On This Day

On this day I see clearly that professional wrestling lost one of the greatest in ring workers and personalities I've seen in my lifetime. I wasn't going to write anything about Edge because I figured everything was a work. Isn't it always in wrestling? I come to find out Edge is really retiring. He has made a large impact on the industry and really my life. Edge has been one of those guys that when I heard the music, I knew I was going to see a good match. I'm sure there are a ton of blogs on Edge today. This is going to be one of them as I list ten in no particular order of my favorite matches in Edge's career.

10) Summerslam 2008 Edge vs. The Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell Match.

This feud was one of several that deserved such a send off and Edge and Taker delivered. The Undertaker's returns are diluted now but in this story it felt special. Edge played it off well and was sent to hell at the end of the match. Hell in a Cell delivered the final blow to one of Edge's best feuds.

9) Unforgiven 2006 John Cena vs. Edge for the WWE Title in a TLC Match

The match was held in Edge's backyard Toronto, Ontario Canada. Cena and Edge had a long program and this was the kicker. Cena was in a lose lose because of the hot Canada crowd. I loved the finish with Edge going through two tables off an FU. Only a handful of people have made Cena look great and Edge is one of them.

8) Vengence 2004 Randy Orton vs. Edge for the Intercontinental Championship

No need for weapons, ladders or a cage in this classic one on one contest. Edge and Orton wrestled in a beautiful match. They started slow with basic mat wrestling, worked towards hot spots and ended with a surprise finish. Orton wasn't elevated to the big level yet but Edge helped him. Even better is once Orton was up to the main event level, Rated RKO teamed up.

7) Summerslam 2000 TLC Edge & Christian vs. The Hardyz vs The Dudleys

The three teams that lifted tag teams to heights we will never see again. These guys did everything in this match. The first of many TLC matches for Edge and the peak of tag team gold. Wrestling will never duplicate what these three teams did.

6) Wrestlemania 22 Mick Foley vs. Edge

OH MY GOD! This match was the first and probably the only time the WWE allowed a flaming table at Wrestlemania. Foley brought it all out in Edge and vice versa. This was my favorite hardcore match in the WWE era. I loved the story, the match and the swerve later on teaming with Foley. My favorite moment of the match was the flip over the top with Lita on Foley's back. HBK and Vince maybe remembered more from fans but I feel Edge and Mick stole the show.

5) Wrestlemania 24 Edge vs. The Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Champion

I heard rumors that Edge didn't particularly care for this match. I enjoyed this match. Edge and The Undertaker always felt special and some certain chemistry and I felt that in this contest. They both worked hard to put on a great show. Edge was in the main event for a reason. He's always dedicated and the fact he didn't feel this match was that good, shows his devotion. Edge deserved a few more spots on the main event at Wrestlemania. I guess stealing the show a few times means more.

Edge shocks the world. I couldn't put Cena and Edge at New Year's Revolution on the list because it was barely a match. Edge won his first championship and kicked started the Money in the Bank guarantee. Since then, everyone who has cashed in has won. But the first is always the most special and that was Edge's win over Cena.

4) Raw January 16th, 2006 Edge vs. Ric Flair TLC Match for the WWE Championship

Wooooo! I remember Flair mentioning this match in his Hall of Fame speech. Edge called the match, took a man who never worked in a ladder match and made it such a beautiful match. The story built in the match was paced so well. Edge took a lot of the bumps but to Flair's credit, he held his own. I couldn't believe they even made this match. At the end, I couldn't believe how good it was. That's a credit to both competitors.

3) Wrestlemania 2000 Tables Trio Tag Edge & Christian vs. Hardyz vs Dudleys

I had to put this on the list. The finish alone with Edge and Christian standing on a table scaffold was creative as hell. Edge and Christian were recognized as masters of the ladder shortly afterward. This match proved it.

2) No Mercy 1999 Tag Ladder Match Edge & Christian vs. Hardy Boyz

Before there were 5 second posses, TLC, spears, Rated R and single's success, there was the Terri Runnels. I know seems crazy. Many fans around my age (I'm 27 for those who care) always say HBK and Razor revolutionized the Ladder match. If they revolutionized the Ladder, then what ized word can you come up with for what these two teams did? Nobody looks at ladder matches the same way after what 4 men did on October 17th, 1999. This ladder match was the only one Edge & Christian lost too. Incredible.

