The Current State Of The WWE RAW
- I am beginning with the RAW Brand, as there are many topics to discuss here. As of today (8/14/03) Triple H has been World Champion for 8 months. That is about 8 months too long, if you ask me. Through multiple injuries this year, Trips is still clinging to the title like a little child clinging to a favorite toy. The problem here is that Trips believes he owns the belt, and no one else deserves it. A couple of weeks ago, we were told that Trips would defend the title at Summerslam against Goldberg. Thank God�oh, wait, that main event is no more. Instead, we get an Elimination Chamber match with Trips, Goldberg, HBK, Nash, Jericho, and Orton involved. I realize that Bill Goldberg has not saved the WWE from their rough times, but how can you put that on one man? And why punish him by not giving him a one-on-one title shot? Backstage politics seem to be ruling the day. Maybe there should be some type of recall here just like in California. My final thought on the World Title scene is simply: put the belt on either Goldberg or Jericho now.
- Next, let�s examine the Intercontinental Title scene. I must say that I have enjoyed seeing Christian as the IC Champ. He continues to impress in the ring and on the mic. But, he needs someone to fight, since Booker T is now injured. I hated to hear that Booker T was injured and will miss 6 to 8 weeks. Booker will definitely be back in the hunt when he returns, and hopefully onto the World Title after that. My pick for Christian�s next feud should be Scott Steiner. Steiner has looked much better in the ring over the last few months. And anyone who has to be in an endless feud with Test should be given a title shot. This could leave options open for Steiner to turn heel later on and feud with RVD. Also, look out for Lance Storm.
- The Women�s Division is next. This is a total fiasco. The current champion, Molly Holly is really the only choice at this point for a viable champion. Molly has been wrestling some pretty decent matches as of late. Gail Kim failed to deliver as champion. She botched quite a few moves and did not impress me much with the moves she did hit. Don�t get me wrong, she is absolutely beautiful, and I feel that she will improve with more matches under her belt. I have one simple question: When the hell is Lita returning? She will be a huge factor once she�s back. The real problem with the Women�s division is that each of them have held the belt at least once, and we�ve seen about every possible combination of these women. Something needs to be done to improve the quality of the division. Either sign some new talent or combine all women from RAW and Smackdown to make it more interesting,
- The World Tag Team Title scene is the next topic to analyze. I would like to see more tag teams involved on RAW. Right now, there are only 2 natural teams: La Resistance (current champs) and The Dudleys. Since winning the titles, La Resistance has either competed in singles matches or non-title matches. So, what is the damn point of having the titles? The Dudleys will probably win the belts either at Summerslam or on RAW, which serves the purpose of their feud. But, how many times do they have to win the belts? I feel that more teams need to be formed or brought in to liven up this somewhat dead division.
- RAW, in general, has been a better product over the last few months. The Austin/Bischoff GM angles have been very interesting and entertaining, Austin can always help boost the product whether he�s giving Stunners, drinking beers, or setting up matches. The one factor on RAW that I have omitted thus far is Kane. This storyline has kept me interested, and I hope that he and RVD put on a great match at Summerslam. I feel Kane will get a shot at the title again, especially if Goldberg wins. That could be a huge match: Monster vs Monster.
Pure randomness:
- Didn�t Coachman truly earn the �You Suck� chant more than Kurt Angle?
- How huge will Randy Orton be once he gets away from Triple H?
- Why did Evolution's theme change from the cool instrumental version to the crappy new version with lyrics?
- Would Triple H please agree to lose the belt cleanly to someone who's not a close personal friend?
- And could that someone please be Chris Jericho?
Thanks for reading and check back for Part 2 of this column when I review the Smackdown brand. Fade.....
Written by "Samster" of The Wrestling Round Table - August 14, 2003