Strummer

I actually liked Lawler's heel commentary on the show. Some of it was force fed and he's rusty after about 13 years or so but he mostly delivered

they pretty much have to do Rock-Brock or something on that level now. Reigns/HHH doesn't cut it as a main event by itself. I have this idea they will beg Dana about getting Rousey or Vince just freaks out and puts himself or Steph in a big match. I have no idea really

they might just have to push new stars. Who would have thunk it?

I know they don't seem to care much about crowd reactions anymore but having Hunter win the Rumble would be tempting fate yet again. Yes he's a heel but they are risking another backlash from the live crowds.

Btw, I think every participant in the main event missed multiple cues. What in the hell happened there?!?

I like the idea of the Rumble being for the title. It's a way for Reigns to lose without getting pinned. Hunter v Reigns is a lock for Mania now

Meltz says that Jericho is set to return tonight on Raw and from the sound of it he will be a regular going forward. Can't say I'm excited about that at all. Main event should kick off the big angle that will lead to the Rumble title match. I'll say Hunter returns to set up him v Reigns at the PPV

Vince was clearly expecting a bigger pop for that announcement at the end

Looks like Reigns v Hunter at Rumble as Sheamus v Reigns next week with Vince as ref.

Probably not the best crowd to announce Big Show is in the rumble match

Vince was great but that segment was all over the place. This is definite 1998 Steve Austin booking here. This has to e leading to Reigns v Hunter with The McMahons in the corner

Can't say I'm excited about Rock at mania. Maybe Hunter v Rock is back on. Really not excited about that possibility

I swear I remember Dave saying Hammer pushed for the DX reunions in 2006 and 2009. I can remember him saying she also wanted Rena Mero to return during that time. Ultimately the blame shold go on Vince but I think the network does have influence over the product

this was a legit great episode that made the WWE look relevant and cool at the time. Cold open is great. I actually think Hunter was funny here although he couldn't touch Rock or Show. as an aside the monologue features a cameo from Mike Schur (creator of Parks and Rec and one of top writers on the Office). He's the guy in crutches that Hunter punches out. Schur has given signs of being a wrestling fan so I'm guessing he wrote the mono here

yeah, I'll bet Bonnie Hammer has something to do with Stephanie and Hunter being all over TV. They are pretty much the last remnants of the attitude era and she has in the past wanted them to go to older acts

They are weird with kayfabe. Stephanie was pulled from the "hero in all of us" Slammy category after initially being included. I guess they didn't want their top heel being associated with charitable acts. Yet she's all over the place for Connor and Kommen. They aren't consistent

They've done a strong job of pushing the LON tonight. Looks like Sheamus will get Reigns at the Rumble based on the push tonight

Another no show winner. Crowd getting restless

Rollins wins Superstar of Year. That has to be considered an upset and prove maybe fans are beyond him for a babyface push

He was pissed off last week and she still sold no fear

Stephanie screaching and screaming for 15 minutes to open the show. Reigns was over but I wouldn't say it was off the charts or anything. Of course Steph sold no fear for him. If it was any other character it would be a set up to be taken out or humiliated but obviously not happening. Neville wins breakout star

so Nattie looks like this now: https://www.instagram.com/p/_azA7WS1HC/

so Vince Russo has been trolling this week going on about Kevin Owen's weight and how he doesn't look like a star, too much "like a "wrassler" etc. It hit me that Bray Wyatt seems to be getting a pass for being overweight from people within the industry but Owens is shamed for it. I guess maybe Bray can hide his size through his character and look better but no one singles him out like they do Owens

Reigns's family was at Raw to see him win the title so this must have been planned for at least a little while

Vince also told Kevin Nash he'd have the belt for 5 years