High Road/Low Road 06.19.09: RAW: 3 For All
Posted by Chad Nevett on 06.19.2009
A must see show or a waste of 3 hours? That's the debate, come and join in...
Welcome back to the High Road/Low Road!
A brief explanation of the column: Sat takes the High Road (positive view) on angles, gimmicks, and other wrestling related "stuff" while Uncletrunx takes the Low Road (negative view).
Results for Raven and Shane Douglas Back In TNA:
High Road: 38%
Low Road: 19%
Both Roads: 44%
RAW: 3 For All
BEFORE THE SHOW
High Road:
Last year around this time, the WWE had a three hour show on RAW and they decided to go with a King of the Ring tournament. This was a smart move, but the execution was very poor because the matches really did not get any time. I think that the idea of having all three titles defended on one night is a much better idea because if the WWE had decided to go with the King of the Ring tournament, I think we would have seen a repeat of last year.
Low Road:
I preferred the idea of the King of the Ring tournament. We've only just had a pay per view event loaded with title matches, so this show doesn't have that unique feel to it. I'd tune in for a King of the Ring show; this just looks like another reason why the pay per view events are no longer special.
High Road:
One of the things that this show has going for it is the fact that all of the titles are on the line. I cannot recall a TV show having all three titles on the line in one show. I think that it gives the show a pay per view feel with commercials and the WWE deserves credit for doing all they can to get us to tune in.
Low Road:
A minor pay per view with commercials is not that attractive a proposition with the oversaturated market. This show leaves me feeling a bit cold; there's not much on here that makes me feel it is a "must watch" show, especially coming so soon after a PPV event which had the titles on the line.
High Road:
While this RAW 3 for all is a tri-branded show, it is not screwing with the brand extension because we are not going to be seeing wrestlers from different brands competing against each other.
Low Road:
It is screwing with the brand extension in so far as it's loading the show with wrestlers from Smackdown and ECW. I thought that was what Superstars was for? Just a few weeks back, we had the laughable line on Superstars that it was the only show where you could see talent from all three shows. Now even that reason to tune in has gone; they're making Superstars redundant by taking its unique aspect away.
High Road:
The whole WWE title picture has definitely created some interest for this show. We are basically guaranteed that there will be a new WWE champion crowned on RAW (EDIT: After thinking about this, who really knows if we are going to get a new champion on RAW. The WWE has done so many wacky things lately, such as Batista winning the title and CM Punk cashing in, that they might not crown a new champion. They could probably decide to have the championship decided in a scramble match). And I think fans are likely to tune in if they think that there will be a title change and we are guaranteed that.
Low Road:
The title picture is a mess. Once again, the championship is effectively vacant, there's a multi man match to decide the new champion, something I don't usually like and the whole thing feels like decisions are being made on a day to day basis about who should be wearing the belt.
High Road:
One of the things that the WWE can do is have each title match main event each hour. This can help keep viewers from switching the channel and drawing in new viewers who have finished watching another show.
Low Road:
Raw is in such a sorry state. It comes to something when they're having to use the championships of the other brands to make people watch it. Rather than throwing gimmicks like this in, why not concentrate on making the title mean something rather than hotshotting it around, and booking a show worth watching? That, more than using the other brands' championships, would make me want to watch Raw on a regular basis.
AFTER THE SHOW
High Road:
While the main premise of the show was about all three title matches, the main match everybody wanted to see was the WWE Title Match. Because of this, I liked the countdown clock for the WWE Title Match. This told the viewers that they had to make sure to tune it at what time and it also gave some time for people to call their friends and tell them to tune in. I think the WWE should utilize the countdown clock a lot more.
Low Road:
Gimmicks like the countdown clock will not restore importance and prestige to the championship, nor will they make it a "must see" aspect of the show; decent booking will do that rather than gimmicky countdowns and attempted quick fix solutions.
High Road:
I liked having the WWE Title match in the end of the first hour. I thought that they would save it for the main event, but what the WWE did was a smart move. I think what this did was it told the viewers that important things were still going to happen in the show.
