You know, I have to disagree on everyone's take on Sheamus. Unlike other unproven talent that have gotten the belt, he is able to cut a promo without sounding like he is reading a script, his ring style is very reminiscent of the Four Horsemen in that he methodically goes after a body part, and he is actually a good worker. Plus, it is nice it is cool to see a fellow true Irishman as champion, and he actually makes me look tan. I am fine with him as a heel champion, I think he plays it well. As for his match with Christian, I think they both looked strong in the match. Christian was controlling most of the match and just slipped up at the end, much like the way Hardy worked his way into the major title picture.

The thing I thought was horrible was that Cena just plowed through DiBiase. How can anyone take DiBiase seriously heading into the chamber when Cena destroys him in under a minute?

Hey Kev,

Long time reader, big fan of the blog. CM Punk's Straight Edge Society has actually gotten me to watch wrestling again. I was very sad when he was pinned first in that tag team match. At that point I knew that Miz and Big Show were going to win and stopped watching because I didn't want to see those two win. In my humble opinion, Punk and Gallows should have it. Its like you said about them being on both shows. I was really looking forward to that. I love Punk's character and think he's one of the best talkers in the business.

Not being a super hardcore fan, I've also been impressed with Cena's promos on McMahon the past couple weeks. When he's intense and not doing poop jokes he's really good.

I also agree about Michaels. I hope its not a "carear vs streak" match at Wrestlemania. Being a huge Undertaker mark since he jumped on the scene I'd love to see him retire with it in tact, and also being a huge HBK mark I don't want to see him retire.

Just my two cents.

This Mondays Raw was epic. Shawns delivery was so intense and the last shot was perfect. It was made more intense by the presence of backround characters(carlito, though he seemed to be there to catch Teddy)
I must admit sheamus as a champion has grown on me as a champion, and i can safely say that beating henry wont mean as much as it used to as he has become less over and seems far less 'unbeatable' due to recent events. It especially made no sense to have sheamus beat him when he was going to be buried verbally by rhodes later. Instead to make him seem more dominant they have him beat the WWE's longest reigning champ.
Oh and Kev whats up with ignoring the subtilties of Monday's Raw which in my opinion make it so much better. I making to reference to Rhodes saving Orton and Maryse's mysterious kind streak

Why don't you think Shameus is a viable heavy weight champion?

RESPONSE FROM KE: Because the heavyweight champion should be a guy who fans believe is truly among the best of the best. I don't think anyone buys Sheamus as being in the same class as Cena, Undertaker, Orton, Triple H, etc. Sheamus wasn't built up enough before winning the title. A decade ago, people believed a newcomer like Goldberg could beat the top guys because of the way he plowed through the competition. Sheamus was a mid-card guy on ECW before suddenly being sent to Raw and winning the belt. Plus, in my opinion, he just doesn't have "it."

actually, bret and shawn did appear on the wrestlemania XIII card together with bret facing steve austin and shawn did commentary during the undertaker/sid title match.

RESPONSE FROM KE: I meant they both wrestled. I changed "appreared" to "wrestled" to clarify.

If Hart wrestles at Wrestlemania, I will be very disappointed.

It's about time that they reintegrate the true talented superstars into the organization again.

I haven't seen anybody as good on a mic as Bret was last week, IN YEARS. I hate new-school wrestling and a blast to the past is exactly what I needed to rejuvenate my interest.

As a huge HBK mark,Raw held my attention ...Best show in awhile.Taking the title off DX was long overdue,now we can get the whole character of HBK...love his dark side.I thought Vince dropped the ball with Cena..he didn't bring his "A" game.Did you notice Bret no sell his fall when he was tearing stuff up?Like the Legency stuff,Cody is much better off heel,Orton is so far over,but I think DiBiase as a face is going to keep him in the top half of the card for a long time.Did you notice Carlito in the back laughter when HBK super-kicked Teddy Long? Good stuff...Thanks Kevin,as always God Bless.

I was aghast when Michael Cole said that Christian beating Sheamus would be considered an upset.

I don't get why people think that Orton is turning face. There really is nothing to me that suggests such a thing. But Dibiase is definitely going face. I expect a good showing from him in the Elimination Chamber match.

At this point, I think the only logical opponent for Michaels at Wrestlemania is Triple H. The wedge between them makes this a certainty. I kinda expect Michaels to somehow get into the WHC Elimination Chamber match but still lose, making him flip his lid even further.

