WWE Raw Discussion Thread

[Oaf]

Pretty meh Raw last night, but fuck me, what an incredible match Cena and Cesaro had.

I swear that like 20 of the 30 best matches this year have been Cena matches. Nobody gets a higher match to "this is awesome" chant ratio, nobody even comes close. Not bad for a guy who "can't wrestle". But then, I suppose it's because he gets "carried by good opponents". Every. Single. Time.

 

[BigDaveCUFC]

I see Raw got as such the 2nd worst rating in their history on Monday (2nd worst without it being a holiday)

I know summer is usually the dead time of the year, but do you think that is going to see WWE go back tot heir normal collection of guys and ditch of the NXT ones or do you think WWE will push it onwards this time?

 

[NiallQuinnDiscoPants]

Pretty meh Raw last night, but fuck me, what an incredible match Cena and Cesaro had.

I swear that like 20 of the 30 best matches this year have been Cena matches. Nobody gets a higher match to "this is awesome" chant ratio, nobody even comes close. Not bad for a guy who "can't wrestle". But then, I suppose it's because he gets "carried by good opponents". Every. Single. Time.

Of all the US Title challenges Cena has had since he won the belt, this was by far the best one. Cena is definitely pulling his weight and it's probably his best run of matches he's had in his career. However some of these hocky moves he's using (the springboard stunner, the awkward looking Code Red) just to please the fans need to either be improved or stopped. His workrate is not in question at all though. But the difference in that match on Monday and the other US Challenges was Cesaro. Cesaro was immense on Monday. He's got such a strong base, but he's also so fast (note that crazy running uppercut on the outside). And he even had Cena beat before Owens ran in for the save. I pray that management saw this match and give Cesaro something, because that was one of the best matches i've seen this year.

In fact, I would have Cena drop the belt to Owens at Battleground and let us have an Owens / Cesaro US Title match at Summerslam. Or even a 3 Way with Cena at Summerslam. A lot of the time, my complaint with Cena is the way he's booked. Beating the same guy month after month destorys his opponents momentum. Tweak him slightly and give him that slight sense of vulnerability and you've got a perfect babyface.

 

[Christian Slater]

I'm getting the same feeling about Raw as I did when I quit watching Smackdown. It's not entertaining anymore and hasn't been for a long time. The show centres around WWE promoting their own brand rather than compelling storylines. Raw is the most cooked programme around, it's got a predicatble and rigid formula.

 

[Oaf]

I reckon that one of the biggest problems, storyline wise, is the authority stuff now. The whole evil bosses with their stable thing can be great, but The Authority just feels like it's got a horrible roster to it and it's been going on for way too long now. Looking at it...

Sure, Steph and Triple H at the very top are superb, can't complain.
And obviously Seth is awesome, and seeing him having a title reign like this is fantastic.
But then you look at the rest... Kane needed to finish a couple years ago... and while J and J are fucking hilarious and fit their role of being Seths security fine, they don't carry any threat at all around them. At least when Show was a part of the group (even if he was a shit part) they at least came across as more of an imposing roster. But right now, we're supposed to believe that Seth, backed up by an elderly past it Kane and only one of the J's from J and J (with Noble injured) are supposed to be any kind of a threat to Lesnar. No fucking way.

I've been thinking for a long time that the Authority badly needs to branch out a bit... this run against Lesnar basically needs it, or it just looks silly. Those three vs Lesnar doesn't come close to looking like an even fight.

And in a completely different point arguing the same thing, the Authority pretty much open and close every show now... why waste Kane in that role when you could be using that role to elevate somebody who's up and coming?

I was talking to somebody the other day, and I reckon that the two guys The Authority could do with bringing in are Cesaro and Luke Harper. Both have recently had their tag partners ruled out and both have incredible potential. If WWE run with them, give them a chance I think they'd both run with it. And, suddenly, Seth looks as if he's backed up by people who can actually aid him.

I dunno. The Authority just feels tired to me now. They need to either get rid, or reinvent it I reckon.

 

[Libertine]

Was thinking the exact same earlier. It's almost two years it's been going on now. Was awesome and refreshing at first, Orton/HHH heel turn and The Shield being their bodyguards, but it's just the same every single week.

