WWE Raw Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from February 23, 2015

On the heels of Fastlane on pay-per-view, WWE Raw hit the USA Network airwaves from Nashville, Tennessee.

Roman Reigns, the undisputed No. 1 contender, not only defeated Daniel Bryan at Sunday's event but also earned his respect, something the juggernaut parlayed into a stint as Bryan's tag team partner for his main event match against The Authority's Randy Orton and Seth Rollins.

Speaking of The Viper and Mr. Money in the Bank, their ability to set aside ego for the betterment of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon's vision for WWE was tested by the evening's main event. Whereas Bryan and Reigns proved an ability to coexist, Rollins' ego got the best of him and ultimately cost the heels the match.

Tyson Kidd and Cesaro, the new WWE Tag Team champions, defended their titles against former champions The Usos in a Fastlane rematch, the Prime Time Players reunited to battle The Ascension, Dolph Ziggler was in action and a few Superstars tossed their names into the field for the Andre the Giant battle royal.

What went down as the Superstars of World Wrestling Entertainment rolled into Music City, U.S.A. for a night of hard-hitting action on the road to WrestleMania?

Take a look for yourself.

Randy Orton Promo

Randy Orton returned to Raw for the first time since November to kick off this week's show.

He wasted no time in demanding that Seth Rollins come to the ring, but was cut off by The Authority, who came to the squared circle. 

Triple H and Stephanie McMahon offered to forgive Orton, then offered him his spot back.

After a testimonial by Big Show, Orton offered to listen to The Authority's proposal at a business meeting later that night.

It was there that he opted to rejoin forces with the group that had left him for dead last fall.

Highlight

The idiocy of Orton even agreeing to listen to the offer of Triple H after being brutally assaulted at his hand in November.

Grade

D

Analysis

Just prior to Survivor Series, Randy Orton was brutally assaulted by The Authority.

At Fastlane, he attacked the group with the main purpose being to get his hands on Seth Rollins.

Now, in one single promo, Triple H and Stephanie nearly erased an entire three months' worth of anger, frustration, betrayal and bruised ego?

Only in WWE.

The company's crack writing staff jeopardized the effectiveness of the Orton babyface character by having him make such a stupid decision. 

Non-Title Match: Dolph Ziggler vs. Bad News Barrett

 Dolph Ziggler battled the man who defeated him for the WWE Intercontinental Championship, Bad News Barrett, in a non-title match Monday night. R-Truth, who pinned Barrett on SmackDown, sat in on commentary as the match unfolded in front of him.

Ziggler, as he has so many times, overcame the champion's onslaught, including the bone-crushing Winds of Change finisher to deliver the Zig Zag and pick up the pinfall victory after 11 minutes of action

Dean Ambrose came to the ring after the match and stopped to exchange a look with Ziggler. He taunted Barrett with his own title.

Result

Dolph Ziggler pinned Bad News Barrett

Highlight

Any time Ziggler wins a match clean is reason to celebrate.

Grade

C

Analysis

The match itself was good, as is the norm with Ziggler. The Show Off is the most consistent in-ring worker the company has to offer and watching him consistently deliver on a night in, night out basis is a real treat.

Barrett, on the other hand, has got to be on one of the most ridiculous non-pushes of all-time. Despite getting over, they stripped away the aspects of the Bad News Barrett character, then had him return and lose to the likes of R-Truth and Sin Cara, both of whom could not previously have won a match to save their lives.

Now, he loses to Ziggler and has repeatedly been made to look like a chump.

Prime Time Players vs. The Ascension

Last week, Darren Young and Titus O'Neil shockingly reunited the Prime Time Players in hopes of combating Konnor and Viktor of The Ascension. This week, the two teams waged war—a war the former NXT Tag Team champions undoubtedly expected to win.

But they did not.

After just three minutes of action, Young scored a fluke rollup win on Viktor for the win.

Determined to have the final word, the heels tossed O'Neil out of the ring and delivered the Fall of Man to Young.

Result

The Prime Time Players defeated The Ascension

Highlight

The PTPs win, which was completely unexpected.

Grade

D

Analysis

Yes, WWE Creative understandably wanted to help re-establish the Prime Time Players as a talented duo, especially after its members had spent the past year jobbing out in arenas across the country. But to have them beat Konnor and Viktor, thus adding a blemish to their previously untarnished win-loss record, was a major mistake.

The Ascension dominated tag team wrestling in NXT for a year. There was no team even remotely close to them. But since coming up to WWE, they have resembled Legion of Doom ripoffs and are seriously missing the edge of danger that followed them in NXT.

Sure, this sets up the continuation of the feud, but it comes at the expense of a team that should have been dominating and racking up huge championship victories from day one on the main roster.

Roman Reigns Promo

On the heels of one of his biggest wins to date, Roman Reigns took to the ring to address the WWE Universe.

He brought up the Royal Rumble, where he was booed mercilessly, then talked about Fastlane. He knew full well that the fans, for the most part, were cheering "the other guy," but he proved his doubters wrong.

