— While it does not appear that Zack Ryder will be receiving an imminent push to the top on ECW television, WWE gave him some momentum back this week with a victory over Yoshi Tatsu–he lost to Shelton Benjamin on last week’s show. Though most of the credit went to Christian, Ryder’s match with the ECW Champion from several weeks ago got over very well with WWE workers and with industry critics; that obviously bought Ryder some stability on the roster. Matt Striker even acknowledged the positive reaction to the match during commentary last night.
— As of press time, WWE.com has not yet posted a Superstars page for new ECW Diva Courtney Taylor.
— Numerous observers have noted that Mickie James did not mask her frustration at the end of Monday’s RAW match. A number of spots went wrong in her bout with Gail Kim, and the Divas Champion did not finish the match with a poker face.
I felt bad for Mickie at the end of that match. Things obviously went wrong, but maybe if the WWE actually gave the women time (rather than less than 5 minutes, especially for greats like James & Gail) that wouldn’t have happened. It’s the WWE’s fault, not Mickie’s or Gail’s. It’s their fault for not giving them time. Give them a good 10 minutes match at Summerslam and they’re sure to impress.
I have to take Mickie’s side. I think the ref checked Gail [after the bump from the top rop], signaled for a quick finish and Gail wouldn’t lay down for the three count. The ref should’ve stepped if Gail couldn’t physically finish the match and sell the Mick-DDT or the kick.
Wrestlers get hurt but they still have to suck it up and finish the match. I remember one time Sting blew his knee and kept jawing at Rick Flair while three guys were holding him back when really they were really holding Sting up.