WWE Raw Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from May 11

The go-home edition of WWE Monday Night Raw, just six days away from WWE Payback, featured the return of Triple H, the goodbye of Daniel Bryan and Neville's attempt to continue proving his worth to the fans.

While not near the level of last week's outstanding show, the May 11 broadcast brought further hype for the upcoming pay-per-view and featured quality in-ring work from the likes of John Cena and Neville as well as Randy Orton and Seth Rollins.

It also featured the relinquishment of the WWE Intercontinental title by Daniel Bryan, who revealed that his in-ring career is in jeopardy following his latest injury setback.

Tamina and Naomi continued to gain momentum, Ryback shut Bray Wyatt up for the meantime and Dolph Ziggler's win-loss record took a hit, courtesy of Sheamus.

What else went down as the company planted the final seeds ahead of the May 17 pay-per-view event?

Relive this week's episode of Raw with a look back at the results, highlights and grades from this week's show.

Triple H Confronts Seth Rollins and Kane

A frustrated Triple H kicked off the evening's broadcast, criticizing Kane and Seth Rollins for their inability to do as The Authority said in his absence.

Rollins came to the ring first and stated his case, retelling what he considered mistreatment at the hands of the Director of Operations. He tried to convince the COO that the Kane who is around now is not the same Kane who dominated WWE for decades.

Kane appeared, threatening to chokeslam Rollins. The two bickered like children before Triple H stepped in.

He announced Rollins against Randy Orton, Kane against Roman Reigns and J&J Security against Dean Ambrose for the night's card.

Grade

B-

Analysis

This was a solid and logical way to kick off the show.

After being away for a few weeks, it was only natural that Triple H would return, more frustrated and angry than usual over Seth Rollins and Kane's inability to put their egos aside in favor of doing what was best for business.

To see him book his cohorts in unfavorable situations was interesting but, at the same time, hurt the philosophy behind Triple H protecting his golden boy—even if he was trying to teach him discipline.

Dean Ambrose vs. J&J Security

The fans in Cincinnati erupted as Dean Ambrose made his way to the ring, with the hometown boy returning to the place he got his start.

J&J Security's Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury had some success while using their numbers advantage, but ultimately it was Ambrose who delivered Dirty Deeds to Noble for the pinfall win. 

Result

Dean Ambrose defeated J&J Security.

Grade

C 

Analysis

As an excuse for getting J&J Security out of the equation for the main event between Randy Orton and Seth Rollins, this worked.

Why it was decided that Dean Ambrose should even struggle with the duo at all, despite their pasts as in-ring competitors and champions, is the biggest question. After all, the Lunatic Fringe is headed toward a pay-per-view main event for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, while Mercury and Noble are lackeys for the current titleholder.

They are beaten up relentlessly every week, so to see them enjoy even a second of success against the former Shield member was a bit questionable.

With that said, the crowd was super hot for Ambrose, and that helped make up for the curious booking decisions.

Dolph Ziggler vs. Bad News Barrett

Sheamus sat in on commentary as his opponent this Sunday at Payback, Dolph Ziggler, battled the 2014 King of the Ring, Bad News Barrett, in singles competition.

As it turned out, the Celtic Warrior proved to be the difference, providing a distraction that allowed Barrett to deliver the Bullhammer for the win.

After the match, Sheamus attacked Ziggler.

Result

Bad News Barrett defeated Dolph Ziggler.

Grade

C-

Analysis

There was nothing to this match that fans had not seen a million times before. In fact, Ziggler and Barrett have had some outstanding wrestling matches in the past, so to see how uninspired Monday's bout proved to be was somewhat disappointing.

The distraction finish involving Sheamus is one that WWE Creative leans on entirely too often. With a big match between Ziggler and Sheamus this Sunday night at Payback, one would have assumed there would be more to the hype for their contest.

Instead, the once-hot feud came off as an afterthought, with other matches on the card receiving more attention and significantly better hype.

Fandango vs. Erick Rowan

Just days after Erick Rowan stunned the world by attacking Fandango on SmackDown, the masked man entered the arena alongside Luke Harper, seemingly announcing the reunion of their tag team.

Rowan dominated Fandango, pinning him in 37 quick seconds. 

Result

Erick Rowan defeated Fandango.

Grade

C-

Analysis

So WWE Creative has officially apologized for splitting Harper and Rowan when they did by bringing them back together, seemingly admitting that their singles runs did not pan out as they had hoped.

That is not a bad thing.

With a solid tag team division led by the New Day, Cesaro and Tyson Kidd and the Usos, Harper and Rowan could work some magic and create some outstanding pro wrestling matches.

