WWE Raw Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from April 20

Kane was onscreen so often during Monday's WWE Raw that it felt like he was gearing up for main event Extreme Rules.

The Director of Operations did get a spot on the marquee match for the upcoming pay-per-view, but it's as the man in charge of the door of the steel cage that Randy Orton and Seth Rollins will battle inside. The heavy reliance on Kane all night was part of why this didn't feel like a go-home show.

WWE also gave lackluster efforts in building Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper and making use of The Miz's feud with Damien Mizdow.

A series of surprise RKOs served as the biggest highlights on Raw. Orton doing as he promised and handing out RKOs like Halloween candy was entertaining. As an episode designed to sell fans on the next big event, to increase the electricity around all of Extreme Rules' feuds, though, it stumbled.

Read on for the results, high points and grades for what went down in Albany, New York, on Monday night.

Randy Orton Expresses His Rage

Speaking inside of a steel cage, Orton talked about what he planned to do to Rollins at Extreme Rules. He promised suffering and promised that he would leave the night as world champ.

Rollins insulted Orton and the fans from a safe distance.

The WWE champ claimed to be better than Orton as the two enemies bickered. Orton responded by promising to RKO everyone including Rollins.

The Viper would later nail Heath Slater with his trademark move, breaking a catering table in the process.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"My greatest weapon is my ability to inflict unspeakable pain."—Orton.

"I'm going to pick you up by that stupid little blond streak you have going on."—Orton.

"Inside of that ring, I can outmaneuver everybody. Outside of the ring, I can outthink everybody."—Rollins.

"I'm going to RKO every s-- -- - ----h I see.—Orton.

Grade

B-

Analysis

Despite a few stumbles from Orton, this was a strong performance from him. He was convincingly angry, and getting his hands on Rollins seemed mighty important to him.

Rollins did well too, but not much happened here. There was little tension or suspense. It was the decent setup for Orton's entertaining RKO rampage later on.

Luke Harper vs. Dean Ambrose

A fast-paced brawl didn't stay in the ring long. Dean Ambrose and Luke Harper soon slugged it out in the stands, while the referee counted to 10.

They continued fighting beyond the bell, brawling on the entrance ramp until Harper retreated to the backstage area.

Result

Match results in a double count-out.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"I don't why you aren't afraid of me, boy?"—Harper to Ambrose.

"Dean Ambrose is out of control but looks good doing it."—Booker T.

Harper punches Ambrose out of the air.

Harper flings Ambrose off the stage.

Grade

C

Analysis

WWE hasn't put much effort into this feud. It's felt like an afterthought, and the lack of creativity here speaks to that.

Some fun brawling occurred here and should be topped at Extreme Rules. WWE announced that these foes will meet in a Chicago Street Fight on Sunday.

There's little reason to invest, though. A lack of story and big moments has made this feel like two random men swinging their fists with little motivation.

The New Day vs. Lucha Dragons (No. 1 Contender's Match)

Cesaro and Tyson Kidd watched on from backstage as Lucha Dragons battled Kofi Kingston and Big E to determine who would get a title shot at Extreme Rules. 

The luchadors' speed had them on top briefly, but a more aggressive New Day dominated much of the match. Big E and Kingston kept Sin Cara in their corner, punishing him.

When Kalisto came in, he went on a flurry that thrilled the crowd.

Outside the ring, Xavier Woods grabbed Sin Cara's leg to keep him from getting back inside. That allowed Kingston to beat the referee's 10-count and get the win.

Afterward, Orton hit Kingston and Woods with RKOs.

Result

The New Day wins via count-out.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Sin Cara spins Kingston around before hitting a Northern Lights Suplex.

Kingston dropkicks Sin Cara into the announce table. 

Sin Cara and Kalisto hit simultaneous moonsaults. 

Grade

C+

Analysis

The big crowd reaction for Kalisto speaks to how much success he is bound to have. Fans have loved him so far.

He was eye-catching here in a match that was otherwise tepid. Big E looked awkward going up against the luchador.

The New Day's elevated aggression is a welcome. Their characters are moving in the right direction. Their matches are going to have to get better, however.

Fandango vs. Curtis Axel

Curtis Axel mocked Fandango's dance before going on the attack. Axel dished out forearm shots; Fandango fought back with clotheslines.

In a short time, Fandango laid out Axel and hit The Last Dance for a three-count.

