Random Thoughts on Raw

WWE Raw tonight was live from Toronto, Canada (I think they rarely mention the “Ontario” part). And no, I didn’t get to go this time.

What’s more, it airs on the USA network commercial free.

What’s funny is that its airing in Canada on The Score still had commercials. I think they actually cut out parts the American audience got to see… when it was airing live from within Canada.

Go figure. I’m pretty sure their last commercial-free show with Donald Trump was actually commercial free, too.

Also, Bret said he was going to take the U.S. Title from Miz and celebrate by carrying it down Yonge Street. I considered going to check it out, but a) he might have just been saying that, and b) it’s a really long street.

And yes, that is correct: the United States Champion is a Canadian.

Not the first time it’s happened, truth be told, and I doubt it will live up to the time Lance Storm re-christened it the Canadian Championship.

Speaking of weirdness, who do they get to host? Not Canadian hero Bret “The Hitman” Hart, who appeared as noted. Not former WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus, who was the guest host the last time they were in Toronto.

No, they got Buzz “Second Comes Right After First!” Aldrin, the American hero who walked on the moon and will knock your ass out if you try to suggest otherwise. A fun guest, considering, but an odd choice for the venue.

Another funny thing: Smackdown never comes to Toronto, yet tonight, it did. Sort of. They had at least three of them on hand that I can think of off the top of my head. Christian makes sense, being a hometown hero and a perfect foil for fellow Torontonian Edge. And no one really objects to the Undertaker. But was there no one better than Swagger?

Don’t get me wrong, I like Swagger, but this is the point where people start making jokes about “lol roster.”

Speaking of Christian, I’m disappointed he lost to Edge, but that segment was overall a brilliant piece of booking. I couldn’t help but laugh when Randy Orton popped up on the Titantron to tell Edge “great job, but that’s not who you’re facing tonight; I don’t even know why he’s here,” after he’d already had a good, what, 15 minute match?

Anyway, one of these days, when we have money again, we’re looking at going out of town for a night or two to see Smackdown. When it comes back through Ontario again, that is. Personally, I’d love to interview Matt Striker for the site.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

David Oxford

David Oxford, or “LBD ‘Nytetrayn’,” as he is sometimes also known, is a freelance writer of many varied interests who resides in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. If you’re interested in hiring him, please drop him a line at david.oxford (at) nyteworks.net.

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