411's Instant Analysis 01.30.12: Monday Night Raw
Posted by Chad Nevett on 01.30.2012
What did we think of John Laurinaitis's performance review, the two world champions squaring off for the first time against one another, Randy Orton versus Dolph Ziggler and more? Check out 411's RAW Instant Analysis to find out!
Welcome to this week's Instant Analysis of Monday Night Raw. I'm your humble reviewer, Chad Nevett and Sheamus is this year's Royal Rumble winner. Not a bad choice. I've really liked Sheamus since the fall of 2010 and he's only gotten better over the course of 2011. I wonder what they'll do next with him. Maybe we'll see tonight. And what of the man apparently meant to win the Rumble originally, Chris Jericho? He's supposed to speak tonight. I bet it will be good. Let's get to it...
SEGMENT ONE: A WWE Refresher Course
If you haven't been watching wrestling lately, this segment must have been great. Everyone involved took every opportunity to remind of the same things over and over again: John Laurinaitis may be fired, CM Punk is the WWE Champion, Daniel Bryan is the World Heavyweight Champion, and Sheamus won the Royal Rumble. Some of those tidbits of information got more play than others. By the end of this segment, I was wishing that something would happen. Daniel Bryan's arrogance was entertaining and Sheamus's bit at the end was funny. The rest was tedious.
Rating: 5.0 out of 10
SEGMENT TWO: Randy Orton vs. Dolph Ziggler Match Result: Randy Orton pinned Dolph Ziggler Match Length: A little over ten minutes
Pretty much what you'd expect from these two, but with the added tedium of Michael Cole giving questions to Josh Matthews to ask Wade Barrett and, then, Josh Matthews asking those questions of Wade Barrett. All we needed was to hear Vince McMahon telling Michael Cole what questions he's supposed to tell Josh Matthews to ask Wade Barrett before Michael Cole told Josh Matthews what questions to ask Wade Barrett before Josh Matthews asked Wade Barrett the questions. Thankfully, they cut that out after the commercial break and we could just enjoy Randy Orton and Dolph Ziggler being great wrestlers. The only way to watch this show is on mute.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
SEGMENT THREE: Your Weekly Dose of the Funkasaurus Match Result: You don't know? Match Length: Not long
The only real variation in this match was Tyler Reks taking Brodus Clay off his feet until Clay stood up, yelled "Shee!" and killed him. Dance, big man, dance. Also, in the mini-segment before this, William Regal stole the show, because he is goddamn awesome.
Rating: 7.0 out of 10
SEGMENT FOUR: CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan Match Result: Daniel Bryan won via DQ Match Length: Almost 14 and a half minutes
Two indie darlings, now world champions in the WWE, facing off? Hot damn. Both men brought it. Bryan worked Punk's left arm, while Punk showed some personality during the match by proclaiming himself the best wrestler in the world at least once. Punk switching arms was a smart moment -- and even Cole noticed. Honestly, my taste runs more towards the Orton/Ziggler match from earlier tonight. Part of the problem was that Chris Jericho coming down wasn't a huge surprise given the need for a non-clean finish and a problem between Jericho and Punk to begin. It was the easiest (and, probably, best) solution. Bryan's post-match celebration was entertaining. I just had the feeling that we saw the first third of a great match here...
Rating: 8.0 out of 10
SEGMENT FIVE: The Miz vs. Kofi Kingston Match Result: Kofi Kingston pinned the Miz Match Length: A little over four minutes
When did Kofi Kingston become the Riddler? Why are there black question marks on his green tights and boots? What the hell? This was a decent match -- a solid effort by both men. Nothing stood out as amazing; just your standard four minute match. R-Truth on commentary was entertaining, especially when he'd say the odd thing to Little Jimmy.
