RAW Live Coverage and Discussion - Feb 24th, 2014

[Role Model]

Join us for RAWs Live Coverage! No lines! No fuss! - Please feel free to discuss RAW here. No need to wait for updates!




WWE Raw Pre-Show (From The WWE Network)

The WWE Network launched today, and along with that, the first Raw pre-show will air. I will provide some notes for the pre-show prior to Raw each week, and notes from the post show after the show ends. Thanks for reading.

Josh Matthews, Booker T, Alex Riley and Ric Flair are here for the first ever pre-show. We're 41 days away from WrestleMania.

Booker T discusses Hulk Hogan returning tonight, for the first time in seven years. If you missed the news, Hogan will be the host for WrestleMania 30. On the post show, Hogan will appear for an interview.

We have pyro in the background as they are taping Superstars matches. Kofi's on his way to the ring as they discuss Hogan's return. Flair wants to see Cena get revenge on the Wyatt Family, while Riley wants to see how Bryan responds to Kane's actions.

We get some live action, as they show us some of Kofi Kingston vs. Damien Sandow, which is being taped for Superstars.

Back from the match, and the panel discusses the Wyatts vs. Shield match from last night. The match was rather awesome, make sure you see it.

The panel praises the match and Flair singles out Roman Reigns for praise, adding that he feels he is ready to break away and be on his own.

We return to the ring to see Kofi defeat Sandow with a small package.

Lawler interviews Kofi and asks him about having momentum for WrestleMania season. Kofi says it was huge and the crowd is amazing.

Booker says he has always liked Kofi as they try to sell the victory as a huge deal.

Talk now turns to the Del Rio vs. Batista match. Oh boy, they will rematch tonight. Flair says that Del Rio should leave this alone and take his career in another direction. And guess what? They are rematching tonight. Cody and Goldust make their way to the ring in the background. And now Los Matadores.

Besides the initial delay in registering, the Network has worked very well for me thus far. Let me know how it has worked for you if you got it.

Josh Matthews discusses the rumors that Brock Lesnar is appearing tonight, and we see footage of Show vs. Lesnar from the Rumble.

Flair says if Lesnar is returning tonight, everyone is on notice. The panel agrees with him.

Renee Young is with Brad Maddox backstage. Maddox is about to talk and Christian and Sheamus are having an argument backstage. Maddox interrupts them and says they can settle this in the ring, on Raw tonight.

Booker says Christian needs the win more, but feels Sheamus will beat him down. Flair says Christian isn't afraid of anything, while Booker says Sheamus is working for a WWE Title shot.

The panel discusses the Elimination Chamber match from last night. Alex Riley felt Daniel Bryan was about to win, while Booker disagrees. Booker knew Orton would win, while Flair says the best man won. Riley brings up Riley entering last, and Booker says it was simply luck. Riley thinks there is a conspiracy there. Talk turns to the Wyatt Family appearing and costing Cena his shot.

The pre-show ends as they hype the new era in the WWE.

RAW Results - 24th February 2014
Announcers - Jerry "The King" Lawler, JBL, Michael Cole

We are in Green Bay, Wisconsin and your announcers are Michael ‘Egon Spengler’ Cole, John ‘Russell Ziskey’ Layfield, and Jerry ‘don’t drive angry’ Lawler.

We begin with Real American playing and Hulk Hogan makes his way to the ring.

Hogan looks at the Wrestlemania sign. He tells everyone in the WWE Universe and the people of Green Bay that tonight marks the turning point in his career because he is home, brothers. Thirty years ago he was part of something very very special. Something that turned into a global phenomenon. The first Wrestlemania. History was made that day and history is being made today with the launch of the WWE Network.

Hogan says that the Hulkamaniacs were a big part in the launch of the WWE Network. He has been walking around like a proud papa because the now, then, and future of the WWE will be immortalized. He can see matches with Bruno Sammartino, Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, and the Rock.

The most important thing is the future of the WWE Network. The future is Wrestlemania XXX. Since this is the turning point of his career, he has another announcement. Hogan says that he is the Official Host of Wrestlemania XXX. Hogan says that he has one question . . . Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania, The WWE Network, and Wrestlemania XXX come running over you?

Michael Cole mentions the WWE Network and the one week free trial that you can get. Jerry and John talk about some of the features you can get on the Network.

