The show all in all was pretty decent my favorite Stone Cold moment was with Dolph Ziggler and Vicky were Stone Cold told Dolph the only way you get a US title match was to drop Vicky and he did that then Steve said i am just messing with you very funny stuff .

Don't post this if you think this is a spoiler, but Ryder will be on Superstars this week and he'll have a huge pop

What's up with the special lighting during the Sin Cara match? Since Austin is drinking Keystone beer, will we soon see Jeremiah from Tough Enough throwing the cans and dressing up as Keith Stone?

I've always been underwhelmed by Sheamus' arsenal of moves. It always seemed like he should be doing something more. That being said, I absoutely love the addition of the Cloverleaf! I think this is a move that really rounds him out.

Thought this was one of the better RAWs of the year and R-Truth looks golden so far, Only thing I don't like about the Christian-Orton exchange is when made the remark that Edge carried Christian for his entire career. I dunno about you but I feel that really buried Christian's legitimacy which is already marked by a failed title run and a failed attempt to recapture the title. In all honesty, I don't think WWE will take the title off Orton (certainly not cleanly either) and if Christian suffers a second consecutive loss to Orton where do you see Christian going after Capitol Punishment?

Ryder was apparently on Superstars, so at least they didn't completely disregard him.

Also they need to stop having Sin Cara's matches with the annoying blue and yellow lights.

Kevin, if WWE is always afraid of Ryder being cheered, than why don't they just turn him face? Sounds like a win-win to me.

Kevin,
I know this wasn't a big part of the show (no pun intended) but, Monday was the first time in awhile that we've seen Hornswoggle get some "in-ring action". Perhaps this is the WWEs way of handling Eric Bischoff's new show on TruTV MCW (Micro Championship Wrestling) which started it's first production this week?
Thanks.

JOHN CENA IS THE BEST.................................>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

First! Uh Kevin "jumped the shark"? Please explain that phrase. But other than that, it seems to me that despite the push behind Ezekiel Jackson, I see him going the way of the Great khali soon.He's physically impressive, a sub par wrestler/big man(oh darn! did I say a bad word?? Wrestler?),crap on the mike(reminds me of Titus from NXT), and his matches hold nothing for me. Other than that, I like Kelly Kelly but the divas division needs some life and legitamacy with the loss of Kharma. We've also lost Layla and McCool so we need truely talented performers to step up. This rotating title scene is trash. Just because she didn't get a turn as champ doesn't mean she deserves it. Unleash Beth Pheonix,Natalya, Gail Kim, Melina and Maryse for God's sake and breath life into the division again. Overall I loved this show. It was awesome. Great to see Austin and Piper, R-Truth is finally a breath of fresh air, and Ladies and Gentlemen I introduce to some and present to others...Alex Riley!!!

Contrasting Stone Cold's guest appearances to the Rock's really makes the latter seem weak by comparison. Austin was on fire, and he really was the ingredient that took the show from just alright to genuinely good.

I'm still not crazy about Truth, but he is trying to grow on me. I don't think he has a chance Sunday, but I am thinking that it should be an entertaining match. I do think his attacking Cena with a water bottle and knocking him out was a little over-the-top given Cena's tendency to be. Super-Cena regardless of what's been going on in the match. Ot was sort of a slap in the face that Truth knocked Cena out with a bottle of water when Miz spent 30 minutes destroying Cena last month only to have him seemingly forget the beating he took and beat Miz in about 35 seconds. Ugh. At least they'll pulled Truth back to the sane side of his character. He spent the last couple weeks a little bit on the insane side.

I can't get enough of Punk. Too bad the fans don't *really* have control of next week's booking. If we did, Punk would be the new champion, for sure.

I still don't agree with the angle they're using for Christian. He definitely needs to modify his move set if he's going to be stepping up into the top of the card. That Killswitch has been a bad move for the entire time he's been using it, but now that he's actually getting screen time, it's inexcusable. Hopefully he'll unveil a new move at the pay per view. Has there ever been a move that begs louder to be countered into the RKO?

I'll take whatever booking they want to give if it means Daniel Bryan is going to be in the ring and winning. I strongly support that particular booking.

What can you say about the divas that isn't expressed by a big "meh?"

This episode is what a take home show should be. When I tuned in, I had less than no interest in Capitol Punishment. By the end, I was arguing with myself (and my wife) about whether I should order it. I'm still not quite sold, but I'm definitely leaning. Those ridiculous Obama press conference dream sequences certainly aren't helping. Who's idiot idea were those? Horrible.

I think this was the best episode of Raw since before Wrestlemania. I hope they continue the trend with next Monday's Raw.