Rating: 6.0 out of 10
SEGMENT SIX: WWE Divas Championship Match - Beth Phoenix (C) vs. Eve Match Result: Beth Phoenix pinned Eve Match Length: 30 seconds
Eve throws a violent hissyfit on Beth Phoenix. Beth Phoenix kills Eve and wins. Then, it became the Kane/John Cena show. They brawled, Cena got the upperhand and beat the crap out of Kane. He embraced the hate, which means Kane got the moral victory, I guess. Sure, we need to ignore all of the times in the past where Cena beat up an opponent for this to make any sense, but... Nope, I've got nothing. This was bad.
Rating: 4.0 out of 10
SEGMENT SEVEN: John Laurinaitis's Performance Review
The performance review was an entertaining bit of business, mostly because Triple H was having such obvious fun with his role in it. Trips does hammy comedy well and his constant mood of bemusement helped keep this light. Laurinaitis's attempts at sucking up were all pathetic and Triple H was obviously toying with him. The apology to the fans was probably one of the more sincere forced apologies we've seen in the WWE -- but, that's hard to tell given how everything Laurinaitis says is delivered with the same tone. When Triple H finally looked to end things (after a slightly worrying tease of the Triple H Kiss My Ass Club), the Undertaker finally returned to deliver a wordless challenge to Triple H for a match at WrestleMania and Triple H responded by... patting the Undertaker on the shoulder sympathetically. Now, I may be the only person besides Triple H and the Undertaker who thinks another match between them is a good idea -- basically, since it will be the Undertaker's 20th victory, they need someone whose career won't be defined by being #20 in the Streak, which would be the case for a lot of younger guys. Personally, I'd prefer Kane just because, but Triple H works for me.
Overall, an entertaining segment. Laurinaitis's position is technically left in the air, but I imagine that will be rectified next week or online this week. That tease for a WrestleMania match was strange. Was Triple H blowing the Undertaker off or simply showing that he's not afraid? I guess we'll see.
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
FINAL THOUGHTS
Segment of the Night: Randy Orton vs. Dolph Ziggler
Trash Segment of the Night: The Divas Title Match/John Cena Brawls with Kane
Final Analysis: A decent episode. Two strong matches and a good final segment were the highlights of the show. When it doubt, just let people wrestle seems to be the motto of the night. William Regal's attic line was brilliant. The opening segment was a little tedious and the Kingston/Miz match was fairly average. The only thing that I thought was bad was the Divas match followed by the Cena/Kane stuff. But, that's been the weakest part of Raw for weeks now. Nothing new there. All in all, an enjoyable, entertaining episode, I thought.
Verdict: 7.0
411 RATINGS SCALE:
0 - 0.9: Torture
1 - 1.9: Extremely Horrendous
2 - 2.9: Very Bad
3 - 3.9: Bad
4 - 4.9: Poor
5 - 5.9: Not So Good
6 - 6.9: Average
7 - 7.9: Good
8 - 8.9: Very Good
9 - 9.9: Amazing
10: Virtually Perfect
Raw gave us two damn good matches, some teases of some nice feuds, and a genuine surprise. Now if they could only do this week in week out. Yes, I'm greedy.
Posted By: gpjunk (Guest) on January 30, 2012 at 11:42 PM
You rated Randy Orton vs. Dolph Ziggler higher than Punk vs. Bryan? Pretty interesting. Personally I feel the Orton match was hindered by the presence of Barret than Jericho hindering the Punk match.
Plus Orton bores me to death.
Posted By: Guest#7325 (Guest) on January 30, 2012 at 11:44 PM
you were too hard on this episode. this episode should have got a 10 out of 10..
Posted By: Guest#9349 (Guest) on January 30, 2012 at 11:44 PM
bullshit...this was the best raw in WEEKS. a strong and high 8 I think this deserves. TWO great matches, great build up for the elimination chamber, some great video packages highlighting tyson and the rock, and two very strong hints towards the direction of two major programs at wrestlemania 28. Stop being pedantic.
Posted By: Guest#9561 (Guest) on January 30, 2012 at 11:44 PM
i am from miami and a commercial said that the rock will be on raw in miami the day after WM.
