Kester's WWE Raw Rundown: Mr. McMahon gets knocked out, AJ continues to shine, and Dolph Ziggler becomes the new number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship

By Ryan Kester

John Cena, John Laurinaitis, Big Show, and Vince McMahon

With McMahaon's presence in this storyline, it certainly feels like WWE knows this story wasn't clicking like they had intended. The writing for Show's motivation and Cena's lackadaisical and carefree responses has been dull thus far, and McMahon's inclusion does nothing to change my mind.

Cena felt fresh just a few weeks prior and yet, at this point, he feels staler than ever. WWE needs to do something to shake up this act. I'm not calling for something as drastic as a heel turn or anything that would completely alter his character, but if the Cena character took things just a bit more seriously it would make for more entertaining TV and stories that are easier to get into. As it stands, I am still just waiting for this feud to reach its conclusion so we can get to something new. The problem is, I've felt that way since Over the Limit.

CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Kane, and AJ

This continues to be the story that is most intriguing to me n WWE television, and a lot of that has to do with the absolutely brilliant work of AJ. She played her role to perfection last night, and it's entertaining seeing her mess with each of the triple threat participant's heads. This chapter of the story was all about AJ, and she stepped up to the plate and delivered.

On a brief note, Kane proved once again that he's at his best when he's called upon to stay silent nd sell something with body language. His promo from early in the evening was completely flat, but his work in the mixed tag match helped make AJ's performance what it was. Almost every aspect of this story has been entertaining thus far, and I am actually looking forward to Kane's inclusion in the No Way Out match despite my early reservations.

Sheamus and Dolph Ziggler

While I am not happy that it took an injury to get here, it's nice to see Ziggler getting another match for one of the top belts. This may be an accidental storyline, but it's one I hope can propel Ziggler into the main event scene and keep him there.

Hopefully, WWE can take this opportunity and get some more mileage out of both wrestlers. Ziggler has needed some character progression for a while now and Sheamus needs something other than the one-dimensional act his character has been since his face turn. The opportunity is present for creative progression, but it's up to WWE to execute.

Overall Show

The show last night felt liked it dragged on and on and little outside of the main event stories felt particularly inspired. If this is the formula that the permanent three hour Raws will work with, then I feel that WW is making a move that will damage its product more than it will enhance it.

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.