 

[Christian Slater]

It's a worn out wrestling trope. The Authority has gone on longer than The Corporation. It just leads to laziness booking and story wise.

 

[NiallQuinnDiscoPants]

The Authority was at it's peak at two points in it's existence, a) when they first started with the Orton heel turn on Bryan and with the Shield as back up, b) when they were up against Daniel Bryan in the lead up to Wrestlemania 30.

it basically proves all the points that people have been making. The Authority only worked when a) it had some serious bad ass beef to back it up, and b) when they had a massively over babyface to play off against. Since the Rollins heel turn it's had neither. You can see them desperately trying to make Kane a threat again now, despite him losing every week to Roman Reigns since time began. J&J are comedy value. They're absolutely brilliant at it, but they're not legit security. Big Show is similar to Kane, but he has his own terrible storylines right now to distract him (how's that IC Title comeback coming along).

Rollins basically needs a Shield 2.0 to back him up. And I don't mean dressed in swot gear and called Shield 2.0, but the same principle. Guys who will back him up and protect him whilst he has the title. Guys who can have outstanding matches with the right guys and in the right situation. I believe Oaf had the absolute right idea in mentioning Luke Harper. He would be perfect for the role. I would leave Cesaro as he is, because he should be a face. He suits being a face. He was all set to go on a face run in 2014 but randomly turned heel again quickly. Barrett is doing fuck all with this stupid King gimmick. Swagger is jobbing to the guy doing fuck all with the King gimmick. I think there's 2 guys there that can go away for a few weeks, come back suited up and appear on the Authority's side. Give them some much needed motivation. Them, Harper, Kane, J&J, that's a much better stable right there.

 

[BigDaveCUFC]

I thought reading your posts sometime last week they were maybe going to re-hash the millionairres club-New Blood WCW storyline??

I may have posted last week mocking WWE copying the idea but I think it would be a bloody good one for WWE to go with right now with their current roster set-up.

a great way maybe to finally make Cena heel, linking in with Orton's, Kane's, Big Shows and Lesnar when he turns up here and there.....against the crop of rising NXT stars who seem annoyed at not being pushed to the spotlight.

You could even have it finish up at mania and end up with NXT taking over smackdown as a genuine 2 hour weekly show (to finally re-vamp that one)

I think biggest problem with wrestling right now is we've had all the ideas used, re-used, re-worked and re-used again, etc, etc..............it's hard to develop something fresh.

I know a NXT Vs old guys battle is as such re-hashed but it at least suits the roster they have.....a new group of guys going from training to main roster and a group of usual lot who are at the top people want removed from top.

although as I personally think NXT does more damage than good I am not that surprised its not working for them.......just bring indie guys in and let them BE THEMSELVES WWE.....you may find it becomes quite popular if fans can see different styles and methods than them all turning into genetic WWE guys

 

[Luke]

Like the idea of Luke Harper & King Barrett in the Authority, couldn't care less about Swagger.

NQDP - Ordered my tickets last week for Raw in Manchester, went for the blue arrow ones high up but bang in line with screen ramp ring etc, looking forward to it with it being my first show, just hope we are not served up a dross episode of Raw, but I imagine being there live will make it slightly better whatever is served.

Speaking of Raw, I no longer have Sky for a few months and I'm currently using links provided by WWEZZ but every link is pissing me off as there are adverts constantly like every 5 sodding minutes interrupting, does anyone know of a good site to download Raw or videos with not so many pigging adverts? Would rather avoid going down the torrent route but will do if I have to.

Pretty meh Raw last night, but fuck me, what an incredible match Cena and Cesaro had.

I swear that like 20 of the 30 best matches this year have been Cena matches. Nobody gets a higher match to "this is awesome" chant ratio, nobody even comes close. Not bad for a guy who "can't wrestle". But then, I suppose it's because he gets "carried by good opponents". Every. Single. Time.

I must admit I am not a big John Cena fan of the character and the way he is etc but there is no doubting his wrestling ability. The US Open challenge has brought some brilliant matches which only back this point up. For people to criticise him as a wrestler saying he can not wrestle is just plain stupid.

Oh and Cesaro must get pushed as a babyface, the guys a genius.

 

[T.A]

http://www.desirulez.net/forums/303-Weeklies

If you are using a desktop maybe wise to install adblocker

 

[Renegade]

Anyone watching Tough Enough? This is one of the greatest lines I've ever heard.

