ON THE ART OF PRO-WRESTLING COMMENTARY: OR "VETERAN INSTINCTS" IN THE WWE

On the April 18th, 2016 episode of Monday Night Raw, Chris Jericho fought Sami Zayn in the opening match.

The match itself, given the basic setup, was a good contest that played to the strengths of both performers. And from a pro-wrestling fan's point of view, Jericho vs Zayn is an incredibly enticing, almost surreal match-up; an exemplar from pro-wrestling's past taking on the bright beacon of pro-wrestling's future. If the two were feuding it's a match that could easily headline a pay-per-view with the proper build.

THE RAW REVIEW

There is a parade in The City.

All make and manner of colorful float with costumed accompaniment nearby. Massive, bloated balloon animals coasting above the crowd, occasionally careening to the left and to the right, threatening to knock over a lamp or shatter a window before safely gliding back into place. Batons twirl and the air is covered with confetti, as if happiness itself has exploded in the center of The City. The marshall of the parade is a woman with dark hair and a self-satisfied smile. She raises her scepter in time with the punchy band-beat, and leads this mass of carnival joy from river to river.

AN OPEN LETTER TO WWE ABOUT BROCK LESNAR

EDITORIALSTim KailMarch 31, 2015brock lesnar, paul heyman, brock lesnar f5s Michael Cole, michael cole, commentary, professional wrestling, mma, ufc, wwe, wrestlemania

THE RAW REVIEW

Nine.

That’s the number of times the word “respect” was used in the final RAW interview segment featuring Paul Heyman, Brock Lesnar, and the 2015 Royal Rumble winner, Roman Reigns.

“Respect”, the word of the snow-day, slithered into your subconscious thanks to the oratory stylings and the storytelling savvy of Paul Heyman (and anyone else who may have contributed to the structure of that interview). That word was purposefully planted in the back of your brain, and there that word remained throughout this interview.

THE RAW REVIEW

One. Two. Three.

Happiness.

For a brief, beautiful moment, I experienced genuine happiness at the end of Monday Night Raw.

My viewing of RAW last week was slightly similar.

THE RAW REVIEW (12/22/14)

Christmas RAW was supposed to be fun, and it was fun.

As much as I’d like to arrive at some deeper meaning behind Dean Ambrose chucking Bray Wyatt into a Christmas tree, there isn’t any deeper meaning. And that’s perfectly fine. As fans critical of the product, it’s best to pick battles wisely, and after two

RAW REVIEWS

in a row where I outlined the various ways the company might improve the quality of their show, I think it’s best to not waste time bemoaning the fact that Dean didn’t win his “Miracle on 34th Street Fight” or the fact that the entire feud has yet to deliver.

The Writings