?Reported by Eric Lewis of WrestleView.com

On Sunday, February 27, 2005 at 1:02 AM EST

FINALLY! This past Monday, for the first time since January 2003 (I think it was), I was put back on the edge of my seat while watching RAW. The last time was that January edition of RAW when Scott Steiner made his second WWE debut (I think it was in January 2003 anyway), storming to the ring to a shocked crowd, and standing face to face with Triple H, looking like he was going to kill him - THAT was the last time I was on the edge of my seat watching WWE.

Now, obviously the Steiner thing was a big, jacked up letdown (sounds about right, eh?). But does anyone else remember the crowd response when he showed up? Phenomenal.

Anyway, this past Monday, we all knew what Batista was going to do. But that's the beauty of wrestling. People say, "Oh, they already know what's going to happen. blah, blah" about wrestling, and it's true. And sometimes even us fans know exactly what's going to happen. But we still dig it, don't we? Watching Batista give the thumbs down was beautiful! And I don't think I've ever seen a better powerbomb. The whole scene was great.

You know, I almost thought Batista might leave Flair alone, taking pity on the old man and not hurting him, but just sort of tossing him aside, only to later call him pathetic for being such a "legend" all the while kissing Trips ass. But whatever, he wailed on Trips and slammed him through that table and that made my week. Now I can't wait to see what happens next week.

Sometimes the WWE rushes champs too quick (*cough* Randy Orton *cough*) and the fans turn away. but I think it's time to capitalize on Batista and give him the strap. I want to see him as a long reigning, dominant champ. He doesn't have to go all the way to being a face either. The fans will cheer him on, but who is to say he can't get in a legit feud with someone like Chris Benoit where both men are faces? Some people are worried that there aren't enough credible heels on RAW to make Batista's reign go well. But I beg to differ. Triple H will be around for a pay-per-view or two (likely three), Muhammad Hussain is rising every week, Gene Snitsky is sort of a lumbering doofus, but he'll suffice for a PPV, a face VS. face feud against Benoit would be cool, Randy Orton and Shawn Michaels will each probably step up, Ric Flair will have to put his flabby, convulsing ass in a match at least once, and who knows who else? There are plenty of guys - it's up to the bookers to make it work.

I'm enjoying the Shelton Benjamin and Gene Snitsky matches! Sure, there's not a lot to them, but they're interesting and it's always cool to see a guy freak out and slam someone over the head with a chair, especially when it's the face getting back at the heel. I think Shelton needs a better technician to feud with before Wrestlemania though. I want to see Benjamin have the match of the night with some other technical dude. Charlie Haas, anyone? Another columnist on Wrestleview mentioned that and I totally agree. The money will be on Batista and Triple H, but the match of the night will be Shawn Michaels and Kurt Angle. A Benjamin/Haas match could be a contender too!

Looks like the WWE are doing their best to honour ECW by putting Tommy Dreamer in the driver's seat for the upcoming pay per view. Where will Paul Heyman fit into this? And how much will Vince & Co. be able to sit back, shut up and let the guys who KNOW ECW do the work? I'm expecting a giant let down, but I guess you never know.

On that note, I miss the glory days of WCW. We'll never see a pay per view dedicated to it though. hehe

This isn't exactly groundbreaking news, but Victoria's new character sucks. She went from being demented and unstable to a happy-go-lucky cheerleader/dancer? She was, for a long time, the only diva with any character development at all. Now that ball has been handed to Trish. God forbid we have two women in the WWE that actually ACT like something. I think the women's division is alright right now, but that's really only because of Trish. When Lita gets back, she'll add a solid element, but still, what's up with Victoria? Bring back the nut!

And hey, a moment of triumph for me. A few months ago, I asked why no one ever used a good ol' Warlord-like full nelson as a finisher anymore. "The Masterpiece" Chris Masters makes his debut and what's he defeat Steven Richards with? Full nelson! Someone was reading my column, I'm sure.

Just a thought.

-- Rick Steamboat as a potential writer for Smackdown!? I say bring it on.

-- Roddy Piper in the hall of fame? Awesome, but Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Bret Hart, Legion of Doom, Ted Dibiase, Slick, Mr. Fuji and even the Ultimate Warrior should be considered soon.

-- Simon Dean needs to do something. Anything.

Oh, hey, this was column #30 for me! Only took me a year and a few months to get there! Hahaha (Hey, I'm getting better! Honest.)

Cheers,

Eric Lewis
Kissfan_5@wrestleview.com