Result

Fandango wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"He's like a cross between Baryshinikov and Ken Shamrock."—John "Bradshaw" Layfield.

Grade

D

Analysis

Nothing substantial here.

WWE is not ready to give up on Fandango just yet. This easy win appears to be part of another attempted push. He's still struggling to create a lasting connection with the crowd. 

That passion the London fans poured on for him was an anomaly. Outside of England, he's just a forgettable midcarder.

Triple H Returns

Triple H talked up WrestleMania and the return of Tough Enough. He asked fans to send in video submissions for the reality show.

Kane strolled in. He told The Game that he could no longer deal with Rollins. As a result, he gave his two-week notice.

Rollins took offense at Kane's remarks. The two bickered, remembering what went down last week on Raw. Triple H eventually pulled the red-faced Director of Operations away from the champ.

The Game then appointed Kane the gatekeeper for the Extreme Rules cage match. 

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"Being a WWE Superstar is better than any dream you could ever have."—Triple H.

"You're a little bit seasoned to be in Tough Enough."—Triple H to Kane.

"You became a coward. You did what you were told."—Rollins to Kane.

"If we wanted to, we could have made El Torito champion."—Kane to Rollins.

Grade

B+

Analysis

The Tough Enough announcement suffered because WWE already revealed the news on the Internet earlier in the day. Not that it was huge news anyway. You can't blame the crowd for being disinterested.

Things got rolling when Rollins and Kane entered. Kane's rage was the best thing about this segment. He teased an explosion that we may well see at Extreme Rules. Putting him in charge of the cage door adds a new narrative element that boosts the title match.

WWE Creative has a wealth of options with that bout. That's dangerous, though, as the match could get overly complicated in a hurry.

Naomi vs. Brie Bella

Naomi pushed around Brie Bella as the Divas champ looked on from the announce desk.

The former Funkdactyl followed hard strikes with good mat wrestling. She stayed on top for the most part, showing off her newly aggressive approach. 

Nearly getting disqualified, Naomi pounded on Brie with closed fists. She weathered a flurry from Brie and ended things with the Rear View.

Result

Naomi wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Naomi kicks Brie out of the ring.

"That new attitude of Naomi is festering."—Michael Cole. 

Naomi hits a running bulldog into the turnbuckle. 

Grade

B

Analysis

Naomi is thriving in this new role. Everything about her exudes heel, from her walk to the snarl she wears. 

It's good to see the Divas get some solid ring time and have an actual story to work with. The match was meant to be a showcase of Naomi's new attitude and make her look like a worthy challenger. It was successful on both counts.

It's unconventional to have two heels collide as Nikki and Naomi appear to be doing soon. It's likely that Paige remains in the mix, making this a Triple Threat.

Bo Dallas Tries to Motivate Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns called out Big Show. He wanted revenge for last week's attack. He got Bo Dallas instead.

Dallas rambled on about Reigns' failures before taking a Superman punch to the mouth. Reigns promised to be the last man standing at Extreme Rules. 

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"Roman, let's face it. You're kind of a bust."—Dallas.

"You're the Tim Tebow of WWE."—Dallas.

"You 'Bo-lieve' that."—Reigns.

Grade

C-

Analysis

Dallas was the highlight here. He was effectively grating and not just limited to a catchphrase. 

It's odd, though, that this was how WWE chose to prepare Reigns for Big Show. It's not as if this made him look especially strong. It didn't further the feud either.

The rivalry with Big Show has given Reigns only flecks of momentum.

Sheamus vs. Zack Ryder

Sheamus Brogue-Kicked Zack Ryder as the bell rang. He then refused to pin him, instead pounding on him.

With the mic in hand, Sheamus berated Ryder as he beat him up. The Celtic Warrior hurled the babyface over the top rope and continued the punishment.

Dolph Ziggler made sure Sheamus didn't hit a third Brogue Kick by charging into the match. He hit a Zig Zag to have Sheamus retreat.

Result

Sheamus wins via disqualification. 

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"I thought New Yorkers were supposed to be tough."—Sheamus.

"We can take a break. Sheamus does his own commentary."—John "Bradshaw" Layfield. 

Grade

A-

Analysis

This was by no means a good match; it was a thrashing. Even so, it did more to get the audience invested than the majority of the show.

