Linda's Thoughts - Orton/Benoit and Triple H

Posted by Linda Robin on 07/27/04 at 8:43 PM

Even though there were only two matches on Raw there’s still plenty to say about last night’s show. I can’t wait to talk about the first Iron Man Match on Raw and the opening match and I definitely must address the whole diva segment so let me start with the opening match, the over the rope number one contender match for the title shot at Summer Slam.

WWE did it again they hyped the Iron Man match all week opening up Raw. But when RAW started we all found out that the match was not going to be on until the second half of the show. But you know what? I think waiting until the second hour to start that match was definitely the right thing to do. After Coach got Raw going by eliminating Julia from the Diva contest, I was pleasantly surprised to see most of the roster waiting in the ring and then having your main guys like Chris Jericho, Kane, Matt Hardy, Randy Orton, Batista and Ric Flair join them and wait to hear Eric Bischoff announce that they are all in line for a title shot.

It’s the famous Over The Rope Battle Royal. What a great way to get the guys out there since the match between Chris Benoit and Hunter would take up an hour of the show. I have to be honest with you the battle royal I’m getting tired of, yet it was done very well last night. This was the perfect way to set up Benoit vs. Orton at Summer Slam. How fantastic was it watching Edge and Jericho team up throughout the match only to have Jericho throw out a very shocked Edge? And even better watching the last two guys, Jericho and Orton do all they could to eliminate the other one. This match was booked very well and Randy’s win showed me that this could be the way to go.

I’ll tell you what I mean. After Randy won we saw him backstage with Flair and Batista. All three guys seemed really happy about the outcome. Then Hunter walked in and the cocky Orton showed another side of him, a more down to earth human side. Orton told Hunter it would be an honor to wrestle him at Summer Slam. Orton put his hand out to shake with Hunter’s and Hunter reluctantly shook Orton’s hand. Then Randy wished Hunter luck, and Hunter acting cold as ice came back with he didn’t need luck he is the Game. What a super moment, this could be one hell of a hot feud. I totally liked the change in Randy. Of course I’m sure the change is a short one since he’ll be taking on Benoit at Summer Slam but last night was a great tease of what’s to come.

Now let me say this about the divas. I hate the stuff with a passion, but last night I was so embarrassed for them. I would love to meet the genius that came up with the Kamala crap. Listen if they would have had Kamala and 9 other WWE former or current superstars in this little contest maybe it would have been okay. And I’m being generous with MAYBE it would have been okay. But giving these girls 20 seconds to seduce a former WWE superstar turned out to be totally moronic. In fact Carmella couldn’t even carry the assignment out that’s how bad this was. I felt sorry for all of them and this segment just showed why the whole diva thing is nothing but a total waste of time.

But with a great opening match and the next match that I want to talk about Raw was a hell of a show. So we got a free Iron Man Match. And it was dynamite, just like I thought it would be. Before I forget the Pittsburgh crowd was a hot crowd and they seemed to be very into this match. I also must get this in, JR and The King called a very good match. They kept their focus on the match, the guys and the strategy that comes with being in a match like this. I was very happy with the both of them.
I found that the sixty minutes flew buy. And the first hour seemed to be just about all Benoit. And Hunter sold all his moves beautifully. The second hour was Hunter’s turn and Chris like Hunter did a fabulous job selling and making it seem like the blows to his sternum would take him out of the contest. I couldn’t have been happier with what I watched last night. And I kept thinking WOW this is Raw not a pay per view, and that just put one big smile on my face.
The match was GOLD and it came to no surprise to me to Ric and Batista come out to interfere in Hunter’s behalf. Did you notice Randy was a no show? I’m telling you this Orotn/Hunter thing is going to be terrific. And Eugene coming out and attacking Hunter was pretty much a given, but it played out very well. My God did you see the reaction Eugene got from the crowd? The man is like a hero to so many. His appearance and take down of Hunter definitely pleased most of the fans in the arena. I give nothing but PROPS to Benoit and Triple H for making Raw a very special show.

Okay so I’ll return on Friday to give you my thoughts on Impact and Smackdown. And speaking of Smackdown just a few little things I would like to mention. First I’m curious to see if the new GM will be introduced this week. But in case you haven’t read this, Eddie Guerrero is nursing a hamstring injury and he will not be wrestling until hopefully Summer Slam. Also last week Rikishi was released from the WWE. Now after reading that Scotty has been getting squashed at house shows by John Heindenreich I wonder if he’s the next one on the list. Now with Kurt Angle back on the active roster I think the Kurt that I enjoy will finally be back. And I really hope Taker shows up and continues to interact with Bradshaw, or again the feud that is leading to a match in less than three weeks loses so much steam. Hopefully Smackdown should be a good one.

Email lvaccarp @hotmail.com


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