BLAH

DATE	EVENT	TIME	TYPE	RATING	MOMENTUM	FINISH	COMMENTS
29Oct01	1RAW	(05:28)	Singles WWFICTitle-G2	60	1-2-1-1-E-2-1-2	BuzzkillerDDT- Pin	Somewhat above average efforts, finish predictable.
29Oct01	2RAW	(02:43)	2v2MixedTag	35	1-2-1-2	RollUp-Pin	Nothing at all special, match was quite lacking.
29Oct01	3RAW	(08:07)	2v2Tag WWFTagTeamTitles-G1	85	2-2-1-1-1- E-2-E-E-2	WallsOfJericho- Submission	Very compelling match, nice interactions.
29Oct01	4RAW	(02:48)	Singles	30	2-1-1-E*2	TwistOfFate- Pin	Except for meager incident, drew no interest.
29Oct01	5RAW	(03:27)	Singles WCWUSTitle-G2	65	2-1-2-1-1-2-2	Anklelock- Submission	Fair efforts, carried by Angle, above average.
29Oct01	6RAW	(04:57)	2v2Tag WCWTagTeamTitles-G1	60	2-1-1-E-2-E-1	DudleyDeathDrop- Pin	Surprisingly effortful, good overall performance.
29Oct01	7RAW	(11:11)	StreetFight	50	2-2-1-E-2- 1-1-E***1	Int- StoneColdStunner- Pin	Slow for this type, interference seen, shaky.

MOMENTUM KEY: (*) Denotes Interference (E) Denotes Even Momentum; numbers to reflect substantial
FINISH: Final move/ incident (in favor of) brief comment;
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.

COMPETITORS KEY:

1RAW 1. Rob Van Dam                             2. Edge 
2RAW 1. Hurricane and Mighty Molly (PIN)        2. Tajiri and Torrie Wilson (PINNED) 
3RAW 1. Booker T and Test (SUBMITTED)           2. Chris Jericho (SUBMISSION) and The Rock 
4RAW 1. Stacy Keibler                           2. Lita 
5RAW 1. William Regal                           2. Kurt Angle 
6RAW 1. Dudley Boyz (DVON PIN) w Stacy Keibler  2. Undertaker and Kane (PINNED) 
7RAW 1. Shane McMahon                           2. Vince McMahon

BREAKDOWNS: 7 Matches with 0 No contest (38:41) about 30.9 % of showtime; Average Match Rating (7 Matches) 55.0 Overall show rating: approximately 55 Interpromotional Matches, 7; WCW/ECW wins (3, 0 by DQ); WWF wins (4, 0 by DQ); no contests (0).

Personal Best Match of the night: 3 RAW Booker T and Test v. Chris Jericho and The Rock (85)
Personal Worst Match of the night: 4 RAW Stacy Keibler v. Lita (30)
3 Singles (2 Title Matches), 3 Tag (2 Title Matches), 1 StreetFight
4 instances of interference (1 meaningful , StoneColdSteveAustin (7))
4 RAW *Matt Hardy (inadvertent strike to Lita, did not influence finish)
7 RAW *BookerT *Test *StoneColdSteveAustin
Title Changes: 0 Turns: Kurt Angle sides with WCW/ECW Alliance
Show assessment: Borderline OK.

MATCH BY MATCH:

First Match: This contest was a pretty fair opener with the expected spots from both competitors. Nothing shining here, but nothing repelling. If we give the benefit of the doubt that the WWF wants to keep Edge credible, then the finish was all too foreseeable. Fair overall, but potential was higher, even without sound premise for the match.

Second Match: These superhero deals have lost any and all focus and glow. Really nothing to look forward to beforehand and the match itself confirmed that. No real drawing moments in this match. Obviously looking elsewhere for more entertainment.

Third Match: The two near desertions by the Rock and Jericho were well placed and led to some believable title change possibilities. The efforts from all four men seemed there. The activity between the Rock and Jericho was very compelling. The tension between these two men continues to build and I look forward to its next burst. Easily match of the night.

Fourth Match: Quite repelling in overall quality. I wished for a second that Matt Hardy would, for some strange reason, side with Stacy, if only to give the contest a measly spark. Nothing of real value here except to fill time and to barely sustain those hoping for something more. Worst match of the night.

Fifth Match: This match was not classifiably bad, but expected a little more from both competitors. Angle was the better of the two in the ring, as expected. Momentum tradeoffs were good, maybe a little more time would have done the trick. Still a good piece overall.

Sixth Match: The big two of the match gave more efforts than I thought they would which was welcome. The sneaked beltshot was a bit of a drop but not by a great deal. That aside, a lot of the usual given from both sides. Nothing to curse at; fair.

Seventh Match: For this kind of match, seemed a little slow. Granted I don't expect many blistering spurts from McMahons, but for objectivity, I must hold them to a reasonably similar standard. Instances of interference were a given beforehand. Match was simply a semi-active wait for learning who would turn. Borderline.

CLOSING NOTES:
1. So Angle is looking to revive his heel persona; seemingly welcome if true to original form.
2. DDP is Deadly Destructive Poison to the shows, as Mr. Burns would say "destroy him."
3. The McMahon match might be a slight indicator why generals themselves are not firing the actual weapons in a war; no impact unless one actually dies.
4. Stop with the main event interferences; throw the screwy finishes elsewhere (except when really necessary) and elevate that main event to where it should be.
5. RAW was way too borderline, much better will be needed for Smackdown.

Robert Ortega, Jr.
[slash] wrestling

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BLAH