Posted By: Guest#7225 (Guest) on January 30, 2012 at 11:44 PM
WM28 will do record buys. and i heard the rock will be at the raw after WM. but i doubt rock will beat cena at wm. good thing rock vs cena isn't for the WWE title tho. i think cena turns heel and beats the rock at WM. and HHH vs Taker with HBK as ref for WM28.
Posted By: TheSurge (Guest) on January 30, 2012 at 11:45 PM
Punk/Bryan deserved a 9.5
Posted By: Bill (Guest) on January 30, 2012 at 11:47 PM
it was much better than 7 maybe a 9
Posted By: Guest#9570 (Guest) on January 30, 2012 at 11:50 PM
The Phenom is back!!!! The road to Wrestlemania is now complete. It just wouldn't be Wrestlemania without The Undertaker! 20-0!
Posted By: I Mark For Undertaker! (Guest) on January 30, 2012 at 11:52 PM
Severely underrated in my view. Orton/Ziggler and Bryan/Punk make this one of the better episodes I can remember in quite some time.
Posted By: RCAM (Guest) on January 30, 2012 at 11:53 PM
A number of weeks ago Triple H mentioned how he ended the Undertaker's career at the last WrestleMania. I interpret his pat on the shoulder meaning that he doesn't think Taker has anything left, so there's no reason to face him this year.
Posted By: Guest#3245 (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 12:02 AM
Orton/Ziggler, Bryan/Punk, and in the age of internet spoilers a GENUINE surprise return of 'Taker commands only a 7???
I don't think I've seen a show rated higher than 7.5 come to think of it. I think this reviewer's enjoyment of this product is dead and needs to be replaced...
Posted By: Broken Grading Curve (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 12:07 AM
Ziggler/Orton better than Dragon/Punk? #areyouseriousbro!
Posted By: wholeFNchan (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 12:07 AM
taker v hhh part 3? please no.
Posted By: Guest#7642 (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 12:09 AM
Didn't think the ending was that strange. Triple H just got done saying the board sees he is past his personal issues, so he wanted to show that that he doesn't care about the Taker match anymore. Simple.
Posted By: Jimjoebob (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 12:10 AM
was Taker wearing a wig?
Posted By: Guest#5524 (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 12:14 AM
nice jericho heel turn.
Posted By: Guest#1873 (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 12:19 AM
I'm guessing they are going to completely abandon Jericho's "End Of The World" gimmick and just move on to his "Best In The World" feud with CM Punk like all of those weird promos never happened.
It's a shame, I would have liked to have seen where they were going with all that, but I don't think the fans responded like they were supposed to. I guess this is just another Nexus / Summer of Punk deal - an interesting angle that unfortunately goes nowhere.
Mark my words, by summer Jericho will be back to where he always ends up - competing for secondary titles and putting over FCW grads.
Posted By: The TradeMark Experience (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 12:24 AM
No disrespect Chad, I tend to generally agree with Raw scores but you really over-rated this weeks show in some areas.
I agree with the opening segment score, the Ziggler/Orton match was good for a TV match but not an 8.5 more like a 7. The Funkasaurus segment is a non-rating, send that shitty gimmick back to 1993 where it belongs! Spot on with the Bryan/Punk score, awesome stuff right there but the show went off a cliff in the 2nd hour.
Miz/Kingston was ok, not great but I'd agree with a 6.0, a 2.0 for the Divas squash, outside of Beth, Nattie & Tamina there isn't a girl on the roster who's got a clue in the ring & I couldn't care less about Cena or Kane.
Final segment was boring as fuck! It dragged on forever, Laurenitis has the charisma of a week old turd, HHH hams it up too much and we've seen HHH/Taker on & off for 15 years. I just don't care any more & lost interest after a few minutes, I'd give it a 5.5 at best.
Overall a really good 1st hour but below average 2nd, I'd give the show a 5.5 - 6.0
Posted By: Scottish_Dave (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 12:41 AM
Wtf was up with Undertaker's costume wig?
Posted By: BlueOyster (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 12:42 AM
Regal is the show. He needs a fuckin sitcom or something.