Low Road:
Yes. What important things did we get? We got a non wrestling plot twist in Donald Trump "buying" Raw, and the return of the HHH vs Randy Orton feud, in a move which made me groan; doubly disappointing when I thought that they might do something interesting and elevate The Miz, who is rapidly turning into the most improved wrestler of the last five years. Instead, we get more of the same. It just screams "wasted opportunity" to me.
High Road:
The WWE built the show up with the three world title matches, but the thing that made this show interesting for me was the fact that we saw some other interesting stuff happen. I liked the introduction of Trump as the new owner of RAW (a full column on this next week) and I also liked a battle royal to determine the new number one contender.
Low Road:
However, we didn't get a "new" number one contender, we got the same one as we've had for ten years. The Trump angle was horrible, and once again a non wrestling angle is the main focus of the show. I struggle to put into words how horrible I found this, and now we can look forward to a whole load of Donald Trump promos where people get fired. Joy.
High Road:
I was expecting some pretty average matches and that was generally the case. I was surprised with the quality of the WWE Title Match though. This was a fast paced match and way better than I expected. I think all four guys deserve a ton of credit for making the match interesting.
Low Road:
It was a far better match than I thought it would be, but it ultimately still leaves us with the same thing we've been watching for a long time. Over on Smackdown, there is an interesting story building around the title with Punk treading the line between face and heel nicely and creating fresh stories and matches; on Raw, by contrast, we have yet more HHH vs Orton. They can't prop themselves up with the other brands every week, and Trump is not going to save things. It doesn't look good for the future.
Simply write "High Road", "Low Road", or "Both Roads" in the comment section.
E-Mails:
These are all of the e-mails that we received this week. We do not respond to the actual e-mail, but the reply to your e-mail will be below.
Sat: Only emails this week were from people who were voting.
Comments:
Below are the comments for last week's columns and our responses. Every comment will not be included because it makes our lives a lot easier. The comments section was last looked at on Tuesday Afternoon Pacific Time.
Rey Writes:
i was a huge franchise fan. he brought a raw intensity in the ring and on the mic. i was never too fond of raven. he did have the most unique character in ecw, wcw, and the wwf. he invented it, cultivated it, molded it.
it is good to see both on tv again. however, neither can go in the ring. wrestling should always revolve around what happens in the ring. if two cant do that- WHAT'S THE POINT?
Sat: We don't know what they can do in the ring, so let's hold out and see what they do for a few matches.
Uncletrunx: I agree that the in ring product should be the focus. I still feel that Raven has something to offer in terms of his presence in TNA, and if Shane Douglas is there to put people over on a short term basis, it could still work out.
Jimbob Jones Wirtes:
As a long-time TNA fan, I'll have to go "High Road, with a 'but'"
I'm happy to see them both back, and can deal with them wrestling at Slammiversary (because of the whole "anniversary" thing they're doing) BUT, I don't want to see them in the ring afterwards.
I would love to see them both in some sort of managerial capacity, though. I don't know why no fed (that I can remember) has really done a faction warfare-type scenario where the groups were led by non-wrestling "legends".
Sure, ROH touched on it briefly with Foley and Steamboat (in the hardcore vs non-hardcore thing a few years back), but it would be interesting to see it worked in a more consistent way...
Maybe have Douglas or Raven lead a group of heel(?) "hardcore" wrestlers.
Foley lead a group of insane guys
Sting lead a group of good wrestlers who aren't great on the mic
Something like that, letting the wrestlers shine (and the young wrestlers to hold the belts and get over, not the old broken down ones).
Sat: I would say that Douglas should not wrestle after Slammiversary. As for Raven, he can stay because I have inside information that Raven is much improved in the ring.
Uncletrunx: A faction led by Raven would undoubtedly be a winner, not only for the viewers but for those involved. Working with Raven can only be of benefit to those he is mentoring; if they pick up a fraction of his knowledge around character building and psychology, it will help any up and coming talent improve in great leaps.
KanyonKreist Writes:
Mark me down for Both Roads on this one.
One one hand we've got Raven. Raven, despite his limited mobility, is still an extremely interesting character to me, and therefore can make TNA's show more interesting. I actually watched Impact two weeks ago specifically to see 1) his return and 2) Victoria's debut. I know I'm not the only one.
