WWE Monday Night Raw Reaction: Memorial Day Edition

Its time for the WWE Monday Night React!  The Memorial Day edition of Raw is in the books, and it's time to take a look at where we are and where the stars of Raw are headed as we head towards Capital Punishment.

Opening Segment:  “It’s a Conspiracy”

Raw opened with a video package in honor to the troops of the United States Armed Forces.  This gave way immediately to a lack of audio as R-Truth cut a promo at a merchandise stand.  Besides hurting what was a very intense promo, audio returned as Truth made his way through the crowd. Truth has found success inciting a crowd with his antics. Truth is not a fearsome heel, or even a cool heel, he is a bonafide annoyance. This is what will carry Truth to greater heights within the WWE.

Truth’s paranoia is earning him heat as he continues to claim of a “conspiracy” by WWE fans and John Cena to keep him down.  Cena finally returns to a pop followed by a chorus of boos, say what you will, but he gets a reaction, and that is why he is the face of the WWE.

This feels like a side feud to showcase Truth and stall until the build for SummerSlam which will feature either C.M. Punk or Alberto Del Rio in the chase for the strap.

Cena and Truth are official for the night, and it was a decent way to open the show.

Match 1:  Kofi Kingston v. Dolph Ziggler w/ Vikki Guerrero

It’s amazing how the word “wrestling” is no longer mentioned around Stamford, since now I do not know what to call this display of holds, counters, and pin falls. From now on we’ll just call it “entertainment.”

Both men showcased plenty of classic “entertainment” in the ring, as they exchanged holds.  It’s a shame that Cole and Lawler pay so little attention to what is going on in the ring. Jim Ross would have spent time bringing significance to the match and even provided a narrative to explain why neither man had an advantage in this back and forth contest. 

Instead of a play-by-play man, we now have two color commentators. The problem is they commentate about everything other than the match. Overall, a great back and forth match showcasing what the word “wrestling” means.

Finish:  Kofi attempts the “SOS”, Ziggler counters by grabbing the top rope and then landing the “Zig Zag” on a stunned Kingston.

Winner and New No. 1 Contender to the U.S. Title:  Dolph Ziggler

Finally the U.S. Title gets a little more respect and matches like this will add significance to the secondary title on Raw.

Spot of the Match:  Kofi leapfrogs over Ziggler onto the top turnbuckle, only for Ziggler to push him off the top and down to the arena floor.

Segment:  “It was an accident”- Alberto Del Rio Promo

Trivia:  Del Rio is a former MMA fighter, boasting a record of nine Wins, five Losses

Del Rio continues to impress not only in the ring but on the mic. Recap of the confrontation between Del Rio and Kane-Show from last week. Del Rio claims this was an accident, and Big Show made the mistake of messing with Del Rio. Del Rio naturally fits as a heel, and the fans eat it up. Del Rio goes as far as to blame Big Show for the damage to his car and will send him the bill.

It's official, Del Rio is taking a detour on his road of destiny to face Big Show.  Mark my words that within the year he will be a champion.

Match 2:  The Bellas v. Eve and Kelly Kelly

Let it be known that Kelly Kelly will never be a heel, she has a natural smile.  I look at the WWE Divas, and not one of them has the figure of a female wrestler; Natalya Neidhart, Beth Phoenix and Kharma being the exceptions. 

This was a very quick tag match with Kelly Kelly getting the pin.  I miss Kharma already, but due to her pregnancy, it will be a long time before we see her again.

Segment:  "You're a Bastard" - Michael Cole and Alex Riley

Michael Cole has guaranteed to get Alex Riley to apologize for attacking the Miz last week.  It turns out that the Raw GM has hired Alex Riley to the active roster, much to the chagrin of Michael Cole.

Alex Riley even has his own theme music, coming out to a mild pop.  The Miz is already making new stars.  According to Cole this is an act of “treachery,” asking Riley, “How could you?” This is pure gold as they seek to build Riley up in the eyes of fans. Cole demands that Riley “beg” Miz for forgiveness.