Posted By: digger (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 12:54 AM
Old people, please stay in the past
Posted By: @ScottOTD (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 01:03 AM
I think the point of HHH's action was to show that he wasn't interested. Before Taker came out HHH said he had put his personal issues behind him, and that would include Taker.
I think the build for HHH Taker 2 will be similar to HBK vs Taker 2. HHH will insist he doesn't want the match and that he wants to focus on running the company, while Taker will try to goad him into accepting.
Posted By: Justin (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 01:07 AM
Didn't think the ending was that strange. Triple H just got done saying the board sees he is past his personal issues, so he wanted to show that that he doesn't care about the Taker match anymore. Simple.
Posted By: Jimjoebob (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 12:10 AM
Right? What's the confusion?
Posted By: Hmm (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 01:17 AM
really a 7? i'm sorry i never usually bitch about people's reviews on this site, but even i think that's low. Ziggler/orton and punk/bryan was enough to warrant an 8 imo. Add in taker's return, kickstart of the road to wrestlemania and you got a pretty good show. 7 is too low
Posted By: rb (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 02:02 AM
I like Chad as a reviewer but, honestly, if you thought this episode was only a 7.5 then maybe you need to take a break for a while. This was the best Raw in a long, long time. Completely, entertaining from start to finish. Two awesome TV matches and the return of Triple H and Taker. Even the Cena stuff was good this week.
My point is that this was as good as an episode of Raw is probably to get in this era. If you didn't like it maybe you're burnt out or something.
Posted By: Guest#0325 (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 02:07 AM
Ziggler/Orton better than Dragon/Punk? #areyouseriousbro!
Posted By: wholeFNchan (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 12:07 AM
A person on the internet complaining because someone else has an opinion? #areyouseriousbro!
Posted By: Guest#0275 (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 02:21 AM
Punk/Bryan deserved a 9/10.
Posted By: TK03000 (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 02:36 AM
bullshit...this was the best raw in WEEKS. a strong and high 8 I think this deserves. TWO great matches, great build up for the elimination chamber, some great video packages highlighting tyson and the rock, and two very strong hints towards the direction of two major programs at wrestlemania 28. Stop being pedantic.
Posted By: Guest#9561 (Guest) on January 30, 2012 at 11:44 PM
Agreed. Hell, it's only January, but I think Punk vs. Bryan is already a MOTY candidate.
Posted By: Truth Hurts (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 03:05 AM
This RAW is perfectly reviewed. Just because you've been eating shit cereal for weeks doesn't mean you should get too big a boner when they feed you stale bread.
Posted By: Just "Joe" (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 04:00 AM
Alright, let's clear this up. Undertaker has short hair. There's a few pictures around the Internet and he doesn't have long hair.
Why they feel he needs to come back with a wig? I don't know. It's not like he's Masked Kane where the hair was an established part of his persona. But anyway, yeah, he's wearing a wig.
Posted By: Guest#3185 (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 04:07 AM
Yeah, I can't care about Taker/HHH. Respect for sure, but I don't need it.
Posted By: Guest#8016 (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 06:51 AM
This is ridiculous. People complaining about a grade? Look at the scale, a 7 is GOOD. In the recap he liked what everyone else liked. Plus the last hour was weak besides the performance review.
Posted By: Wow (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 07:29 AM
As I announced in my post last week...Taker would return if HHH surfaced this monday, and I was right! Punk vs Y2j has BEGUN! Screw SUPER CENA!! And where is Kharma last night DAmmmit..thats the only reason i watched last night other than I knew Taker was returning!!!
Posted By: Rodriquez (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 08:31 AM
"Punk/Bryan deserved a 9/10."
Posted By: TK03000 (Guest)
Fixed.
Posted By: 007 (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 08:43 AM
no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!!!!
please, please, please, please, please, NO HHH VS TAKER AT WM!!! don't need to see another debacle that the iwc claim to be the MOTY like they did last year!!!
