‘Monday Night Raw’ recap: Vince McMahon’s return is a knockout

So there I am, excited by the Kings finally winning the Stanley Cup, when I change channels to watch “Monday Night Raw.” And my night got even better, as the chairman of the board, Vincent Kennedy McMahon, opened the show.

You see, one of the things that made the WWE great back in the old Attitude days was its unpredictable nature. The show was (and still is) live, and with characters like the Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mankind and DX, you never really knew what was going to happen next.

That is what has been missing the last couple of years: that unpredictable feeling. The show often comes across as overly scripted nowadays, with guys standing around reciting lines to each other, patiently waiting for the other person to stop so they can begin talking. In fact, a big problem with many WWE superstars now is that they don’t even seem to be listening to what the other person in the ring is saying to them. There is no sign of reaction at all. They are just waiting to say their lines.

McMahon gets it though. He reacts facially to what others are saying. He even interrupts other people while they are talking. Sure, he has a lot more leeway to do what he wants since he owns the place, but the rest of the crew would be wise to pay attention.

So, McMahon comes back, is about to fire executive vice president of talent relations and permanent GM of Raw and Smackdown John Lauriniatis, when out comes the Big Show. Then John Cena comes out. Before you know it, Vince McMahon is lying unconscious in the ring after being “accidentally” punched by Big Show. Of course, moments before that, McMahon announces that he will be ringside for this Sunday’s Over the Limit pay-per-view match between Cena and Show.

So what does McMahon do now? Will he even be able to make it? Looks like you’ll have to pony up some cash to find out Sunday. And that’s how you sell a pay-per-view.

So heads up, WWE superstars. Pay attention to what the other guy is telling you. Act like you are really having a conversation with the guy, not just reciting a script. The greatness of the Attitude era wasn’t the R-rated segment, it was because there were a group of guys who knew how to cut a promo and make it seem genuine, not scripted.

And if all else fails, let Big Show knock you out. If it’s good enough for the Chairman, it’s good enough for you.

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