I was disappointed when the Straight Edge Society didn't win the tag titles, though I liked the exchange between Miz and Big Show after they won where Miz wanted their team to be called the MizShow but Show turned him down, telling him that they are ShowMiz.

RESPONSE FROM KE: Orton has been screwed out of two matches by Cody Rhodes and laid out by Sheamus. That's why he looks like he's turning. If HBK does face HHH as you suggest (and I hope you're right), who will Undertaker face? We're all assuming Edge-Jericho and for Cena and Batista to either wrestle each other in a singles or tag, so that doesn't really leave anyone.

I don't know why Vince McMahon doesn't see the potential in Christian. He along with Matt Hardy are loonnngg overdue for a title run. I guess you have to be Triple H's workout partner in order to make it to the top.

RESPONSE FROM KE: I believed in Matt Hardy up until the feud with his brother. I don't thnk he really ran with the ball when he was given it. Christian, however, has never been given a chance to be a real monet player. I think he has earned it.

Great to see a little edge in Cena's character when he went off on Dibiase. First time we've seen Cena kinda "snap" since maybe when Orton punted papa cena's head.

Also, maybe the wwe intended to draw sympathy towards ted dibiase for his inevitable face turn.

speaking of dibiase, in sr.'s hall of fame montage, they didnt really talk about his reign as tag team champions with IRS. (except for one shot of them holding the belts). In the 90's, they were a force to be reckoned with in the tag team division.

A little trivia. Shawn Michaels is the only person left on the wwe roster that was on the first episode of Monday Night Raw and had never switched brands. Something like that is sacred to me so i would hate for him to go to smackdown this late in his career.

Bret Hart tearing down the set a la '97 Survivor Series was pathetic.

I hope Christian is booked really strong next time he's on Raw. That loss to Sheamus was kind of devastating.

Another great Raw. Lots of wrestling again next week when we get to see 3 great matches. Hopefully, not too many DQ's.

I like where the HBK angle is going. It could really go either way with him facing HHH or Undertaker at WM and for once there is unpredictability in the WWE. This is also the logical thing to do giving HBK something to obsess over with Hart being back in the WWE. Shawn being so focused on Taker keeps him from the Hart -Vince story.

I also liked how the Tag Titles were in the spotlight. The Miz will get over good holding three belt and bragging about it.

Bret seemed a bit winded after his confrontation with Vince and the Tv throwing. I wonder if Cena and Batista will have to be involved with this match given Bret and Vince being so limited physically.

I read in an interview recently that Rob Van Dam was talking about how WWE needs to bring back "jobbers" or "enhancement talent". This way a stable member of the roster would not have to be made to look weak by losing in a regular TV program. This is almost impossible without some elaborate fluke or DQ. You would look forward to PPV's more then because you see two big names wrestling and it means something. The Mid-card belts could then "main event" Raw and Smackdown to boost their importance.

He might be on to something given how Christian had to lose clean to Shaemus and Orton had to lose to Cody by a distraction. Neither of those two should be losing on a regular Monday night and it makes Cody look week since he couldn't beat Orton clean. Maybe with NXT about to start we will see some developmental talent getting the jobber role so a champion wouldn't have to lose clean for no reason. With rumor of Raw going 3 hours this could fill time slots while making the mid card look stronger.

Booking 201: if you've booked yourself into a corner where you're about to put a championship belt on Festus, then you can always add another team to the match and give the titles to them instead.

With the HBK situation moving toward heel, instead of immediately moving into a program with Triple H, what about having his character come so unglued that he ends up becoming one of CM Punk's "Saved Souls"? This would give Punk an additional rub with a big star like HBK, and would lend an extra layer to Punk's character as someone who could even control a huge star like HBK in a moment of weakness.

Ive said for awhile that Christian is the 2009 WWE MVP. He will never be recognized as such because hes on the "C" show and he did come back from TNA and had to serve a sentence (see Gail Kim), but the guy can have a match with a broom stick and look good. (Ezekiel jackson at the Rumble as exhibit A). That being said, The Evil Ronald McDonald (Thanks Edge), just gets pushed down our throats. Hopefully Christian ends up on Smackdown. Other thoughts:
-Why put the Tag Titles on ShowMiz? Miz already has the US Strap and I was kinda looking forward to some matches btwn MVP and Miz. Punk and Gallows would be the perfect choice for a run with the Tag Titles,
-Was really hoping "The Worlds Biggest Colts Fan" Jared would get booed out of the building.
-I feel like Ted Jr's momentum has slowed.
-I hope the wwe creative dont kill Randys character if they make him a babyface. He's so good as "The Viper."
-When can we get another Wrestler to guest host?
-Disagree with you on HBK's Wrestlemania opponent. A career vs Streak match at Mania would have me holding my breath more than seeing HHH hit the pedigree.
-I hate "vintage" Cole..Wrestling misses Jim Ross
-I always feel uneasy when seeing Bret doing anything physical..How healthy is he really?
Any Thoughts, and keep up the good work Kev!

