WWE Raw Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from February 2

Triple H dominated the microphone; a quartet of emerging stars rocked it in the ring on the Feb. 2 edition of WWE Raw.

The company added a surprising bout to that upcoming pay-per-view, pitting the beloved Daniel Bryan against the champion-in-waiting Roman Reigns. In the process of setting up that clash, Monday's Raw featured two tremendous outings: Bryan vs. Seth Rollins and Dolph Ziggler vs. Bray Wyatt.

Those matches made it worth it to stick around through an often-plodding show, one that leaned too much on talking.

Short, unmemorable contests made up much of Raw's three hours. The Ascension and the Divas suffered from lack of ring time.

On the plus side, Cesaro and Jimmy Uso hinted at how good their teams' feud can be. The Miz and Damien Mizdow's impending rivalry should be hot as well.

Those are the side stories, though. The main narrative is that Reigns' spot at WrestleMania is no longer secure. Bryan may worm his way into the main event for the second straight year.

How well did WWE tell that story? How engaging was the in-ring action all night? The following is a look at the highs and lows of Monday's Raw, letter grades going to all of it.

Triple H's Announcement

With the roster watching on from backstage, Triple H kicked off the show, set to deliver the announcement he promised on last week's SmackDown.

Stephanie McMahon first poked at the Denver crowd, rubbing the New England Patriots' Super Bowl victory in their faces. The Authority moved on to mocking fans for threatening to cancel the WWE Network after the Royal Rumble.

WWE's power couple called Roman Reigns' Rumble victory into question prompting him to come storming out. 

McMahon planted the idea that maybe Reigns getting help from The Rock during that match means he shouldn't main-event WrestleMania. Daniel Bryan came out, demanding a world-title rematch. Seth Rollins had his own ideas, believing he deserves the championship chance instead.

Triple H proposed that Rollins would face Bryan on the show, the winner going on to take on Reigns at Fast Lane. That bout would determine who battles Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania.  

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"No one understands what it means to be a part of a generational legacy like that other than me."—McMahon to Reigns. 

Rollins mic fails to work as he enters.

"Welcome to the deep end, where the big boys play."—Rollins to Bryan.

Grade

C+

Analysis

The end result is an interesting idea, a high-stakes match on Raw leading to a high-stakes match at Fast Lane. It offers WWE some wiggle room with the WrestleMania main event, although it won't take Reigns out of it.

This is just a chance for Reigns to prove himself both in storyline and in real life.

The segment, like too many opening ones recently, was too long. It dragged and sucked some of the energy out of the announcement that came out of it.

Triple H dismissing the fans' disappointment over Bryan not winning the Rumble was grating. It's clear WWE is trying to weave the fan backlash into its storylines, but it comes off as the company being condescending. 

It's worth noting that Reigns' mic work was stronger-than-usual. It was short and effective, a pattern WWE needs to return to with him.

Roman Reigns vs. Big Show

Big Show began the bout on top, flinging Reigns into the guardrail and out of the ring. Reigns fought back with a series of clotheslines. 

With J&J Security distracting the referee, Rollins clocked Reigns with the Money in the Bank briefcase. That allowed Big Show to hit a chokeslam for the win.

Triple H and Stephanie McMahon watched on from backstage, laughing about how they manipulated Reigns. 

Result

Big Show wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Big Show hits a spear early, nearly getting a three-count.

Grade

C-

Analysis

For some reason, WWE had this match begin during the commercial break. That meant that fans missed a good chunk of what ended up being a short bout. 

The action created few highlights, the ending feeling too rushed. WWE could have accomplished the same pity-creating moments for Reigns at the end of a better match.

Instead, this disappointed. We have yet to get the big feud-ending match between them, and now we clearly won't be getting it at Fast Lane.

Dean Ambrose Issues a Challenge

Curtis Axel demanded that he face Lesnar at WrestleMania. After all, he was never eliminated at the Royal Rumble as he didn't officially enter the match.

Dean Ambrose charged out, threw him over the top rope and proceeded to challenge Bad News Barrett for the Intercontinental Championship.

Axel tried to retaliate, but Ambrose was ready for him. The Lunatic Fringe drove Axel to the mat.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"We have stepped into an alternative universe."—John "Bradshaw" Layfield.

"Now you're eliminated."—Ambrose to Axel. 

Grade

C

Analysis

With all the top spots filled, Ambrose was bound to slide down the card, at least for now. Working against Barrett should be decent, but it is certainly not an exciting option.

The direction JBL is receiving for commentary is baffling. He spent much of Axel's speech saying how much he wanted to change the channel. That's not exactly the message you want to send to TV viewers.

The Ascension vs. Goldust and Stardust

Viktor flattened Stardust. As he began to see stars, Goldust pulled him out of the ring and entered the fray.

The Ascension then dominated against The Bizarre One. Goldust offered only a few moments of resistance. Fall of Man did him in.

Stardust barked at his brother afterward, WWE teasing more tension between them. Backstage, they argued more.