This brought out Daniel Bryan, who cut a phenomenal promo that saw him put over the heart and determination of his opponent, something he demonstrated the night before during their huge main event match.

The Superstars exchanged a handshake, and Bryan recruited Reigns to be his partner against Randy Orton and Seth Rollins later in the show.

Paul Heyman interrupted the festivities and made sure to repeat the promise that Reigns could not slay the seemingly unbeatable Brock Lesnar.

Reigns thought otherwise and ended with his "believe that" catchphrase.

Highlight

"You proved to me last night that you had more heart that I ever thought that you did. I don't care how many people are booing you here tonight, you and I gave it everything that we had and guess what, you beat me." —Daniel Bryan

Grade

A

Analysis

Daniel Bryan did more to get Roman Reigns over with the audience in one promo than WWE Creative has all year. Sure, they booked him to win the Royal Rumble and beat Bryan at Fastlane, but Bryan put over the heart and determination of his rival and admitted that he was wrong about the young star, then shook his hand in a sign of respect.

There will always be that portion of the audience that boos Reigns but Bryan did a fantastic job of trying to convince his most passionate fans to support the juggernaut on his quest to WrestleMania.

The interaction with Heyman was nothing fans had not seen before but it continued the build to WrestleMania in the absence of Lesnar.

WWE Tag Team Championship Match: The Usos vs. Tyson Kidd and Cesaro

Just 24 hours removed from their tag team championship victory, Tyson Kidd and Cesaro defended their titles against former titleholders The Usos on Monday night.

The heels were reeling early, but Kidd used wife Natalya as a shield to not only halt Jimmy Uso's momentum but also gain the edge for his team. The champions wore down the challengers until a hot tag turned things back in the twin brothers' favor.

The surging Usos took the champions down at ringside and had them reeling as we headed to the first break of the contest.

Champions Kidd and Cesaro regained control during the break and appeared to have a win in-hand following the swing/legdrop combination. Jimmy broke up the pin saving his brother and his team's championship aspirations.

The action picked up considerably as Kidd broke up a pinfall attempt. He tried to score one of his own, using a rollup with his feet on the ropes, but Naomi shoved Kidd's feet off, igniting a confrontation between she and Natalya.

Natalya crotched Jimmy on the top rope, drawing the disqualification and ensuring that her husband and his partner retained their titles.

Result

The Usos defeated Tyson Kidd and Cesaro.

Highlight

The fight at ringside between Naomi and Natalya that popped the crowd and brought a new element to the Usos-Kidd and Cesaro rivalry.

Grade

B+

Analysis

The Usos, Kidd and Cesaro had a really fun, energetic match Monday night that would have equaled Sunday's match had it not been for the disappointing disqualification finish.

With that said, that finish allows the rivalry to continue. More importantly, it introduced Naomi and Natalya to the picture, something that should have happened more frequently weeks ago.

A single, passionate kiss between Natalya and Kidd indicates that the third-generation Diva has embraced the heel role and will be more open about interfering on behalf of the champions.

Could a Six-Person Tag Team match be on tap for WrestleMania?

Jack Swagger vs. Stardust

After a disappointing loss to brother Goldust at Fastlane, Stardust returned to the squared circle to battle "Real American" Jack Swagger in singles competition.

Stardust attacked Swagger, pummeling him with series of rights about the body. Stardust controlled the bout but threatened to come unglued when the fans showered him with chants of "Cody."

Swagger caught Stardust in the Patriot Lock but escaped. Moments later, Goldust's music played, providing a distraction that allowed Swagger to reapply the submission and pick up the win. 

A distraught Stardust stared his brother down after the match.

Result

Jack Swagger defeated Stardust 

Highlight

None to speak of

Grade

D 

Analysis

Stardust had a rough Sunday night, with an underwhelming match against Goldust, and things were not much better Monday night.

His match with Jack Swagger was clunky, at best, and failed to show off exactly what it is that Cody Rhodes, the man behind the paint, does so well: wrestle.

Swagger's win off of Goldust's interference did nothing to help the Real American, but the disappointing showing could threaten Stardust's momentum, not to mention the entire program, as fans continue to struggle to get behind the story and the characters involved.

At least this early in the program.

John Cena Promo

John Cena made his way to the ring to discuss his match with Rusev last night at Fastlane.

He gave Rusev credit but then stated that he came closer to pinning Rusev than anyone else. He talked about refusing to give up while trapped in the clutches of The Accolade.

"Last night at Fastlane, I lost," Cena said, drawing some scant cheers.

This brought out both Rusev and Lana, the latter of whom had no problem reminding Cena that he let his country down by losing the way he did Sunday night. She referred to Rusev as the superior human being before turning the microphone over to the United States champion.

"John Cena, I broke you," he started before claiming that Cena embarrassed his friends, family and country.

Cena warned Rusev about running down the United States, then stated that he would get back up, because that's what Americans do. He vowed to bring the U.S. title back to the country.

Rusev refused Cena's challenge for a rematch at WrestleMania.

