Raw featured a really good match and an angle that left you wondering at the end of the show. One thing I will say is that they’ve figured out how to pace the show better, though there are still some change the channel segments and it’s hard not to watch it on DVR so you can fast forward through things.

Joe Hennig is now Curtis Axel.

Yes, I skipped over the part where he was Michael McGillicutty. Curt Hennig’s son became Paul Heyman’s third wrestler under his tutelage. WWE’s website had an article after last week’s Raw wondering who it would be. Some thought it could be Ryback. Others thought RVD would make his WWE comeback. But most hoped it’d be someone new. Axel isn’t necessarily new, but he’s also not someone who had several chances and I think most wrestling fans see him as someone who deserves better. Specifically, he was The Rock’s training partner before his most recent comeback.

As for the name, I’ll admit that it’s goofy, though it does make a little bit of sense. The Curtis part stands for his father’s first name and his last name stands for his grandfather’s nickname (The Axe). The key for him of course is that he’s treated as someone who is the real deal, much like the Shield. If they treat him like Antonio Cesaro, it’s a failed experiment. They need new stars, not new mid-carders. Continue reading →