1) Wrestlemania XVII TLC II Edge & Christian vs. Hardyz vs. Dudleys

Was there ever a doubt that this wasn't going to make this list? As I said in the opening paragraph, these are not in order, but this is my favorite match of Edge's. I know it's a tag match and quite a cop out by me with all the other TLC and Ladder matches already making the list. Tell me something, if you could take one picture of Edge's career what would it be? I would choose the still of Edge taking off on a 20 foot high ladder spearing Jeff Hardy who is dangling off the loop like a cheap ear ring. Anyone who puts an Edge tribute package on Youtube and doesn't have that moment failed. I couldn't let this blog fail without having the best TLC match ever.

I'm seriously saddened by the retirement of the Rated R Superstar, Edge. I know I sound like a selfish wrestling fan. I am happy he is getting out before he is seriously injured because that would make this even worse. I've come to realize that nothing lasts forever. Bold statement huh? When I was younger watching wrestling I never thought Hogan and Flair would make me feel sad for them because they can't let go. Once the attitude era, I wanted Austin and Rock to never leave my television screen. I never though 'Oh crap these guys aren't going to last forever.'

Now, fans aren't taking advantage of those sweet moments we get every once in a while. We complain because these moments don't happen all the time. I'm one of them. I complain about lack of direction, new stars and wrestling in the broadcasts. Meanwhile, I look around and see Edge, Austin and HBK are gone and The Rock, HHH and Taker recently came back. Instead of complaining, we should bask in the glory. You never know when this day is their last.

J Call

Raw 12-20

TLC is done and gone. We didn't learn a whole lot from the results. Edge is the WHC and I couldn't be happier. Christian will return soon and those two should end up headlining Wrestlemania. Randy Orton is still fighting his way to the WWE title. As predicted, John Morrison is getting a huge push even though he lost the KOTR tournament. I worry Nexus story is over and they have no where to go. Judging by their absence on the show, the writers had no clue what to do either. I hope Triple H returns shortly. My TLC picks were successful, Raw wasn't as much.

The opening with Riley and Cole was stupid. I was glad Miz came out but then it just got weird. Morrison and Miz was smart writing. These two have a history which adds to the feud. Now, the fans need to be invested in the match. Morrison also needs to prove he belongs in the main event. The only fault is Orton finishing the segment. Morrison is the focal point. He's the number one contender. Although, it doesn't seem that way after witnessing all of Raw. The main event sounded solid.

The Diva match did its job, name a contender for Natalya's title. We are moving away from LayCool, good deal. To bad the 3 ladies goofed up half the spots. I do have expectations for the Melina Natalya bout. I called Melina turning heel. Phoenix and LayCool can continue on Smackdown so the division isn't completely wasted on Friday Nights.

I thought Regal retired. The physicality in the match was great. Bryan and Regal put on a classic wrestling contest. That type of match is something we use to see in the 60's only lasting about an hour longer. A very old school match. I'm certain Michael Cole has never had a 3 some unless it's with Miz and Riley. I like the side story with Bryan and the twins. Raw did nothing with his title. Dibiase seems to be done and the rest of the roster is buried. One guy that comes to mind is Big Zeke. He's been squashing guys for weeks. Elevate him to the United States contention and turn him heel. He's a better and natural heel.

One thing Cole said that made sense was Dibiase needs a win. I don't recall the last win Teddy had or Maryse. Either break them up or have them win a few matches. Dibiase is way better than a jobber. Stop burying him! I can't wait for him to move to Smackdown. You turned the corner with Morrison. You've put a crown on Sheamus only because it gives Triple H a reason to beat the crap out of him. You've done nothing for Dibiase. He lost cleanly to Bryan about 4 times. He's losing any and every match you can possibly have at this point. I'm freaking sick of it. If he's wrestling Santino, bring Brett Dibiase back and tag for the titles. It's not rocket science. Teddy must have pissed in one of the writers cereal to be treated this poorly.