Result

The Ascension win via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"These guys do pilates. They do Ta-Bo with Billy Blanks."—John "Bradshaw" Layfield.

"Don't ever call me Cody again!"—Stardust to Goldust.

Grade

D+

Analysis

The announcers spent much of the action bickering. They seemed disinterested in the match, only making a subpar bout even worse. 

The only intriguing thing to come out of this is the further teasing of Goldust and Stardust breaking up. WWE is also hinting at Stardust abandoning his persona in the process.

Keep an eye on the pace of that narrative. There is likely only space at WrestleMania for either that potential match or The Miz vs. Damien Mizdow.

John Cena Welcomes Superstars Back

Credit: WWE.com

With his right eye swollen, John Cena promoted Steve Austin's interview with Triple H. He talked about Triple H thinking that he's the past but that he would never give up. 

Cena then welcomed back Ryback, Erick Rowan and Dolph Ziggler to Raw. He promised that he would beat Rusev. 

Stephanie McMahon announced that Ziggler would face Bray Wyatt, Rowan would take on Rusev and Ryback would be pitted against Luke Harper.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"I'm beat up, I'm half blind and I'm almost broken."—Cena.

"Triple H's WWE is a WWE without John Cena."—Cena.

"You're going to be fed until you choke and you gag."—McMahon.

Grade

C

Analysis

This along with long-winded opening promos is when The Authority storyline feels most tired. The performances were good with both Cena and McMahon nailing their roles. The story lacks spark, though.

WWE already drained the power of this narrative when Team Cena's win at Survivor Series didn't wind up meaning anything.

Ryback vs. Luke Harper

Ryback pounded on Luke Harper. He went on a long flurry until a dropkick from Harper knocked down The Big Guy. 

The advantage then shifted back and forth. The two bruisers each landed big shots and delivered high-impact moves.

Ryback ran in for a meat-hook clothesline, but his jaw collided with Harper's boot instead. They scrambled for control until Ryback nailed Harper with Shell Shocked.

Result

Ryback wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Ryback holds Harper up in a vertical suplex for a good 30 seconds.

Harper hits a catapult somersault senton a la Eddie Guerrero.

Grade

B

Analysis

This good, physical match allowed both men to showcase their skills. A number of well-placed near-falls added to suspense in the kind of match that usually lacks that element.

Other than tangling with The Authority for who knows how long, there's not a real direction for Ryback going forward.

Harper is an even worse spot. Since losing the Intercontinental Championship, WWE Creative has seemingly forgotten about him.

Cesaro vs. Jimmy Uso

A match that briefly centered around mat wrestling soon became more of a slugfest, each man cracking the other's chest with chops.

While Cesaro argued with Jey Uso outside the ring, Jimmy Uso dove out onto him. The King of Swing recovered, though. He grounded Jimmy, tearing at his limbs, ripping at his face. 

Cesaro's control soon ended for a brief moment. Jimmy hit all his setup moves, but he failed to get the splash. Cesaro knocked him out instead.

Tyson Kidd took some cheap shots on Jey before he and Cesaro exited.

Result

Cesaro wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"That's a bad dude."—Booker T on Cesaro.

Cesaro transitions into a half-Boston crab after a Cesaro Swing.

Jimmy nails Cesaro with a mid-air superkick.

Cesaro one-ups him, hitting a European uppercut while Jimmy was in mid-flight.

Grade

B+

Analysis

The announcers tried to weave in a double-date subplot. Most fans likely tuned that out and just watched these two guys work.

They produced a fun outing with a number of big highlights. That points to their eventual tag-title clash (or clashes) being excellent.

Going forward, Cesaro and Kidd need to turn up that mercilessness they showed at the end. Just going at it in the ring won't be enough.

Dolph Ziggler vs. Bray Wyatt

Dolph Ziggler went on the attack early, fists flying.

Bray Wyatt responded with brute force, leaving The Showoff crawling on the mat. Wyatt choked him on the ring rope and clobbered him with right hands.

Ziggler used his speed to issue bursts of offense, but Wyatt continually halted his momentum. Even when Ziggler was on the offensive, he was hurting. He clutched his right shoulder in pain.

A DDT nearly got Ziggler the win. A superkick to Wyatt's ribs earned him another near-fall. The two warriors battled on, flesh smacking against flesh.

Wyatt caught him with Sister Abigail to end it.

Result

Wyatt wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"Bray Wyatt is very dangerous individual."—Booker T.

"Are you watching?"—Wyatt to the crowd.

Wyatt suplexes Ziggler from the ring apron to the floor.

Grade

A

Analysis

Even with Seth Rollins and Daniel Bryan's performance to close the show, this was the match of the night. Both men looked intent on stealing the show, on forcing the post-Raw conversation to be about them.

Ziggler's selling and Wyatt's hard-hitting style merged really well together. And Ziggler looked great in defeat. This was no ordinary loss; this was the hero coming up just short.

Wyatt later spoke backstage, planting more hints that he and Undertaker set to collide. That will be Wyatt's jetpack to superstardom.