Posted By: quilombo (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 08:55 AM
Anyone else see the irony in HHH accusing someone of trying to make their star at the expense of others? Or the fact that compared to Vinnie Mac and most of the other heel GMs Johnny Ace has actually been pretty fair? The thing that bugs me about the handling of his character is he doesnt really do anything to make you hate em. Hes just kinda dorky. So it makes guys like Punk and HHH look like bullies.
I get the exchange between HHH and Undertaker. It just looked a little weird to see someone patting Undertaker on the shoulder. Like theyre old buddies or something. Doesnt really fit w/ his character.
Posted By: Mark of Excellence (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 08:59 AM
7.5? Punk/Bryan worse than orton/ziggler? Chad, cmon what more do you want?
Posted By: sweet lou (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 09:01 AM
Near the end of the final segment, after the pat on the shoulder, Taker looked up at the Wrestlemania and it looked like he had tears in his eyes.
Wonder if he is A) sick or B) not medically cleared to compete this year or ever again
There was just something off-putting about the exchange, not to mention that wig made him look like a jacked up Michael Jackson
But I could just be reading too much into this
Posted By: Sabby (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 09:52 AM
"When did Kofi Kingston become the Riddler?"
He's a huge nerd. You never noticed his stormtrooper, Stay Puft Marshmellow Man, Slimer or Robin gear?
Posted By: Hawkeye (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 10:33 AM
Anyone else see the irony in HHH accusing someone of trying to make their star at the expense of others? Or the fact that compared to Vinnie Mac and most of the other heel GMs Johnny Ace has actually been pretty fair? The thing that bugs me about the handling of his character is he doesnt really do anything to make you hate em. Hes just kinda dorky. So it makes guys like Punk and HHH look like bullies.
- I agree with this 100%. Ace's outburst from a few weeks ago seemed reasonable; why shouldn't he stand up for himself? His complaints about being bullied and disrespected are justified. Everyone insults him to his face. If this were the real world, he'd be justified in canning Eve, Punk, etc. What has he done to breed such contempt? I feel sorry for him.
He's like a school teacher who has an unruly class of students and is unable to keep their behavioural issues in check. He raises his voice at one of them once, the kiddies complain to the Principal (HHH), and his professionalism is called into question, leading to his possible suspension. Maybe he lacks the charisma necessary to motivate them (or appear on WWE TV, a valid complaint,)but he has hardly abused his power.
You mentioned that Ace has been fair compared to heel GMs; I'd argue that he has also been more reasonable than some face authority figures.
Comissioner Foley was always sticking it to Angle, Edge and Christian, hamming it up in front of the crowd and getting cheap pops (God bless him).
You want to talk about self-promotion? Look no further than Teddy Long. Not only is he a centerpiece of Smackdown, he's frequently appeared on Raw to make impromptu matches and throw his weight around. Moreover, Long's degree of professionalism is far more questionable. He's had a long-running personal grudge with Drew Mcintyre.
Sure, he hired him back after getting rid of him once, but the basis of Long's current beef with Mcintyre stems from "paying too much" for him, a blunder on his part. Long is an ineffective leader: He's threatened to fire McIntyre on multiple occasions, and has yet to follow up on his promises. He hasn't tried to motivate Mcintyre in any way short of threats.
Most appallingly, Long has had "relations" with several Divas who have openly manipulated him. Sure, Long's ability to lead has been called into question (by way of Christian), but HE still has his job.
I guess that the long and short of it is... WWE's on-screen management has made a tradition of self promotion and incompetence. Though he may be insincere, Ace has been one of the least self-serving authority figures they've had!
Posted By: Jive Soul Bro (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 11:46 AM
I really hope this is the last WM for Taker. Can't see him anymore.
Posted By: ermacermac (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 11:50 AM
Punk Bryan was easily better than Orton/Ziggler finish or not. Orton repating his "I do two closelines duck your closelins and do a power slam" spot after Dolph had already countered it earlier was embarrassing. I can't beleive people think Randy Orton is a good wrestler.
