Raw Ending
One Emotional Step Up
Just when I thought WWE delivered a Raw ending that would have the majority of wrestling fans singing their praises, I found a very mixed reaction instead. The Walmart effect seems to be going strong with this one – fans either LOVED or HATED the close to Monday's broadcast.
I loved it!
Following Raw, I didn't have immediate answers to a lot of critics' questions as it relates to who or what that ending was supposed to help, whether or not it was realistic, or why Cena, Punk, Orton and others weren't out there (although that one seemed very obvious). I didn't care about that at the time.
The emotion and commitment from everyone involved in that final segment Monday absolutely captivated me from beginning to end. The only thing missing was the live audience walking out, but THAT would have been unrealistic. Albeit funny as hell.
For once as a wrestling fan/insider/pundit, I didn't immediately start breaking the segment down, analyzing every moment, and criticizing small details. I watched. I invested. I enjoyed.
From the refs walking out, to the cameras (that were being used) being placed on the mat, to Jim Ross being saved for last. It all seemed very theatrical, surprising, spontaneous – all the things I want in my wrestling (IF done well). Having almost a week to look back on the situation, I am very eager to see how they try and follow it up on Monday. The wrestlers have to get back to their jobs quickly, so a lot will happen in a very short time.
In two hours, WWE has to address the situation, find a solution, and implement that solution. I guess they could have Triple H stay off television while things are "being addressed" behind the scenes and that would buy them a little time, but either way, this Monday is very crucial in determining whether last week's ending was worth doing or not.
For now, Raw took a big step up for me simply due to the entertainment I found in the close on Monday.
Chris Cash can be reached via email at wzchriscash@yahoo.com and followed on Twitter @RealityofChris.
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