This feels like an old promo between the Four Horsemen and Sting. The Miz is the social media version of Ric Flair for Vince McMahon.  Every good heel needs a good baby face, enter Alex Riley.

Cole calls Riley a “bastard,” driving Riley over the edge.  The Miz attacks from behind in a classic brawl with Riley finally getting the upper hand. Miz powders to the back and the fans are eating this up.

A new feud is born with one simple statement by the Miz, “I made you.”

Match 3:  C.M. Punk v. Rey Misterio

Punk and Rey face off once again in a matchup with plenty of highs and lows.  Punk once again showcases why he deserves to be in the title picture.  Whether he chooses to remain with WWE or not, the guy is a rare commodity in a world of cookie-cutter performers. 

Both men bring out the best in their performances and reminded us why their feud was one of the many highlights of the past year; this finish was no different.

Finish:  Rey tries to skin the cat after drop kicking Mason Ryan, only to be caught by Punk.  Punk goes for the GTS as Rey counters looking for a hurricanrana.  Punk pushes Rey off and catches him with a kick to the back of the head for the win. 

The fans eat Punk up, and his time with John Cena is coming very soon.

Segment:  "Say it Ain't So" Kharma's Goodbye

Kharma has worked hard to find herself in the WWE.  Told she was “too fat” by Jim Ross in auditions for Tough Enough 2, Kharma traveled overseas to hone her craft, scrubbing floors to earn the right to be tutored by some of the best professional wrestlers in the country.  After many years of honing her skills and wrestling in many promotions; Kharma finally made it to the WWE.

Due to her pregnancy being considered “high risk,” she cannot be involved in any physical capacity.  She promises to return, and the fans wish her well.

This was a poor time to try and build heat for the Bellas.  The Bellas earned “cheap heat” by attacking Kharma’s weight, even calling her fat several times.  Since there is no immediate payoff, why bother?  The Bellas will earn a little more hatred, or disinterest given the current state of Diva matches.

Match 4:  Jack Swagger v. Evan Bourne

This is a match we have seen many times before as WWE seeks to re-establish Swagger and Bourne in the eyes of the fans. Swagger is a natural talent with great size and agility, having his way with Bourne for the majority of the bout. Jerry Lawler and Cole continuing to build Swagger as WWE brass seeks to push him back to significance on the WWE roster.

Some fans will say this match was boring and slow, but remember that due to Bourne’s size, Swagger must come across like the bully.

Finish:  Swagger taunting and bullying Bourne before attempting a bear hug.  Bourne counters into a quick roll-up for the win.

Main Event:  WWE Champion John Cena v. R-Truth

With little less than 10 minutes remaining on the program, not too much could be expected from this bout. Quick headlock gives way to a John Cena wristlock before Truth retreats outside. Truth returns with a series of kicks and punches to Cena before Cena turns into “Super Cena.” Truth rolls out again and gets into it with fans. 

“Let’s go Cena, Cena Sucks” chant erupts.  Once again Cena carries both the love and the hate.  This has to change by building up credible opponents that even the Cena haters will get behind.

The psychology is smart as Truth looks like a coward, avoiding Cena every time who just wants to fight.

Finish: Truth escapes to the crowd only for Cena to follow before Truth rushes back in for the 10 count and the win.

Truth returns to the same father and son he interacted with at the beginning of the show, drinking the kid’s soda before throwing it on the father. Cena rushes to chase him away and console the father, what a guy.

REACTION:

A solid show focusing on character development for the coming Capital Punishment Event in Washington, D.C. With two solid matches on the card, and the promise of more to come in the following weeks, Raw Earns a Chain Reaction of 3/5.

CHAIN REACTION PICKS FOR NEXT WEEK:

Miz will look to get some payback on an emboldened Alex Riley.

Del Rio will face the consequences of his actions.

Swagger and Evan Bourne will find themselves in a rubber match.

Cena v. R-Truth will be made official for Capital Punishment.

Love it? Hate it? Start your own Chain Reaction on the board!