Thoughts on Raw, ECW & Royal Rumble 09'
Today we'll take a look at this past week's episode of WWE Raw, ECW & Royal Rumble among other topics. Johnny Damon's hosting job on Raw was a pleasant surprise. Obviously WWE couldn't resist the silly Tiger jokes, and the DX-Hornswoggle thing was a bit much, but overall Damon did a decent job hosting. His delivery wasn't dry like other guest hosts (the NASCAR guys or English boxer), and he set up some good matches, including Cena's rematch for the WWE title next week on Raw.
About that, the speculation is running wild; Will Cena reclaim the title already next week? Apparently John Cena's name is still etched on the belt that Sheamus is hoisting up week after week to brag about. Some question whether or not Cena will become WWE Champ again next week. I think next week's match will be a way to establish Sheamus in some way as the heel champion, by making him win via cheap tactics or a countout, but he'll hold the title. It makes you wonder how long he's going to hold it? Until Wrestlemania 26? That's about 3 months, and I can't see him headlining WM26 against Cena, unless WWE really gets Sheamus to the point he needs to be at. He's just not a big draw, although he's got the Irish fans behind him.
That brings us to the 2009 Royal Rumble. There's a big question mark on who will win that. Maybe Cena if he's not fighting Sheamus for the WWE title there. Maybe Batista or Jericho. Maybe some surprise returning star? It's really a tough call. We'll have a better idea once we see what happens in next week's WWE title match on Raw. Last year's winner, Randy Orton, failed to capture the WWE title at Wrestlemania 25 from HHH. So will this year's winner be a lock to become a WWE Champion? It's going to be interesting.
For the ECW Homecoming we now have four superstars qualified of the eight total. Yoshi Tatsu beat Jack Swagger last night to become #4. He joins Vance Archer, Kane and Ezekiel Jackson. They're going to want the winner of that to make for an exciting ECW title match against Christian at the Royal Rumble. Next week, Matt Hardy and Evan Bourne will be competing for a chance to join the field of eight. I'm assuming somehow that William Regal and Shelton Benjamin will be in the field, but we'll see.
In thinking about the whole "ECW Homecoming" concept, it seems strange that guys of Jack Swagger, Kane and Ezekiel Jackson's caliber (basically anyone in the tournament) would want to come back and compete for a chance at the ECW belt at the Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View. Wouldn't most superstars prefer to enter the Royal Rumble match and have a shot at the bigger prizes (WWE title or World Heavyweight)? Kane has also been in the Royal Rumble for quite a streak, so is that going to end this year?
Next week's Raw will be hosted by Timbaland, who has a new album to promote in Hartford, Connecticut. It should be a good show though, because the rap musician/producer actually is a WWE fan and has made appearances on WWE shows before.
WWE Superstars will feature Ezekiel Jackson and Vladimir Kozlov battling one-on-one, while Friday's Smackdown features two hot title matches: DX defends the tag titles against the Hart Dynasty, while the Undertaker puts his title on the line against Rey Mysterio, quite a Christmas treat for WWE fans. However, I'm expecting Batista to play the role of Grinch who steals Rey's Christmas...stay tuned.
About that, the speculation is running wild; Will Cena reclaim the title already next week? Apparently John Cena's name is still etched on the belt that Sheamus is hoisting up week after week to brag about. Some question whether or not Cena will become WWE Champ again next week. I think next week's match will be a way to establish Sheamus in some way as the heel champion, by making him win via cheap tactics or a countout, but he'll hold the title. It makes you wonder how long he's going to hold it? Until Wrestlemania 26? That's about 3 months, and I can't see him headlining WM26 against Cena, unless WWE really gets Sheamus to the point he needs to be at. He's just not a big draw, although he's got the Irish fans behind him.
That brings us to the 2009 Royal Rumble. There's a big question mark on who will win that. Maybe Cena if he's not fighting Sheamus for the WWE title there. Maybe Batista or Jericho. Maybe some surprise returning star? It's really a tough call. We'll have a better idea once we see what happens in next week's WWE title match on Raw. Last year's winner, Randy Orton, failed to capture the WWE title at Wrestlemania 25 from HHH. So will this year's winner be a lock to become a WWE Champion? It's going to be interesting.
For the ECW Homecoming we now have four superstars qualified of the eight total. Yoshi Tatsu beat Jack Swagger last night to become #4. He joins Vance Archer, Kane and Ezekiel Jackson. They're going to want the winner of that to make for an exciting ECW title match against Christian at the Royal Rumble. Next week, Matt Hardy and Evan Bourne will be competing for a chance to join the field of eight. I'm assuming somehow that William Regal and Shelton Benjamin will be in the field, but we'll see.
In thinking about the whole "ECW Homecoming" concept, it seems strange that guys of Jack Swagger, Kane and Ezekiel Jackson's caliber (basically anyone in the tournament) would want to come back and compete for a chance at the ECW belt at the Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View. Wouldn't most superstars prefer to enter the Royal Rumble match and have a shot at the bigger prizes (WWE title or World Heavyweight)? Kane has also been in the Royal Rumble for quite a streak, so is that going to end this year?
Next week's Raw will be hosted by Timbaland, who has a new album to promote in Hartford, Connecticut. It should be a good show though, because the rap musician/producer actually is a WWE fan and has made appearances on WWE shows before.
WWE Superstars will feature Ezekiel Jackson and Vladimir Kozlov battling one-on-one, while Friday's Smackdown features two hot title matches: DX defends the tag titles against the Hart Dynasty, while the Undertaker puts his title on the line against Rey Mysterio, quite a Christmas treat for WWE fans. However, I'm expecting Batista to play the role of Grinch who steals Rey's Christmas...stay tuned.
Labels: Batista, Christian, Commentary, D-Generation X, ECW Title, Guest Hosts, John Cena, Kane, Rey Mysterio, Royal Rumble, Sheamus O'Shaunessy, Timbaland, Undertaker
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