In some ways, WrestleMania is wrestling's New Year's Eve. And what would a new year be without a few resolutions. The weeks that follow WrestleMania usually resolve to feature fresh starts, new feuds, and maybe even a new attitude. So how does the "new year" look so far?
Matchwise, the first Raw after 'Mania seemed scaled down so as not to detract from the amazing farewell celebration for Ric Flair.
That was okay, though. I'm sure most fans would gladly trade a few lame matches for something truly special like Flair's retirement celebration.
But what happened to the second Raw after 'Mania? A Fatal Fourway for the WWE Title? Gimme a break. Raw needs to break out of its top-tier rut. This bless-us-four-and-no-more title picture is becoming a big yawn.
I like a feud with some logic and a good story behind it, and there is one simmering feud that fits that description perfectly. Shawn Michaels and Batista drew their line in the sand this week on Raw, and I'm looking forward to watching the drama play out. It's a feud that could easily out-shine that boring foursome at the top of the card.
It's nice to see the tag team division getting some love. Finally Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch have some impressive company in the ring.
Paul London and Brian Kendrick have "issues," as J.R. keeps saying, which could burst into a full-fledged feud at any moment. But in the meantime, they are exciting to watch with their acrobatic style.
Cody Rhodes has actually made Bob Holly likeable, which is something I never thought I'd say. A little more character development for these two wouldn't hurt.
I suppose I should mention Cryme Tyme while I'm mentioning tag teams, but they continue to be more of a comedy act. Their propensity for selling anything and everything is a hoot, however.
And then you have Santino and Carlito, the international heels you love to hate.
This new tag team emphasis could be a very good thing. Of course, it could also be swept under the rug again at any moment, so enjoy it while it lasts.
There seems to be more activity in the women's division, but if they're really serious, it will take a lot of work.
I have a feeling a new Diva Search will be coming our way in the "new year." That's all WWE needs--a dozen more green "divas" who can't get out of their own way in the ring. Come to think of it, the women's division hasn't been the same since WWE started searching for divas.
So, has this been a good start to wrestling's "new year"? Or has it broken some of its new year's resolutions already? Guess we'll just have to wait and see.
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Thanks for reading and see you next week.