It is a shame that Punk and Gallows did not win the tag team belts. Punk's presence on Raw each week would have been great. Would have broke up the monotony of the show too.
Maybe Shaun Michaels should become Punk's next disciple.

Hey Kev...you ever thought about the possibility of Sheamus facing The Undertaker at Wrestlemania? Undertaker would win, but not after Sheamus kicks out of a Tombstone and gets in a ton of offense. Of course, we all said Sheamus would lose to Cena in December anyway. Still...if HBK ends up facing HHH instead, and Cena is wrapped up with Batisteroid, couldn't this be a strong possibility to help the chosen yet pale one?

The Hart/Cena/Vince segment was brutal. It dragged on and on and had zero intensity, which was demonstrated by there being ZERO heat from the crowd in that sorry excuse for an arena. (Really, were they in an arena or a warehouse?) I have no idea how they're going to keep the heat on this Bret Hart thing with seven weeks to go til Wrestlemania. I'm already completely bored with it and it seems the live crowds are too, after the initial thrill of seeing Bret in person wears off. He can't pull it off anymore. NO intensity.

The most intriguing aspect of the Shawn Michaels storyline, which you didn't discuss, is that we don't know where it's going. That in itself is a wonderful breath of fresh air.

WWE's formula in recent years has been to announce matches for the next (big) PPV almost immediately after the last (big) PPV, and then spend the next few weeks trying to build interest in those matches. That's fine, but I'd also like to see more of this suspense. In terms of what will keep me watching the weekly programs, instead of just tuning out until WrestleMania, this is a much better way to keep me on the edge of my seat.

RESPONSE FROM KE: I may not have used the phrase "we don't know where it's going," but I did say basically the same thing -- "the Hart-McMahon storyline being somewhat predictable, while the story line of Michaels being obsessed with facing The Undertaker at WrestleMania has a lot of twists and turns." As I have pointed out just about every week, we still don't know if MIchaels will be getting HHH or Taker at Mania.

congrats to million dolar man in getting in the HOF, question on the HOF though, is Randy Savage ever going to get in, its also way over due as well.

Hey Kev, were you as annoyed at the Charles Barkley Taco Bell commercial as I was? It was stuck in my head so I tweaked it a little:

The five bucks box, it rocks, it rocks,
It rocks for a meal with lots and lots,
It rocks for a jock, it rocks for a fox,
It rocks blockin' shots on guys with dread locks.

Kofi Johnston: What comes in this box, this box that rocks?
Charles Barkley: A cheesy gordita, crunch to munch.
The Bella Whores: We all scream for a burrito supreme!
Michael Cole: A vintage crunchy taco AND cinnamon twists!?
Charles Barkley: Both on the list, and wait, let me think. An ice cold drink!

There is lots and lots in just one box,
And it's only five bucks and that's why it rocks!

could you be a bigger Hart hater and HHH mark? HHH is the worst part of every show and The Hart-Mcmahon feud is awesome.

RESPONSE FROM KE: Sounds like you're the hater.

You may not have liked seeing Jared from Subway, but hearing Punk tell Gallows and Serena to "bring me Jared from Subway" was funny

RESPONSE FROM KE: Agreed.

I too was dissapointed that Punk and Gallows didn't get the titles. Once they we're eliminated I was pretty sure DX would retain.

Hot Damn, I love me some Million Dollar Man! That video package was great. How I miss the days when bad guys got to wear capes.

I agree with you that I think too much time may have passed for Hart-McMahon to be as exciting as it could be. I think another problem is a big part of the audience that would have cared no longer watches the show.

WWE should have found a way to make a stop in Canada for this storyline, the crowd reaction would make this feel a lot bigger than it is.

Count me in as one of the people who thought Punk and Gallows should have won but oh well.

Can't wait to see where HBK is going, it's the most interesting thing on RAW by far.