Somehow Cena changed in a week. He's back to normal even though he never left and did the same stuff I've heard for the last 6 years. I can't believe I'm saying this, ah well it's true, Vicki Guerrero saved me from Cena. I'd rather see her and Ziggler than Cena. Punk gave Cena a new nickname, the horrible person Cena. I think it will be used everytime I'm forced to type his name. I didn't fully comprehend the reason Ziggler faced the horrible person (see it will grow on you) Cena. It does nothing for either man. I guess they could meet again at the Rumble or tomorrow night on Smackdown. Ziggler is running out of guys to beat on Smackdown. Nearly half the roster has competed for the IC title. Punk must be healthy! Yippee. Highlight of the night, Punk back in the ring. I heard reports the WWE thought about keeping Punk at the broadcast table. Bad idea. Punk has years before hanging up his boots. I'd prefer to see him wrestle. The horrible person Cena has a new feud and I love it.

The main event was given plenty of time to develop an in ring story. The 6 men should be commended for their efforts. Okay, everyone but Riley. He still sucks. Raw rarely gives us a 20 minute main event. I'd like to see it more than 3 times a year. I know to much to ask. I loved they gave Lawler some retribution for losing to Miz a few weeks ago. Again, my only problem is they had Orton finish the show. I guess they need to cap it off one more time before Morrison gets his shot. Please, don't make it a triple threat match. Let Morrison and Miz show off their talents alone.

Raw did a half ass job of setting up Miz and Morrison. Instead, Orton doesn't seem out of the picture. The best thing by many miles was Punk leaving the booth and hitting the horrible person John Cena with a chair. I can't wait to see that develop more and I'm sure it will on Smackdown. Other than that, Raw did nothing for stories. I do have some sad news to end this Raw blog. This is my final Raw blog of 2010. I'm taking next week off for the holidays and spend time with my family. I will return in 2011 and continue to be the best damn WWE blogger on the planet. Continue to send in your e-mails to jcall@bigbadsportsdaddy.com. I don't know why I'm giving the bastards on Showstoppers on BBSD a plug but I just did. They weren't to friendly to your old Raw blogger this weekend. Oh well, all in good fun and I will get even. Take care and Merry Christmas to all of you.

J Call

Wrestling Mailbag plus TLC Picks

Christmas comes early for everyone as the wrestling mailbag makes a 2nd appearance in as many months. I get so excited to respond to you, the reader. I enjoy the love and hate you send to me. I've certainly been upset the past 2 weeks with how Raw ended but I still enjoyed most of the program. We have a pay per view that actually has matches scheduled a head of time. Spoiler alert: The TLC World Title match is about to change on Smackdown. I don't want to waste any more time. As always, you can send your email to jcall@bigbadsportsdaddy.com.

When are we finally going to see blood in WWE?
John, Texas

I don't think we are going to see any blood anytime soon. We all want it but when I say 'we', I mean young adults over the age of 15. The fact is the PG era does hurt the feel of rivalries. Hell in a Cells use to finish off rivalries with a blood bath and guys barely walking out. For example, HBK and HHH had the best Hell in a Cell match ever to send off their historic feud. We won't get that type of send offs anymore.

Who in TNA is good enough to go to WWE and have a good run?
Cindy, California

I don't talk much about TNA because according to some I don't watch it. That's b.s. because I've been watching for several months. The product sucks with Bischoff in charge. I do feel several guys could get a shot in the WWE and make a good run. Samoa Joe comes to mind. His work ethic needs a kick in the ass and he needs to get in better shape. If he did that, he would become a bigger wrestler than Umaga and probably win a world title in the E. The other guys is obviously AJ Styles. I spoke of him in the previous mailbag blog. I like Styles and think his wrestling ability would make him some bank in WWE.