Posted By: Guest#0973 (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 12:28 PM
Punk Bryan was easily better than Orton/Ziggler finish or not. Orton repating his "I do two closelines duck your closelins and do a power slam" spot after Dolph had already countered it earlier was embarrassing. I can't beleive people think Randy Orton is a good wrestler.
Posted By: Guest#0973 (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 12:28 PM
What a surprise, someone on the internet can't believe that other people have opinions..
Posted By: Guest#1181 (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 02:47 PM
"Punk Bryan was easily better than Orton/Ziggler finish or not. Orton repating his "I do two closelines duck your closelins and do a power slam" spot after Dolph had already countered it earlier was embarrassing. I can't beleive people think Randy Orton is a good wrestler."
This is easily the most accurate, intelligent, and articulate statement to appear on this site since the 411wrestling days.
Posted By: Sharpshooter (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 03:00 PM
Punk-Daniels was awesome. Those two in the ring and then Jericho gets involved? It's smark heaven.
I'm shocked to say it but tonight Bryan was acrtually better on the mic than Punk. He reminds me of Angle when he first debuted in that he's a really lucky, obnoxious dork who overinflates his own importance. Finally showing some charisma. Punk is heading into Cena terriotory, in that his jokes are getting cheesy and his taunting of Laurinitus is somewhat repetitive.
The suprise at the end was cool but it makes no sense...UT refused a match with Shawn since he won and had nothing left to prove, so why would he come after Hunter this time? HHH seems like h'll not do the rematch at first since he's the COO and trying to b e businesslike but he'll probably get goaded into it.
Posted By: Guest#8787 (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 03:11 PM
If TNA gave away 14 minutes of Angle vs Aries on free TV everybody would be shitting on them. IWC = Hypocrites.
Posted By: Pooflake (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 03:52 PM
wow, some of these ratings are bad!
ok, so, i hate the miz, never liked him, but... why the hell is that usless fat fuck brotus clay getting a 7 for a dumb squash match but miz/kofi gets a 6 for a decent match?
hell bryan & punk easily had the best match of the night but your ratings dont show that...
quit being a fanboy, and overrating your favorites and rate every thing for what it is!
anyway...
im a tna fan & i though this raw was actually really good!
best ive seen in a long time...
i actually think raw was alot better than the poor rumble ppv...
i feel bad for anyone that paid for the garbage rumble...
$50 for average wrestling and bad comedy, while the sane people just watch raw for free, and we get great wrestling and a overall entertaining show!
Posted By: Guest#6282 (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 05:04 PM
If TNA gave away 14 minutes of Angle vs Aries on free TV everybody would be shitting on them. IWC = Hypocrites.
Posted By: Pooflake (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 03:52 PM
I'd love to see Aries and Angle wrestle for 15 mins on iMPACT. I don't watch TNA regularly but I'd definitely tune in to see that. Could be awesome.
Posted By: Guest#0311 (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 07:10 PM
Did you notice the Undertaker's wig? Certainly wasn't his real hair.
Posted By: Bastian Booger (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 07:33 PM
Punk/Bryan was great,I hope we get an iron-man match outta those two at some point.
Brodus Clay's squashes are working for now,but they'll have to put him in a feud soon...Regal,then Kane?
Posted By: Jason (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 07:57 PM
More Regal!
Posted By: Travis (Guest) on January 31, 2012 at 09:00 PM
Yes, commenters, a picture of Undertaker surfaced MONTHS ago of him with short hair. So, he must obviously have a wig on, now. Or maybe he cut it so it wouldn't be in his face while he was on vacation. Or maybe he got the Tom Bosley treatment like Chavito. Or maybe you're a bunch of idiots.
But, hey, I'll eat my words if it's proven he's wearing a fucking wig.
Also, I'm pretty sure Multiple Hs patted 'Taker on the back and walked away because putting over someone 3 times is not in his nature.
Posted By: G-Walla (Guest) on February 01, 2012 at 12:44 AM
Copyright (c) 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.