Then there's Shane Douglas. While I was an ENORMOUS fan of the Franchise in his prime - specifically between 1993 and 1999 - the guy, in terms of athleticism, was washed up five years ago. That's why, the last time he was in TNA, he was interviewing people backstage for TWO YEARS. I wouldn't have made this call prematurely, but I saw his match on Impact. The guy has a FARMER'S TAN. He had to wrestle with a t-shirt on. A t-shirt which became saturated with perspiration within four minutes of the opening bell. He looked like Jake Roberts, to tell you the truth. And while I'm a fan of both Douglas and Roberts' work, I don't think either of them should be holding a roster spot on a nationally televised wrestling show in 2009.
Sat: The thing with Douglas is that he should be motivated to do a good job.
Uncletrunx: I have to say, I think the Douglas deal has to be a short term thing.
The Gold Standard Writes:
Raven:High Road.The guy is awesome and is one of the acceptions i dont mind wrestling in TNA is over 40.
Shane Douglas:Low Road.Never been a fan of him.Also don't like the fact hes feuding with Daniels when Daniels could be doing other things like moving in the main event. Besides a belly to belly suplex as a finisher=FAIL
Sat: I would agree that Daniels could be doing something better, but if Daniels win then I have no problem.
Uncletrunx: A short term feud with Daniels winning it could be a positive. I must admit to being a huge Raven fan and being extremely excited to see him back in TNA. He's one of the few names that made me sit up and take notice when I heard he'd come back. Judging by these comments it's a common reaction, and I think it shows that he still has a lot to offer wrestling.
Michael Writes:
Yeah... it's sad seeeing The Franchise in 2009 looking the way he does. Especially when comparing him to when he was in his prime. It'd be one thing if he could still go but it doesn't look like it. I think he was only brought back because of the Slammiversary pay per view. Hopefully Raven stays longer because he fits in well with Dr. Stevie and Daffney.
Sat: I don't really mind Douglas' look because there are so many other in TNA that look bad too.
Uncletrunx: Dr Stevie, Raven and Daffney could make TNA a must watch show for me. Given how indifferent I've been towards TNA for quite a long time, that's a big change.
The Great Captain Smooth Writes:
Both Roads. Low, because there is no real point and they are past their prime. High, because it is nice to see somebody get that chance for a comeback and they could help out some of the younger guys. I don't have high hopes, but I am pulling for them.
Sat: I think if they put over some guys then it will be worth it for them to come back.
Uncletrunx: Douglas is basically "enhancement talent" now, but he can be useful in that role. Raven could be great from a character standpoint.
Orlando Writes:
High Road. I think the association with Raven/Stevie is to help bring up both Abyss and Daffney.
As for Douglas, since this is a one shot deal to help Daniels win a minor feud so he can get more credibility in the eyes of the casual fan before going after the bigger stars.
Slowly but surely you can see TNA is finally beginning to set up their homegrown stars for bigger things beginning with Slammiversary.
Sat: I think Raven and Stevie have a ton of potential and I hope TNA keeps them together for awhile.
Uncletrunx: As do I. As I wrote above, I think it will do wonders for any of the TNA homegrown stars they work with.
Guest#0551 Writes:
Sure Raven is supposed to have one of the best wrestling minds. Cornette is supposed to have one of the best in the business too, but what has that gotten the TNA?
The booking still doesn't make sense and nobody has been able to harness the useful parts of Russo without getting the confounding parts of Russo.
There has been an increase in ratings, but that seems to be tied with Foley. Foley hasn't used his popularity to really get over the younger talent. Based on his age and the shape he is in, there ratings may be set to take a dip if he gets injured.
Without using any of these resources for long term growth, the high road for anything TNA is limited.
Having said that, concluding the MEM storyline in a way that gets TNA talent over and using the new signees well would get a High Road.
Sat: Honestly, you make a good point. Cornette has been nullified, so most likely Raven would have been too.
Uncletrunx: Even if he's not able to have a huge input into the booking, Raven's knowledge of character, promo work and psychology is an asset to the TNA locker room. If the homegrown stars pick his brains while the opportunity is there, it will be a positive thing for their careers, and for TNA in the long term.