In the past two years, Miz and Sheamus have won the WWE title. Who do you see having a brighter future?
Eric, Nebraska

Great question sir. Sheamus has won the WWE title twice and received a monster push out of the starting gate. Miz has worked his tail off to become the current WWE title. With Sheamus, I believe he can main event for several years. He's a unique character who continues to develop in and out of the ring. Miz has the work ethic you look for in a professional wrestler. Always changing and evolving. My guess is when they both retire, Miz will have more titles. Vince loves Miz. He's been doing all types of shows and media interviews to get the WWE brand out more. Miz will have the titles but we won't forget Sheamus.

I've watched wrestling for years. I loved the Old School Raw when Jim Ross was doing the Bryan match. Why does Michael Cole still have a job?
Peter, South Dakota

I wonder if this is Jim Ross hiding his identity. It's okay Jim, almost everyone misses you. I haven't met a cole miner yet. Once again, we are victim to the Vincent Kennedy McMahon bromance. Wrestling has to change with the times and that forces guys out. It's a true shame when the best play by play man has to step away from the table. Michael is the absolute worst announcer sitting next to Mike Adamle. I'd like to see the gentleman doing Superstars a shot at the Smackdown table. You could put him with Grisham and Striker and keep Cole on one show. Read this carefully, we will never see Jim Ross and Jerry the King Lawler at the Raw table every week.

Christian made an appearance on Raw with Edge. Wasn't it awesome? I'm worried about Christian. He was never pushed to the height he deserved before he got hurt. When he comes back will he get a big push or buried again?
Dan, Iowa

To answer your question, Hell Yeah it was awesome to see Captain Charisma back on Monday night. I miss Christian as he elevates other wrestlers. I believe he won't be buried. He won't come back and win a world title right away. He's going to feud with Del Rio and likely be a participant in the Money in the Bank Mania match. I hope he doesn't win the briefcase. Let me explain before you get super pissed: Christian is a main event wrestler. He doesn't need a briefcase to tell me he's going to win a World title. He's earned his spot on top sometime in 2011. The briefcase cheapens title wins. I would much rather see Christian take the WWE Jeff Hardy route. Hardy was in numerous matches and was so close in all of them. When he won, the payoff was huge. I want an Edge versus Christian match at Wrestlemania. After that, he can reach for the World title and have it slip through his fingers twice. Summerslam comes and he gets his final shot. His opponent could be Ziggler, Kane or Sheamus (who gets drafted to Smackdown in April). The payoff is unbelievable and the peeps would go nuts.

John Morrison is getting a good look right now on Raw. I've really liked his matches with Sheamus. You mentioned Triple H coming back to finish up with Sheamus. What happens to Morrison if/when Triple H comes back?
Hank, Oklahoma

I swear this is Larry from BBSD trying to get me to talk about Morrison again. Well either way, it's a great debate. I thought for sure the Morrison push would get bigger with the KOTR crown. On Raw, I was right when I said Morrison will get a bigger push in the losing effort than winning the crown. The stipulation leads me to believe Miz and Morrison will be the next WWE title main event at the Royal Rumble, 2nd biggest pay per view of the year. Not to shabby for a guy I thought was never going to get the push and actually felt he didn't deserve it for quite a while. He's proved me wrong. Morrison has grown in the mic skills and his wrestling ability was always unique. I can't wait to see what he does with a ladder at TLC.

The wrestling world seems to going towards a youth movement. TNA has featured several young stars in the main event. WWE seems to be doing similar things with Miz, Sheamus and Morrison. Who do you think will be the top guys in WWE in five years? What about TNA?
Billy in Delaware

Wow, this is a tough one. As I said, the wrestling industry continues to change. I thought HBK and Taker would still be doing it for another 5 years. Obviously, that isn't the case. I think TNA has a bright future with Mr. Anderson. If he could have stayed healthy in WWE and worked on his in ring ability, we would be talking about him as a multi time world champion. Instead, Orton was fed up with him and the WWE listened. Once the whole Four-tune and Immortal thing is over, AJ Styles can take over as world champion. Those two could light up a wrestling ring. I like the Pope as well. I see those 3 and maybe Jeff Hardy if he isn't to um "tired". The WWE is a whole different story. Drew McIntyre, Miz, Sheamus, Morrison, Christian, Ted Dibiase Jr., Orton and even dare I say, Dolph Ziggler could all main event pay per views in the next 5 years. Many have said Ziggler wouldn't make it another year. He's really the best natural heel in the company. He comes out, acts better than anyone, walks like he's better than everyone and let's us all know who he is, 'I'm Dolph Ziggler.' I'm pumped for the next 5 years and see where these guys go. The only problem is the future is in some questionable writers hands. Time to make my picks for TLC.