Given the quality of Harper's work during his singles run, however, one has to question whether it is worth sacrificing everything he accomplished over the last seven months to help rehabilitate Rowan, who had fallen out of favor significantly recently.

United States Championship Open Challenge: John Cena vs. Neville

A video package recapped Sami Zayn's debut and match against John Cena from last week's broadcast.

Cena hit the ring and addressed the WWE Universe. He put over the United States Championship as being meaningful and credited the fans for helping change its perception.

Neville answered the open challenge this week.

The two wrestled an action-packed bout that saw Neville dodge the Attitude Adjustment on two separate occasions before falling prey to it a third time. He kicked out, much to the surprise of the fans and Cena alike.

Late in the bout, Neville delivered the Red Arrow, but Rusev hit the ring, attacking the challenger and drawing the disqualification.

From there, the Bulgarian Brute applied the Accolade, perhaps a sign of things to come at Payback.

He posed over Cena with the title, with the Russian flag hanging behind him as the segment came to an end.

Result

Neville defeated John Cena by disqualification when Rusev interfered.

Grade

A+

Analysis

The way WWE Creative has booked Neville to this point is a thing of beauty and makes one wonder why it cannot consistently treat all of its talent the way it has The Man That Gravity Forgot since his debut on the main roster.

He is consistently booked on the level of former heavyweight champions, and Monday was no different as he hung in there with the franchise player of WWE, the face of the company.

The match was outstanding, with near-falls captivating fans and Neville craftily evading the AA for as long as he did.

The interference from Rusev ruined a beautiful match. Neville could have easily lost the bout, and no one would have second-guessed whether he was on the level of Cena. It was evident in the match—in the story the performers told.

After being one of the hottest stories in the company three months ago, the Cena-Rusev program is lacking heat and could not end at a better time than this Sunday at Payback.

Roman Reigns vs. Kane

Kane attacked Reigns prior to the bout, with a brawl erupting at ringside.

Determined to prove his dominance to Triple H, Kane caught Reigns in a chokeslam and prepared to plant him through the announce table. Reigns, though, fought out of it and delivered a spear that sent Kane tumbling over the table.

The juggernaut stood tall on the announce table, with the Director of Operations thwarted for the time being.

Result

No contest

Grade

C

Analysis

This completely fit the story that was set up earlier in the night, so as far as that goes, it worked.

With that said, Reigns should not even be wasting his time with Kane at this point. A surging young star who has gotten great matches out of Big Show and Brock Lesnar as of late, he is developing into the performer the company hoped he would be. Putting him in there with Kane serves to only stunt his growth.

Reigns standing tall was the right call, but the continued use of Kane as the centerpiece to this entire story is getting tired.

Brie Bella vs. Tamina

One week after returning, assisting Naomi in a beatdown of the Bella Twins, Tamina squared off against Brie in singles action.

Tamina dominated the action, but Brie mounted a comeback and delivered a big missile drop kick. A running knee to the face followed, but a second one saw Tamina catch her opponent with a superkick for the pin. 

Result

Tamina pinned Brie Bella.

Grade

D

Analysis

Lather, rinse and repeat.

Anyone who remembers the Bellas' rivalry with AJ and the numerous matches between them and Tamina has already seen this contest countless times.

Rather than worrying about what brought Tamina and Naomi together, the commentators should be asking why they are trying to convince fans to cheer for Nikki and Brie, who were the lead heels in the division a month ago with no real rhyme or reason for their sudden turn.

Macho Mandow vs. Curtis Axel

The feud that began when Damien Sandow addressed the fans on Raw a few weeks back continued Monday night as the former stunt double, now under the guise of Macho Mandow, battled Curtis Axel.

As the former Money in the Bank winner tried for the diving elbow, the Ascension's music played, and they interrupted the match.

The opposition bonded and cleared the ring of Konnor and Viktor, setting up a Kickoff Show match between the teams Sunday night.

Result

No contest

Grade

F

Analysis

This felt like a segment of television in which the writing staff threw darts at names on a board and put them together for no reason other than to have a pay-per-view pre-show match. It makes no sense and continues the disturbing trend of Damien Sandow being treated like a joke for the amusement of those backstage rather than in the stands.

Daniel Bryan Relinquishes the Intercontinental Championship

An emotional Daniel Bryan made his way to the ring to a huge ovation.

The WWE Intercontinental champion discussed his recent injuries, including an MRI he underwent. Not only is his immediate future in doubt, but his entire in-ring career is also in jeopardy.