We go to commercial.

Match Number One: Batista versus Alberto Del Rio in an Elimination Chamber Rematch Match

Batista punches Del Rio and kicks him in the corner. Batista with a hard Irish whip. Batista with a short arm clothesline. Batista follows Del Rio to the floor and he sends Alberto into the ringside barrier and the apron. Del Rio with a drop kick to Batista when Dave returns to the ring and Del Rio punches Batista.

Del Rio tries for a suplex but Batista blocks it and he hits a suplex of his own. Batista clotheslines Del Rio over the top rope to the floor. Batista goes to the apron and Del Rio trips Batista and he lands on the apron and falls to the floor. Del Rio sends Batista into the ring steps and we go to commercial.

We are back and Batista is down and Del Rio kicks Batista. The referee checks on Batista while Del Rio mocks Batista. Del Rio goes for a splash in the ropes but Batista moves and Del Rio goes through the ropes to the floor. Del Rio drops Batista on the top rope. Del Rio goes up top but Batista punches Del Rio.

Batista with a superplex and both men are down. Del Rio and Batista exchange punches but Batista with the advantage. Del Rio with a back heel kick but Batista with two clotheslines and a power slam for a near fall. Del Rio with an arm breaker and Del Rio sets for the super kick. Del Rio misses the super kick but then he kicks Batista in the head.

Del Rio misses a charge into the corner and Batista with a spinebuster.

Randy Orton’s music plays and he comes out to watch his opponent at Mania. Alberto Del Rio takes advantage of Batista’s focus on Orton for a rollup and the three count.

Winner: Alberto Del Rio

Randy says that he apologizes for that. Since their days in Evolution, Batista has been easily distracted. Orton says that it is funny how the WWE Universe has responded to his triumphant return. They don’t like him that much. They have been booing the hell out of you Dave. Randy wonders if Dave is sorry that he even came back.

Batista tells Orton that he is wrong and could not be any more wrong. Batista tells everyone that he LOVES THIS BUSINESS. There is something else that he loves. He loves that they have a voice and so does he. IF the people cheer him, he cheers them back. If they boo him, he boos them back. He says that is honesty, something Randy knows nothing about.

Batista says that it does not matter. What matters is that he goes to Wrestlemania and beats the hell out of someone who used to be his friend. That person became a sniveling, whining, kiss ass sucker.

Batista tells Orton that he is looking at the next WWE Champion. He tells everyone to deal with it.

Big E Langston and Antonio Cesaro walk in the back as we go to commercial.

Match Number Two: Big E Langston versus Antonio Cesaro (with Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter) in a Non Title Match

They lock up and Langston with a side head lock. Antonio with a side head lock but Langston with a shoulder tackle. Antonio goes to the floor to talk with Zeb and Big Hoss. Antonio returns to the ring and he applies a waist lock and takes Langston to the mat. Langston gets to his feet and he takes Antonio down with a hip lock. Langston with punches but Antonio with knees and a European uppercut. Antonio with another European uppercut and knees.

Langston with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex followed by a second belly-to-belly suplex. Langston with a running shoulder into the corner followed by an Irish whip and another shoulder in the corner.

Langston gets a near fall. Langston with an arm bar. Antonio with a European uppercut followed by a boot to the head. Antonio kicks Langston in the head. Antonio with a rear chin lock. Langston with a punch but Antonio with a knee. Langston with an Irish whip but Antonio with an elbow. Langston catches Antonio coming off the turnbuckles and he hits three back breakers and he gets a near fall.

Langston with an arm bar on Antonio. Antonio with a head butt to get out of the hold. Antonio with a side head lock take down into a rollup. Antonio catches Langston on a leap frog attempt and Antonio with a tilt-a-whirl back breaker with one arm for a near fall.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Antonio with a reverse chin lock on Langston. Antonio with a punch and Langston fires back. Antonio with a European uppercut and then Langston presses Antonio over his head and drops him behind him. Langston misses a charge into the corner and hits the ring post with his shoulder. Antonio gets a near fall and then he hits a double stomp for a near fall. Antonio with European uppercuts in the corner followed by a running European uppercut for a near fall.