WM is going to be headlined by HHH, Shawn Michaels, Undertaker, Bret Hart, Vince McMahon, and Batista. All 40 to 60 years old and one of whom had a stroke. Way to plan for the future. Does the WWE need new stars desperately and immediately? Yes. How is the development coming? Not too well. Could over half of the WM card be on a card during the mid 1990's? Almost certainly.

Vince is about to squeeze every ounce of credibility out of Christian and the ECW title before burying it along with Christian. Wow isn't that EXACTLY what Vince did with ECW? Losing to the Transition Champion is just the start. Just like the ECW originals started jobbing.

The WWE should have used the Triple Threat to divide the tag belts between Punk & Gallows and Miz & Show. With a little creativity there is enough tag talent to resurrect tag teams on both shows.

Jared from Subway is a much bigger star than many of the Guest hosts on Raw.

I wonder what Raw would look like if for one week everyone over 40 took a vacation. That smell you smell isn't the Undertaker.

I guess it says something to the fracturing of DX, but I was upset that they lost to Show-Miz and not a while back to Jeri-Show. Be interesting to see how much the tag title stays in the spotlight since it seemed kind of an after-thought before Jericho and Edge won it.

I thought Cena was terrible, in that he didn't sell the back injury at all, and his delivery was garbage. All of a sudden he was talking as if he forgot how to master the English Language...

I also wasn't happy how he totally demolished DiBiase (this after having to watch Cena get powerbombed on the stairs twice... uggh).

I was cheering when Vince said that most people don't like Cena. I'm definitely one of those.

"It was a pleasant surprise to see ECW champion Christian on the show. Well, it was until he lost clean to Sheamus."

_______________________________

Such losses would have been Christian's weekly fate had he been assigned to Raw one year ago. I am sad to see ECW get its plug pulled. It offered the opportunity to be the centerpiece of something to men who otherwise would have had no such opportunity in the company.

I think if they were smart, they would UNIFY the US/Intercontinental titles and have the champion be able to appear on both shows. No need for Miz to have the US belt anymore, have Jericho pick up the IC title then beat Miz to unify it, then you get Jericho back on Raw again.

I was let down by the way Bret Hart wrapped up the show. I know he was supposed to wreak havoc on the set and break things, but there was something about his facial expression... actually, his entire demeanor was all wrong. There was no emotion in his actions, he kind of just seemed to be going through the motions... seemed almost lost in a way. I hope he picks it up and starts acting like he cares, because right now the most interesting aspect of the angle is what's happening with Cena and Batista.

I never thought that the Hitman would be bringing the angle down a week after he made a connection with the audience and told a very personal tale on the mic, but on this Monday I just dont think he did a very convincing job of showing that he's really into what's going on.

At least Springer has potential to be a really good host - You know he's at least comfortable on television, and the storylines of the WWE are downright tame compared to his show.

Hated the outcomes of all the matches last night. The Creative Team is killing the storylines.

I wasn't able to discern much logic or intelligence in any part of Cena's promo.

First, he indicated to Vince that Bret told him that he wants one final match -- to wrestle McMahon. Wouldn't that statement have had more impact coming from Bret? Bret can't challenge Vince himself?

He then argued that if Vince were to avoid Bret's challenge that this would indicate he (Vince) is someone who is just in it for the money rather than interested in doing the right thing.

Cena's conflicted logic appears to be that to do the right thing would be for non wrestler/owner Vince, a man with obvious limitations in ring, to wrestle the semi-retired Bret, a man with a history of head injuries that long ago forced him out of the ring.

Vince's decision to accept the match would, apprently we are to believe, demonstrate altruistic motives and would not be motivated by a desire to make money. Huh?

Then, as you mentioned, he strangely suggested that the Million Dollar Man was someone who was not in it for the money but for the love of the business. Hmmm.

Finally, he described Batista as a good guy just gone bad after he was supposedly paid off by Vince to deal with himself and Bret. Oh.

A good guy just gone bad? Hasn't Batista been a self interested bad guy since the split with Mysterio a couple of months back?

Who is writing Cena's material?

Maybe I'm an idiot or something but could you please explain why its such an "unpardonable sin" to call the referee by his name. I know its not done often, because you want the focus on the performers, but I don't see the problem with saying the ref's name.

RESPONSE FROM KE: It's something WWE has told its announcers not to do. And, yes, it's ridiculous. They also are instructed to never say "belt" or "pro wrestling" or "wrestler."

