WWE Raw Hits

Jeff Hardy vs. John Cena: Several good nearfalls and a finish that made Cena look strong heading into his pay-per-view match with Triple H. I'm not sure what the protocol is for dealing with lunatic fans who enter the ring, but I thought Cena and Hardy handled it well by acknowledging it and then waiting it out in headlock mode while the fans were distracted by security dragging him away.

Triple H: I think I was too hard on Hunter for his crack on Hardy at the end of the show. He was just as cocky earlier in the show when he stated that he didn't care whether he beat Hardy or Cena at the pay-per-view, and that didn't rub me the wrong way. In retrospect, it was a natural line for a cocky champion to use. At the same time, it would be just as natural for the target of that line to fire back next week by pointing out that he pinned Hunter not too long ago. Hardy aside, I enjoyed Hunter's performance as the cocky babyface champion last night.

Chris Jericho vs. JBL: Where was this intensity a few months ago when these two were feuding? I'm guessing they were still trying to shake off the rust following their long layoffs. I didn't care for the lame ass finish, but this was a fun match.

Mr. Kennedy and Paul Burchill feud: I was surprised at the lack of response to Kennedy last night, but the Bakersfield crowd will not be remembered as one of WWE's rowdiest. Well, maybe that one fan will be, but the overall crowd wasn't as enthusiastic as most Raw crowds. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the way they're setting it up. By the way, I thought Kennedy was trying to be The Rock, but his swagger, his promos, and the Lou Thesz press screamed "Stone Cold."

WWE Raw Misses

Overall show: Boring. This show just didn't do it for me. Maybe it was the live crowd's lack of enthusiasm or perhaps it was because WWE didn't give them enough to cheer about. Either way, this just felt like a lifeless show at times.

Vince McMahon: I thought his rambling speech about giving away one million dollars was never going to end. I'm still trying to figure out how he went from discussing the cash to talking about snobs who don't like WWE. By the way, what's up with that female security guard with the purple hair? Oh, and what was the point of moving the cash from one glass case to another?

Trevor Murdoch: I can't believe the creative staff thinks fans are going to cheer for a guy who just breaks into country music lyrics every time he gets a mic in his hand. By the way, a two minute match doesn't warrant a "Hit" as far as I'm concerned, but I liked Lance Cade's intensity during his match with Murdoch. For that matter, I also dig Murdoch's work and I hope they find the right role for him once his crooning career is complete.

Check back later today for the Dot Net Podcast for more commentary on Monday's Raw.

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