Antonio with a sleeper. Langston with elbows but Langston gets Antonio on his shoulders but Antonio escapes the Big Ending attempt and hits a power slam for a near fall. Antonio with the dead lift side salto for a near fall. Antonio with a reverse chin lock. Antonio with a European uppercut while Langston responds with punches. Antonio with a sleeper but Langston rolls through to escape.

Antonio with an elbow but Langston with clotheslines. Antonio misses a clothesline and Langston with a belly-to-belly suplex. Langston with the Ultimate Warrior Splash for a near fall. The straps come down and he gets Antonio up for the Big Ending but Antonio escapes and he hits the pop up European uppercut for a near fall.

Antonio signals for the Giant Swing and he takes Langston down but Langston kicks Antonio away. Langston with a uranage to a charging Antonio for a near fall. Antonio sends Langston to the floor. Swagger tries to attack Langston on the floor but Langston moves and Langston with a clothesline. Antonio with a spinebuster and then he puts Langston in the Giant Swing.

Swagger puts Langston in the ankle lock and the referee calls for the bell.

Winner: Big E Langston (by disqualification)

After the match, Antonio wants to know what Swagger was doing. Langston attacks Swagger and Antonio hits him from behind and then he applies the Gotch Style Neutralizer.

We take a look back at the Elimination Chamber and what happened to John Cena.

We go to commercial.

John Cena makes his way to the ring to discuss what happened to him at the Elimination Chamber.

John says that it is spectacular to see Hulk Hogan back home where he belongs hosting Wrestlemania. The WWE Universe will remember tonight and they will remember Green Bay. Raw 1083 is the day that changed everything. The WWE Network debuted and the future is now.

John says that he has been sending a message to anyone who wants to listen. If you have the guts to carry the WWE into the future, you need to go through him to prove it. John says that there are mixed emotions, but the underlying theme is respect. The future of this business will run through him.

When you talk bold like that, you make yourself a big target. Enter Bray Wyatt. Bray, a misunderstood monster, he has caused quite a stir in the WWE. He knew that he would get face to face with the Wyatt Family. He did not expect it to be in the Elimination Chamber. He saw Bray Wyatt last night and Bray cost him a Main Event Match at Wrestlemania. Is Bray a one trick pony or does he want to make a bold move, right here, right now.

Cena is ready for a fight and then the lights go out and Bray tells Green Bay that they are here.

Bray says that this world has an infection and a virus is the human race. Through all of these troubling times, it makes all sense that John would put himself in the middle. What would the world be like without its hero or its knight in shining armor. John is hollow and full of empty promises. John promises to save these people and keep them safe. You tell them that everything will be alright as long as he is around. John is a liat. This is a terrible world. It is a lonely and dark place. John stands for these illusions while Bray says that he stands for everything that is real.

John says that the future has to come through him first and Bray agrees with John. Bray says that he wants to properly introduce himself. His name is Bray Wyatt and they are the reapers who bring death to this era of lies.

John tells Bray who he is and he tells Bray that if one of them slide under the bottom rope, they are starting something. They may be starting something that they may not be able to finish.

Cena goes after Harper and Rowan when they try to enter the ring. Wyatt is able to control Cena and Harper and Rowan join in. Wyatt holds Harper and Rowan back while Cena struggles to get up. Cena goes after Wyatt while favoring his ankle. The Wyatts attack Cena again. Cena struggles to get back to his feet and the Wyatts leave the ring.

Wyatt with a flying cross body after Rowan distracts Cena.

Bray tells us to Follow the Buzzards as we go to commercial.

Match Number Three: Christian versus Sheamus

They lock up and Sheamus with a clean break. They lock up again and Sheamus sends Christian to the floor. Sheamus holds his abdomen, showing the effects from their match on Smackdown and the Elimination Chamber. Christian with punches but Sheamus sends Christian into the corner and he punches Christian. Sheamus with a short arm clothesline for a near fall.

Sheamus with a knee to the back followed by a quarter nelson and chin lock. Christian punches Sheamus and Sheamus clotheslines Christian over the top rope to the floor. Christian trips Sheamus but he takes too long to use the post so Sheamus pulls Christian into the post with his legs.

Sheamus with knee drops to the head followed by a leaping knee drop. Christian goes to the apron and Sheamus tries for the forearms but Christian blocks it. Christian drops Sheamus on the top rope and then he goes to the turnbuckles and hits a missile drop kick for a near fall. Sheamus with a forearm but Christian with a knee.