Highlight

"John Cena is going to kick your a** at WrestleMania." —An impassioned Cena, selling the eventual U.S. title rematch with a single sentence

Grade

B

Analysis

There are times when John Cena does his angry promos and they come across as laughable. That was not the case Monday night as the leader of the Cenation conveyed anger and sincerity in a way he has not for a very long time. It was no huge stretch to believe that the performer was very disappointed in himself and, in turn, extremely angry that Rusev used his win to further put down the United States.

Cena was intense and real. There was no cookie cutter promo, there was no pandering to the audience. He spoke his mind and ended his promo on a high note with his threat to the United States champion.

Rusev and Lana were equally as great, showcasing their boastful side and essentially pronouncing Cena's career dead. The way Rusev so nonchalantly dismissed the 15-time champion's rematch request was particularly great.

One of the best matches of the Fastlane pay-per-view, Cena vs. Rusev should make for a stellar WrestleMania match, if and when it is officially announced. 

Paige and Emma vs. The Bella Twins

Credit: WWE.com

Paige had the opportunity to make up for her disappointing night at Fastlane as she teamed with Emma to battle Nikki and Brie Bella in Divas tag team action.

Brie knocked Paige off the ring apron, then delivered the face-buster to Emma for the win, just seconds into the match.

The Bella Twins left the babyfaces lying to a chorus of boos.

Result

The Bella Twins defeated Paige and Emma

Highlight

None

Grade

F

Analysis

Anyone complaining about the lack of time Divas get when they are only allowed to wrestle three-minute matches on Raw needs to look no further than Monday night's match and its mere seconds of match time to realize just how "lucky" they are most weeks.

If you want to watch compelling women's wrestling, head on over to the WWE Network where Sasha Banks, Charlotte, Bayley and Becky Lynch are stealing shows left and right because, unfortunately for the likes of Paige, Emma and Natalya, they have no chance of getting the type of opportunity the NXT Divas have as long as Vince McMahon is in charge.

Ryback vs. Curtis Axel

Curtis Axel warned fans not to turn the channel, claiming that he had not been eliminated from the Royal Rumble and that his #AxelMania movement was still going strong. He entered himself in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, then was interrupted by Ryback.

The Big Guy officially added himself to the battle royal, then threatened to take Axel to "Smashville."

The former Heyman Guys and tag team partners battled it out one-on-one action.

Ryback ran over Axel, finishing him with Shellshocked in a match that certainly killed any chance the second-generation star has of succeeding come March 29 at WrestleMania.

Result

Ryback pinned Curtis Axel

Highlight

Ryback's ridiculous one-liners prior to the match 

Grade

D-

Analysis

Outside of announcing the involvement of Ryback and Axel in this year's Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania, this served no purpose at all. In fact, both guys came out of the match looking worse than they did heading in.

A complete waste of time that could have been given to the Divas' tag match instead.

Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan vs. Seth Rollins and Randy Orton

Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns put their differences aside to battle Seth Rollins and Randy Orton, who also had to set aside personal issues if they wished to emerge victorious.

Bryan looked to take out his disappointment and frustration on Rollins, delivering a surfboard submission hold and tagging in Reigns. Moments latter, the juggernaut found himself standing across the squared circle from "The Viper" Orton, whom he defeated back at SummerSlam.

The heels attempted to isolate Bryan but the babyfaces had the heels, most notably Rollins, reeling heading into the break.

During the commercial, the heels regained control, working over Reigns, whom they had sent crashing into the guardrail.

A tilt-a-whirl slam by Reigns to Rollins allowed the second-generation star the chance to make the hot tag to Bryan.

The leader of the Yes Movement unleashed with his fiery, fast-paced offense on Mr. Money in the Bank. He countered a rollup into the Yes Lock but had the hold broken by Orton. He dumped The Viper, then delivered the suicide dive onto Rollins.

Bryan tried for the diving headbutt later in the match but missed. Tags to Reigns and Orton led to a spirited exchange, including a snap powerslam and the DDT from Orton.

Rollins tagged himself into the match, drawing the ire of the Apex Predator.

Meanwhile, inside the squared circle, Reigns blasted Rollins with the Superman Punch. Bryan tagged himself in, delivered the running knee and scored the pinfall win.

Result

Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan defeated Randy Orton and Seth Rollins.

Highlight

Grade

C-

Analysis

So after months on the sideline, and with countless days to stew over The Authority's attack of him last November, Orton returns and suddenly shows restraint when it comes to Seth Rollins.

The same Seth Rollins he attempted to maim last night at Fastlane?

It makes no sense. Not Stephanie McMahon, not Triple H and most certainly not a sycophantic suck-up like Seth Rollins should be able contain the anger and rage inside the Viper.

If that bit of inconsistency did not make things bad enough, the sudden buddy-buddy nature of the Reigns-Bryan relationship certainly did.

Sure, they have respect for each other now. but that should not erase everything they have been through to this point.

Unfortunately, after a hellish battle at Fastlane, they were laughing and smiling side-by-side to close out the show. How that makes any sense is beyond this writer.