No mention of the Maryse-Gail Kim angle? I think Maryse has been great with her phony kindness act.

RESPONSE FROM KE: I think Maryse is great at playing her character and I have always liked watching Gail wrestle, but this just isn't doing a whole lot for me.

I have to disagree on everyone's take on Sheamus ... he is able to cut a promo without sounding like he is reading a script, his ring style is very reminiscent of the Four Horsemen ... and he is actually a good worker ... As for his match with Christian, I think they both looked strong in the match.

Scott, I fully agree with everything I quoted above from you, and I see Sheamus as a bankable assets in the coming years, in which case this reign was a good idea to get him on the radar.

That said, I truly hope he does not make it through Elimination Chamber with the title in tact! His name just won't have the impact at WM26 as it could at WM27 or later.

I see the potential and I look forward to his development, but I don't want him to be booked above HHH, Taker, Shawn, Cena, Batista, Orton, Bret, or even Jericho, Edge, Vince, Rey, and Punk.

When Sheamus got the belt, I thought it would be like Edge's win in January 2006, not Jericho's win in December 2001.

I know Bischoff and Hogan really want to catch McMahon in the ratings but mathematically speaking is that even possible?

TNA's all-time high ratings were a 1.4 share (1.9 million viewers), while this past weeks Raw was a 3.59 (5.34 million viewers). Unless TNA figures out a way to drastically grow the wrestling fan population - and then grabs ALL the new fans - how do those numbers even work out? Are wrestling fans really so fickle to possibly mass abandon the Raw ship? Granted, I wasn't watching the Monday night wars of years past but I'd be interested in knowing when was the last time there was a significant jump in viewership across the board that could make TNA's plan even possible and when was the last time Raw fell to something even remotely close to that 1.4 share number?

Absolutely agree about Christian being the wrong guy to do the job to Sheamus. Sure, the veteran is capable of making younger guys look good, but it still should have been someone else.

Seeing this makes me think that it would be slightly better for Christian to be on Smackdown instead of Raw.

I have no problem with sheamus as champion. In my opinion its kinda our fault, we kept begging for new main event guys and we got it. My only problem is to me, his promos are kinda poor. He just lacks the intensity of his predecesors like Edge or Randy or even HHH

The fact that Cena is a more credible monster than Sheamus and that he gets popped for destroying DiBiase bothers me. And people (well, certain fans) wonder why the Cena-debate is so vehement?

It was a rather disappointing finish to a Raw that was watchable.

I think the problem with the Hart McMahon angle is that for 12 years since Montreal their has been genuine heat between McMahon/WWE and Hart in real life. The fact that Bret has now appeared once again on WWE screens means that any issues have been put aside for the moment (even if it is only for financial reasons). Because of this the angle is not believable, and way to late. For me I think this angle is a mistake, as its making light of a situation that has captivated wrestling fans for years. I think a better angle would have been for Hart to come back as the manager of the Hart Dynasty and to either set about rebuilding the tag division as the undisputed champions or to target the downfall of DX. You could of course then have McMahon intervene to try and stop them

While I would have liked to see Punk and Gallows as new tag champs, I can see why it wasnt done. They are not equals and putting the belts on them would make them have to work as a team. Punk is the leader and Gallows a follower. and Punk will always only look out for himself. I think this stioryline is working well and way to big for the tag titles

Orton as a face - I just don't see it and its not necessery. I also thought he was quoted before as saying he did not want to turn face again, that he saw himself as a heel for the rest of his career?

RESPONSE FROM KE: That may be Orton's preference, but he's smart enough to know that his character can't stay the same forever.

This Hart thing has lost it's way a bit. I think the key point is that not too many people are interested in seeing Hart wrestle. They should move towards an angle where Hart and McMahon are in the corners rather than wrestling. Maybe you have Batista scare off Hart for a few weeks who can cite not wanting to risk his health, then have Cena lose clean a couple of times to Batista, before Cena convinces Bret to come back and help him. Cena, as he should, wins at mania, gets layed out by McMahon, who in turn has to eat the mat courtesy of Bret and the SS in front of thousands of happy fans. You could even have an angle where Cena can't get the STF on Dave, and Bret teaches him the SS, which would endear Cena to some more hardcore fans.