Christian tries to send Sheamus into the turnbuckles but Sheamus blocks it. Sheamus with a back drop that sends Christian over the top rope to the floor. Sheamus with a shoulder tackle off the apron and we go to commercial.

We return to see Christian knock Sheamus down to the floor to take back control. He slams Sheamus' head into the steps before rolling him in for a two count.

Christian keeps punishing the ribs and mid-section of Sheamus. Christian keeps countering Sheamus every time he tries to build a comeback.

Sheamus avoids a cross body and he finally starts to mount a comeback. He hits plenty of his signature offense on Christian, leading to a near fall after a battering ram.

Sheamus locks in the Cloverleaf, but Christian makes it to the ropes. They trade near falls until Sheamus nails Christian coming off the top rope with a Brogue Kick for the pin and the win.

Winner: Sheamus

We are back and it is time for another tribute for Black History Month. This week we take a look at Rocky Johnson and Tony Atlas.

Seth Rollins wants to know where Dean Ambrose was last night. Dean says that he is sick of being ganged up on and having to explain himself. If they don’t trust him, he is out of here.

Seth says that he wants to believe him but it has happened so many times.

The Wyatts enter and Roman Reigns challenges Bray to a one on one match with everyone left behind.

Bray accepts the match.

We go to the Raw Pre-Show Panel and we see two-thirds of the people who joined Josh Mathews. Booker T and Ric Flair are with Josh. Booker talks about the Christian and Sheamus match but he also mentions the Bray Wyatt/Roman Reigns match. Ric Flair wants to know what is going to happen with John Cena as well as the match between the Big Red Monster and Daniel . . . Bryan.

Match Number Four: Daniel Bryan versus Kane

Bryan with kicks to Kane and the referee pulls Bryan out of the corner. Kane wrings the arm to stop Bryan. Kane with an uppercut and kick. Kane sends Bryan shoulder first into the turnbuckles. Kane sends Bryan shoulder first into the opposite turnbuckle. Bryan with a drop toe hold that sends Kane into the turnbuckles. Bryan with kicks to Kane’s leg.

Bryan puts the leg in the ropes and he kicks Kane followed by a drop kick. Bryan wrings the leg into the mat. Bryan with kicks to the hamstring and then he continues to work on the leg with a knee drop. Bryan clips the leg twice to get Kane to the mat. Bryan with a single leg crab but Kane gets to the ropes.

Bryan tells the referee he has until five. Kane drops Bryan’s injured arm on the top rope and then into the ring post. Kane wraps the arm in the ropes and he kicks Bryan in the arm. Kane with an arm wringer. Kane with a key lock. Bryan with elbows but Kane sends Bryan through the ropes to the floor. Bryan gets back into the ring and hits a baseball slide. Bryan sets for a suicide dive but Kane with a forearm.

Kane sends Bryan into the ring steps and we go to commercial.

Back from commercial as Bryan is now working over the knee of Kane. Off the ropes, big boot by Kane and a cover for 1. Kane rips off the shoulder wrap of Bryan, and works the arm in the ropes. Corner clothesline by Kane and a cover for 2. Kane continues his attack on the arm, Bryan to his feet and delivers rights to Kane. To the corner, a whip and Bryan runs up and flips over Kane and hits a charging knee strike. Bryan lays in kicks to Kane, misses the headshot and Kane then connects with the side slam and covers for 2. Kane heads up top, and Bryan cuts him off. Bryan with kicks to the knee of Kane, up top and hits the RANA on Kane and covers for 2. Bryan connects with the shotgun dropkick, and another. Kane cuts him off on the third, and then charges Bryan, but gets sent to the floor. Suicide dive by Bryan connects! Bryan then hits the shotgun dropkick on the floor, sending Kane to the barricade. Bryan rolls him back into the ring, Bryan up top and flies off with the missile dropkick. Both men are down, but Bryan kips up! Head kick to Kane and a cover gets 2. Bryan to the top rope again, head butt is stopped as Kane goozles Bryan and chokeslams him. 1…2…NO! Kane is PISSED that it wasn't three. Kane to his feet, looks to pick up Bryan, but Bryan gets the YES lock! Kane powers out, goozles Bryan again, chokeslam countered and he looks for the YES lock again. Kane shoves him away, but Bryan with the charging knee strike and that is all!

