Today's Rundown: WWE Raw, C.M. Punk, Punk vs. Rhodes, faces and heels, Batista and Shawn Michaels, Shane McMahon, Mike Adamle, Santino Marella

WWE Raw: I am buying last night's show. Originally, I called it a mixed bag and still feel that way, but the good outweighed the bad and the show seems to be headed in the right direction. The young guys are getting loads of television time, the established stars are getting their time without hogging the camera, and we were treated to some nice comedy bits.

C.M. Punk in the opening segment: I am buying Punk here and I loved his work during that segment. He must have taken facial expression advice from William Regal because he looked pissed, just like he should have. Granted, he should have come after Orton long before last night, but nonetheless, he was fantastic during the opening segment.

C.M. Punk vs. Cody Rhodes: I am buying this despite knowing this is a money feud down the road. Punk had to wrestle somebody and Rhodes was a good choice. As the feud between Punk, Kofi Kingston, and Orton's crew progresses, people will want to see Punk vs. Rhodes again.

The blurred line between faces and heels: I am overwhelmingly buying this. The crowd did not quite know how to react last night when Chris Jericho and Randy Orton conducted their promo. However, despite both men being heels, they both want to be champion. It makes sense. Orton should want the title. Jericho should want to keep it. Just because they are both heel gives them no reason to like each other.

WWE ignores the recent history between Batista and Shawn Michaels: I am selling this for the same reason as I bought the previous topic. Batista and Michaels had a personal feud over Ric Flair. It was not simply a competitive feud over who was better where they develop mutual respect for each other. They had a heated series of disagreements that were never resolved. They took the time to remember the history between Shane McMahon and Kane; it would not have killed them to have a brief backstage segment with Michaels and Batista.

Shane McMahon appears on Raw: I am buying this and I would love to see Shane on the show regularly, without Vince. Shane has a natural charisma and presence about him. He is very good on the mic and if needed, he is damn good in the ring as a spot whore too. Ever since the conclusion of the Austin vs. Vince feud, I have preferred Shane to Vince and would love to see him on TV more often.

Mike Adamle: I defended and even applauded his appointment as the Raw general manager, but I am selling him now. At first, I liked the idea of having someone in that position who was not much of an on screen character. That being said, the "hungry with power" general manager is tired and played out. I prefer something in the middle and Adamle just does not bring enough to the table.

Santino Marella: I am buying his comedy and current relationship with Beth, but I am selling him winning matches in surprise fashion every week. The Intercontinental title is not what it once was, but this completely devalues the title. The Honk-A-Meter is hilarious, but they could really reestablish the old school prestige of the title by having someone make a legitimate run at Honky's record.

Charlie Haas as Mr. Perfect: I am buying as the funniest thing I have seen on Raw in a long time. That segment was absolutely perfect.

I would like to wish a very happy 30th birthday to an old friend of mine, Michelle McVay. I have not talked to her in awhile but I remembered it and wanted to pass along the well wishes.

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