Knowledge means...nothing.

 

[Eamonn]

To be honest even I am getting a bit tired at the current product, I didnt even watch this weeks Raw to yesterday and normally I get up at 6 and watch before work on a Tuesday morning. Cena/Owens stuff is good, really enjoyed Cena/Cesaro, Lesnar appearances are good and hell it says a lot when Ryback/Big Show/Miz rivalry is one of the best going I think thats been pretty entertaining but besides that not much else going on, all very predictable and the same.

Reigns/Wyatt is slightly better than I thought it would be but ultimately the same old story either Reigns wins in a very average match as these two have poor chemistry together or Wyatt wins controversially followed by two Reigns redemption wins.

Neville matches are pretty much exactly the same each week, though decent match I guess with Sheamus

Authority has been past its sell by date for a long time now, I dont mind Rollins but these constant tag main events or Kane vs Ambrose, Kane vs Reigns, its boring, the tag matches are so dull and predictable, I can call them pretty much to a tee, face team on top, heels take over, mini face comeback, almost make the tag ahhh no denied, heel team continue to dominate, oh wait face revival can he make the tag? YES, face cleans house, everyone gets involved finishers galore and the ending, like EVERY SINGLE WEEK without fail.

Ziggler/Rusev stuff is mildly entertaining but Lana isnt suited to this role, wish they would just do the big reveal shes actually American and have her speak in her normal accent.

I still watch all promos but I am increasingly fast forwarding through matches as there is little innovation, the lack of character development is alarming and if anything I would increase promo time on the show to get more people over and invested, so much potential but continually wasted.

 

[Saddlerrad]

Pretty much done with WWE myself, not watched Raw for about 6 months. It's still on record through habbit for my brother to watch, but even he hasn't bothered watching it recently. I tend to remove 4 or 5 episodes from sky planner once a month, sadly.

The best thing they have to offer, is the network - mostly because it's got old content.

 

[Who Needs Mourinho]

You know stuff is bad when Eamonn is complaining

 

[Stevencc]

Great match between Cena and Cesaro on Raw last night, I thoroughly enjoyed that.

 

[Libertine]

Much better episode. Good crowd always helps.

 

[mase]

I think if you took Lesnar/Heyman out of it it wouldn't be deemed 'much better' - it's amazing how much those two bring to the show.

That said, yes was more enjoyable, good to see Rusev back now as well. And Owens full-time will be great to watch on the main screen rather than on the network.

 

[T.A]

3 decent segments, otherwise meh.

 

[BigDaveCUFC]

Do you think you guys who are as such nearly finished with WWE its down to the product being awful for a long time or do you think its just your 'getting out of wrestling' ??

I only ask as you do get a period sometime where you drift off from wrestling or whether it was just down to frankly the product being awful and no alternative options.

 

[mase]

Do you think you guys who are as such nearly finished with WWE its down to the product being awful for a long time or do you think its just your 'getting out of wrestling' ??

I only ask as you do get a period sometime where you drift off from wrestling or whether it was just down to frankly the product being awful and no alternative options.

I'm not sure but I know I am very much interested right now and have been for around a year. The network played a massive part in that if I'm being honest. I get so much use out of it and I was so sceptical of it before I signed up. I also think NXT is helping, I can put up with RAW being average with some great spots/matches knowing that NXT is usually pretty damn good.

I did go through a spell of a year or two where I wasn't bothered because it was just so boring though. As it is atm, a few things keep me interested.

 

[Christian Slater]

Cena's career retrospective DVD will be padded with the matches he's had since 'Mania, they've been great. The problem is what is clearly Cena's intention of giving a rub to a few mid-carders hasn't paid off, and that's the fault Vince who has failed to follow up.

 

[Christian Slater]

Do you think you guys who are as such nearly finished with WWE its down to the product being awful for a long time or do you think its just your 'getting out of wrestling' ??

I only ask as you do get a period sometime where you drift off from wrestling or whether it was just down to frankly the product being awful and no alternative options.

I'm disillusioned with WWE at the moment, I still enjoy other wrestling. It's not just the few of us on here either, our gripes are largely shared by the wider IWC.