The crowd watched in disbelief as Bryan talked about the importance of the intercontinental title and how fans deserve to see the best wrestlers in WWE fighting for it.

He willingly relinquished the title and made the long walk up the ramp, giving one last look back at the fans before exiting.

Grade

A

Analysis

Bryan's health is of the utmost importance, and if that means he has to give up the IC title in order to focus on getting better, then so be it.

Is it disappointing for fans of his in-ring work that he will miss further time as he rehabilitates? Yes. Is it crushing to those same fans that he may never actually compete again? Absolutely.

But for the sake of his health, both immediate and long term, he must step away and give up the title he captured at this past WrestleMania.

The emotional response he was greeted with was further proof of the respect and admiration fans have for him. No one faults him or will think any less of him if his body prevents him from lacing up the boots ever again.

Cesaro vs. Big E

Kofi Kingston, Big E and Xavier Woods entered the arena to a chorus of boos, using the Bryan segment immediately before theirs to get additional heat. Cesaro, Tyson Kidd and Natalya entered the ring moments later for the next match.

Cesaro gained control early, stomping away at Big E in the corner to the tune of the fans' "New Day sucks!" chants. The Swiss Superman controlled, forcing the former IC champion to regroup as we headed to break.

Back from break, Big E caught Cesaro in the abdominal stretch, cutting off a comeback attempt.

Cesaro did eventually mount that comeback, delivering a series of suplexes before setting up for the swing. Action outside the squared circle broke down, with Tyson Kidd taking out Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston taking out the Canadian.

Back inside, Cesaro caught Big E with a roll-up for the pinfall victory.

Result

Cesaro pinned Big E.

Grade

C

Analysis

The majority of the action appeared to have taken place during the break, with Cesaro's comeback and some brief work over the midsection by Big E occurring following the commercial.

With that said, the announcement of the 2-out-of-3-Falls match for Payback indicates that the company has faith in the two teams to deliver on the pay-per-view stage.

There was enough in this segment for it to be entertaining, even if the match was mediocre, at best.

Bray Wyatt Promo

"I wish I could wake you up from this nightmare," Bray Wyatt said as he took to the squared circle for an in-ring promo. "Fear is all around you," he continued, discussing the issues that plague today's society.

He discussed Ryback as an inspiration to the WWE Universe, telling his story to the fans before laughing maniacally and mockingly.

"He ain't never seen anything like me before," he said, in reference to Ryback and overcoming the odds.

Wyatt said Ryback was in his way before warning the youth in attendance that sometimes the bad guy wins.

The Big Guy hit the ring, and a brawl between the competitors ensued. A big spinebuster from Ryback, followed by the Meat Hook, sent Wyatt scurrying for cover as Ryback elicited chants of "feed me more."

Grade

B

Analysis

Bray Wyatt cut another strong promo here and Ryback was explosive in his short burst of offense, but anyone who has ever watched either of these Superstars before has come to expect that.

The buildup here was solid, but the effectiveness of the feud will be determined in the resulting match. If they fail to deliver, Ryback's talent will be called into question, and Wyatt will face criticisms for his inability to bring his best in big-match situations.

For now, though, both performers and WWE Creative should rest comfortably, knowing they presented solid hype for their upcoming bout.

Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins

In a match made by Triple H earlier in the night, Seth Rollins and Randy Orton met once again in singles competition, headlining this week's broadcast.

Orton and Rollins built on the matches they wrestled before this, using counters and reversals of moves they were familiar with.

The Viper repeatedly tried for the powerslam attempt, but Rollins was always one step ahead of his opponent, avoiding it like the plague. He did the same with the RKO, even late in the match.

J&J Security brought about the disqualification finish. The trio beat Orton down while Kane watched from ringside, a steel chair in hand.

Dean Ambrose made the save, and Roman Reigns followed suit.

The babyfaces took turns blasting Rollins with their finishers before Reigns took Orton out with the spear. Ambrose responded with Dirty Deeds, making him the last one standing while Michael Cole questioned what role Kane will play in Sunday's main event.

Result

Randy Orton defeated Seth Rollins by DQ.

Grade

A

Analysis

A strong way to close out the show, this angle really put over the "every man for himself" rules of the Fatal 4-Way match type as Ambrose laid his hands on Reigns for the first time since the split of The Shield a year ago. It was an emphatic exclamation to the world that the Lunatic Fringe means business and a strong booking move by WWE Creative, especially since the Cincinnati native is in need of the strongest buildup.

The match itself was strong and could have been even better with a decisive finish.

At the same time, neither man could afford a loss, so the way the outcome was reached was productive and effective for both Superstars.