Ladder Match for the Number 1 Contender for the WWE title
Sheamus vs. Morrison
Well, I think you know my opinion. I believe Miz and Morrison headline the Rumble. Sheamus takes on the Game.

Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match
Dolph Ziggler (c) vs Jack Swagger vs Kofi Kingston
Here's my problem with the whole TLC concept pay per view. We have several of the same type of matches. Also, I'm confused with this match. I don't know how serious they are about Ziggler. I feel he's ready for the leap above IC champ. If they aren't ready to elevate Ziggler, keep the belt on him. I don't think they are going to push him above this status but I also feel they are going to take the belt off him and onto another heel. TLC crowns Jack Swagger as the new IC champ.

Chairs Match
John Cena vs Wade Barrett
If I was going by Raw, this is the final match on the card. I hate Cena and everything about Cenation. Screw you buddy you get only a few sentences for your crappy build and 6 month long feud. End it already!!!! Cena wins.

WWE Championship Tables Match
Miz (c) vs Randy Orton
It's a true crime that this has been pushed over by the other thing on Raw. Orton and Miz never had a in ring promo together. Randy RKO'd Cole, Riley and powerbombed Arquette through a table but never got his hands on Miz. That was the best part. You don't cash in, win the WWE title and then give it back in 3 weeks. Miz keeps with some help of Cole and/or Riley.

Diva Tag Team Table Match
Natalya and Beth Phoenix vs. LayCool
Finally, the WWE put together exactly what I wanted. I consider this a Christmas gift. I love Beth and Natalya tagging up. LayCool is getting what they deserved from them making fun of everyone and holding those ridiculous best friends belt. I would like to think a heel turn from Beth is not in the works. Natalya and Beth win. One more wish for this match, let Beth hit her sweet ass finisher on Layla from the second rope through a table with McCool laying on the table.

Tables Ladders and Chairs (Oh my) Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Edge vs Kane vs Del Rio vs Rey
I told you I was spoiling the finale' of Smackdown. This really changes everything. I don't get why Del Rio and Rey are added. They needed to finish their story by themselves. Especially when you have built Edge and Kane as the only really big deal on Smackdown for several weeks. This is more of a punishment for Rey and Del Rio than a promotion. I thought for sure Kane would keep going into Sunday. Kane asked for the mega push and received it. Kane makes sense being a participant in the Rumble not headlining it. I will go out on a big limb and say Rey wins the World Heavyweight Championship for the 3rd time Sunday. Enjoy TLC and I will return with an all new Raw blog Monday evening.

J Call

Raw 12-13

WWE with another 3 hour Raw in a matter of a month. I hate award shows and think they are meaningless. The Slammy's are even worse. We are giving an award to a sport that's scripted. In the 90's, Owen Hart was the only guy who walked around and celebrated winning Slammy's. He's the only man to ever make the award meaningful. Sheamus didn't walk around with his newcomer of the year award. I'd like to see plenty of wrestling action, minimal backstage crap and the midair RKO about 7 times. Raw had stiff competition, time to pull out a quality show. They didn't and I found myself bored at times.

