Monday Night RAW
Well, that didn’t last long. Last week’s broadcast got the year off to a rousing start. This past week’s RAW fell flat, a mixed bag at best.
We started off with another overlong do nothing promo with the McMahon’s that hyped up the Royal Rumble in a terrible way and set up a ONE VERSUS ALL main event with Roman Reigns versus any number of the Royal Rumble entrants.
They presented this as something that has never been done before, even though it has. Numerous time, in very similar situations. Cena, Orton, Austin, Rock . . . always dumb and stupid.
The best parts of RAW involved Chris Jericho’s Highlight Reel, the subsequent New Day/Uso’s Match, Del Rio versus Kalisto and the Social Outcasts!
The other best part of RAW was McMahon and Heyman going out it back stage, with Vince and then Stephanie cutting Heyman down.
The shocking moment of the night was also the match and impact of the night. The Del Rio versus Kalisto title match was a very good match. I don’t think anybody thought Kalisto would win, even if a lot of people wanted him in.
In the end Kalisto pulled off a massive upset and become the new US Champ. Boy was Del Rio pissed. Great moment. We need more moments like this, less like the main event.
The main event, as I thought, didn’t deliver and ended up being dumb and stupid. Roman was to face everyone until he couldn’t go anymore. Yet he only faced one person: Kevin Owens. Owens delivered for his time, and it didn’t seem like Reigns had a chance.
Lesnar finally made his way down when the gang beat down on Reigns started. Except for the Wyatt Family, who never entered the ring, Brock destroyed everyone, and laid out and already prone Reigns with an F5.
I’m sure some people liked this. But what good does it serve? None. It only makes the entire roster look weak and devalues everyone.
Final Thoughts:
After a good start to the year, RAW reverted.
LOW POINT: Brock Lesnar destroys everyone.
IMPACT OF THE NIGHT: Kalisto wins the US Championship.
MATCH OF THE NIGHT: US Title Match: Del Rio defends against Kalisto
WRESTLER OF THE NIGHT: Kalisto
RATING: 5
SMACKDOWN
I wish RAW would be more like SMACKDOWN a much smoother show. SMACKDOWN this week was a leaner, meaner broadcast than RAW, with limited promos and better matches.
The one drawback to SMACKDOWN is the same one that I always have: too much RAW recap. To the point where it can almost seem like a highlight show.
We almost started out hot with Dean Ambrose showing up, basically brushing off his girlfriend Renee Young and heading toward the ring to challenge Owens to a Last Man Standing match at the Royal Rumble. This lead to Owens and Sheamus almost beating down Ambrose, who was saved by Neville. This whole segment set up the tag team match main event.
Becky Lynch finally stepped up, dominating and putting away Brie Bella. We need more of this fiery Becky to go forward, no more miss nice girl, but the Lass Kicker.
The big moment of the night went to the rematch for the US Title, Kalisto and Del Rio delivered. Again. Third time. This time Del Rio came out on top, winning the US Title back a day after losing it. The only weak point of this match was Barrett helping Del Rio, not needed.
The main event didn’t quite hold up, but was good enough. It had a tough act to follow, just like RAW, with Kalisto and Del Rio beforehand.
Final thought:
Devoid of the fat that permeates RAW, SMACKDOWN was a much better show.
LOW POINT OF THE NIGHT: All the recaps!
IMPACT OF THE NIGHT: Social Outcasts win a match!
MATCH OF THE NIGHT: US Title Match: Kalisto defends against Del Rio
WRESTLER OF THE NIGHT: Alberto Del Rio
RATING: 6.5
TNA IMPACT
Impact took a page out of the WWE RAW playbook – opening with a twenty minute go nowhere overdone segment. This set the tone for the whole show, from which it never seemed to recover.
We had a backstage segment with the Dog House and Beautiful People which lead to a street fight, then a Beer Money Beer Bash that lead to Bobby Roode losing the King of the Mountain Title to Eric Young. Next up we had a Ken Anderson talk show? Huh?
After a tag match, the only thing not set up by a pre-match talk, we had an in-ring confrontation between Matt Hardy and EC3. More talking. They set up a last man standing match for next week. If Hardy losses he leaves TNA.
Wow, EC3 was in ring twice, and did nothing. Lame.
Way too much talking on a show call ‘Total Non-Stop Action.’
Even if this show wasn’t talkative and boring, it would still be hard to get into. Why? Because of all the spoilers online. I tried to avoid them, but it didn’t work out. I already knew Bobby Roode lost the KOTM Title, and I know what happens between Hardy and EC3 next week.
Final thoughts:
IMPACT was boring.
LOW POINT OF THE NIGHT IMPACT: being pre-taped.
IMPACT OF THE NIGHT: None.
MATCH OF THE NIGHT: None.
WRESTLER OF THE NIGHT: None.
RATING: 5
OVERALL
LOW POINT OF THE WEEK: IMPACT being pre-taped.
IMPACT OF THE WEEK: Social Outcasts win a match!
MATCH OF THE WEEK: US Title Match: Del Rio defends against Kalisto on RAW
WRESTLER OF THE WEEK: Kalisto
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