Linda's ThoughtsStory By: Linda Robin
February 21, 2003
When I read the spoilers on one site this week the person that sent it in said Rock made the show other than that it wasn’t much to see. So not being a Rock fan I figured here we go, the first time he’s back live already he can do no wrong. I’m the one that’s wrong, Rock stole the show last night, Rock I thought did a hell of a job last night. And believe me Smackdown wasn’t bad but it was Rock who made it come alive.
I think his opening could have been cut a little bit shorter, but it was still dynamite. My God he played those fans so damn well. I couldn’t believe there were still so many doing the famous Rocky chants and wanting so badly to recite his catch phrases with him. He’s a heel and Rock made sure EVERY Rocky fan found that out last night. A great great promo by Rock and one that lasted with me throughout the night. His interaction with Hogan was good, very good but not as strong as his opening act.
Hogan isn’t doing a thing for me. He looks lifeless, now I’m not saying that Rock and Hogan will look bad on Sunday, but the two appearances he’s made since Rock has returned I have found to be weak. Honestly I have no interest in this feud, but if Rock can play the role as well as he did last night then I will enjoy watching Rock, and believe me I haven’t been able to say that for a long time. There were two really good matches last night, naturally the Cruiserweight tag team title match was my favorite. Billy Kidman/Rey Mysterio vs. The new slim and trim Matt Hardy and Shannon Moore. This was a beaut, just what I expected and I’m looking forward to Matt’s match against Kidman on Sunday. I also loved seeing Brock in the ring with Haas and Benjamin. I found this to me a very entertaining match. Other than these two matches I wouldn’t say there was anything that great, but I really liked the show.
I still feel Nunzio and his “boys” Palumbo and Stamboli might work, but I think it’s time to move Rikishi to Raw have him join up with Rosey and Jamal. He doesn’t fit on Smackdown, could it be time for a change? Another week of presents for Taker did nothing for me and I’m sad to say his match with Big Show is one I can do without. I would have much rather have seen Eddie and Chavo wrestling then doing their little vignette. Don’t get me wrong they did a good job, believe me they are naturals, but it’s in the ring where they shine and I missed not seeing them in a match. So is John Cena really injured? I did read that he had a cast on at the house shows, now if the Ross Report was back we would have the injury updates, I told you that was the only plus in his weekly column. So if Cena is hurt it looks like he’ll be out for a while. Speaking of injury it’s being reported that Edge has a very serious neck injury and will need surgery.
So I would imagine that’s why we saw him at the very end of the main event with Chris Benoit. I was very sad to read he will probably be out a year, and he’s questionable for Sunday. Wow I wish him the very best. And speaking of Benoit he and A-Train had a very quick match last night. I found it pretty exciting but very fast. Benoit also is supposed to be nursing a biceps injury, so that could explain why the match was so short. But I still enjoyed it and Albert is looking good out there with Chris. And I’m not sure how I feel about Nathan Jones, He’s kind of freaky, but is that Nathan or was he just acting? I had a little trouble understanding him towards the end. You know he mentioned Tick/Tock and that’s one of Rock’s favorite words. I can’t believe Jones vs. Rock is coming up, but I have to admit I’m curious to see whom Jones was talking about. Let’s see should I end by saying Torrie and Nidia didn’t look that bad out there for the paddle on a pole match. I think Torrie has been wrestling better out there and I won’t say it was a horrible match if you guys liked it then I liked it too.
Seriously, I think Raw and Smackdown came through for sure this week. I enjoyed the shows and I’m ready for No Way Out. I can’t say I’m expecting much but with the return of Austin and Rock in the ring I’m sure it will be a must see. Sunday I’ll have my predictions up, and thanks for all of you who have sent me yours. Keep them coming.
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