Like or Hate – An Aussie’s Raw Review 5.7.12

Howdy peeps and sorry for the delay this week, personal issues that needed addressing. Anyway I am back in the hot seat for another chapter in this Aussie’s career as a reviewer, debater and columnist. Before I start, I got to ask anyone reading to check out the debate between QuickWrestlingNews’ stars Zell8888 (me) and Primetime at Legends of Wrestling. It was a hell of a debate and we cannot wait to see the winner. Review time… Folks, It’s Clobbering Time!!!!!!!

Opening Segment – Mr Laurinaitis comes out to massive heat to start this week’s Raw. Laurinaitis states he embarrassed Cena as he lost his temper and will not stand for people making fun of him and his voice. Mr. Laurinaitis states he was the Hulk Hogan, Rock and Stone Cold of Japan and he was great. CM Punk comes out to a big pop and pokes fun of our GM. CM Punk calls Laurinaitis a joke and several other names and Laurinaitis becomes angry forcing Punk to fight Lord Tensai later tonight. Punk says Cena will make him tap before exiting. Afterwards Laurinaitis runs into Big Show who makes fun of his voice before Eve catches him.

My Thoughts – Nice start. Laurinaitis is the man on Monday Night Raw. I love that the WWE have given Mr. Laurinaitis a chance to become such an effective heel although he started off rusty. He is the most powerful man in WWE at the moment and the exploitation is awesome. In turn CM Punk gets to go back to being a pipebomb throwing ass. Big Show also looks like he may get an interesting feud soon too, finally.

Like or Hate – Like

Cody Rhodes Vs Big Show/ Kofi Vs Ziggler – The competitors start the match off and Big Show starts to dominate and line up the WMD. Cody takes his title and runs for the countout loss and remains champ. After the match Eve comes out and humbles Big Show into apologizing to Mr. Laurinaitis which upsets him greatly. Following the bout we have Kofi taking on Dolph Ziggler. During the back and forth match we see Abraham Washington backstage with Epico, Primo, Rosa and Mason Ryan. After interference by Swagger, Ziggler hits the Zig Zag for the win.

My Thoughts – I like this. Cody has now virtually removed himself from this rivalry thank god. Big Show looks as if he will be fighting the establishment and it is way better for him, both guys can go on with their careers now. The tag division may be getting rejuvenated… Miracles do happen. I can honestly say a tag division could work with these six guys to start, a lot of underutilized talent. And do I see a stable forming? Goodness gracious me.

Like or Hate – Like, we are finally going forward.

Cena brings it via Satellite and a star tag match – We have John Cena on the screen being interviewed by Michael Cole after the horrific attack by Mr. Laurinaitis last week. Cena says he is not cleared to fight but will and kick Laurinaitis’ ass. Our next match (excluding crappy Diva action) is Alberto Del Rio teaming with Y2J, playing off against Sheamus and Randy Orton. A quality fifteen minute match sees lots of action and near falls. The finish comes up when Sheamus goes for the Brogue kick at Jericho which misses and collects Randy Orton. Jericho nails the codebreaker for the win and he celebrates as the best. After the match Orton RKO’s Sheamus for the “accident”. Backstage the four individuals get into a melee in Mr. Laurinaitis’ office and he declares a Fatal 4 way between the men for the title.

My Thoughts – I am slightly excited for Cena Vs Laurinaitis. Cena always cuts great promos so that is that really. What a great tag match. This is how you build a rivalry, WWE has gone back to the drawing board here without Lesnar or Rock and done something with the talent it has. I did see the Fatal 4 way from a mile away, but it will be good anyway so who cares. The next PPV may be the best of the year at this rate because it doesn’t need outside stars.

Like or Hate – Like

Clay fights Awesomeness and Heyman is back – We have the only living breathing undefeated Funkasaurus in captivity Brodus Clay, taking on the Awesome one The Miz. In a longer match than we are used to seeing from big Brodus, Miz gives Clay a beating yet still is a victim to the big man’s splash. Funkasaurus with another victory on Raw. After video highlights of Brock Lesnar belting Triple H up, Lesnar’s music hits to a returning Paul Heyman. Heyman introduces himself, bags on the crowd and says that Brock quits WWE forever.

My Thoughts – Once again… Finally. Clay wrestles a match. The Miz made this match. He kept the pace up and I believe he is deserving of a push and a Face run. Clay needs this action every week to boost his usefulness, IC run soon maybe? Heyman is back, but only for a little while sadly. He does such a great job as a heel manager. He is believable and this HHH/Lesnar rivalry will be good. This Raw is just building rivalries and rebuilding in general. Great work so far.

Like or Hate - Still liking

Main event time – After Big Show gets caught laughing at Laurinaitis’ voice again, we go to out main event. Punk gets to the ring and is informed that it is now a handicap match with Bryan partnering Tensai. In a match where Punk never really gets in it, Tensai hits the Claw for the victory and Bryan celebrates as only he can. Daniel Bryan attacks CM Punk with the Yes! lock to end the show.

My Thoughts – A successful main event that helps build Tensai, doesn’t harm Punk, and builds Bryan giving us the impression he may win the WWE title. Laurinaitis stars on Raw tonight and I can say this is Raw needs to be at every week. Good job WWE.

Like or Hate – A watchable Raw, Like.

In Conclusion – About time. Stale rivalries have subsided and new ones developing, a slowly rebuilt tag division on the way, a show where a successful heel GM puts the faces down, potential stables for the future, a dose of life really. It may not be successful ratings wise this week, however Raw needs more of this bad. I am going to give Raw a 9/10. It was watchable, entertaining and unpredictable unlike most weeks. Thank you for reading Like or Hate for another week, peeps Keep on Funkin’.