1 Month Later - An Update (Finally...)

by Alfonso Colasuonno

RAW

I know I've been critical of RAW lately...but they have had a string of three really good episodes in a row. First the multi-branded RAW was saved by the diversity of matches from the brands. Last week's was amazing - adding The Donald and aggressively placing Vince in his role of heel worked magnificently. As for yesterday - the addition of Jack Swagger to RAW made me a lot more excited about the program's future, well that combined with the good showing of The Miz, who is a really talented worker.

A rumor heard from my friend James Boesen is that RAW will eventually go with Ric Flair as GM. As for now, Vince is sticking with Trump's idea of guest hosts, which seems pretty cool.

I have to say that while Trump was an amazing, albeit short-lived, promotional trick...I was disappointed that Vince didn't sell RAW to Stone Cold, Hogan, or Flair. All of those superstars have enough money to make the storyline plausible. Even Randy Savage, longtime nemesis of Vinnie Mack would have been solid.

I think Trump's trade really did a lot to revitalize the RAW brand. Evan Bourne - while he has zero mic skills should be interesting. I'd like to see him feud with The Brian Kendrick. Jack Swagger brings some enthusiasm to RAW. Mark Henry is another solid US title contender. Gail Kim should bring a solid challenger to Maryse's Divas title...along with Mickie James.

Is Mark Henry actually going to be used as a face? It's almost as strange seeing him posturing to the fans after demolishing Orton as it was to see Kozlov doing the same the last time he was spotted on ECW.

The never ending saga of Randy Orton v. McMahon brood/Evolution might finally end. Things are getting a little testy between him and Ted DiBiase. Hopefully, by Summerslam they'll be feuding. I'd also like to see John Cena win next week. Cena v. Orton should be a nice main event at Night of Champions.

The Miz looked really solid in his match against Cena last night. He could use a push. Even if it's just to the US title ranking. I'd really like to see The Miz team with the underutilized The Brian Kendrick or maybe Jack Swagger.

The first RAW in a while without Santino. I think he should turn heel again.

SMACKDOWN

I like the new direction for the straight edge superstar CM Punk. Personally, I think he's making Jeff Hardy seem like a whiny jerk.

Edge + Jericho as a team is an interesting concept. However, I think the WWE should do more to develop two tag teams with lots of potential as a unit - DH Smith + Tyson Kidd and Priceless. One other team that could have been put perhaps in the same unit is Shelton Benjamin + Charlie Haas...but unfortunately they were broken up....although I think Shelton has championship potential now in ECW. As for the Colons and Cryme Time....I don't think anyone takes them seriously.

I also think the Hart Dynasty on Smackdown is a great move. I think it's only a matter of time before they get tag team gold around their waists.

Anyone see John Morrison beat CM Punk. I think he is the next Shawn Michaels. He has loads of charisma and is an incredible in-ring performer. The Starship Pain finishing move is incredible. Someone should give him a chance to face Punk for the title.

Jesse actually made an appearance on Smackdown and was as hokey as ever. Here's a no-talent who needs to be released from his contract.

TNA

Shane Douglas is gone almost as soon as he came into TNA. That's a shame. He's an incredible performer. Oh well. Back to high school history class for the Dean.

I really like the direction the Main Event Mafia has taken with kicking Sting out and bringing Samoa Joe in with the promise of big bucks. I think it puts a fresh spin on the MEM. I never thought Sting would last in the group...the giveaway? His high-fives to fans. I want to see Samoa Joe rip Sting apart.

Whatever happened to all the amazing outfits Daffney used to find? Still she's my all-time favorite female wrestler. Hail the Scream Queen!