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WWE Raw Hitlist: Chris Jericho and Ricky Steamboat steal the show, Triple H smashes stuff with his sledgehammer, John Cena and Edge, Dwayne Johnson previews his latest movie, C.M. Punk back in the Money in the Bank match

Posted in: Powell Editorials
By By Jason Powell
Feb 24, 2009 - 12:30 PM

WWE Raw Hits

Chris Jericho and Ricky Steamboat: Another knockout segment involving Jericho. This has to be a dream come true for Jericho to work with Ric Flair, Roddy Piper, and now Ricky Steamboat in consecutive weeks. He's delivering the best mic work of his career while working with the legends he grew up idolizing. Steamboat received a great reaction from the live crowd and delivered a strong rebuttal.

C.M. Punk vs. John Morrison vs. The Miz: Yes, I'm disappointed that Punk is going back in the Money in the Bank match. Part of my frustration is that it's a good indication that WWE doesn't plan to have an Intercontinental Title match on the WrestleMania card again this year. Nevertheless, this was an entertaining Triple Threat match with some innovative moves. I dug the simultaneous bulldog and clothesline move that Punk hit on the tag champions.

Shawn Michaels vs. JBL: I enjoyed this match more than their recent encounter at No Way Out. I'm not a fan of the concept that HBK has to beat anyone just to challenge Undertaker to a match at WrestleMania 25. He's Mr. WrestleMania! He shouldn't have to beat anyone just to issue a challenge.

Triple H chases Legacy: A minor hit. The live crowd went crazy every time Hunter smashed something with the sledgehammer and they were definitely into the chase. It didn't do much for me, but at least Hunter didn't get his hands on Orton. I'm not crazy about the idea of Orton playing a chicken shit heel heading into WrestleMania 25, but it could work if they have Orton dodge Hunter until they lock up at WrestleMania.

John Cena and Edge: Another good verbal exchange between these two. Their feud has taken a backseat to Triple H vs. Randy Orton thus far, but they're making the most of the camera time they get together. Unfortunately, I didn't care for the silly swerve. More on that below.

WWE Raw Misses

Vickie Guerrero swerve: They teased us with a possible Edge vs. John Cena rematch and then set up Cena vs. Big Show as the mediocre consolation prize. I was yawning over the Big Show match possibility, and nearly fell asleep when Vickie revealed the big swerve that Chavo Guerrero would face Cena instead. At least it was quick and painless.

Uncle Handsome: Dwayne Johnson is boring. I can't believe the man would jokingly refer to himself as "Uncle Handsome," yet he wouldn't flash some classic Rock mannerisms and turn on the charm for the "Witch Mountain" preview clips. WWE never hyped the preview, and Johnson did nothing out of the ordinary for the WWE audience. I know he doesn't want to be known as The Rock, but you'd think he could have at least livened up and played to the WWE fan base for these clips.

Cryme Tyme and Melina vs. Dolph Ziggler and Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix: The first hour of the show really dragged and this match didn't help matters. It was a throwaway segment that dragged down the show. Dolph Ziggler is a poor man's Mr. Kennedy in that he does the same introduction every week and there's nothing more to the character.

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