Also Kev, you're obviously not a natural gambler! It'd be a shame if HBK and Taker did go ahead at mania and they didn't top last year, but if there are any two guys that can, it's them (well obviously it's them as if it was anybody else then they wouldn't be trying to top last year anyway but you know what I mean). HHH is about as good in the ring as Flair was circa WM 24 only without the ring psychology, and despite the streak being involved I would actually be more sure of the result if it did end up being HHH, I don't think there's any way he's jobbing this year as he probably feels a strong win is the only thing that can make him look good after last year's abomination. Give him Sheamus so I can go and make a cup of tea.

I don't what discourgages me more about the state of pro wrestling in 2010....

WWE - Two-forty somethings, covered in green fluorescent headbands that would make a 4th grader look like a dork, wrestling the same slow motion match WWE has had for a decade. OR -

TNA - Turning the stable of wresters with the most potential into an unwatchable WCW reboot in a matter of weeks.

A couple of things:

1 - I knew announcers aren't allowed to mention wrestling or referee names, but why aren't they allowed to say 'belt'?

2 - Referring back to a couple of comments, one which said about IC/US titles headlining Raw & Smackdown, another which suggested they should be unified:
They definitely SHOUDLN'T be unified, and they definitely SHOULD be headlining Raw & Smackdown.
The WWE & World Heavyweight Championships ought to be unified.
That way the 2 mid-card belts get elevated to TV main event status and the World Heavyweight Champion appears on all shows and always headlines PPVs (except the Rumble).
Best of all we wouldn't have to look at the hideous WWE Championship anymore - everyone I know has hated that belt ever since John Cena debuted the 'spinner' design which the current best originated from.

Some thoughts....

When listening to Cena on the mic I actually thought what an incredible asset this guy is to the WWE. Sure, there are many who dislike him but he proved to me why he is the tog dog.

I love Christian and personally think that being RAW, the 'A' show is good exposure for him, especially after cutting a good promo on the WWE champion. I don't think it'll hurt him at all, despite his loss.

I was disappointed that MVP wasn't on the show. I'm enjoying his feud with The Miz and think it is helping him get over with the fans.

I'm also in agreement that The Undertaker could face Sheamus at WrestleMania. I would like Sheamus off the title, but if they are serious about building him, a match with Taker will only help his cause if he puts in a strong showing. I also think the Irishman has great potential and the look that the WWE want.

Bret Hart certainly looked uncomfortable on this week's RAW. I think it's a combination of his Physical limitations and being overwhelmed at coming back into the WWE spotlight. It is difficult for him but he's doing OK overall. I still think it'll be a memorable stint in the WWE for him and the fans.

So far, this is one of the best road to WrestleMania's in a while.

Kevin,
Funniest line of the night was Santino saying that a $5 footlong was
"One Abraham Washington"
Overall a pretty good show.

The way things are going(unpredictable storyline for HBK's opponent), it looks like WWE will name me as HBK's opponent at 'Mania. :P

Am I the only person who was seriously worried when Bret Hart took a bit of a tumble while pulling the Raw set apart on Monday night? This really highlighted his physical limitations to me, just a week after I thought he looked far more comfortable than he did on January 4th...

Ok, if Undertaker doesn't get HBK, I would like to see The Brothers of Destruction team at 'Mania. That's never been done and would put a different spin on things as people would wonder whether Kane might get pinned, to fudge the streak. Punk and Gallows would be the obvious opponents.

It's not often that there are two compelling and noteworthy story lines occurring on the same episode of Raw, but this week there certainly was. I agree that the "Michaels Meltdown" story is more intriguing than the McMahon/Hart saga, but both do have a lot to offer in terms of entertainment. It seems a bit strange that three of the oldest personalities in the business (McMahon, Hart and Michaels) are producing the most entertaining stuff on the company's main show. But I suppose that's just how it goes sometimes.

It was definitely the right call to have DX drop the tag titles, but I would've much rather have seen Punk and Gallows pick up the win as opposed to Miz and Big Show. I just feel they have more to offer as a team. Show and Miz come off as just two random guys thrown together. And Show's just had a long run with the titles. But we'll see how it goes.

It was nice seeing Christian back on Raw. Hopefully, when ECW finishes, he'll make a proper move to the show on a full time basis.

It was a bit of a shock to see Cody Rhodes pinning Orton, even if it did come off looking like a fluke. The Legacy storyline is one I just can't figure out at the moment.

Surprisingly, I thought Carl Edwards did a good job as guest host. I'm guessing Jerry Springer won't actually be making too many matches next week, as Edwards has pretty much filled up the whole show already.

