WWE SmackDown Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from May 14

Every week on Bleacher Report, I take an in-depth look at WWE SmackDown to recap the action, offer analysis and grade the matches, segments and anything else that takes place on the show, as well as offer a few predictions for future events.

Payback is on Sunday, which means this was the last chance WWE had to drum up interest in the feuds that make up the card for the pay-per-view.

Most of the matches that took place had nothing to do with the major storylines, but every program was addressed in one way or another.

The most surprising thing about the show was that Roman Reigns and Kane ended up having the most entertaining encounter. The fact they were able to use anything they wanted from ringside as a weapon helped, but it was how well they worked together that made it fun to watch.

Let's take a look at everything that happened on the final episode of SmackDown before WWE Payback.

Opening Segment

Bray Wyatt interrupted the usual SmackDown opening video and delivered a quick promo directed at Ryback. Dean Ambrose then came out to open the show properly in the arena.

He was about to address what happened between himself and Roman Reigns at the end of the night on Monday, but Reigns came to the ring before he could say anything.

Despite Ambrose stating that he wouldn't apologize for his actions, the two seemed to be on the same page. They agreed that it was every man for himself and that no feelings were hurt.

Kane came out and put Ambrose in a match with Sheamus to kick off the show. This segment wasn't as long as most of the promos and interactions that open Raw and SmackDown, which was a good thing.

It didn't feel like anyone overstayed their welcome, and there were even a few witty remarks thrown in for good measure. However, it did not feel like the kind of segment that should open the final show before a PPV.

Grade: C+

Notes and Highlights:

• Kane's line about Reigns and Ambrose winning the Bromance of the Year Slammy was kind of funny.
• Ambrose has taken on the role of the critic on his couch. Last week, he mocked how contract signings always end in a fight. This week, he made fun of Kane for only making matches that take place immediately.
• Thankfully, the opening promo did not lead to a main event tag team match.
• WWE did not upload this segment. Therefore, you get to watch Adam Rose assault a hot dog.

Sheamus vs. Dean Ambrose

As expected, most of the match between Sheamus and Ambrose consisted of brawling. These are two men who are known for striking, and that is exactly what they did in this encounter.

Unfortunately, it didn't seem like either man was working at 100 percent. Maybe they were saving themselves for Payback, or maybe they just don't have much chemistry between them.

Either way, this could have been better. Ambrose works better with guys closer to his size, while Sheamus needs someone with a more technical style to bring out the best in him.

It wasn't a bad match by any means, it just wasn't as good as we know these two can be. One thing that can be said is that the second half was much better than the first. Having the commercial break helped.

In fact, it almost feels like there should be separate grades for the first and second halves. They really picked up the pace after returning from the break. Ambrose got the win after Sheamus hit his face on the ring post and was rolled up for the pin.

Grade: B-

Notes and Highlights:

• Does anyone else hate the nickname Lunatic Fringe? It just sounds dumb.
• Ambrose has to be one of the only people who knows how to hit a suicide dive safely. That's not an easy thing to do with such a risky move.
• It was a little shocking to see Sheamus take a clean loss this close to a pay-per-view.

Rusev Reprimands Lana

Before this segment, a clip was played that showed Lana Fandangoing. Rusev then had Lana read a prepared statement in the ring, in which she apologized for betraying her country by dancing, or something like that.

Lana did a good job subtly conveying that she didn't really believe what she was saying. Her performances have become more nuanced in recent weeks, and she has slowly turned into one of the more intriguing characters on the roster.

Rusev then showed a brief clip of John Cena saying the words "I quit" played over and over on a loop to end the segment. It was short but effective.

Grade: B+

Notes and Highlights:

• Basically, are we supposed to believe that all of Russia is like the town from Footloose?
• I still think Lana will be used against Cena in some way during their Payback match. It just feels like all this sympathy she has built up will be used as a weapon. You can find my full thoughts on the subject on last week's SmackDown recap.

Seth Rollins vs. Ryback

Kane put Seth Rollins into a match with Ryback after the champion mocked Kane and how he might get fired if Rollins loses the title on Sunday. Rollins then gave one of his typical cocky promos before Ryback made his entrance.

As Ryback was making his way to the ring, Bray Wyatt attacked him from behind and then disappeared when the arena went dark for a split second. Despite the ambush, Ryback opted to compete.

Rollins capitalized off the attack and took control immediately, but he still relied on J&J Security to attack the Big Guy when the ref had his back turned.

Rollins didn't use his new finisher to put Ryback away, instead opting to hit two hard kicks to the head to finish off his opponent. It's always refreshing to see someone win with one of their signature moves that doesn't normally put someone away.

It was a decent match, but Joey Mercury and Jamie Noble were doing too much to interfere. They were an entertaining act when they first started helping Rollins, but now they just feel like a nuisance.

Grade: B-

Notes and Highlights:

• Wyatt using the same disappearing trick Undertaker used to use might seem unoriginal, but it fits his character really well.
• It was smart to have Ryback choose to wrestle after being attacked. It makes him look like a tough competitor who is up to the challenge of facing Wyatt.
• Rollins has the same quality possessed by Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler. He automatically makes anyone he steps into the ring with look better.

