BLAH

Momentum Key: (*)Denotes Interference, (E)Denotes even momentum, Numbers to reflect SUBSTANTIAL MOMENTUM CHANGES OR CONSISTENCIES.
Ratings: The problem with most ratings is that despite efforts to be objective, they are all too arbitrary in the end. I can best explain by ratings system as a mix of the following; most of the weight falls on the substance of the match itself (including mechanics, basic ring psychology, the story it advances to an extent, the placement and execution of high spots). The other main component is the finish and sometimes the immediate aftermath. This tries to account for the questions: did it seem feasible? was it unexpected? did it in and of itself move along a story line? do the wrestler's execute well enough that regardless of who wins, the finish is enjoyable. Based on that it is apparent, perhaps painfully so, that some wrestler mixes are bound for higher numbers while others will barely break mediocre numbers. This seems insufficient, so if I think of a better way to explain it, I will gladly do so.
Finish: Final Move/ Incident (In favor of) Brief Comments

Competitors Key

1RAW 1. Lita (PIN) and Trish Stratus     2. Ivory and Mighty Molly
2RAW 1. Tajiri with Torrie Wilson        2. Billy Kidman
3RAW 1. Rhyno                            2. Kurt Angle
4RAW 1. Bradshaw                         2. Hurricane with Mighty Molly
5RAW 1. Kane (PIN) and Undertaker        2. Booker T and Test
6RAW 1. Rob Van Dam                      2. Big Show
7RAW 1. Dudley Boyz with Stacy Keibler   2. The Rock and Chris Jericho

BREAKDOWNS

7 Matches (44:46) with 0 no contests; about 35.8 % of showtime
AVG. (Out of 7) 67.1 OverallShowRating 75 (better explained below)
Interpromotional Matches 7; WCW/ECW Wins (1, 0 by DQ) WWF Wins (6, 0 by DQ) No contests 0
Personal Best Match of the Night: 3RAW Rhyno v. Kurt Angle 90
Personal Worst Match of the Night: 4RAW Bradshaw v. Hurricane with Mighty Molly 45
4 Singles (4 Title Matches), 3 Tag (1 Title Match)
1 instance of interference (0 meaningful)

4RAW *Mighty Molly (Not substantial or influential)
Title Changes: 4
New WCW Cruiserweight Champion (Tajiri)
New WCW US Champion (Kurt Angle)
New WWF European Champion (Bradshaw)
New WWF Tag Team Champions (The Rock and Chris Jericho)
Turns: Still trying to classify Rob Van Dam; Heyman still claims him as Alliance but I would say he is more independent than anything else.
Show Assessment: Quite Good.

First Match: Maybe it's only me, but I am seeing considerable improvement in Stratus' work. No women's match may ever be the most technically sound, but this was enough so as to be quite the enjoyable opener to get me into the show. Good shifts in momentum and nice close.

Second Match: Tajiri's spin kick, while painful in effect, isn't really a seemly finisher. In terms of timing, as a result, the finish was a bit unexpected. Both competitors hit their key moves and gave steady efforts, but especially for a title match, the finish needs to be able to draw more interest. Might consider a new finiser for Tajiri, IMHO.

Third Match: I really can't see the premise for this match being enough to warrant a title match, but to speak of the match itself, that was quality over a substantial quantity of time. The momentum trades, general performances and well placed moves were all too welcome. Because of the premise, I could not see the title change coming, so it was striking when it did happen; match of the night.

Fourth Match: I have a basic request, if its a title match, it needs to be believable. Except for a shot here and the only piece of interference all night (which meant nothing), this match was the Bradshaw Show. Now granted the display of Raw (no pun) power from Bradshaw had a slight glimmer of light. But needed much more balance to really enjoy it at all.

Fifth Match: This was a welcome continuation match from WWF No Mercy. The big guys did nothing to disappoint except for one off-placed boot to the face in mid-match, but that is forgivable. Because of the match split yesterday, the finish was not set in stone. The rare appearance of the Tombstone is always welcome and was a fine match ender.

Sixth Match: Though the size mismatch was huge, I would still loved to have seen more from RVD. What RVD did get in on offense was worthy. Big Show's denial of the chair and trashcan shots were of nice effect. The Van Daminator still rules. For a second it looked like RVD was going to fly off the connection from that Frog Splash. Nice to see Van Dam keep the belt, devalued as it is. Maybe he has some hope of giving it some credence again. Who knows?

Seventh Match: A good match with the finish's predictability skewed on two points. On the on hand, I couldn't see Jericho getting double gold. On the other hand, the WWF momentum through the night seemed to great to overcome. The Rock/Y2J tension is obviously still there and considerably high. Coming off his title win, I would liked to have seen Y2J get the pin, but either way he picks up another belt. No lacking efforts at all; still 2nd best of the night.

CLOSING NOTES:

1. This Survivor Series one-match for all deal has some intrigue; would like more explanation on its format though.
2. DDP, the world's 4th best self help guru behind Bob Patterson? (ABC reference)
3. That last shot of a dumbfounded Shane and Stephanie was a nice touch (if only because they finally shut up).
4. Massive WWF cleanup on RAW, doesn't seem optimal if looking to build real interest/tension for WWF-Alliance final battle.
5. Add TNN to list of the damned (which includes Adelphia and DirecTV) because of its blatant broadcast screwup, yet another one.

Robert Ortega, Jr.
[slash] wrestling

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BLAH