"Raw": A Show of O's and NO's

As with nearly every televised wrestling event, there are always good and bad points to speak of. Here on Tha O Show, we've coined the terms "O" and "NO" to highlight the ups and downs of our favourite form of entertainment.

We'd all love to see a 100% "O" show everytime we tune in to "Raw", "SmackDown!" or "iMPACT!", but alas, this is never the case.

Last night's edition of "Raw" was no exception. Here is my take:

O:
Pushing Johnny Nitro to main event level status. As mentioned a couple of weeks ago after his ladder match with Jeff Hardy, Nitro is proving himself to be a top-notch performer. He has demonstrated that he has some natural charisma, some high-flying ring tactics and the work rate expected of a top performer.

In addition, you've gotta love anybody who gives John Cena a stiff kick to the head.

I'm still uncertain why Kevin Federline somehow remains part of the storyline between Nitro and Cena...but I like the idea that Nitro may be part of the title picture in 2007.

NO:
Having Johnny Nitro lose to John Cena in the main event. As soon, as I credit the E with an "O", they immediately diminish the reason I gave it to them in the first place. Not only does this match happen too early...it kills the momentum Nitro should be picking up at this time. Cena wins twice on "Raw" last night. That's a double "NO" in my book (but since I chose him in this, the final week of the WWE Fantasy game, I'll let it slide).

Actually no, I can't let him go that easily. Like most of his moves, Cena's STFU also gets a "NO" this week. The facelock on Armando Alejandro Estrada was applied so loosely, it wouldn't have made my grandmother tap.

O:
The reunion of The World's Greatest Tag-Team. I've always enjoyed watching Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas wrestle as a duo. During their previous run, they were able to master all of the techniques that should be owned by tag-team specialists...especially as heels: Quick tags, moves that requires the two of them, keeping opponents in your corner, distracting the ref so your partner can cheat...they were great.

In addition to further highlighting the "negative racial stereotype" gimmick being worked by Cryme Tyme (thus lessening my original distaste for the angle), WGTT now have a new feud on their hands and a reason for both competitors to attain a greater spotlight.

Let's face it, as talented as Benjamin is, he just never seemed to quite grasp the allure of a top singles competitor. This may not have been his fault - creatively speaking - but I like this move. When all else fails, go back to square one. It goes without saying that Haas needed this as well. Partnering with Viscera just wasn't the move. Is it ever?

I also love this reunion not only to FINALLY give Cryme Tyme some legitimate rivals but to add new spark to the on-again off-again tag-team division on "Raw".

NO:
The "since you guys wanna go at it so bad, you'll all be in the match now" cliche. You know, like when a singles match is interrupted by allies of the combatants only to create an uncontrollable brawl that is stopped when an authoritative figure screams at them to call it off?! Teddy Long is the king of this. Last night, it was Coach's turn...and not his first.

I especially hate it when (and Long is also the king of this) the new match is announced and the names of the competitors are slowly rattled off as if we DIDN'T know that everyone already in the ring and at ringside would be involved. So cheese.

O:
Giving the Women's title a legit contender in Victoria. Usually when it comes to female wrestlers and O's, it's the near nudity that does it. In this case, WWE is finally putting "wrestling" back into women's wrestling.

Not that Maria, Torrie or Candice can actually be viewed as reasonable title contenders...but I'm thankful that Victoria is back to her crazy self and in her rightful position: A strong woman with wrestling ability who is a threat to Mickie James' championship.

Now all the E has to do is bring on Nattie Neidhart!

NO:
The finish to the Umaga/Jeff Hardy match. Not since the retarded 'knockout kick' that used to win Tyson Tomko matches for a (very) brief time has a match ended so oddly. Actually, I remember Jeff's brother Matt losing to Edge on pay-per-view to a kick to the head that didn't allow him to continue the match.

Is there a worse way to lose? It makes you look weak as hell and the payoff for the fans is next to nothing. Are we supposed to see WWE's Intercontinental Champion as someone who can't even complete a match because he can be overpowered? How does this help THAT title? Where does the IC champ go from here? Are we not already being forced to beleive that Umaga is a major force to be reckoned with?

Speaking of wack endings, I'll use this "NO" section to diss the finish to the tag match featuring Carlito and Jerry Lawler against Chris Masters and Viscera. See Carlito go for the roll-up on Big Vis right in front of Masters...who purposely ignores it to fend against Lawler in the corner of the ring? Looked really lame.

O:
The "new" Kenny. Good, it looks like the E is gonna give this kid a push...new trunks and all.

NO:
Guess not. Kenny (still with no last name, according to Jim Ross) gets beat again. I was hoping that in addition to fully naming the kid, WWE would provide some opportunity for him to garner a bit more respect from their viewers. If Spirit Squad is dead, why can't Ken Doane be reborn? They just keep killing Kenny! You bastards!

O:
As in Tha "O" League standings after week 9. The contest has been dominated by The Smashin' Masters all season. The last week is now in effect. Will he be caught?

1 The Smashin' Masters - 2481 pts
2 TheEndustry - 2327 pts
3 Dan-e-o - 2291 pts
4 Phenominal_Angles - 2204 pts
5 The Omega Ones - 2006 pts
6 Better_Than_Dan-e-o - 1989 pts
7 D.W.I - 1966 pts
8 BigDaddyDonnie - 1904 pts
9 fabulousBagiuoIgorots - 1845 pts
10 LO Destruction - 1818 pts
11 Thrones And Patriots - 1795 pts
12 Second City Saints - 1785 pts
13 TheBIGBang112 - 1493 pts
14 Methods Of Mayhem - 1073 pts

NO:
As in NO way is "Better Than Dan-e-o" actually better than Dan-e-o. Ha ha! (a la Nelson Muntz).

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