Iron Knee Writes:
Qualified High Road:
So long as TNA uses both men primarily as mouthpieces for younger, better wrestlers, it ought to work out fine. Douglas, especially, would be an excellent manager for a young team/stable.
Sat: Douglas' last run as manager with the Naturals did not end well. We'll see how it works out this time.
Uncletrunx: I see Raven as the better manager / mouthpiece. However, both men could work out in that role.
Your reasons for taking the High Road, Low Road, or Both Roads and suggestions for future High Road/Low Road are welcome at satuncletrunx@gmail.com or in the comment section. Your reply will be included in next week's column.
What's Night of Champions for exactly if you're going to throw away four title matches in an edition of Raw anyway??
Posted By: Mark (Guest) on June 19, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Low road, low road, low road. When I fall asleep in my chair because Raw is just THAT boring, then there's a problem.
And even though I recorded it, I still couldn't watch the rest of it.
Posted By: luna (Guest) on June 19, 2009 at 11:17 AM
low road. donald trump and hhh are not the solution to fixing a show that's been stagnant for months.
Posted By: hornswoggle fan (Guest) on June 19, 2009 at 11:42 AM
Low Road
Posted By: BPN (Guest) on June 19, 2009 at 12:34 PM
Low Road.I say this because they didnt use this 3 hour Raw to have a King of the Ring tournament to crown a number 1 contender which i would have preferred.Instead we were giving a battle royal consisting of people who had already competed in the wwe title match ealier in the night with the predictable outcome.Triple H vs Orton is so tired knowing no one gains anything from the feud other than Triple H title reign of conquer or Orton barely defeated the odds and suffering more of the H burial.
Posted By: The Gold Standard (Guest) on June 19, 2009 at 01:21 PM
Low Road,what a letdown;it was 1 thorwaway match(ECW title),1 good match(World),and a match where the results will be negated(WWE).The Trump agnle is retarded( cause Trump can't read lines) and KOTR at least gives someone a boost for at least a night,didn't Regal make a IC title run out of his win?
Posted By: Str8EdgeCoop (Guest) on June 19, 2009 at 01:24 PM
I'm gonna take the high road because you gotta try new things. We all bitch when the don't then bitch when they do. I will go ahead and say that a three hour wrestling show on TV with no real build to it is no big deal. I willsay it is not an unprecedented things. Those of us old enough to have enjoyed the first few years of CLASH OF THE CHAMPIONS will remember tha tthose generally went off well and were promoted as a big deal. I actually found them to be better than most pay per views I watched. I like big shows but I'm all for a pretty good match from everybody over forcing importance to things that aren't. I am not even alwya in favor of a feud. I'd like to see Evan Bourne go at like...Charlie Haas cuz I think they have enough talent to make it worth a damn. High road if they are gonna do it they should do one every quarter(or at least sweeps time) and make a big deal of it. And then cancel a PPV. I know it is a good revenue stream but I am sure the cost of putting it on can be offset elsewhere with a decently promoted TV event. Like...why not make a big deal on free TV?
Posted By: THE GET SOME KID (Guest) on June 19, 2009 at 01:28 PM
It was interesting that there was an IC title match, but no US or Tag title match. You can argue the history of the IC vs US title, but the fact is that the US title is the secondary title men's title of RAW. This made it look like the WWE doesn't think much at all of RAW's chances of putting on a good mid-card match. It shows how little they value the Tag and US titles.
If you think that little of the booking and talent on your flagship show, it is time to reassess the whole plan, from booking to roster.
Posted By: Guest#4981 (Guest) on June 19, 2009 at 02:18 PM
Both Roads, leaning high. Low, because almost nothing really changed, except for Trump and that's not an automatic win. I will give it a chance. (A quick note: I have heard some rumblings that Batista will be named GM of RAW. He has accepted that he will not be able to go on much longer and this will be a way for him to stay involved. Perhaps Trump could name him the GM?) High, because we got some good matches, a midget got blast in the nuts, and when it all comes down to it, I enjoyed myself.
