Big Ben scores a touchdown in the ring!
Reviewing Ben's performance:
1. Great intro music. REACT: Got to love the football theme.
2. Playing it safe. REACT: Big Ben acknowledged the Philadelphia Eagles fans, of which there were a few in attendance.
3. Diva Bowl. REACT: Big Ben was probably wishing WWE wasn't PG anymore.
4. bigben7.com/foundation.aspx. REACT: A worthy cause.
5. Segment with The Miz. REACT: I like how Big Ben put his foot down and made something be on the line for The Miz in his match against Kofi Kingston. I really thought we'd hear The Miz say, "I'm The Miz and I'm awful," in his birthday week. Nice swerve.
6. Big Show and Chris Jericho. REACT: Strong segment, although it dragged on a little to long. Jericho has done an awesome job getting to the guest hosts. I like how Big Ben called out his backup (his six offensive linemen). He was outnumbered. Who could blame him? Jericho, I had to look up "mesomorph" (big muscles). Thanks. Jericho had great points about not wearing helmets or pads or calling it a day over turf toe, and then pushing for a huddle.
7. Big Show/Jericho vs. DX. REACT: DX storming the ring was a nice transition. They got good crowd pops. Big Ben got to make another match, which is the sign of a great guest host. He even got to finish up with the "two words for ya" slogan and the first of two "biggest DX chops ever."
8. Jerry Lawler, on Big Ben: "He's not letting success go to his clothes." REACT: Good point. Great line.
9. Hornswoggle-Santino. REACT: I could have done without the name pronunciation segment, but it was a time-filler.
10. A steel curtain forces Jericho back into the ring. REACT: The Steelers made sure to get face time during this show, and I have no problem with that.
Big Ben's grade:
As a face host, he didn't tick the fans off, which is always good. While there was one-too-many celebrations with DX, Big Ben made his presence felt during the show, making three of the five matches by my count. He kept my interest, and it's understandable why he didn't get physical with the wrestlers. Grade: B+.
The matches:
1. Diva Bowl: Divas Champion Mickie James, Kelly Kelly, Eve, Melina, Brie Bella, Nikki Bella beat Alicia Fox, Beth Phoenix, Rosa Mendes, Jillian, Natayla, Layla, Michelle McCool. REACT: Is 6 on 7 fair? My first concern was Gail Kim stuck as being referee, but online reports say she popped her breast implants, which would explain her referee outfit. The rumble stance was a nice touch. A few Divas pulled off some decent moves, including Eve's flip and the double dropkicks by the Bella Twins. What was with Rosa's Karate Kid stance? It was smart to have Mickie get the pin, and it was on Alicia.
2. Jack Swagger beats Primo Colon. REACT: I love how Swagger has an angle that will last to year's end, saying how he will go undefeated. Of course, if he keeps wrestling guys like Primo, he will. However, the match was fast-paced and received good time.
3. MVP/Mark Henry beat Chavo Guerrero/Chris Masters. REACT: About what you'd expect from these four, although it picked up a little at the end. I hope Henry avoided the injury bug with his knee. I could see the Masters-Chavo angle, involving Hornswoggle, coming from a mile away. However, the payoff was strong with what may be weekly "mini DX chops" from Hornswoggle. That was funny.
4. The Miz beats United States Champion Kofi Kingston. REACT: Average start picked up strongly. This match got nice time. I think Kofi losing his balance leading to the pin was planned, but it was difficult to determine. I'm glad The Miz has his first major singles title. He deserves it.
5. DX beats Unified Tag Team Champions Chris Jericho/Big Show. REACT: Slow match, but these guys had a busy Sunday. The Shawn Michaels' beatdown went a little long, but Triple H and Jericho had a good run here. Big Show's suplex on both DX members was impressive. I liked the Sweet Chin Music finish, and I figure we'll see this match for the straps next time around.
The angles/other thoughts:
1. Randy Orton vs. John Cena. REACT: I'm not high on this feud continuing again, but WWE stressed its importance in history nicely Orton is now a six-time champion, which is a big deal. I like how he called out Cena. I like how Cena promoting the fans and put over "the rivalry." I like how these two will have an anything goes, 60-minute IronMan match -- although those matches are risky nowadays. I like how the match was made on Orton's terms. That was smart. I can't see Cena losing and having to leave Raw, but WWE could make a statement by making it happen.
2. WWE says wwe.com Smackdown video clips got more than 1 million views. REACT: Credit our local Brighthouse affiliate for part of that number.
3. Santino Marella. REACT: He continues to be funny, but he's getting fresh material weekly. His echo in the referee outfit was hilarious.
4. Lawler's "Something About Mary" comment about Jericho's hair, followed by Michael Cole saying, "You can't go there." REACT: Hilarious, but reminded us WWE is PG.
Next week's host:
Nancy O'Dell and Maria Menounos of Access Hollywood. REACT: Can't say I have an opinion about either one of them, but they will be the first co-guest hosts.
Tracking Swagger through 2009:
October 5, Raw: Swagger beats Primo.
LATEST HEADLINES AND MY REACTS
Rumor of CM Punk dropping the world title because he wasn't conforming to the dress code (he reportedly said, "What about John Cena?") and/or because he didn't want to drop the title. REACT: I doubt Undertaker pulled creative control. And dress code? Please. This was obviously a Vince McMahon decision.
TNA Wrestling charging $39.99 for Bound for Glory pay-per-view. REACT: This is no big deal. It's smart -- since their tapings are free, they have to make money.
Bobby Heenan reportedly falls and hurts his back. REACT: Heenan is a class act. Best of luck to him in his recovery.
Terri Runnels reportedly has altercation with a promoter. REACT: Runnels was pleasant to me in a past phone discussion.
Roddy Piper reportedly has major health issue. REACT: Piper is a legend and entertaining. Best of luck to him in his recovery.
Chyna reportedly hanging out at the Moonlite Bunny Ranch. REACT: Another reality show. Ugh.
Nick Hogan training for pro wrestling? REACT: Only for the Hulkamania tour, which would be entertaining.
TNA Wrestling trying to ink A.J. Styles to a five-year deal, while Matt Morgan recently signs five-year contract. REACT: Styles is the Hogan of TNA Wrestling. Awesome move if it's finalized. Morgan has developed nicely.
WWE creative team exhausted with recent booking and morale is low. REACT: Explains recent shows.
Tammy "Sunny" Sytch bashes Lacey Von Erich. REACT: This is becoming like a bandwagon.
Saturday Night Live cast member Andy Samberg to reportedly guest host a future Raw. REACT: I know nothing of him, but I've been told he's funny.
Mike Johnson says a source close to Jeff Hardy said Hardy thinks he'll win his criminal case. REACT: I hope Hardy has a good defense.
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