Sheamus looked merciless, uncaring and dangerous. This is how you paint a wrestler as a villain. He has a clear motivation (taking out WWE's underdogs) and is carrying it out with no regard for the destruction he causes along the way.

If only he was set to face Ziggler in a Street Fight instead of a Kiss Me Arse match.

John Cena's Open Challenge

John Cena talked up his Russian Chain match with Rusev, making sure to explain the rules to fans. He spat his standard "never give up" rhetoric.

The champ growled at Rusev before welcoming a challenger to try and take the title. Kane accepted the challenge.

Cena soon found himself taking right hands to the face. Kane controlled the bout, pounding on Cena. Even so, Cena came out on top, thanks to an Attitude Adjustment. 

Backstage, Rusev attacked Cena, wrapping a chain around his face. 

Result

Cena wins via pinfall. 

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"WrestleMania was no fluke; it was a statement."—Cena.

Grade

C

Analysis

The least compelling of Cena's open challenges comes courtesy of a man WWE had plastered all over Raw. 

The match was just what one would expect, a repeat of all the clashes between these two we have seen in the past. Unlike previous editions of the open challenge, there was little suspense here.

Plugging in Kane here took the fun out of the open-challenge concept. If WWE wanted Kane to be disappointed and angry to continue his storyline, it could have gone any number of routes instead. 

Rusev's savage assault bumps the grade up some.

The Miz vs. Damien Mizdow

Aggressive early on, The Miz pounded on Mizdow in the corner and on the mat. The Miz tried to hold onto Mizdow's tights to steal a win.

Instead, a slap from Summer Rae did the trick. Summer turned on Mizdow, hit him with a cheap shot that allowed The Miz to hit the Skull Crushing Finale for the win.

Orton cut The Miz's celebration short with an RKO to The Awesome One. 

Result

The Miz wins via pinfall. 

Memorable Moments and Quotes

None

Grade

D-

Analysis

What a waste of a what should have been one of the year's best feuds. Their rivalry has been a series of short, forgettable encounters. And this one, the most hyped of the bunch, was treated like something that belonged on Superstars.

There hasn't been nearly enough bad blood between these two. WWE hasn't taken advantage of Mizdow's moment in the least.

When Orton's RKO is the best thing about this match, you know it was a flop.

Ryback vs. Adam Rose

Ryback shook of Adam Rose's offense and took little time to overpower him. A meathook clothesline and Shell Shocked was enough to finish the job.

Two Rosebuds, one dressed like a banana, the other like a hot dog, tried to attack The Big Guy. Ryback then threw them around the ring.

Result

Ryback wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"I'm from Texas; I don't do well with English."—John "Bradshaw" Layfield. 

"What did the banana say to the hot dog? Nothing, because they both got their asses Shell Shocked."—Ryback.

Grade

C-

Analysis

A brief, amusing match leaves Ryback looking strong.

He's not set for any Extreme Rules action. He has no current direction either. What WWE has in mind for The Big Guy is unclear.

It's hard to invest in him right now because of that. 

Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins

Credit: WWE.com

Ziggler and Rollins engaged in a back-and-forth battle, complete with kicks to the rib and slams to the mat.

Ziggler's speed helped him early on. Rollins countered with hard-hitting offense and by grounding The Showoff with a suffocating chinlock. A Superkick that cracked against Rollins' jaw nearly got Ziggler the win.

Sheamus ran down to the ring and distracted Ziggler. Rollins attacked, finishing the bout with a DDT variant.

After Triple H congratulated the champ on his win, Rollins' pot shot to Kane inspired the big man to come after the champion. Rollins tried to protect himself by lowering the cage, but he soon found himself in there with Orton. 

The Viper delivered an RKO and placed the WWE title on Rollins' unconscious body. 

Result

Rollins wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"Those are the matches you have to win. Those are the matches that put you on the map."—Michael Cole on Rollins vs. Orton at Extreme Rules.

Ziggler hits a nasty jumping DDT.

Grade

B+

Analysis

While not the best Rollins vs. Ziggler match, it was superior to much of the in-ring action seen earlier in the night.

Having Sheamus distract Ziggler was the cheap, easy route to further that feud. WWE was more creative in terms of booking Rollins and Orton. It played up the stipulations of the upcoming match, and the two rivals crashed into each other again.

With Kane appearing here, just as he did so often all night, it's clear he is set to play a major role at Extreme Rules. WWE has to be careful not to let the subplot overshadow the main story, though.