The main topic in hand in the preview that WWE.com has posted for tonight’s episode of Monday Night RAW is the face-to-face segment between Shawn Michaels and Hulk Hogan tonight. This could be the highest point of the show (for yet another week), or the lowest, depending on what they do. They have done a tremendous job with the feud so time, which is mostly thanks to Shawn Michaels. However, his promos on Hogan have basically turned him face. They need a very strong promo from Hogan that will rip HBK apart in order to get the people behind the Hulkster. Hopefully this will be done just as well as the few past weeks.
The second item of attention in WWE.com’s RAW Preview is the altercation, last week, between WWE Champion John Cena, RAW’s General Manager Eric Bischoff, and the #1 Contender for Cena’s belt at SummerSlam Chris Jericho. WWE.com raises the question – What will Cena’s reaction be to last week’s assault? I must say that they’ve done OK with this feud. When it started out, I was affraid they’ll blow it majorly due to Jericho’s lack of top-level feuds as of late, but they’ve turned it around and have done decent. It’s not a major money-making feud or, a show-stealer of any sorts, but it’s not bad either. I like Jericho and Bischoff’s alliance, and I hope they’ll go more into that, other than do a lame repeat of Austin/McMahon with Cena/Bischoff.
Kurt Angle thinks he’s challenging Eugene for his gold medal in Eugene’s invitational. I am guessing that it will take place in some sort, but I will not be surprised if we see Matt Stryker. The first time Angle wrestled the “school teacher that lies” in the Angle challenge was last year on SmackDown from Pittsburgh. It’ll be interesting to see if they use Stryker at all, or they come up with something else. Either way, I think this is headed to Eugene vs. Angle for the gold medal at SummerSlam, with probably Eugene having the medal heading into the PPV.
Of course, WWE.com wraps up their RAW preview with the question of who will be the next diva to be eliminated in the 2005 Diva Search, as only four contestants remain. I hope Elisabeth wins this, seeing as she’s the only person worthy of it, who might actually do a decent job in WWE.
Of course I’m expecting Edge’s reaction to the Hardy signing last week. This has been complete crap ever since Matt’s official return seven days ago.
I would expect Shelton Benjamin and Big Show to continue their interaction with Snitsky and Masters. This seems to be headed to a tag match at SummerSlam, or some sort of bout involving these. There should be some progression on RAW.
I don’t know what they have planned for Rob Conway, but I hope he gets some air time this week. This isn’t to say I like his new gimmick, I just think it’d be a shame for them to give up so quickly, unless he’s due for a new make-over. The guy is so talanted inside the ring.
Hurricane and Rosey might resurface this week, as WWE likes to put all the belts on the line at PPV events like SummerSlam. Other than The Heartthrobs, I really don’t see anyone else challenging.
If time needs to be filled, we’ll probably hear from Big Vis.
That will do it for today. Enjoy the show and come back after it for RAW coverage!
