By Ryan Kester

The Rock, John Cena, and CM Punk

I was happy to see CM Punk getting involved in the build for The Rock and Cena's showdown. For one, it keeps the two men from each other for a bit so their exchanges can be a bit more meaningful, and two, it prevent CM Punk from being treated as an afterthought. While I am sure Punk will lose next week and we'll get the same singles match at WrestleMania that's being hyped, I am glad that WWE is continuing to take care of Punk and treat him as one of their biggest names.

Thank goodness we have a new WWE Title. It's been a long time overdue with how far removed we are from Cena's "Thuganomics" character that brought about the last incarnation. The new title will have to grow on me a bit, but I expect I am bothered much less about the wrestler insignias in place of a nameplate. It's strange, sure, but it's something I can get used to seeing.

The Shield

While I am still enjoying the work The Shield have done since their debut, I am getting ready for their next chapter. They're getting built up now, which is good, but as someone that watches all of the WWE programming, I am getting excited to see where they go with an actual story rather than then being paired with a few random babyfaces.

I imagine we're going to be getting a bit more build for the Shield before they have another six-man tag at WrestleMania, and the next chapter will take place after the big show. That's perfectly understandable; I'm simply ready to get there.

Jack Swagger

Swagger continues to impress since his return. He's using roughly the same moveset he had before, but he has added enough intensity to his delivery that it just seems more impressive. It's such a minor thing, but it makes a world of difference in making him feel like he belongs in the main event rather than the midcard.

I remain hesitantly positive about the addition of Colter to Swagger's act. The man is a heat magnet and Swagger needs a good talker, but I hope they can add more wrinkles to the act when Swagger's done with Alberto Del Rio. If not, then the content they deliver will get old quickly.

Overall Show

I enjoyed last night's show. The live crowd seemed burned out more than normal, but I attribute that to WWE's decision to hype next week so heavily when those fans wanted an event in their own town. Still, this was a better Raw than normal.

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.

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