It's been well documented how good Michaels is at portraying emotion when he's on screen. He did another amazing job this week. He left me actually believing in his desperate attempts to be moved to Smackdown so he could face the Undertaker. He continues to be the highlight of Raw, and I'm sure he'll steal the show once again at Wrestlemania this year, no matter who he faces.

It's great to see that The Million Dollar Man is being inducted into the Hall of Fame. I always really enjoyed watching him in the ring, and his character was always one of my favourites.

I hate to diss the Divas again, but, what with everything else that was going on this week, I just couldn't get excited about the build up to the Maryse/Kim match at the pay-per-view in two weeks. Not to sound totally sexist, but I just like the Divas for the eye-candy aspect they bring to the show. I think the current roster of women just isn't as good as it used to be, back when girls like Trish Stratus and Lita were producing great matches. At the moment, it seems as if Mickie James is carrying the roster by herself, as she's the only one who's any good. Well, maybe her and Beth Phoenix.

hey kev, do you see michaels getting another run with the title before hes done?

RESPONSE FROM KE: Yes, I do.

This was a strong Raw, and the lasting image I'll remember of of it is Shawn's look of desperation as he grabs Teddy Long, shakes him, and superkicks him. Just a fabulous segment. And your right Kevin, these segments have helped Triple H a lot, showing him in a positive light. Its very difficult for me to buy into angles with him, but this one rings true, since they seem to be great friends in real life.
I'm sure countless others have predicted it, but maybe Shawn will get into the Chamber match somehow, like Edge has done, or win TLC. Either way, when he loses again at Mania I dont know where his character would go from that. It might be better if Shawn and Triple H meet... that match would have crazy heat.

Oh, and I disagree about Shamus. I think he's going to be very good in a few years. He's already a passable worker, with decent promo skills and a good look. I am curious if they let him carry that belt to Mania. That's a bit much.

Hey Kev, what about Michaels joining the Straight Edge Society? Seems like a perfect fit, considering Michaels seems to need saving.

I like how HHH implied that going to SD! means throwing your career away.

I was under the impression that it was Mickie James who was recording a country album, not Cena.

"RESPONSE FROM KE: Orton has been screwed out of two matches by Cody Rhodes and laid out by Sheamus. That's why he looks like he's turning. If HBK does face HHH as you suggest (and I hope you're right), who will Undertaker face? We're all assuming Edge-Jericho and for Cena and Batista to either wrestle each other in a singles or tag, so that doesn't really leave anyone."

Regarding Orton - I kinda see Orton as an uber-heel, the heel that even other heels hate. Despite being screwed over by Cody and being laid out by Sheamus, I've seen no change in his character's demeanor. He still comes across as an incredible bastard, only this time the individuals that are in his crosshairs are other heels. I don't know if this could work in the long run, but I still don't see a face turn happening anytime soon.

As for who could face Taker at WM if Michaels/Triple H does happen... I've given it some thought and came up with this: triple threat between Michaels, Trips and Taker. If Michaels loses, he retires. If Taker loses, streak is over. If Trips loses, he has to divorce Stephanie.

For those who don't know, TDB Sr. had money and did it for love of the business. He just proved every night everyone has a price.

I disagree somewhat with your opinion of Sheamus, or more so his bout with Christian this past Raw. Yes, it's true that WWE have rushed him in and put the belt on him too soon, but I thought the booking for this week's fight was perfect. WWE aren't just going to give up on one of their young stars, especially one who currently holds the WWE Championship belt. Taking the belt off him right now would hurt him more than what his current situation is doing so, so I don't see why you should berrate WWE for giving the guy a chance. So, what better way to try and get Sheamus over with the fans than having him face one of the most popular babyfaces? He and Christian had a good, even tussle, where no one guy dominated for long periods. Christian wasn't buried, and put on a great show as usual, as well as giving a good account of himself - something that you'd hope from the ECW Champion. Meanwhile, Sheamus picked up an excellent win and came off like a legitimate upper tier threat with a solid performance. The victory is a great feather in his cap and should tell the fans that he is capable of competing with these guys - not the complete opposite where the fans can't believe his defeat of Christian to be possible.

That's my viewpoint of the situation, and I'm a bit disappointed that it's not yours as well, as I usually hold your opinion in very high regard.

