Inside The Squared Circle: Raw Rating, Sid's Return, Longing For The Old E.C.W., Reaction To Hogan

Initial reports are true that backstage at Raw the other night. was indeed “Psycho” Sid, along with Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, and Henry Godwinn.

Raw scored a huge rating - an average 4.4 for the three hours. Depending on how the Monday Night Football game (34-14 New Orleans over Atlanta) did, Monday Night Raw will probably finish first in the cable television ratings. The surprise element is really what I think brings people in. There were so many rumors of who would show up, that it raised the intrigue level.

As far as “Psycho” Sid being backstage, I’m hoping he makes a return. Sid has stated many times that he wants one more great run. Speculation is that Randy Orton will drop the W.W.E. Championship to Triple H at some point, so would that set up a Triple H-Sid match? The big question is what will happen this Sunday at Armageddon when Triple H faces Jeff Hardy in a bout where the winner will wrestle for the W.W.E. Championship at the Royal Rumble in January. Then the question begs, who wins the Randy Orton-Chris Jericho match for the W.W.E. strap at the pay-per-view? Rumors are that Jericho will enter into a feud with JBL (who many of you may know from his work on the Fox Business Network). John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL) is reportedly looking to make a comeback himself, after stepping down due to recurring back problems.

Word is that everyone who was at Raw had a great time and that the atmosphere was quite festive. The folks in charge noted the pop that Rob Van Dam got and want him back! Van Dam is one of my favorites, as I remember him from the old E.C.W. I really loved E.C.W. and there was a stretch of time where they were the only wrestling organization that mattered in my eyes. It's interesting to note, that Van Dam held both the E.C.W. and W.W.E. Championships simultaneously. I was always surprised when Van Dam would wear both straps around his waist, the E.C.W. championship was always on top, thus shielding the W.W.E. title.

You know for a promotion that ended up going bankrupt in 2001, there were a hell of a lot of guys that went on to become stars after getting their feet wet with the old “Extreme.” Think about it: “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Mick Foley, The Dudleys, Rey Mysterio, Chris Jericho, Taz (to a certain degree), and the aforementioned R.V.D. I wonder if there will ever be anything like it again. I’ve tried watching T.N.A. and just don’t get it. But many people love Total Nonstop Action (T.N.A.) and yes they do have some real talented athletes like former gold medalist, Kurt Angle. I particularly like Jay Lethal, who does a “black machismo” gimmick, imitating Randy”Macho Man” Savage. Of course, the Dudleys and the Steiners are two of the greatest tag teams ever. So, yes, T.N.A. has got some talent, they just need a little more pop or creativity before I would consider them to be a viable alternative to W.W.E. I’ve heard Ring of Honor (R.O.H.) is real good, but I don’t see them anywhere on cable. Point is, which I am trying not to belabor, is that competition is good for everyone involved, and at this point Vince doesn’t have any that is legitimate.

THREE COUNTS
- Tajiri recently turned down a contract from the W.W.E. to return.
- Hulk Hogan’s praise of the W.W.E. on-camera the other night got some chuckles from the guys backstage. Hogan has been very outspoken against the W.W.E. until quite recently, he’s even threatened to start his own promotion to rival Vince McMahon’s. The Hulkster was reportedly upset at his paycheck after the 2006 Summerslam match in which he deposed of Randy Orton and was also miffed at the character of Jillian Hall. Hogan thinks that Jillian’s bad singing – feigned or not – is a direct shot at the talents of his daughter, Brooke.
- In a recent interview, Batista, stated that he felt “sick to his stomach” to see the World Championship put on The Great Khali, who is tall in stature but short on talent.