A last question: Kev, do you think they're flirting with the idea of making Raw a three-hour show?

What happened with Drew McIntyre and why isn't he world champion yet?...he's been around long enough to deserve some kind of big push

My Reaction on Monday Night Raw!

I think Austin did a good job but we can clearly see how he was no where near to what he was during attitude era.Although he dropped in some middle fingers.

i am kind of sure the kid from whom R-truth grabbed the bottle was surely an actor and i am suprised that TItus O neil didn't rush the ring to help his super talented pro Hornswoggle.

Btw Bullying was in full sway.Austin grabbing the miz by his tie,then R-truth beatin up hornswoggle etc

It was funny to see how Bigshow was able to run in at 200mph after he was crying like a little girl few weeks ago.

Punk was classic as usual.Although he is the biggest heel.He always has fans behind him.

Btw i havent seen a bigger babyface endorsement than that of Alex Riley's.Seems like he is going to be title hunt pretty soon but lets hope they don't make him another cena.

i was dissapointed to see that wwe did not even featured Zack Ryder backstage.They should have given the crowd what they wanted.

Btw lol@Wade barret getting pinned by Sin cara over a regular wrestling move.Sin "botch" cara is the biggest dissapointment ever!
@ kevin.

When will WWE give Mason Ryan A push?

I personally thought the disqualification of christian was an accident. He broke too soon after the five count for it to be an intentional DQ. And the way the finish played out, seemed as if it was supposed to end the way you called it. Christian just had a lapse in concentration and didn't hear when he was supposed to break.

Kev, to answer your questions about Swagger...Swagger simply doesn't have natural charisma. He was given the ball last summer during his World title run and he fell flat. Yes he is solid in the ring and has a good build, but that's where his up-side ends. His mic work comes off as extremely weak and forced and he doesn't have the heel presence of even someone like Sheamus or Wade Barrett, let alone top heels like Miz, R-Truth, Punk or Alberto.
It's competitive being a heel in WWE these days, and especially in the heel-heavy environment of Monday Night Raw, Swagger needs Miz-level mic skills or R-Truth level charisma to get out of mid-card hell.

I for one have never found Swagger compelling and wouldn't blink twice if he were future endeavored tomorrow.

As a native Long Islander myself, I've seen quite a few RAWs at the Nassau Coliseum and this was a typically-booked RAW for that venue. Usually they trod out some old-school guy for the fans to cheer (in this case, Roddy Piper) - bring some of the action into the stands (R-Truth), have Austin come out on a 4-wheeler (he's done this at least twice before that I remember at the Coliseum).

I remember talking to a guy who works in PR for the WWE years ago and he told me that Vince treats Madison Square Garden as his baby and always books the best shows for that venue, but thinks the Nassau Coliseum crowds are kinda weird (ie - they tend to boo faces and cheer heels) so it didn't surprise me when Punk won the main event or that the crowd was anti-Cena.

I thought the Miz had the best line of the night when he said his favorite memory of the building would be in four years when its torn down and replaced with nothing - a reference to the New York Islanders and their lease with the Coliseum ending in four years and the struggle to get a new Coliseum built. There's a pretty good chance it won't happen and the fact that the Miz mentioned it might have seemed like a throw-away line to folks across the country, but on Long Island everyone knew what he was talking about - so that was pretty cool, and hysterical.

Just some random thoughts -

* Jackson is too slow and plodding to ever be taken seriously as a monster, especially when there are guys on the roster just as big as him who move a lot quicker.

* Alex Riley is over, really over. I don't exactly know why, but the kid has this "next Cena" vibe about him.

* Sin Cara is the least impressive "high flyer" I've seen in a long time.

* I liked how they kept Cena off TV until the main event. It would have looked weird to have him come out and get boo'd out of the building.

* I like the Obama vignettes, especially the Sheamus one, he was pretty funny referencing the birth certificate stuff.

I can't remember where I read it, but I remember reading somewhere recently that Swagger's attitude and demeanor backstage has not been ideal. Maybe that is why he is jobbing to Evan "Air" Bourne. But, hey, it could be worse. At least he's not in a program with Hornswoggle....yet.

I, too, am done with the Obama press conferences...burying the divas in a 7-7 tag match was lame--but the kick-line they did after it was worse...they should've milked the Big Show-DelRio story a little longer--maybe to SummerSlam; I don't think ANYONE could heal from being "run-over" to running like a jackrabbit so quickly...Stone Cold and Piper need to be on every week...you may like R-Truth as a heel, but I haven't liked him since his K-Kwik days--I actually hope Cena wins on Sunday...since Michael Cole became the heel announcer, I've hated him more than I did when he wasn't...

