-With No Way Out behind us, hopefully the Triple H/Steiner feud is dead. The one thing that did shock me in this match was the fans cheering Triple H while booing Steiner. Since, I didn't see the match I can't comment on the quality of their match, but, really, cheering Trips? I am glad that Steiner didn't get the belt on either opportunity he had, simply because Triple H would have to win it back before WM. But, I do wish someone would beat Triple H for it. That brings us to this week's RAW. Thank God for 3 smart moves the creative team gave us on RAW.
>>1) Triple H didn't make any appearances on the show. How many times has this happened? Not many, and don't get used to it. This was done to focus on The Rock's return, and his impending feud with Austin. I cannot complain about Triple H this week due to this. The idea of no 20 minute bore-fest promo and no lackluster wrestling preformance by "The Game" created more time for others to perform. Unfortunately, the show itself was not great. So, did this move hurt the show overall? No, I don't think so. Simply because a show without him is like a breath of fresh air, and as wrestling fans in these days, we need that.
>>2) The Rock's return to RAW. I really haven't been impressed with his promos on Smackdown since he returned, but he was good on RAW. His ability to get a rise out of the fans still needs to be honed more, as it seems he hasn't fully gotten into his heel character. But, "mother canuckers" was classic. I really thought his promo backstage with The Hurricane was great. They worked really well together. Having Rock there gave RAW a true main event superstar that was neither Austin nor Triple H.
>>3) Booker T won the Battle Royal to gain a Heavyweight Title shot at Wrestlemania. One word--finally! Once it was down to him and The Rock, I was sure Rock would win (give Rock credit for not trying to hog all the spotlight...are you taking notes Triple H?). Booker T vs Triple H at Wrestlemania makes for a great title match. It's really amazing that Booker T hasn't had a singles title in over a year. Finally, he gets his shot to overthrow Triple H. If the creative team is smart they'll continue with the build of this match (last week's RAW had Booker T pin Triple H cleanly in a tag match). That set the tone, now maybe they can give us something to enjoy. Congrats to you Booker T!
-Those were the good points on RAW, however, there was 1 bad point as well. No Austin!?!? It doesn't make much sense to not have him on RAW the night after his return. I guess they feel 4 episodes of RAW is enough to push Austin v Rock. It was smart money though. Both Austin and Rock were announced to be at next week's show. So, those who tuned in this week to see Austin will now have to tune in next week to see him. Vince is smart, but I hope this doesn't come back to haunt him.
-Also, I think the WWE are thinking they may get Goldberg signed by next Monday (March 3), and are keeping all options opened for WM storylines. It was reported over the weekend that the WWE and Goldberg were closer than ever to agreeing on a deal, but it still hasn't happened yet. If Goldberg is brought in, the best way to use him would be against either Austin or Rock. The plan rumored would be to have a Goldberg/Rock match. Who, then, would Austin face? You gotta believe that Austin will be in one of the top 2 matches at WM considering what transpired last year. With Triple H/Booker T already set, and the WWE Title match (Angle/Lesnar), there are no other huge spots for Austin in this scenario. If this happens I can really see Booker T getted screwed out of his title shot at WM. Take all of these scenarios as just "what-ifs". There's no guarantee Goldberg will sign by WM.
Random questions and thoughts:
Did anyone truly believe Test had a chance at winning the Battle Royal?
Since Test was the first eliminated, do you feel that was his little reminder of last week's no-show?
Booker T - next World Heavyweight Champion?
Will the new "ticking" Goldust character do anything for him or wrestling?
Which is worse: Victoria's mic skills or Jazz's wrestling?
Who else thought Stacy looked hotter than ever in that little Leafs jersey?
Will the ratings for next week's RAW spike to a new high or just remain about the same?
-Well, that's all for this week's "N & V". Thanks for reading and be sure to check back for more updates.
Written by The Samster for The Wrestling Round Table
February 26, 2003