I get emails and texts from buddies that I take wrestling to seriously. I can't argue the fact I take wrestling to serious. I do. I have for a long time. The thing is I want wrestling to succeed. I've seen so many good years. The late 80's was Hulkamania running wild. The mid to late 90's was the Austin and attitude era. I've seen the best wrestling has to offer. Miz said in an interview that this is the best wrestling ever. He must have been smoking the same stuff Jeff Hardy loves. Wrestling is down. The product is suffering. I stay up late conjuring up ways to fix the problems (more on that in the mailbag, coming out on Thursday, cheap plug) I believe wrestling does have the best athletes ever in wrestling history. We just need better writing. It's a true shame. I know I may take wrestling to seriously. I also want to work in the wrestling industry. I believe in my heart I will someday. If your fed up, let them (WWE/TNA) know it. Your voice needs to be heard when you love it or hate it. I'm right there with you. You want to voice your opinion, voice it to me jcall@bigbadsportsdaddy.com. Sometimes the negatives outweigh the positives. Nothing is ever perfect. However it's not that hard to us new exciting things. WWE said stand up for them. It's wrestling world standing up, it's companies who aren't listening.

Of course David Arquette loves Michael Cole. They have something in common, both suck. I would have liked to see Nexus win if I didn't think they were going to disband. Also, Barrett said he wouldn't make his decision until later which I thought meant Cena would close Raw. Well, the announcement didn't and Cena still closed Raw. The one good thing is the special Raw cross promotes. Smackdown stars on Raw is nice and bolsters the roster. I'm all for Big Show. In fact, I wish he was the next number one contender to Kane's WHC. I just don't like Barrett looking ubber weak. I thought he had a future. You could fool me with the way he's being booked.

I couldn't have been happier with the second match. Bryan and Ziggler rocked twice by themselves. Kofi is entertaining and Dibiase needed to be on TV in the ring. He's done to many backstage skits. Dibiase and Bryan should have another title match. This time, put the damn belt on Ted Jr. He's due for a push. The only reason you keep the belt on Bryan is if Punk is healthy and can wrestle. Everyone wants to see Punk and Bryan in a 30 minute classic in ring contest. The ending was botched. I'm not sure by who, Dibiase never made the tag, tried to make the save and the ref still counted 3. No matter, the heels deserved the win. Dibiase still has yet to have a win on Raw that proves his worth in the U.S. picture.

I can't believe Shattner lost. I want those entrance songs on cd. Do they still make cds or is everything on Ipods? Dashing Rhodes has the character and the looks. I'm not sold on him ever main eventing. He might win the IC or U.S. title someday but that's as high as he can go with the Dashing character. I was glad to see him beat Henry. Smackdown won every match up until now on the show. Brands don't matter and wins don't count that much. This is Monday night Raw though and the guys on the show should be winning contests. You need a Raw guy to win one or two inter brand matches.

The holy $#!t moment was certainly the RKO in mid air. That took more skill than Cena's fireman carry to Batista. I get the reason to award Cena, it lead to Barrett making his decision. Nexus beating down Cena was the happiest moment on Raw. The one good thing was the ass whooping. The bad thing is I give Barrett a 10% chance to win at TLC, especially after the conclusion of Raw.

Okay, bringing the angry girl and giving her an award was pretty cool. Good job, WWE. I figured it was Rey taking on Miz. My guess was Swagger taking on Orton. I was wrong. Two things about the Miz Rey match, it was a good match with Del Rio extracting revenge on Rey from KOTR. Cole was even more annoying though calling the match. The announcement of Riley and Arquette was smart. Again, it furthers the story without having Miz and Orton in the ring together.

I speak for everyone when I say I can't wait for Christian's return. Hopefully, they don't bury him. Does anyone miss Batista? Anyone? I didn't think so. Edge spoke for all of us, Cole is a tool. It may never happen but Edge and Christian tag reunion would rule. Raw cheated us of Morrison and Sheamus. Now, pay your $44.99 to see the ladder match. I was pissed to be robbed of the match for free until the stipulation. Finally, the WWE title means something and a special number 1 contenders match.

I wasn't thrilled with Undertaker's girlfriend winning Diva of the Year. She plays the role as the annoying Diva so well. The announcement of Beth and Natalya versus LayCool was an early Christmas gift for this WWE blogger. I was begging to see that match. I really want a fatal four way at the Rumble.

Edge and Swagger could have waited for Smackdown. Raw stars haven't had enough in ring time. Their match wasn't to bad. They didn't have a lot of time and provided decent work. I just thought Raw did more for Smackdown than Raw.

