009 3:38 AM