Tyson Kidd vs. Kofi Kingston

Kofi Kingston and Tyson Kidd have always been two of the more athletically gifted performers on the roster, but this is the first time it feels like they are being used to their full potential.

Two years ago, it appeared that Kidd and Kingston were floundering among a roster of colorful characters. To see how far they have come since has been awesome.

Unfortunately, they didn't have a lot of time to put together a good match. Kidd was able to make Kingston tap out to the Sharpshooter relatively quickly.

These two could have stolen the show without breaking a sweat, but they were only given about two minutes to perform.

Grade: C+

Notes and Highlights:

• Xavier Woods and Big E are decent heels, but Kofi Kingston doesn't feel like a natural bad guy.
• Kidd and Cesaro need more moments to look like babyfaces. Their turn hasn't had a defining moment, and it needs one.

Bo Dallas vs. Neville

Bo Dallas came out and got some cheap heat by criticizing Daniel Bryan for letting the crowd down by getting injured. It was effective to generate boos from the crowd, but it felt unnecessary.

Neville was his opponent for the night. The match started during the commercial break, but we still got to see plenty of Neville's signature brand of exciting offense.

King Barrett sat in on commentary to remind us that he and Neville have a match this Sunday. It took Neville just a few minutes to put Dallas away with the Red Arrow.

Barrett stood on the announce table after the match was over and insulted his compatriot. He even had the nerve to mock Neville's attire while wearing his crown and cape, which was good for a laugh.

Grade: C

Notes and Highlights:

• Is anyone else hoping WWE finds a way to bring in Bo Jackson just so he can interact with Bo Dallas? They could have Dallas use Jackson's old catchphrase for a little while, and then have Jackson come in to shut him down.
• More importantly, do any of you even know who Bo Jackson is? He probably retired before most of the people reading this were born. Trust me when I say that he was an entertaining athlete. His likeness was even used in a cartoon called ProStars, which featured Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky and himself fighting crime. You couldn't make this stuff up.
• Why won't management let Neville speak? He's barely said 10 words since debuting on the main roster. It's not like his accent makes him impossible to understand.

Kane vs. Roman Reigns

The final match of the evening was yet another encounter between Kane and Roman Reigns. The big difference between this and every other bout they have been in was that there were no disqualifications or count-outs in this one.

The fight started before Reigns even made it over the barricade. Within the first two minutes of this match, steel steps and a kendo stick were in play.

The most surprising part about this matchup was that it ended up being the most entertaining bout on SmackDown, which is not what anyone would've expected when they heard Kane would be facing Reigns again.

Reigns has become a lot better in the last six months than many will give him credit for, and Kane's experience helped the two of them make this a fun way to end the show.

Reigns picked up the win with a Spear through a table. Unlike most weeks, the show didn't end in the ring. Rollins was being interviewed by Renee Young backstage when Dean Ambrose attacked him. Rollins then got the upper hand, but Reigns made the save.

Ambrose and Reigns had an interesting exchange to officially end the broadcast. The only thing missing was Randy Orton.

Grade: B+

Notes and Highlights:

• Before Kane made his entrance, he was shown walking by Adam Rose and Rosa right after Rose had assaulted one of his posse for daring to question when they were getting paid. The look on his face echoed what many at home probably felt at the same time.
• That vest Reigns was wearing probably protected him from those kendo stick shots pretty well.
• It could be editing, but it sounded like the crowd was firmly behind Reigns. It makes the show more enjoyable when the audience cheers for the good guy and boos the bad guy like it is supposed to.

Final Thoughts and Predictions

The final episode of SmackDown before any PPV always has the task of capping off every big program that will be featured on said PPV. Unfortunately, it doesn't always get the job done.

This show had some enjoyable moments, but the only time it felt like it was the last episode before Payback was between Ambrose and Reigns in the closing moments.

Other than that, it was a decent show. Every match had something to like about it, and the main event between Reigns and Kane was a surprising highlight.

Payback is one of those shows that is hard to judge ahead of time. It could end up being one of the best PPVs of the year, or it could be a total dud. We will have to tune in Sunday to find out which one it ends up being.

Since Payback is Sunday, all this week's predictions will be about the outcomes of the matches and some other events that may take place.

Predictions:

• AxelMania and Macho Mandow will defeat the Ascension.
• King Barrett will defeat Neville.
• Sheamus will defeat Dolph Ziggler.
• The New Day will retain the tag titles against Tyson Kidd and Cesaro.
• The New Day will somehow get away with using different members for the second and third fall.
• Naomi and Tamina will defeat the Bella Twins.
• John Cena will retain the U.S. title against Rusev.
• Rusev will unsuccessfully try to use Lana against Cena.
• Bray Wyatt will defeat Ryback.
• Seth Rollins will retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

What did you think of SmackDown, and what are your predictions for Payback?

Thanks for reading, and follow me on Twitter @BR_Doctor.