WWE Raw Review - 7th July 2008

After the best episode of Raw this year I was wondering what the creative team were going to pull out the bag this week.

Good Points

New Feud for Burchill

After his last feud finished very abruptly with Mr. Kennedy Burchill has now been set up as an opponent for Kofi Kingston. Burchill waited for Kofi to secure the victory over Charlie Haas before laying him out. Good to see Burchill already being put in the Intercontinental title scene.

In ring return of Rey Mysterio

Was great to see Rey back in the ring and eased in lightly against Santino. All of his trademarks were as crisp as ever and I can’t wait to see what the long term plans are for him.

More out of control action

This week it was Stephanie’s turn to come out and appeal for calm before Raw started. However what we witnessed was out of control as all the top stars booked themselves in to the main event match to become number one contender for CM Punk.

Bad Points

Poor match quality

For CM Punk’s second title match he had to go against Snitsky In a middle of the card match. We also had Charlie Haas and a terrible Diva tag match to add to the mix. It was like Smackdown last week.

Use of Smackdown stars

I thought it was poor to start Raw with Vickie Guerrero in the ring talking about how CM Punk had ruined her life. I think yes use Smackdown stars on Raw and vice versa but don’t use storylines which have only played out on a specific brand on the other brand. Viewers need continuity and consistency.

Kane getting pushed

Out of nowhere Kane received his biggest push as he went crazy after the main event following Batista beating him in the fatal four way. Add to this what looks like the return to the JBL / Cena feud and Raw suddenly looks a mess again.

Overall

Making the show seem uncontrollable is good entertainment but there has to be some sensible booking underneath the madness.