Paige vs. Alicia Fox

Credit: WWE.com

Nikki and Brie Bella sat in on commentary as Alicia Fox battled Paige.

Paige taunted The Bellas, allowing Fox to rolling her up for a near-fall. Fox followed with a Northern Lights suplex and a long chinlock. 

Paige managed to roll Fox over for a three-count. Fox then held her down as Nikki sprayed her with tanning spray.

Result

Paige wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

None

Grade

D

Analysis

There was too much talk of hashtags and other random topics during commentary. The Bellas' presence did little to add to the story here.

A short match with no time for standout moments didn't help. Going with a "mean girls" angle makes sense for this feud, but WWE needs to work on finding ways to make Paige more sympathetic.

It's clear why we should root against Nikki; the company needs to show us why we should root for Paige.

The Miz vs. Sin Cara

Backstage, the tension between The Miz and Damien Mizdow boiled over. As Mizdow prepared a smoothie for The Miz, an employee asked for an autograph.

That had The Miz irate. He fired Mizdow, only to hire him again as a personal assistant. He told Mizdow that he was nothing before him and would be nothing without him. 

During the match, Mizdow no longer did his mirroring routine, per The Miz's orders.

With Sin Cara locked in his grip, The Miz looked over to make sure see that Mizdow wasn't disobeying him. Sin Cara missed a senton and didn't recover.

The Miz stayed in control, holding Sin Cara down with wear-down holds and his trademark neckbreaker. Worrying too much about Mizdow allowed Sin Cara to sneak up for the final pin.

Result

Sin Cara wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"I made you relevant."—The Miz to Mizdow.

"I'm really into philanthropy. It's one of my hobbies."—The Miz.

Mizdow can't help himself and mimics The Miz going to the top rope.

Grade

B+

Analysis

The match itself was nothing special. It was just a means to get to the story, one WWE is speeding up.

Both the backstage segment and the action in the ring provided the stage for The Miz to produce some great heel work. He played the part of the unfeeling boss perfectly. Mizdow was even more amusing with his mirroring coming in just brief spurts.

Their eventual collision is gathering electricity quickly. It would be a memorable undercard clash that propels Mizdow going forward.

Rusev vs. Erick Rowan

Before stepping into battle, Erick Rowan opened up to Cena backstage. He told him how much he has changed his life, one he has lived as an outsider.

Rusev didn't allow the match to start. He ambushed Rowan, abusing him with kicks and tugging at his beard.

The Russian bruiser locked Rowan in The Accolade until the big man passed out. 

Lana showed a film which she claimed showed the future of any man who steps up to Rusev. The video featured Rusev tearing through the roster as a Russian narrator talked up the U.S. champ.

Result

The match is a no-contest.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

The Russian flag doesn't come down properly, and Rusev loses his mind.

Grade

B-

Analysis

Rather than have Rusev win a quick match against a jobber as he so often does, WWE went a smart route here to show his dominance. Rusev comes off as nasty, dangerous and like a man who has disregard for the rules, all great traits for a heel to have.

It wasn't clear whether the flag not coming down was planned. If it wasn't, kudos to Ruse for turning that moment into something memorable. He looked legitimately enraged.

Daniel Bryan vs. Seth Rollins

Credit: WWE.com

Daniel Bryan tried to talk with Reigns backstage, but the Royal Rumble winner was in no mood to chat. Reigns told Bryan to leave, saying he didn't care who he faced at Fast Lane. 

Once the bell rang, Bryan focused on Rollins' arm. Kicks, armbars and hammerlocks had Rollins reeling.

A cheapshot from J&J Security shifted things in Rollins' favor. Big Show soon emerged, standing at ringside. He watched as Rollins stomped on his foe and attacked Bryan's neck. 

Despite all the interference, Bryan stormed back. He slugged it out with Rollins and dropkicked both Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury. 

He sacrificed his body with high-risk moves trying to put Rollins away. Neither a Saito suplex from the top role or A Yes! Lock couldn't finish off Rollins, though.

Outside the ring, Reigns speared Big Show and Mercury before punching out Rollins. That helped Bryan get the flying knee for the win.

Bryan thanked the crowd for putting him in this spot.

Result

Bryan wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"This is four on one. How is this fair?"—Michael Cole.

Rollins counters an Avalanche Hurricanrana for a near-fall.

Bryan dives out of the ring onto Rollins, Noble and Mercury.

Bryan hits a Saito suplex from the top rope.

"I will never question Daniel Bryan's heart again."—Booker T.

Grade

A

Analysis

It's clear the announcers cared about this match more than the midcard fare throughout the night. It showed in the passion in their voices and the fact that they didn't stray from the onscreen action.

The crowd ate it up too.

High stakes and two great performers led to this being engrossing. Rollins and Bryan's chemistry has always been stellar. This was more proof.

WWE is going a bold route here, teasing the chance that Bryan may work his way into the WrestleMania main event again. If Reigns beats him, that is only going to further upset Bryan's fanbase. The key will be for Bryan to sell fans on it, by him showing Reigns respect after their bout and giving him his approval.