Maybe I was just not in the mood for wrestling and/or RAW Monday night but I just did not find the show that interesting. The "What!?!" thing gets tiring when Stone Cold is not on the show and is not anymore exciting when he is on the show.

The other thing is how smart is it for WWE to run back-to-back three hour shows and of all times to do it during the summer? I would think three hour shows would do better in the winter months once football season has ended.

Crowd was way hot for Cena vs Punk. WWE needs to milk that cash cow.
Try as they might to make Christian a true heel, I don't think it's gonna stick. The Peeps want to like him too much.

RE: Sheamus

The cloverleaf submission should be renamed the shamrock (Irish symbol). You can have the credit for this!! What do you think?

Report: CM Punk is out of the WWE stay tuned .

Hi,
Quick question for you.I'm going to the show on Monday.what time should I get there?
thank you,
richard

RESPONSE FROM KE: The pre-Raw matches are scheduled to begin at 7:15.

@Jason- you think Riley is the next Cena and Swagger should be released? Eck, you attract some odd wrasslin fans.

Anyway, I thought this was a pretty good Raw considering it was supposed to be the draft edition. The ppv this Sunday will bomb in the buy rate, but has good sleeper potential. I groaned when Morrison appeared, and was happy when they wrote him right back off again. That guy does nothing for me. Same goes for Alex Riley. He's got one expression. Fans are cheering? Riley face. Booing? Riley face. He's pissed? Riley face. He's happy? Riley face. Miz deserves better than to work a program with this idiot.

I swear, I was going to suggest that Sheamus' new finisher should be called the Shamrock.

I am a Sheamus mark through and through, but I am confused by the booking for Capital Punishment for him. He's come off looking pretty darn strong the last few weeks, but he's not going to be part of the PPV? Especially with this reported Orton injury, maybe the Big Fella is due for his yearly championship push that gets horrendously botched.

I definitely agree, Stone Cold was the best “host” (a.k.a general manager) I have seen on Raw in forever, as he was actually in the show for more than five minutes and was definitely entertaining.

I hate to agree with Michael Cole, but I had the same reaction to the Diva’s match (barf!). Fast-forward to Kharma’s return please!!!

It doesn’t seem like it from everyone’s comments, but is anyone else having trouble being sold on Alex Riley?? He was extremely annoying when paired with the Miz and I find he is still about the same level of annoying now. Then again I never thought R-Truth could be as entertaining as he is now, so maybe he will grow on me…

Loved the Punk and Cena match. It was great seeing Punk in/winning the main event.

Kev

I can't believe this wasn't mentioned in your blog or the comments, but what is up with the Anonymous Raw GM threating to strip a Smack down Champion of his title. That just didn't make any sense

I'm guessing you've already heard, but if not- the reason Ryder wasn't on Raw is because they pulled a rib on him.

Meltzer was texted during the show by a WWE employee stating that the
reason Zack was not on the show is because "Vince hates the internet".
Backstage, many, many people were upset that the person getting the
most chants throughout the night was not brought out for a promo or
even a quick appearance in his hometown who clearly wanted him there.
Meltzer got some more information today on the thought process.

Evidently, it was indeed a rib/joke being played on Zack. Zack had
spent his prior show talking up how he was in his hometown, how
excited he was, how this could be his chance to finally shine and move
up on the card. Zack was told a few days ago he would have a promo and
a match on RAW and would turn face on RAW, even being able to
acknowledge his youtube show and Internet Champion gimmick. This is
why Zack was so excited the past few days.

The rib went so far as there was even a fake script and timeline
alloted for Zack to come out and wrestle, besides Superstars, with his
RAW promo and on air face turn. When the time came close for this to
happen, Zack was informed plans changed and he would not be on air.
This was literally during the broadcast. The entire rib was Vince's
idea and was because Vince is not a fan of the "bashing" Zack does
about WWE and sees it as "giving in" to someone who is visibly bashing
the company with "dropping ball" clips, etc.

Meltzer comments that the real joke is on the fans, as the reaction to
him not being on air is not pretty and as the rib is being revealed,
even less people are happy. Multiple wrestlers have stated their
public displeasure with the rib and John Cena was said to directly
confront Vince over the situation and what he felt was a poor joke.

