The WWE went from PG to hardcore for night only in their latest PPV-WWE Extreme Rules. Sunday night’s PPV saw the WWE Superstars compete in a series of matches with added stipulations.
The All American-American Jack Swagger proved himself tonight against his match up with young veteran Randy Orton. A dominant Swagger was able to retain his World Heavyweight Title. His post-match celebration however, was cut short once Randy Orton nailed the RKO.
Since coming to the WWE The Hart Dynasty have successfully made a name for themselves. Now after earning a victory over the current tag team champs Miz-Show, the Hart Dynasty will get a chance to earn tag team gold on the upcoming 3-hour Raw special.
Triple H was bent on competing against Sheamus in Street Fight despite an injury. Although The Game’s efforts were commendable, it still wasn’t enough to defeat the callous Sheamus .
Those hoping CM Punk would lose the locks and goatee were in a huge disappointment at Sunday’s PPV. Earlier on, it appeared Rey Mysterio was in the winning, that is until CM Punk received some help from an unknown source.
As good ole JR would say: “Toronto’s Own!” Trish Stratus returned to Raw to serve as host of Monday Night Raw. But before we were graced with Trish’s presence- a recap of Sunday’s Breaking Point aired. The announcers hype up the return of Batista and also announce Shawn Micheals first single match against 3rd generation superstar Ted Dibase.
Animal Batista music fills the arena with a thunderous roar from the crowd. Batista shares a couple of words with the crowd. Things come a halt with Randy entering the ring. As a reminder of what happened a month ago, quick footage is shown of the incident Batista sustained at the hands of Randy Orton. The two exchange words before Batista knocks Orton to the ground. Orton scurries to the outside. Batista says tells Orton and the crowd that he wasn’t retiring but is moving to SD!
We return from commercial and Lilian Garcia introduces the Raw Diva of Decade and Seven time Women’s Champion Trish Stratus. Trish, now a brunette, is greeted to a responsive crowd. Trish is wearing a black tank and matching black pant w/ signature logo belt. She delights the crowd with her comedic antics and introduces the first match of the night.
Miz and Swagger vs. Primo and Kofi.
Plenty of back and fourth action between all four men. Miz distracts Kofi long enough for Swagger to counter. Swagger nails Kofi with a finisher earning his team a victory for tonight.
Second Match: Triple Threat Match for the Divas Championship. Er-Mistake on Lilian’s part. You can tell she’s ready to leave. Instead it’s a singles match between Gail Kim and Alicia Fox.
Great match-up between both ladies. Gail was quick on her feet as usual. Towards the end of the match-up, Gail Kim landed a nice high cross body. Sadly, this wasn’t enough to score a win. When Kim failed to connect a drop kick onto Alicia, Fox seized this opportunity with a vicious axe kick to the head of Gail. After the bout Mickie and Alicia stare off. Mickie says she’s looking forward to defending the title against Fox in the future.
Camera cuts to Trish being shown backstage. Before Stratus could enjoy her “drink” She’s quickly interrupted by The Glamazon Beth Phoenix. Beth vents out her anger towards Trish for not being put into the contenders match for the Divas Title. Trish’s former beau Chris Jericho then appears on the screen. The two exchange words. Beth then proceeds to defend Chris Jericho, insulting Trish and her hometown in the process. Not backing down, Trish offers to face both Chris Jericho and Beth tonight, with ther partner of her choice.
Chavo vs. Evan and HornsWoogle and Carlito.
Unfortunately, Chavo jobs to Hornswoogle once again.
Tag Match:Trish and Mystery Partner vs. Beth and Chris Jericho
Trish makes her way to the ring first. Who’s her surprise Partner? MVP. Beth and Chris Jericho make their separate entrances to the squared circle. The divas face off first. Beth dominated early on Trish. Trish fights back with chops to the chest of Beth. Beth charges with a clothesline but wasn’t quick enough to connect. Matrix from Trish with a Chick Kick to boot. Jericho breaks up the pin. MVP makes the save throwing Jericho to the outside of the ring. Just as things were heating up between the two divas. Out of nowhere, Big Show attacks MVP with the help of Chris Jericho. Marc Henry comes out for the save. Ref calls for disqualification. An angry Trish uses her authority as GM to resume the match- only this time adding Henry and Show to the mix.
We return from break
Showing no signs of intimidation, Beth gets in the face of MVP, attempting to kick him. MVP tags in Trish. Trish with a take down and series of punches to the face of Phoenix. Stratus brings back MVP for the “ballin”. Beth scurries to the outside. MVP jumps over the top rop landing on Jericho. Trish goes to the ropes but is tripped by Big Show. Beth quickly enters the ring for a pin. Trish Kicks out. Kick to the head of Stratus by Phoenix. Beth attempts to throw Trish into the ropes. Reversal by Trish. Beth blocks a charging Stratus. Trish capitalizes hitting her signature Ma Trish and finishes Beth Phoenix with a well-connected Stratusfaction.
Final match is A No Holds Bar Match between Orton and Batista. In the end Orton tries to the flee from the ring once again. But is stopped by the New WWE Champion John Cena. Batista nails a Batista bomb for the win. What will SD! bring for Batista? Guess we’ll have to find out Friday.
Final Thoughts:
On OK Raw for tonight. Could it been better? Yea. But that can be said about a lot of episodes for the past five or four years.
Positives:
The Six Tag Match. It’s always good to see Trish step in the ring, even it is on rare occasion. The Stratusfaction to Beth was icing on the cake.
Alicia Fox proved that she’s worthy of hanging with the best. Could a title reign be in her future?
The Bad:Chavo continuously jobbing to Hornswoggle has to end. Who did he piss off backstage? Also Evan Bourne needs to break away from this horrendous angle and get a chance to shine.
I’ve also grown tired of the never-ending altercations between Cena/Randy. Certainly there are more guys backstage that can step up and give the Main Event Scene a refresher.