Winner: Daniel Bryan

Bryan gets on the mic and says he confronted the Authority. Triple H is a coward! He challenged him to a match at WrestleMania and he hid behind his wife's skirt. Ever since Triple H put on that suit, he has ignored what the fans want and doesn't care what they want. Make your voice heard. They chant YES! Are you listening? He says the crowd is chanting, so Triple H, give the fans what they want to see at WrestleMania. Triple H vs. Daniel Bryan as WrestleMania 30. YES! YES! YES! YES!

Match Number Five: Summer Rae w/Fandango versus Emma w/Santino

They do some fence moves to begin and then shove each other. Summer rushes Emma, mounts her and lands some rights and is rolled off. Summer whips Emma to the corner, misses a charge, Emma slides in and gets a sunset flip for 2. A spin kick by Summer drops Emma and Summer covers for 2. Summer lays the boots to Emma and then chokes her out in the ropes. Summer talks trash to Santino as Summer chokes out Emma and then covers for 2. Necktie by Summer, grounding Emma. Emma fights to her feet, but Summer slams her back down. Summer now working a million dollar dream, Emma again tries to escape, does and Emma catches the kick and slams the leg down, and gets the Emma-Lock (Indian deathlock) and that is all.

Winner: Emma

Match Number Six: Non-Title Match: The New Age Outlaws © (Dogg and Gunn) versus The Usos (Jimmy and Jey)

Dogg got on the mic and asked them what the hurry was, because we knew the outcome already. Dogg asked them to leave so that they could do their introduction. As they finished, the Usos attacked because the bell already rang. Dogg got laid out by a superkick. Dive onto Gunn on the floor. Superfly splash to Dogg and that is all!

Winner: The Ussos

Match Number Seven: Bray Wyatt versus Roman Reigns

Reigns and Wyatt agreed that this would be one on one, with no one at ringside. They stare down, and Reigns takes center ring. They circle and trade rights, sending Wyatt to the floor. Wyatt regroups, back into the ring and they lock up. Reigns powers Wyatt o the corner, but Wyatt with a boot to the gut and then a head butt. A right by Wyatt follows, off the ropes and a shoulder block takes down Wyatt. Elbow drop follows and covers for 1. Right to the gut by Reigns, palm strike follows and Wyatt to the floor. Wyatt back in, boot to the gut again and then rights by Reigns. Throat strike by Wyatt and then grinds Reigns' face along the top rope. Wyatt works the Chinlock, Reigns to his feet and elbows out. Boot by Wyatt, off the ropes and a shoulder block levels Reigns. Wyatt slams Reigns to the corner and follows with a right. Reigns then reverses a whip and sends Wyatt to the corner and then tosses him to the floor. A clothesline by Reigns connects and levels Wyatt.

We go to commercial.

Back from commercial with both exchanging strikes, a slam by Wyatt and then the running back splash connects. Running kick to the face by Wyatt, and then a head butt to the chest and rights by Wyatt all connect. Reigns fires back with rights, Wyatt then hits a suplex and makes the cover for 2. Crowd chanting random shit like "Randy Savage and CM Punk" now. They exchange strikes against, and then Wyatt wipes Reigns out with the charging cross body and covers for 2. To the corner and rights by Wyatt, he charges and hits the corner splash. Tries again but Reigns sidesteps him and Wyatt crashes to the corner. Reigns with a kick to send Wyatt to the mat, and then hits a flying clothesline and corner clothesline. Rights by Reigns follow and the ref breaks them up. Reigns to the floor and gets the dropkick onto Wyatt who was hanging through the ropes. Reigns backs off and sets, Superman punch coming, but the Wyatts gimmick hits and they appear at ringside. Rollins out, hits the ring and dives onto Harper and Rollins. Wyatt rolls up Reigns for w. Reigns misses a charge and eats steel post. Rollins is getting beat down until Ambrose makes the save. SUPERMAN PUNCH to Wyatt! Reigns fights off Harper and Ambrose in attacking Wyatt for the DQ.

Winner: Bray Wyatt

The Shield and Wyatts brawl and the Shield clears the ring to stand tall.

Heyman talks with Lesnar backstage. Heyman asks him not to tear anyone or thing apart tonight. They walk.

Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman make their way out to the ring. There is a table set up in the ring for what looks to be a contract singing. Heyman introduces himself as the advocate for the #1 contender for the world title and man who should be main eventing WrestleMania, Brock Lesnar. Tonight is a big night for the WWE, but Lesnar is not in a good mood tonight. It has become apparent to us al that Randy Orton vs. Batista should get their match out of the way and the winner should face Lesnar for the title at WrestleMania. The Authority stated that Lesnar has been given an open contract for WrestleMania. They look at this as a consolation prize. And that's how WWE gets you, you can have anything you want, just not what you want the most. Lesnar wants to be the best. He conquered the NCAA, conquered the WWE as the youngest champion, and conquered the UFC when he became the heavyweight champion. And now he wants to conquer WrestleMania and have one title hanging from each of his arms. But the Authority will not give him that. But you can't play this game with Brock Lesnar. The contract doesn't mean anything to Lesnar because he wants to make history. Heyman says no thank you, and Lesnar doesn't have to choose an opponent. They will give him history to conquer or Lesnar will not be at WrestleMania.

GONG!

GONG!

Undertaker appears from the smoke and makes his way out to the arena. Undertaker slowly makes his way to the ring as Lesnar and Heyman sell the shock that he is back. Undertaker and Lesnar go face to face in the middle of the ring to loud Undertaker chants. Taker looks to the WrestleMania sign and then back at Lesnar. Lesnar shakes his head in agreement and Heyman hands him the contract. Lesnar signs the contract and hands the pen to Taker. Heyman says is Taker signs he may have the match with Lesnar at WrestleMania. Taker stabs the pen through Lesnar's hand into the contract, and then chokeslams him through the table. So he accepts then. The crowd loves it as Taker stares to the WrestleMania sign and looks down on Lesnar…

-------------------------------------------------------

WWE Raw Post-Show (From The WWE Network)

The post show begins with Taker exiting the arena and Heyman checking on a fallen Brock Lesnar in the ring. Matthews, Booker T, Alex Riley and Flair are back again. They put over the return of the Undertaker and the big match being signed for WrestleMania.

They will have an interview with Hulk Hogan later.

Renee Young is backstage waiting to talk with Lesnar and Heyman.

They discuss Hogan's WWE return and how big it was for the company on the day that the Network launched.

Referees and trainers are checking on Lesnar in the ring following the chokeslam through the table. Booker says that Lesnar is 265, and says he could have a "lower back issue" from going through the table. They note that usually the people that mess with Lesnar look that way, but never see Lesnar in that condition. The trainers are holding a towel around the hand, pretending that the pen is still lodged in Lesnar's hand, ok, that was cool.

[Rob]

[trendkiller666999]

lol hogan bombed

[Rob]

lol hogan bombed

[Role Model]

From the Pre-show:

[Jake]

how predictable of a raw what a shame

[Role Model]

I thought it was an OK RAW. While Bryan/Kane & Sheamus/Christian were the best matches. Emma is HOT, but also was nice to see her finally wrestle, I think her future is bright I like that submission move she has.

The last segment with Brock all came down to Taker coming out and owning the show choke slamming Lesner thru the table I marked out, and plus Taker's old-school facial hair is good enough reason to be pumped for Mania.

Roman vs. Bray got good at the end glad this continuing, and why wasn't AJ on this week?

[the madscotsman]

Totally marked out for the pen through the hand/ chokeslam through the table.

[Will]

I thought it was an OK RAW. While Bryan/Kane & Sheamus/Christian were the best matches. Emma is HOT, but also was nice to see her finally wrestle, I think her future is bright I like that submission move she has.

The last segment with Brock all came down to Taker coming out and owning the show choke slamming Lesner thru the table I marked out, and plus Taker's old-school facial hair is good enough reason to be pumped for Mania.

Roman vs. Bray got good at the end glad this continuing, and why wasn't AJ on this week?

old school facial hair? I doubt he can even grow a beard with all the wrinkles. The guy legit looks 80 years old. Its ridiculous to still see him going over young fulltimers in his one match a year.

[Kage]

old school facial hair? I doubt he can even grow a beard with all the wrinkles. The guy legit looks 80 years old. Its ridiculous to still see him going over young fulltimers in his one match a year.

It's what the people want though. He's still over as anyone on the roster and everyone looks forward to seeing Taker at WM.