King Kong Bundy,Mean Gene,Andre the Giant are trapped in a well. Who do you save first?
What are you talking about?
Just when you think you got all the answers I change the questions!!
Classic Piper!! Man I wish some guys didn't have to get old. He would be as over today as he was 25 years ago. And still would be 25 years from now.
To Rick, I was wondering the same thing. What business is it of the RAW GM? Would it have been so hard for Teddy Long to come out and say something? Plus the fact that when Orton made another lunge at Christian, Hole started yelling Randy! Randy! Randy! before the GM could chime in again. Mistake or happy acident, cause Hole is the anonymous G.M?
By the bye, with the relase of The Best of WCW Monday Nitro DVD, I think Sting has appeared on the cover of more WWE DVD's than HHH, HBK and the Undertaker combinded.

I really enjoyed this Raw and agree with the poster who said that Stone Cold was a many cuts above Rock as a guest host. I love Rock, but that show revolved entirely around him on his birthday. I think Stone Cold succeeded because he was helping other people in the process.

Loved seeing Roddy Piper. And I was seriously impressed with the Big Show racing to the ring, damaged leg or not. That was fast!

Kevin, do you figure Drew Carey's chummy relationship with WWE is the reason Brian Kendrick wasn't identified on The Price is Right? He was wearing a Seattle Sounders FC t-shirt, the soccer team Carey co-owns. I don't believe that's a coincidence.

While I'm not old enough to remember it, for the person who asked, "jumping the shark" refers to an episode of Happy Days when the Fonz is surfing and jumps a shark. It's when something is just beyond absurd and needs to die. Like John Cena's character has jumped the shark.

Anyway, I saw some tweets from wrestlers..er, superstars, about the rib on Ryder. He's now like the Rudy of the locker room. Can someone just tell Vince this was all his idea months ago and he just forgot so they can start making money on it?

It says a lot when the most over guys on the show are either retired or not even allowed on air while Orton and Cena have to go to wweshop.com to buy that kind of heat. The heels are great though, which will make keeping them that way hard.

Regarding the zack ryder rib:

That's typical Vince (and thats a compliment, by the way).

Remember Austin VS McMahon on TV made Austin a megastar, mainly cos we bought that stuff (even though knowing its scripted, we did suspend our disbelief). I think Vince is probably hatching a same plot - Ryder VS McMahon. Since such a feud-on-tv is an idea thats died a death in 2001, this feud is going to be enacted on the Internet.

However, if it is true that Vince did this only as rib to put Ryder "in his place" (and I really dont think Vince will spend time and effort of his writers and other staff just for a sorry rib) then he needs to step down as a Chairman.

Sheamus' submission move needs to be called the Celtic Knot.

Random Booker T thought: "Tell me he did not just say that!"

R Truth's heel turn has really shaped up the career of this amazing wrestler. He was getting nowhere with his rapping gimmick, but that heel turn seems to have done the trick. R Truth is bringing the house on fire as a heel and surely seems to make up absence of some prominent heels in RAW, apart from Alberto Del Rio.

If all that about the rib on Ryder is true, then Vince is even greater than I thought. This idiot thinks he'll move up the card by taking not so clever shots at the WWE in youtube videos? I'm glad he wasn't on Raw, I'm glad his dumb videos haven't resulted in a push, and I'm glad they don't sell his stupid headband on WWEshop.com. What he's doing is great for making a name for himself amongst internet fans, but horrible for trying to get over in Vince's WWE. I have a feeling Vince will keep toying with him for a while, then it's good luck in your future endeavors. Then he'll become TNA Heavyweight Champion.

Kevin,

Do you feel the WWE is relying too heavily on the Legends during the past few months?

It just seems that Rock and Stone Cold have been on TV so much lately that the younger guys can't truly get over. While it's great to see those guys, I can't help but feel it's at the expense of the future generation.

@Jay - Morrison does nothing for you?
Eck, you attract some odd sports entertainment fans.

Tony, "jump the shark" refers to an episode of Happy Days where The Fonz skis behind a boat, then literally jumps a shark. That episode was often considered the beginning of the end for Happy Days, so Jon Hein created the phrase "jump the shark" to suggest that a TV program or segment is on a downward spiral in terms of quality.
I really like R-Truth's new thing, and I partly got the "shazam" reference. Only negative about his new persona is that, even though he's supposed to be dangerous, you can't help but laugh. The audience was laughing throughout the segment where he attacked Morrison.
And I can't stop shouting "take that little Jimmy"!

@Jason - good one. But I'm sure there are many more people that think Morrison is bland than think Riley is the next Cena. In fact, all you'd need is two people to dislike Morrison for that to be true.

Take that little jimmy!!

Cena retained and Punk beat Mysterio, so it seems like the next PPV will feature Cena/Punk where WWE can give him a large payday to remind him what type of money can be made if he sticks with them.

Personally, I think Punk will just take the higher paycheck to finance his post-WWE life further. He needs a break and his Nexses isn't going anywhere.