Raw didn't end with the WWE title and that pissed me off. The reason wrestlers are in the business is suppose to be TO WIN TITLES! Randy Orton and Miz is more important than anything else on WWE TV. You can't tell me Cena and Barrett will end the pay per view. This is my biggest pet peeve with wrestling. I hate Cena and I hate the WWE title story is on the back burner. They have done this numerous times throughout 2010. I did think the finish was good. A-Ri gets an RKO and Arquette goes through a table. The build was good for Orton and Miz. It just should have been the end of Raw.

Raw's ending was the worst moment and one wrestler being bigger than the WWE title is a slap in the face. TLC is coming up Sunday and without blood and similar stipulations it's the type of gimmicky crap that has run its course. Oh, did I miss something? I didn't talk about Raw's superior ending. That's because I turned it off after Orton's segment. You know my thoughts by now. I do have something special for you one week before Christmas. A mailbag + picks blog is coming out on Thursday. Be sure to check it out. You can hear more wrestling hot opinions on Showstoppers found on BBSD every Tuesday. Send your hate mail to jcall@bigbadsportsdaddy.com. I look forward to all you Cena lovers. Two words, suck it.

J Call

Raw 11-29

The King of the Ring is back! I've always been a fan of this tournament. In fact, this is better than MITB. The winner isn't guaranteed a world title which makes the tournament even more special. You get the briefcase, you get a title. The King must take advantage and do something as momentum becomes his. Some men, Austin, Bret and HHH did and others, Billy Gunn and William Regal never did. It's a crap shoot. The WWE should give the matches time and allow the tournament to be the focus of the evening. They did just that. King of the Ring is a concept we need every year. I like it a hell of a lot more than Bragging Rights. Raw had focus, developed more story lines and mixed it all in with some great thrilling in ring action. Finally, a brilliant Raw to blog about for a change.

Riley almost spoiled the opener. Miz later in the night had a special feel and it would have been ruined if he came out first to gloat. The opening contest was very good. Del Rio is being pushed pretty hard since debuting with a submission win over Rey. Bryan and Del Rio showed off great in ring ability. They were given time, developed a story and had several near falls. The set up for the arm bar submission was beautiful. I couldn't have asked for a hotter start to the KOTR tournament.

You can say a lot about Truth and what he lacks. He has great charisma and always gets a good crowd reaction. The new Nexus shirt is much better than the old one. I didn't care for the use of McGillicuty getting beat down by Cena. He could have been used in a match with Truth. However, you saw later in the night nobody from Nexus was used other than Gabriel as a pin cushion.

I couldn't have been the only one to laugh at Cole and the long facial comment regarding Dashing Cody Rhodes. Morrison and Rhodes weren't given as much time but still did a fine job. I really liked the finish and how both men went for their similar moves. Morrison was my Raw favorite and Rhodes was my Smackdown favorite. I had a good feeling by this time that my Raw man might pull through.

The Chosen One hasn't been so dominant in the past few months. I don't get what happened with Drew's push. He started off hot and is colder than ice. He held the tag titles for a minute and a half. From the opening bell, Big Zeke looked like he was headed for another squash victory. I was pleasantly surprised that the match turned into a pure 6 brawl. The only thing I didn't like was the outcome. We see this in nearly every tournament. The outcome made the tourney predictable. If Sheamus wins, Morrison pins Del Rio. If Kofi won against Sheamus, Del Rio would have beat Morrison. The tournament was going nicely until this happened.

The real Raw started with the man who rightfully deserved to gloat, the New WWE Champion, Miz. Miz's two pictures were hilarious. That little girl is evil. Lawler and Miz had a good back and forth. I didn't want to see Lawler wrestle though. I get it, it's his birthday and the WWE did right by giving him a WWE title shot. Jerry is a good commentary man and can still provide a decent promo. A TLC match isn't something the King should partake in. The WWE was brilliant keeping Orton off for a week. Let Miz get his night and have Orton return a week later.

Sheamus and Kofi did another good job in the time they were allotted. They had a solid finish too. The bro kick was brutal. Kofi did a great sell job. I was convinced Morrison and Sheamus was the final. Two heels in the final takes the crowd out of the action.

