Kester's WWE Raw Rundown: The Shield speaks, John Cena and AJ continue their high school romance, and CM Punk stands tall over Ryback

By Ryan Kester

The Shield

I like what is being done with this group thus far. They've been made out to be badasses, and both Rollins and Ambrose gave a convincing performance in their interview segment. Reigns is going for the silent bruiser persona, and it seems to be working for him.

I do hope that WWE has plans for this group beyond doing some dirty work for Punk. The group has a ton of potential and it would be a shame for that potential to be blown on being just a set piece in someone else's story.

John Cena and AJ

Ugh. I haven't been a fan of this from the start and as the weeks go by, there is really nothing that is convincing me this is a good idea. AJ is wrestling again and her crazy is showing, but that's easily taking a backseat to some terrible segments involving her and Cena.

I think my biggest gripe about this angle is that I foresee no real outcome that benefits Ziggler. He's getting some rub being involved with Cena, sure, but I don't see him getting out of this story in a better position than he was in going in.

CM Punk

CM Punk was still solid last night, but he didn't have a knock out performance on the mic like he's had for the past several weeks. He was more of a background player to The Shield's greater introduction to the fans.

I'm not sure why we're getting another Punk vs. Ryback match. They've already exhausted a few reasons for Ryback to lose and look strong, and I don't think WWE can realistically convince fans that they won't do it again in a TLC match.

Overall Show

Last night's Raw was decent. Nothing offensively terrible, but it also suffered from the usual marathon feel of most modern Raw shows.

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.