Kester's WWE Raw Rundown: John Cena challenges CM Punk, Daniel Bryan proposes again, Chris Jericho turns face, and more

By Ryan Kester

CM Punk and John Cena

With John Cena's announcement that he will cash in on the 1k edition of Raw, it is painfully obvious that WWE set the Raw MITB up as nothing more than an excuse to this this encounter up next week. I hate to see a briefcase wasted in such a manner, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to the match next week.

I'm glad to see Punk distanced from AJ and it will be interesting to see where WWE goes with the return to the Punk and Cena feud. In all likelihood it will end with some form of interference or other assorted brouhaha to set up a rematch. It will be quite funny if that happens as it would mean Cena would hold the distinction of being the first person to cash in unsuccessfully.

I simply hope WWE doesn’t fall on its collective head and move the title next week. Cena would gain absolutely nothing from another title run, and I'd like to see the person that eventually bests Punk to be someone that could use the metric ton of rub that they'd get after such a long reign from Punk.

Daniel Bryan and AJ

I am happy that WWE is returning to this pair as I feel they play off of each other wonderfully. Daniel Bryan's act loses a bit of something without AJ, and the last thing I want to see at this point is for AJ's amazing character to be involved in the wasteland that is WWE's women's division.

Plus, out of this pairing we are getting another wrestling wedding. Long-time readers know that wrestling weddings are one of my guilty pleasures, and this is no exception. I don't know why, but I am looking forward to next week's shenanigans already.

Chris Jericho and Dolph Ziggler

Out of all of the potential feuds for a departing Jericho, this was one of the least expected possibilities. It's also a possibility I find rather intriguing. Jericho and Ziggler showed a great chemistry during their exchange last night, and I imagine that chemistry will translate well into their in-ring work.

This feud couldn't come at a better time for both men. Ziggler needs to be built up and there are fewer ways of being built well than being paired with Jericho, and Jericho has been getting an increasingly more positive reaction from the crowd since his return from his suspension.

Ryback

Ryback seems to be moving his way up the roster and his act is beginning to click with the live crowds. Better yet, we've seen him sell in his past few matches and while he's no Dolph Ziggler, he at least has the ability to pull it off. With the right direction and focus, this Ryback character (still has a terrible name) can work.

Overall Show

Last night's show served as a means of hyping the big 1k Raw next week, and it hyped it well. Luckily, the show managed to stay entertaining throughout and I like the direction of several of the top players in WWE. I hope WWE takes advantage of the big show next week to introduce some of the new faces that are ready in developmental rather than taking a three hour trip down memory lane, but I suppose we will have to wait and see how it all comes to fruition.

If you have any questions or comments or just wish to chat with a fellow wrestling fan about whatever, then feel free to email me at ryan.kester@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter at @TheRyanKester.