WWE continues to throw guys together for a tag team. Seriously, find some new true teams. Oh boy, Cena tweeted he had tickets. Twitter and Cena are both lame. Cena made reference to it later on but seriously if a fan jumps the barricade, he's thrown out. Somehow the geniuses of WWE security are pissed off at Nexus. I know wrestling is fake and these are simply stories. How about some realism? No? Fine then have Cena keep doing the same crap so 8 year old and cougars can cheer. I guess I should be use to it by now. I've only hated Cena since...um forever.

I'm not a big fan of cheap victories and Morrison got one on Del Rio. Rey showing up made sense. They have a long history and are heading towards a 2 out of 3 falls. As I said earlier, Morrison was going to the finals. You knew it too. Morrison and Sheamus needed a rubber match to finish their feud and a KOTR crown was on the line. I give some love to the writers for providing the match on Raw instead of holding out for a pay per view.

Barrett's in ring promo was better than expected. I read reports and saw pictures of Cena in a mask at a house show pretending to be Juan Cena. I'm thankful WWE scraped the idea. We saw that years back, Hogan wore a mask and was Mr. America. We see rehashed ideas constantly in wrestling. This one was an idiotic idea. I'd much rather see this "war" on Nexus. The under card is getting used and Nexus have opponents. I just hope they get revenge on everyone and not killed off.

Maryse finally got an opportunity to wrestle. I believe that makes twice in 6 months. She's buried now and won't touch the Diva title. Unfortunate really because unless they continue with LayCool, which looks more than likely, Nattie has no where to go. The other one is Melina. She could turn heel sometime in the months to come and face Natalya. Smackdown is focusing on Beth and LayCool. The winner of that should be Natalya's opponent but before that she needs someone to match up against. I'm seeing plenty of options.

Morrison and Sheamus backstage promo really helped the KOTR feel important. If only the WWE would do that when it comes to belts. They throw IC and U.S. title matches together without so much as a week of preparation. Writing a story for those belts can't be to difficult. We aren't asking for much yet it feels like we are asking for the world.

The finals match was fantastic. Morrison did his best Hitman impression. He played the underdog role nicely. The crowd got behind John during the match. It shows Morrison is starting to gain a bigger fan base. The role gave Morrison sympathy much like Lawler in the TLC. I know Sheamus won and got the crown. I'm not so sure Morrison might have been the bigger winner. For one, the match was pay per view quality, built momentum and got the crowd excited. Two, Morrison gained a lot of respect in his performance. He certainly gained mine. In the loss, he showed heart, guts and good selling. Dare I say Morrison played a role a future Hall of Fame wrestler once held prominently, HBK. Speaking of Hall of Famers, a returning King of Kings will square off against the new King of the Ring. You have to believe Triple H is coming back very soon and had a hand in the outcome.

I thought a lot about Ric Flair and Edge's TLC match on Raw from January 16th, 2006. I believe that might have been the final shot for Flair to win a world belt. The similarities were eerie. Flair and Lawler were the old timers getting one last shot at glory against the young brash kid. The excitement built in the TLC match much like Flair's. Cole's interference brings in a whole new element to the broadcast table. I have no idea how they will explain that one. You knew Miz was going to win and successfully defend but they brought a hint of doubt to many fans. Miz wins and Orton will return next week for vengeance.

Raw was a solid show. It's been a long time since Raw was good back to back weeks. The KOTR tournament was a focal point as was the WWE title. Both were done with precision. I normally harp and whine when the product is bad and I would be no different if I didn't enjoy this show so much. Even Cena didn't ruin the night. He played a role and his story continues with Nexus. He didn't rule the entire episode and overall Raw had balance which is something it lacked for weeks. You can keep up on all the wrestling you need on BBSD and make sure you check out the ShowStoppers podcast. A new episode will be up on BBSD sometime Tuesday afternoon. You can always get a hold of the best damn WWE blogger on the planet by emailing me at jcall@bigbadsportsdaddy.com. I look forward to answering even more mail in my next mailbag right before Christmas.

J Call