Posted By: The Great Capt. Smooth (Guest) on June 19, 2009 at 04:51 PM
hi guys..i will disagree with alot of people on the hhh vs orton topic..i think hhh vs orton is giving orton that kind of push that not many have gotten from hhh..i feel that ortons in ring skills and moves..even the way he walks with his focus..is just like his former master triple h..i think the way he is taking out ppl n making the groups..its just how triple h was..orton is gaining alot from fueding and taking the title off hhh again n again..i think wwe did the best thing by having an evolution fued..its sad to see batista go out..coz with flair around as well we were gonna see something special..right now orton needs the push by defeating hhh n then totally take the torch..his run in 2009 has been his best..and he has become a heel who will be a force in the future years for wwe..all hes gaining from hhh is fabulous..and the fued is just about as perfect as it can be..i dont see it crossing the bash..coz orton will burry cena soon..cant wait..guys like hhh n orton should have a hell in a cell soon..i mean i cant wait for their rivalry to reach that end..i think thats a plan by wwe..coz they have used every other match..however when it comes to the game..he settles his scores in a hell in a cell..
mvp is a solid performer..wwe needs to change his get up and style before he ever embraces the wwe title..his music too..mvp doesnt need to be put over..his ring psychology is pretty rock solid..the way he moves in the ring it shows he knows the ring..unlike guys like superman cena and dave roidista the 'delicate' animal..mvp needs a wrestler to take him up there..someone like hhh or hbk..like they did with hardy..but hardy has had a couple of legendary title matches..and the worst wwe and world title runs in wwe history..the most meaningless title reigns..with no defense..anyway..or i can see mvp beating orton..and becoming that new face wwe really needs..with proper in ring ability as well..
somehow i know every one feels bad about jeff not keeping the title..well its because wwe knows his third suspension and termination is just around the corner..and it would be a disgrace to have jeff drop the belt again via drugs..jeff is one of the best superstars of today..he should behave more responsible towards the fans he claims he loves..coz the kinds of things he tries and does..drugs of anykind can even take his life..
i cant wait for hbk's retrn..it should bring life to raw
Posted By: sid (Guest) on June 19, 2009 at 04:53 PM
You've just made me think..
how many times has Batista had to vacate the title due to injury?
I'm sure its around 2 or 3 times now.
Posted By: SirCrudNoodles (Guest) on June 19, 2009 at 07:41 PM
Vince: Congratulations Paul, you can finally have that three hour promo you always wanted.
Triple H: Thanks Vince, you're the best.
Vince: Anything for you Paul, anything for you. Hey, do you maybe want to take a few seconds to pin Orton?
Triple H: Only if I can win the title while doing it.
Posted By: Low Road (Guest) on June 20, 2009 at 02:17 PM
I gotta go Low Road. Even with the title matches, this felt like just another RAW episode. Couldn't they have put the title on someone else besides Orton? It makes him losing it in the first place feel redundant. The only things that stood out were the Edge/Vicki and Donald Trump segments.
Posted By: JLAJRC (Guest) on June 20, 2009 at 07:00 PM
"Vince: Congratulations Paul, you can finally have that three hour promo you always wanted.
Triple H: Thanks Vince, you're the best.
Vince: Anything for you Paul, anything for you. Hey, do you maybe want to take a few seconds to pin Orton?
Triple H: Only if I can win the title while doing it."
That joke should have been:
Vince: Congratulations Paul, you can finally have that uninterrupted two hour promo you always wanted.
Triple H: Thanks Vince, you're the best.
Vince: Anything for you Paul, anything for you. Hey, do you maybe want to take a few seconds to pin Orton?
Triple H: Only if I can win the title while doing it.
But whatever. I barely carer about RAW these days.
Posted By: Low Road (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 07:46 AM
Clearly don't care enough about RAW to even check which RAW you're talking about lol. Still...
Posted By: Low Road (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 01:33 PM
High Road for the Smackdown matches and the midget getting it in the balls. Low Road for the same old same old title picture and the return of Trump. In total, Both Roads.
Posted By: 17 (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 02:19 PM
Copyright � 2011 411mania.com, LLC. All rights reserved.
Click here for our privacy policy. Please help us serve you better, fill out our survey.
Use of this site signifies your agreement to our terms of use.
