Gotta say, I'm just going to agree with what everyone thinks about this variation...this 3rd variation is turd. It's null and void. I tried to get on with it, then I just looked at the other variations given out, and I just couldn't even find a single thing worth liking about it.
I would even say Kano's 3rd variation is better than TW now. (Knee Jerk?!)
On paper, the 3rd variation looked interesting, but in reality, you're gaining the rod, to then not use the rod, when you need to use the rod.
The damage from the thunder strike amplified on hit is a 12% move, with the rod out, its 18%...it's good...but then the opponent knows what you're doing, so that just becomes a chip game.
The time the rod is on screen is pretty stupid too. Without amplifying the rod, I think the rod is on screen for approx 3 seconds. I got confused at first, by using the rod as a combo ender, then it disappeared...I had no idea it went behind the opponent, so I tried to Jo Push and then nothing...got blown up. That's more me being naive than anything else.
Taking away teleport and Superman cancels, this variation feels so rushed to the point nobody will fool for the rod being out unless you're fullscreen projectiling to get a tiny bit more chip...
The ability to recall the rod is pointless, unless it had properties to that of Nightwolf's tomahawk recall, or gave you some minor plus frames for pressure. Hell, it would even be decent if you could amplify Thunder Strike on block if you had the rod out.
You take away Storm Cell and a (hard to get anyway) Superman KB, and the reward is an inferior combo starter leading to less damage...with the ability to not use Jo Push if you have the rod out.
I just don't know what's going on. I know one character has to be at the bottom of a tier list, but my god, its painful to see Raiden get nothing but nerfs from launch day.