Solar Flare: Science Fiction News

Once again RAW shows that its several leagues ahead of Smackdown in entertainment value. While there are elements of the show which are utterly missable (Lit/Kane/pregnancy… anyone?), the majority of the show is well worth watching.

Both shows have talented rosters. The fundamental difference is that the wrestlers on the RAW brand are involved in storylines which build interest. Chris Jericho has transitioned from his successful feud with Christian into a new tag team with Edge and some sort of feud with Batista and Orton. Thats a winner on several levels. There’s enough talent involved to produce good matches in almost any combination of those wrestlers and they all draw an emotional response.

Similarly the Eugene story has been remarkably well built over the last few weeks and the latest twist with HHH manipulating him opens up all sorts of interesting possibilities. Kane is of course involved in the least interesting storyline on the show, but is a credible enough monster that his title match with Benoit still had some sizzle to it. Particularly when Benoit could only win by making Kane tap. They even managed to briefly redeem Lita by letting her show some guts and give Kane a kick in the nether regions. Of course then she reverted to simpering. Oh well.

Was it a perfect show? No. Its still a step down from what they were offering last month. But I found the two hours going by quickly and enjoyable. I can’t really ask for much more than that