And reaction from Raw, along with weekly headlines and reacts.
BATISTA OUT UNTIL JUNE!
A torn hamstring will sideline Batista until June or August, meaning he will miss Wrestlemania XXV.
Wow. What a shocker. In a week that is supposed to be joyous, this is a crippling blow for WWE.
It was extremely likely we would see Batista in one of the main events for WrestleMania XXV in a few months. Now, that spot will go to someone else.
It's probably very likely that WWE will move to a Randy Orton vs. John Cena main event from the Raw show. Expect Smackdown to counter with a Jeff Hardy-Triple H-Edge triple-threat match or something else involving two of those three stars.
WWE had Shawn Michaels, JBL, Chris Jericho and Randy Orton advance to this coming Monday's Fatal Four-Way Elimination match. Expect Michaels and JBL to work together (like they did successfully in JBL's win over Rey Mysterio on Raw), with JBL scoring the upset for the right to face Cena at the Royal Rumble. It's simply a throwaway match on the Rumble card, which would put Michaels, Jericho and Orton most likely into the Rumble itself, which is where they would belong as the winner of the Rumble (which will likely be Orton) gets to face Cena at WrestleMania XXV. For the record, I was 2-2 on Monday's matches, missing Jericho and Orton.
Elsewhere on Raw...
1. How could you not enjoy Trish Stratus returning to the ring for a special match? Trish is one of the all-time great women's wrestlers.
2. Kelly Kelly is being put in a major angle right now. It's obviously all for WWE's intention of having her as their 2009 Playboy Diva. I enjoy the angles she's in, as it's putting more emphasis on her character. Her wrestling has improved by the weeks, but character emphasis will make more people care about her, which means more publication sales early next year.
3. With Orton moving toward a WrestleMania XXV main event, expect his friends Manu and Cody Rhodes to receive a slight de-push in the coming months.
4. I can't figure out where WWE is going with Beth Phoenix "fan" Rosa Mendez as it relates to Santino Marella and Phoenix. However, as long as it's a comedic angle, Marella should make it work. If WWE tries too much with it, it might tank.
WEEKLY HEADLINES AND MY REACTS
Friday's Smackdown: The main-event scene seems to be dominating this show. But that's not a bad thing. The mid-card, which is focusing on things like MVP's losing streak, will catch back up shortly.
Saturday's Tribute to the Troops: Although I could gripe about there being two six-man matches, this was a great show. What else can I say? It makes me proud to be an American.
Jerry Lawler said Sid Vicious is "the same Sid he was before the broken leg (and) he could come back and make a big splash.'' REACT: JAWBreaker is a huge Sid mark. Here's hoping WWE brings him back.
According to ProWrestling.net, WWE begins offering long-term contracts to several big stars (example: 5 years for Rey Mysterio, 10 years for Randy Orton). WWE has the advantage over the wrestlers to get out of the deals (example: due to injuries or a meltdown). WWE would only pay the downside guarantee if there is an injury. REACT: Injuries, as we know this week with Batista, happen unexpectedly and are part of wrestling. I am not a fan of long-term contracts -- in wrestling or baseball.
WWE developmental performer Angela Fong. REACT: Is she the closest thing to a woman wrestling superstar we will have ever seen? Stay tuned.
Lance Cade says Randy Orton didn't want to be a wrestler. REACT: Cade was talking about the Steamboat and Flair kids working their way up unlike Orton. Cade's comment seemed like a shot at Orton, but only Cade knows that. Orton is a great wrestler either way.
WGN to have weekly one-hour "WWE Superstars" show beginning in April. REACT: Will it knock the Chicago Cubs off TV once per week?
WWE makes things "right" with "Batista fan" Derek Greser. REACT: Good to hear.
Mick Foley upset with Sports Illustrated. REACT: I can't blame him. Saying he's like the lead character in "The Wrestler" shows some people didn't do their homework.
Diamond Dallas Page says Lex Luger is walking around with a cane. REACT: That's good news. Here's hoping Lex continues to get better.
Mr. Kennedy said he's looking to return in February. REACT: Kennedy will be in a tough spot to earn a strong place on the WrestleMania XXV card with a return that close to April.
William Regal says he doesn't think Santino Marella has progressed in the ring, but thinks Marella can get there. REACT: Is Marella really supposed to be a ring technician? I thought he filled a comedic role.
Vince McMahon reportedly upset with "The Wrestler." REACT: Not a surprise, as more "secrets" are revealed.
Trish Stratus hints at another WWE match. REACT: I assume she's thinking about WrestleMania XXV. But I wouldn't think the other Divas would appreciate her main-eventing the women's match.
LATEST ON THE HOGANS
TMZ.com reported Friday that Linda Hogan was involved in a fender-bender in Clearwater. And get this. It was reportedly less than a quarter mile from where Nick's infamous car crash was in August 2007. Police told TMZ a red Camaro rear-ended Linda's white Mercedes. The Camaro took the brunt of the damage, while the Mercedes had "minor" damage. A witness didn't think Linda was at fault. REACT: This is mostly news because of the Hogans and vehicles. Thankfully, no one was hurt.
HollywoodReporter.com reported Hogan's "American Gladiators" won't be renewed. REACT: It's sad this show was canned after two seasons, but production costs were to blame.