RESPONSE FROM KE: Here's the thing. The fans know the business is a work. WWE could script Sheamus to beat Cena, Batista and Triple H in a handicap match and the fans would still crap on Sheamus. The fans know that Christian is a lot more talented and over than Sheamus and has paid his dues. Having Sheamus beat him clean only makes fans resent Sheamus even more. WWE needs to cut its losses and get the belt off the guy. It's hurting him more than helping him.

Here's a possible scenario:

HBK, Triple H and Taker in a triple threat? It would be another twist, it would fit with the story and means that Triple H wouldn't have a wasted match with Sheamus.

As for Sheamus, as far as I'm concerned he can wrestle in a dark match at WM26 against Bastion Booger - and lose. Or against Santino Marella and, like Jack Swagger - LOSE

Now that DX Army is dissolved we can all join the 'D Eck's' Army (full of marks for HBK and sharks for TNA).

Here's a thought, How about Michaels, so desperate to beat taker, enters and wins the mitb. Then cashes it in on taker that night? That would be a wrestlemainia moment!

For anyone talking about HBK doing something with the Straight Edge Society I wouldn't hold your breath. Apparently he isn't very happy with them and finds the faux-religious elements of it insulting.

Also I'm disappointed Kevin is being so stubborn about Sheamus, his cut some pretty good promos the last couple of weeks and he's been good in ring. You wonder why he didn't get someone like Henry to go over, well because he can't lift a guy that big over his head probably. If he does get a big guy up there no doubt it'll be held back for a major PPV moment.

A Sheamus idea: have him retain the belt at the Elimination Chamber to keep him strong and actually win by pinfall in a title defense. Then somehow the next night, he gets involved in a triple-threat title defense, where he can lose the title without being pinned. He makes remarks about his recent streak, and catches the attention of the Deadman, who lost to Jericho at the PPV. Now we get Sheamus-Undertaker. Kev, it sounds like you completely doubt that scenario. Is this true?

RESPONSE FROM KE: I'd be shocked if that happened.

A random thought as such but I see Shawn Michaels somehow making himself the special guest referee for the Smackdown Elimination Chamber. Then he could go on and cost the Undertaker his title; cue Summerslam 1997.

Since revisiting events of 1997 seems to be the theme of late, perhaps HBK could delve into the history books. :)

I agree with Lee on the idea about HBK getting 'saved' and joining the Straight Edge Society. It was mentioned in the articles that he is not a big fan of the 'savior' gimmick as a whole (understandable since HBK is pretty strong about his faith as a Born-again Christian in real life).

What'th with this new crop of young wrestlerth and their very prominent lithpth? Between Cody, Theamus, and Thwagger, DXth could make a mint thelling those thlobber thieldth they wore when they talked to Thlaughter. Man!...if they're ever in a three-way interview, I'm gonna have to wipe down the TV thcreen!!

I really don't understand why people bash Sheamus.Gradually this guy is becoming worthy 4 the title.If u can take Goldberg and Brock Lesnar as well deserving,then u should not complain about Sheamus.All three of them got their pushes almost in the same way.

RESPONSE FROM KE: Disagree. Both Goldberg and Lesnar got over pretty quickly -- especially Goldberg -- and then won the title later. Sheamus wasn't over before winning it and he still isn't. Fans bought Goldberg and Lesnar as championship material; not so with Sheamus.

Cole also called out Mike Chioda by name on Superstars Thursday. Maybe they reversed the ref thing.

Kev:

Do you think that Legacy is done? I'm a little disappointed with their entire story line. It seems that they never became a "DX" or an Evolution. Rhodes and DiBiase should have won gold, but never lived up to the hype. I can see DiBiase as a legit singles competitor. What do you think? Also, let's talk about Cena. You blast Sheamus, but Cena is a Stone-Cold wanna-be. I don't think he's legitimate as a champion and always thought he became champ too soon...just because he was a fan favorite. Superstars like the Rock, Austin, HHH and Hart had to work their way up. He seemed to be handed success early with the attention of almost beating Kurt Angle. What are your thoughts on this?

RESPONSE FROM KE: Cena was not an overnight sensation.Yes he had that eye-opening match against Angle, but he quickly faded. In fact, before he came up with the rapper gimmick, he reportedly was on the verge of released. Once he got over, he won the U.S. title, and then, after a nice buildup, the world title. That's nothing like Sheamus' sudden rise. As for Rock, he was given a push from Day One. It just tooka while for the fans to accept him.