I really enjoyed Monday Night Raw from Jan. 12. Let's break it down:
THE SURPRISES
1. Stephanie McMahon fires Chris Jericho. REACT: There is no telling where this will go in the story lines, but bet on Mr. McMahon's return Monday having a big role in getting Jericho back into the fold.
2. The Legacy is official for now with Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes. REACT: The other way for WWE to go with this was for Rhodes to jump Orton and have DiBiase, Manu and Sim Snuka join Orton. However, WWE made the right call in going with the two better wrestlers in Rhodes and DiBiase. It'll allow Manu and Snuka to fade into the mid-card, where they belong.
THE MATCHES
1. Rey Mysterio defeats The Miz. REACT: Good call here. Mysterio not only won because he's a better singles wrestler (right now), but because it pushes his angle with Mike Knox.
2. William Regal beats CM Punk by DQ. REACT: This was a throwaway match to set up next week.
3. Randy Orton beats Kane. REACT: Solid match with a controversial pin to help Kane keep his momentum.
4. No contest in the Melina/Kelly Kelly vs. Beth Phoenix/Jillian match. REACT: This was a waste of time.
5. Shawn Michaels beats John Cena. REACT: I'm surprised Michaels won, but it makes sense as he got some help from JBL. This was a five-star match and the early match-of-the-year favorite. Expect Michaels to be upset with JBL for "helping" him win, leading to the two facing off at WrestleMania XXV.
THE WOMEN'S DIVISION
1. Rosa Mendes. REACT: I saw Rosa wrestle on last week's FCW show in the Queen of FCW tournament. I wasn't impressed. Expect Rosa to play a non-wrestling role in her angle with Beth Phoenix and Melina.
2. The Girl from Mexico. REACT: This masked, one-word wrestler is obviously a male. I have no idea who it is, nor do I really care. I can't see "her" getting called up by WWE.
3. Candice Michelle (trying to) talk to CM Punk? Mickie James chatting it up with Cody Rhodes? REACT: I can't see either one of these pairings being long-term.
NEXT WEEK'S RAW
1. Mike Knox vs. Rey Mysterio. REACT: I thought WWE might hold off on this match until the Royal Rumble. Expect a no contest on Raw and a Rumble rematch.
2. CM Punk vs. William Regal. REACT: Raw is in Chicago next week. It doesn't take a genius to figure out Punk will win the Intercontinental Title in his hometown.
3. Mr. McMahon returns. REACT: McMahon has been gone for six months. In addition to giving Jericho his return, I smell a setup for the Vince vs. Stephanie match at WrestleMania XXV.
