London and Kendrick debuted in an incredible match against Haas and Benjamin (as predicted, of course, in the RAW preview). They will revive the tag team division on RAW and continue to be one of the greatest tag teams of ALL TIME. Maybe better than even the Hardys???
A Carlito-Sandman feud? This is awesome! I figured WWE would make the Sandman a jobber on RAW, and he may put Carlito over in this feud, but he has a great opportunity to push his popularity. This is the first time that he's really been exposed on the flagship show. And he was bleeding like crazy tonight!
Daivari and Jeff Hardy had a great match tonight, and the Hardys-Cade and Murdoch feud continues to be a good one.
Mick Foley vs. Umaga was sort of the low point of the show. I like Umaga's character, but they sure could use him a little better. He's a good wrestler but WWE doesn't seem to let him show it.
MISTAAAAAAAA KENNEDY (The Irish Whip's official "Future of Wrestling") showed the single reason he received that recognition. He delivered a great promo and I can't wait for his wrestling return. A feud with HHH would be great for Kennedy's career.
Even the divas are doing well! The tag match tonight (Melina and Jillian Hall vs. Candice Michelle and Mickie James) was a little sloppy but it was fun to watch. WWE really needs to get Mickie James back up to the top of the women's divsion; she's very obviously above the others in terms of wrestling skill and the fans recognize that. It was a shame that WWE had her lose in front of her hometown crowd, but the finisher that Melina used was absolutely cool.
RKO & Booker vs. Cena & Lashley was a great main event. The heels won in a clean finish! This is one of the rarest things to see in a WWE main event. They're really pushing Orton's slickness and snake-like attitude, which is a winner. Booker T's gimmick is one of the dumbest things I've ever seen, but he sure can wrestle.
Steph is back! She cut a great promo as well...it came across as being genuine. It's good to see her back.
Tonight's RAW was a fantastic show. WWE has done a good job with the McMahon death angle, but it is their great handling of the WWE Draft that will put them back into American pop culture. Mr. Kennedy, Paul London, and Brian Kendrick are all money.
Look for a preview of next week's 3-hour RAW, and of course...predictions for this Sunday's Vengeance.
Drew Arnold, writing for The Irish Whip
Monday, June 18, 2007
RAW Reaction: This is Awesome
Monday, April 23, 2007
As Usual...Predictions for Tonights RAW!
- I think HBK gets the win here only because Cena is coming off the victory in the handicap match last week. Edge will most likely interfere with the match somehow, as WWE wouldn't let Cena lose clean. Keep in mind that Orton has been sent home from the European tour for drunkenly destroying his hotel room! He definitely won't make an appearance. This match probably won't result in anything of substance, just like last week's handicap match. It's probably just there to further progress towards Backlash.
- I predict that Santino Marella will put his Intercontenental belt on the line to night...and retain it. Most likely with help from Bobby Lashley.
- Khali is back! I'm not a fan of his, but I still predict a squash match in favor of the Great Khali tonight.
- Mickie James and Melina will continue their feud heading into Backlash. Contrary to what some folks are saying online, I like this feud a lot. They're two good wrestlers (especially Mickie James) and Melina has a great gimmick.
- Apparently Mick Foley will be on RAW tonight...look for him to have a continued push for a leadership position on the show. I can see him being RAW GM.
- I think they're finally pushing Johnny Nitro again - another squash match for him tonight? Or maybe the seeds for a feud with Mick Foley? We'll see...
That's all I've got! Let me know if your predictions differ from mine. And of course, I will post a RAW response after the show and see which of my predictions happened to come true.
Drew Arnold, writing for The Irish Whip
