By Rob Siebert
Editor, Fanboy Wonder

Thoughts From Raw:

- Did Big Show’s punch to Vince McMahon at the end of the show even connect? I don’t think it did. I know he’s 66 years old and shouldn’t necessarily be taking bumps, particularly from someone like Show. But c’mon, make it look real.

- It was nice to see Vince, though. At this stage in the game, once or twice a year is a good dosage amount for Vince. He’s such a dynamic personality, and so memorable a performer (on the mic at least), that he tends to overshadow his wrestlers. And at a time when WWE is really hurting for new big name stars, that’s not the dynamic we want at all. Still, I was excited to see him. The guy’s such a ham that it’s hard not to find him entertaining. The exception to that rule tonight was the way he mocked Jim Ross’ cerebral palsy. Why Vince loves to use his valuable air time to make fun of JR time after time is beyond me. But at this point I think most fans would agree that it’s simply become mean and cruel.

- The crowd in Hartford was great. It was touching to see what a warm reception they gave the returning Vader. Those “You’ve Still Got it!” chants are wonderful things.

- I continue to be impressed with AJ Lee’s performances. Typically, when you insert a girl into the WWE Title picture like this, the whole thing becomes contrived and stupid. And to some, maybe this scenario falls into that realm as well. But I’ve enjoyed AJ’s work with CM Punk, Daniel Bryan and Kane. Let’s just hope her big lip lock with Kane doesn’t evolve into another demon seed pregnancy angle…

- Can Ryback only speak in three-word sentences? Is that what the deal is? “FEED ME MORE!” “I HIT HARD!” “FINISH IT NOW!” By the way, stop with the stupid knee-high marching. It takes what would otherwise be a really impressive feat, taking two guys and holding them atop your shoulders, and makes it look cheesy.

- I’ve never been a fan of the “mood lighting” for Sin Cara’s matches. I’ve always found it very distracting. Meh. At least Curt Hawkins got a match on Raw.

- Dolph Ziggler is such a star, and I’m so happy to see him finally get a big opportunity on pay per view against a big name like Sheamus. Let’s hope these two steal the show.

Thoughts From Around The Wrestling World:

- Sting was announced as the first inductee into TNA’s new Hall of Fame at Sunday’s Slammiversary pay per view. A lot of people are chuckling at the idea of a TNA Hall of Fame, but I think as long as they keep it limited to one or two guys per year, and don’t try and imitate WWE’s Hall of Fame, it’s a nice little honor for the men and women who’ve worked hard to keep TNA alive. Sting certainly deserves the recognition, as his presence in the company gave it more credibility, and drew a lot of interest. This is of course in contrast to Hulk Hogan’s presence, which has gradually caused the company to lose credibility.

- A recent photo of Ahmed Johnson popped up on the web not long ago, and has caused a bit of buzz because the real life Tony Norris appears to have put on some weight. I can’t help but feel bad for Norris. Not because he’s gained weight, but because he’s moved away from the public eye, but is now being judged by wrestling fans as if he hasn’t. The man we see in this picture is a far cry from the brick wall that was the “Pearl River Powerhouse” in the ’90s. But that’s not who he’s trying to be anymore. Apparently Norris went back to school and got a degree in Criminology. Much like Vince making fun of Jim Ross, fans making fun of Ahmed for the way he looks 15 years after his heyday in wrestling seems tacky and cruel. Good luck to you Ahmed, and thanks for the memories.

Front page image from ringsidenews.com. Image 1 from zimbio.com. Image 2 from WWE.com. Image 3 from pwpix.net.