Welcome to “Raw Bits”, my new Blog ( and if anyone can think of a better title PLEASE email any suggestions- brain freeze….gah!) At the moment, this column is a little rough, rugged, and un-furnished. But it will take shape in the coming weeks.

Basically, the idea is this: As “Throwing in the towel” deals with all manner of topics, mostly in detail, and skips back and forth through history, I often end up leaving out many of the musing I’ve came by each week, following Raw.

So this is the place for talking about current Raw topics or performers, in a quick, easy, digestible manner. It will be split into three categories. Tender cuts, Chewy bits, and Scraps and Crap. Easily translated as, the Good, the bad, and the ugly.

Get it? No? Good stuff. Then they’ll be a little summary. We’ll just see how it goes then….

Tender Cuts
(The tasty parts)

Chris Jericho
Not everyone agreed with me in the WWEPreview Half-year Awards when I voted for Jericho as the character of the year. But everyone did agree that his work over the past few months has been nothing short of outstanding. Last night’s Raw was another example of that greatness.

Y2J’s (well the former…) delivery is simply phenomenal. He is so believable and convincing in his “more mature” role. And it’s extra special, because we’re so accustomed to the usual Jericho funny antics, to the trademark one-liners, and the quick wit. The comedy segments, and the Hog-beast insults. Right now, there is easily as much depth to his character, as anyone In the entire business.

The video was a superb touch- because one of the aspects of his game that has been forgotten about by a whole bunch of the audience, is his past performances, as much of his 99-05 run was missed by younger fans. This vid served as a departure point for his new role, while cunningly, simultaneously reminding viewers about his exciting past exploits.

n this regard, the WWE has clearly had it’s cake, and ate it, but shared it without the rest of us. And damn, it tasted good. The entire “highlight Reel” segment for me, was the most exciting part of this week’s Raw. Jericho also made a good case for himself as far as the World title picture is concerned. It’s about time, and this could provide the distraction he needs in the meantime, if they’re going to hold off on Michaels/Jericho until Unforgiven. Plus, he’s DAMN right, he does deserve that shot.

Shane McMahon
Shane was great on Raw. Although he’s a terrible character when he’s involved in a wrestling storyline (he’s somehow a superhuman babyface, who can heroically oppose any villain- unrealistically so), he was good here. He played the part of the McMahon, in place to steer the show for the big announcement, in a subtle, understated way. IN fact, it made me wish he’d become a more regular part of the show, if he remained so low-key, as he was witty, and likeable.

CM Punk vs. William Regal
This was a nice little match. The crowd’s response to the champ was dandy, and the way in which the announce team hyped Regal’s return was well down in my estimation. These two only went about four minutes, but the action was stiff, and believable, with some good offensive stuff from Regal.

A straight-forward, enjoyable outing for Punk, and a neat return for Regal, who is punished for his indiscretions by losing a title match, in a much more abrupt manner than planned (before his suspensions), but without looking like a jabroni in front of the fans who may take to him as a solid mid-card heel.

Chewy Bits
(Intriguing, and with potential, but not quite sure…)

Mike Adamle
Holy Christ! What a turd of an announcement. You could hear the horrifying sizzle in people’s pants as Shane-O-Mac dropped this stench-beast of an trouser sandwich. Adamle was good in his bit-part though. When he sort of tugged Cena’s arm, and said, “c’mon John”, his delivery was first-class.

However, while Mike did well ( I CANNOT BELIEVE I JUST TYPED THAT), and may have heel potential (NOR THAT!), the announcement of him being the new General Manager, killed the more important moment, that Cena would face Batista at the PPV. And after an entire show’s worth of hype, not to mention the previous indications in the weeks gone by…. Bit of a let-down boys. I’ve kept it out of scraps though until we see were this goes.

Batista
Obviously, the crowd were hot for Dave in his hometown, but the fans were also seriously into John Cena. I think they’re blowing their biggest feud for Wrestlemania, by booking both guys against each other at Summerslam. On the other hand, it could open up a world of possibilities for new directions. Dave did well throughout this show, but how will they follow this? They certainly spoiled the epic nature of the Cena/Batista first-time deal.

Scraps & Crap
(The stuff that was particularly bad)

Katie Lea Burchill
I really like this chick, but man, that promo was awful.

Overall?

A newsworthy show. And with so little genuine scrap, a consistent one overall. It looks very much like we’re heading towards Punk vs. JBL at Summerslam. That’s not a marquee match, but it is a vital one for the defending champ.

Some people are suggesting we’ll see an Elimination Chamber match at Summerslam though. If that happens, I may eat my shoe. It would be some achievement to construct both a HIAC, and a Chamber above the ring. In fact, you may suggest, it’s impossible .Aside from that, giving away both those gimmicks on one show is a dunderheaded move. Luckily, we’ve now got Batista/Cena, and Undertaker/Edge in the Cell, to pick up the viewers.

We’ve got a new general manager, and it’s too early too say how that will play out. But Adamle could prove a better character, than an announcer. But he may do both. Or maybe not. It’s hard to say. Is JR back? Again, hmm…

It also looks like Burchill is heading towards Kofi Kingston, which holds promise, while his letch of a sister is looking her rematch with Mickie James. At this rate, Kane, could end up left off the card at Summerslam, but that’s not necessarily a bad step, considering where his character has been directed in, in recent times. Lot’s happening at the moment, and I’m looking forward to next week!

Thanks for taking the time to check this out. I welcome any and all feedback and I can be contacted at www.myspace.com/michaelwrestlingetc or simply by emailing me at michael@wwepreview.com I look forward to hearing from you, and will be back soon!