As I mentioned before, Raw should change its name to Cooked. The show feels micromanaged, angles rarely exist and if they do are often retconned. Nothing feels spontaneous and exciting, things are dragged out to predictable conclusions. Essentially Raw has become a consistent waste of time.

 

[Eamonn]

Cena and Cesaro was awesome yet again, great way to close Raw, the strength of Cesaro is phenomenal. Cena is also bringing it every week, helps that his matches are more back and forth and that he adds new moves all the time now, this has contributed to making him a lot more bearable. Lesnar again was great, the rest was decent I suppose if not expected.

I am enjoying Tough Enough though, glad Daria went from the options, I really like Sara Lee probably because she is really fit but she is really likeable hopefully she can develop in ring now. ZZ is there for entertainment but I hope he goes quite soon as there is no way he will last on the actual wrestling side. Patrick and Tanner are rightfully the 2 favourites as they have been the best so far, I like them both. I really dont like Paige on the show, think shes come across horribly especially when shes only been on the main roster a year. Glad they finally changed the format in having the pleas and a challenge before the voting lines open, as it didnt make much sense before. Tough Talk by Miz is again infinitely better than the main show.

 

[Oaf]

Cena and Cesaro was awesome yet again, great way to close Raw, the strength of Cesaro is phenomenal. Cena is also bringing it every week, helps that his matches are more back and forth and that he adds new moves all the time now, this has contributed to making him a lot more bearable. Lesnar again was great, the rest was decent I suppose if not expected.

I am enjoying Tough Enough though, glad Daria went from the options, I really like Sara Lee probably because she is really fit but she is really likeable hopefully she can develop in ring now. ZZ is there for entertainment but I hope he goes quite soon as there is no way he will last on the actual wrestling side. Patrick and Tanner are rightfully the 2 favourites as they have been the best so far, I like them both. I really dont like Paige on the show, think shes come across horribly especially when shes only been on the main roster a year. Glad they finally changed the format in having the pleas and a challenge before the voting lines open, as it didnt make much sense before. Tough Talk by Miz is again infinitely better than the main show.

I've finally watched the first couple episodes, and this is exactly what I thought. She actually comes across as quite a prick who thinks that she's some kind of role model because she's fucking awesome.

Patrick has to be the guy to win it. Tanner is obviously a talented dude, but again he seems to be a total douche. In fact, I have to say, I think that the majority of the Tough Enough guys come across as complete and utter pricks. Half of them only seem to be there for the whole "reality TV drama" bullshit that I don't care about... few of them seem to be there out of a lifelong dream to be a WWE superstar. I actually think that Trevor, ZZ, the egyptian bloke who's name escapes me and Sara Lee are the only ones among them who I actually think are decent people. Actually, the tall dude is alright too... forgot his name too The one who calls Miz "babe".

 

[NiallQuinnDiscoPants]

Ladies and gentlemen, the bomb known as the divas division has finally been lit.

awesome segment. now WWE, please don't fuck this up.

 

[Christian Slater]

Rusev is the most sympathetic babyface in the company, his booking is so weird yet so good. I'm hoping Summerslam becomes a fatal four way between everyone involved in the US Title picture on this show.

I was skipping the Divas' segment until I saw Steph come out. I routinely skip the women on Raw but that has acted as a catalyst to make me watch. Step one complete.

I'm a bit bored by Rollins on the mic, he's a good talker in that he's fluent but you're going to be when you spiel off heel cliches and plugs every time. I did appreciate the story finally moving on with Kane, especially because Kane's "injury" will hopefully keep him off TV for a while.

Stardust's return was underwhelming, they're going to miss the boat with him again. Neville is rapidly becoming monotonous, everything from the same exact entrance to the same moves in the same meaningless matches.

Obviously skipped through Barrett and Truth and they can get to fuck if they think I'm going to watch Sheamus and Big Show team up. Sheamus is somehow managing to taint the briefcase. They need to get it off him quickly and give it to someone with a crumb of momentum.

Overall this was a very good show.

 

[Hooray]

Cesaro v Rusev v Owens was entertaining as hell. Cesaro is on fire at the moment. Deserves a big win sooner rather than later.

 

[Who Needs Mourinho]

So what happened with the Divas then?

 

[Christian Slater]

So what happened with the Divas then?

They called up Lynch, Charlotte and Banks to the main roster.