High Times w/ Evan Bourne: Part II

Evan Bourne is "blowing" the opportunity of a lifetime with his most recent suspension for Wellness violation, coming only weeks after his first suspension. WWE storylines basically ignored the fact that Bourne was gone for a month, and the tag titles were barely mentioned.

Royal Rumble preview

There are only 4 announced matches for tonight’s Royal Rumble. So one can expect plenty of surprises and last minute addition. I’m expecting a 2 minutes Diva’s match. Perhaps another Tamina vs. Natalya squash match. Here are my predictions.

·         CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler (John Laurinaitis guest referee)

Should be plenty of shenanigans with this one. I’m sure David Otunga is going to get involved somehow. Triple H returning tomorrow to possibly “fire” Laurinaitis based on his performance tonight adds a little intrigue to the match. CM Punk should win this one to end the Ziggler feud, and either continue with Laurinaitis and Triple H storyline or move on to a possible WrestleMania challenger.

Smackdown Review

• It seems as if Smackdown creative have hit the snooze button and is focusing on the Big Show/Daniel Bryan/Mark Henry storyline and all other wrestlers and angles are taking a backseat.  There’s the Drew McIntyre losing streak storyline and by Kayfabe, McIntyre should have been fired weeks ago, but Teddy Long keeps going back on his word. The Sheamus and Jinder Mahal fued is at an impasse that basically consists of Sheamus squashing Mahal every chance. Brodus Clay made his Smackdown debut versus Tyson Kidd. Don’t blink, it was only two moves. David Otunga picked up a win versus Santino, which has to be a big win for him. 

• But the show centered around Daniel Bryan and The Big Show. Bryan was getting more boos than cheers this episode. This is a good development for his character because he had zero personality as a face. It brings to mind Kurt Angle during his first hell turn. The championship match between the two ended as Big Show accidentally bulldozed AJ who was at ringside. Surprising that WWE allowed her to take a bump by a male competitor. It will be interesting to see if this will play into Bryan’s heel turn in anyway.

Sheamus and R-Truth compare complexions

HIGH TIMES WITH EVAN BOURNE

HAVE YOU SEEN ME? Brodus Clay Missing

 

A lot has been made of Broadus Clay's debut continuously being pushed back. That's the key however, intentional or not, buzz has been created by the weekly stall and fans are talking. A great opportunity was missed this Monday on Raw when WWE could have teased Broadus as the mystery 'It Begins' return, leading to Jericho debuting later in the night. However, there are too many "monsters" on the loose with Mark Henry, Kane, and possibly a returning Kharma. Don't be surprise if Broadus Clay destroys everyone in site (including the Raw GM)...when the time is right.

Eddie Long: "King Me!"

Obama vs. Bush

Jericho the Adderall to WWE ADHD Booking!

 

      In a time when plan changes are constant and the WWE titles are always on the go, perhaps Chris Jericho will be the cure for the WWE’s hyperactive and impulsive creative direction. But if we subscribe to the fact that WWE has ADHD, then the WWE Universe is certainly Bipolar. Fans clamor for a Alberto Del Rio Reign, plead that it’s Daniel Bryan’s time, and pray for a Cody Rhodes Championship run. 

     Gone are the days when WrestleMania meant the end of a year’s worth of storylines and builds. The fans now demand instant gratification, then dump on it when they don’t get what they want. Jericho’s return didn’t give them that. Although not a tightly kept secret, Jericho didn’t lay out his plans, his intentions for coming back, his alliance or lack of to the fans, or how any of it related to the mysterious videos. And fans hated it! 

      It may not have come across that well on television, being forced to watch a man play to a waning audience for 12 minutes. However, it was unprecedented and unexpected. It was a big risk for Jericho and the WWE. Has it paid off? While it is too early to tell, maybe it’s an indication of a return to long term planning and booking, rather than storylines that start, twist and turn, and end practically overnight.

      Those expecting to have everything their way need to make a trip over to the local Burger King. The fans and WWE both could use a healthy course in impulse control. For 12 minutes Monday night in Memphis, Chris Jericho showed us all it’s done.

CM Punk = Poor Ratings?

     

     Punk not good for business? Rumors are circulating that the powers that be are not happy with the direction of the ratings during CM Punk's time on top. While Punk isn't the best choice for champion, rumors are just that. WWE has to be extremely pleased with the ovations Punk has been getting as of late. He gets the second biggest reaction next to John Cena, but far and beyond a more positive reaction than Cena.

     I don't see the "star power" of a guy like Punk, but clearly I'm in the minority here. John Cena will have his hands full with Kane and The Rock for the foreseeable future. I'm not so sure how a program between CM Punk and Dolph Ziggler over the WWE Championship is going to attract new viewers.

Memphis gets RAW

This week RAW emanated from the FedEx Forum in Memphis, TN (Lawler Country). While the show was very entertaining live, reports around the 'net are mixed. Most of the gripes center on the return of Chris Jericho which lead to most fans wanting more (or wanting less!) Also, there have been complaints about the 'cheesiness' of the Kane/Cena feud.

The Antichrist!