Now, on to RAW. Well, after last week's weird episode, I didn't get my hopes up. I had a feeling that the WWE was still going to alude to Austin and not deliver. Well, that was the case for those of us watching at home. But, as reported here last night, Austin did in fact show up after RAW went off the air. All signs now point to Austin v Bischoff at No Way Out. What gets under my skin is that after these psat few months of talking about Austin on RAW, they bring him back, but not on TV. Does McMahon think there will be a large spike in ratings when he's on TV for the first few weeks, and then a sudden drop again? If so, then that explains last night. McMahon knows that many wrestling fans get their news online (even those fans that don't watch anymore). So, why not get those fans watching again? The perfect way to do that is to produce Austin, not let anyone know it, and then he can regain fans next week. Anyway you look at it, it's good news for WWE. The ratings most likely will increase especially with Wrestlemania around the corner. Even though Austin v Bischoff will not be a Angle/Benoit match, I want to see Austin get his hands on Easy E. Just like the Bischoff/Flair feud a few years ago in WCW, this will be interesting.
Overall, RAW didn't impress me too much. The matches were ok, but nothing special. What's up with Jeff Hardy? When the black lights hit his paint, he looks like a sick Vampiro...but when he's under normal lighting, he looks like he plays in Rob Zombie. And was the ref looking for those "bisexual" lesbians when Hardy was tapping for like a minute before he noticed? I liked the women's match, but Molly really needs some ring attire consulting. Seeing Chief Morley get the crap pounded out of him was great, and much deserved. Although, I think this role seems to suit him perfectly, he just annoys me. And finally, anymore McMahon or Helmsley ass shown on tv will make me puke unless it's Steph's.
That's it for now. Thanks for reading and check back again soon for another installment.
Written by The Samster for The Wrestling Round Table
February 11, 2003
