WWE Raw Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from May 25

With just six days until Elimination Chamber and Dean Ambrose's WWE World Heavyweight Championship match against Seth Rollins, The Authority was in complete damage-control mode as Raw hit the USA Network airwaves.

Hellbent on keeping the Lunatic Fringe from the title opportunity they agreed to last week, Triple H and Stephanie promised him his match only if Ambrose signed the official contract.

It would not be as simple as signing on the dotted line, though. Instead, Ambrose would have to overcome an arrest stemming from an accidental assault on an innocent cameraman, the result of a shove from Rollins.

Would he be able to make it out of prison and back to the historic Nassau Coliseum in time to put his name on the document that would earn him the biggest match of his career? 

Speaking of defining bouts, Kevin Owens prepped for his when he attacked John Cena and left him lying for the second time following the popup powerbomb.

Will he be able to replicate the success he has had against the United States champion to this point, when he steps in the ring with the franchise player for the first time Sunday night?

In their last opportunity to convince fans to sign up for the WWE Network in time to catch Elimination Chamber, WWE Creative delivered a show that was mostly good, with a few notable exceptions.

What went down, what was most effective and who is heading into this weekend's event riding a wave of momentum?

Take a look for yourself with Monday night's results, highlights and grades.

The Authority Promo

Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Seth Rollins, Kane and J&J Security kicked off the night's show with an in-ring promo.

Rollins mockingly implored the fans to give Ambrose a hand and then mentioned that The Authority could conceivably revoke the Lunatic Fringe's championship opportunity at Elimination Chamber.

But Rollins didn't want that. He then claimed that Ambrose is not really a threat to him.

Triple H ordered Ambrose to come to the ring and sign the contract for the match if he wanted it that bad.

The No. 1 contender appeared and ran down some of the changes he wants to make when he wins the WWE World Heavyweight Championship Sunday night.

Rollins relished in the Justin Bieber chants the fans directed at him, rightly acknowledging the "artist's" success and need to beat the girls off him. He compared Ambrose to a cockroach, claiming that while he may survive, he will never thrive.

Ambrose ultimately found himself cornered before Roman Reigns made the save.

Stephanie announced a tag match pitting Reigns and Ambrose against Rollins and Director of Operations Kane.

Grade

C

Analysis

This was fine for what it was, which was basically a chance for Stephanie McMahon to set up the night's first match.

The crowd was molten hot for Ambrose, which is a great sign for someone so recently reintroduced to the main event. Better yet was the fact that Reigns received the huge ovation he did for his entrance, proving that WWE Creative has done a solid job of turning the boos for the juggernaut into cheers.

For the most part, though, this was any other opening promo you have seen for the last year or so.

Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins and Kane

Ambrose and Reigns worked over Kane early, but the Big Red Monster made the tag to Rollins, who targeted the Lunatic Fringe.

Ambrose withstood the brief attack and made the tag to Reigns, who continued to punish the WWE World Heavyweight champion, delivering a big Samoan Drop to Rollins.

J&J Security's well-timed distraction allowed the heels to take control.

The babyfaces cleared the ring heading to the break.

During the break, the heels took control, delivering a dropkick to Ambrose, who was tied in the tree of woe in the corner.

Reigns received the hot tag, unleashing on Kane and catching Jamie Noble with a Superman Punch that knocked him from the ring apron.

With Kane wearing him down, Reigns tagged in Ambrose, who caught Kane with a missile dropkick. Rollins broke up the pinfall attempt at two.

Moments later, Ambrose pinned Rollins with a backslide to secure the win for his team.

Result

Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns defeated Seth Rollins and Kane.

Grade

B

Analysis

This was a great way to kick off the show. An action-packed match with little room for rest holds, it kept the crowd hot and allowed Ambrose the opportunity to score a big pinfall victory over Rollins.

Reigns looked good, and the amount of interaction he had with Kane in the contest suggests that a singles match between the two highest-profile stars not announced for a match at Elimination Chamber could battle come Sunday night.

Rollins' reaction to being beaten was outstanding and demonstrated a lack of confidence regarding his ability to beat the Lunatic Fringe come Sunday night, something he has yet to do this month.

R-Truth vs. Rusev

R-Truth, who has done nothing to deserve a spot in the Elimination Chamber for the IC title, was the Superstar unlucky enough to square off with Rusev Monday night, just one week after his split from Rusev.

A superkick from the Bulgarian Brute flattened R-Truth and The Accolade forced a submission for the win.

After the match, Rusev called Lana to the ring for a talk.

Back from break, Lana made her way to the ring, silencing the pleading Rusev.

Rusev claimed that all women do things for his attention or something like that. He implored her to stay with him, to crush the American dream. He asked her to take his hand, to which Lana hesitated. He continued to appeal to her, but she remained hesitant.

Finally, she accepted, and he gave her a huge hug, much to the dismay of the audience. Then Rusev asked her to say the three words, "I was wrong," to which Lana responded by walking out and telling Rusev that he did say "I quit" in his match with Cena at Payback.

Rusev told Lana to know her place, emphasizing the fact that she was a woman. He tried to order her around, but Lana called him a liar and quitter and then said she is owned by no one.

The crowd erupted as Lana walked out on Rusev. The response grew louder as Dolph Ziggler entered the arena, standing by Lana's side. They kissed for the second consecutive week as an irate Rusev watched on from the ring.

Result

Rusev defeated R-Truth.

Grade

A

Analysis

Anyone questioning R-Truth's entry into the Elimination Chamber match for the intercontinental title only had their suspicions confirmed when he was completely and utterly jobbed out to Rusev in less than two minutes.

The real meat of the segment was the post-match interaction between Rusev and Lana.

The Ravishing Russian was outstanding in her defiance, refusing to apologize to her former charge and to know her place as a woman. Lana's booking to this point has been incredibly strong, and that was evidenced by the reaction she received upon standing up to the former U.S. champion.

Between her acting, which is so far above everyone else's on the show that is difficult not to ignore, and Rusev's facial expressions and reaction to everything that occurred between his former social ambassador and Dolph Ziggler, this was an easy "A".

Ryback vs. King Barrett

Ryback dominated early, using his power to send Barrett scurrying for cover outside the squared circle. A cerebral and resourceful Barrett suckered Ryback in and delivered a boot to the midsection before sending him into the barricade.

Back inside, the King of the Ring targeted his opponent's injured ribs, pausing to taunt the fans.

Every opportunity Ryback had to mount a comeback was cut off by Barrett, who delivered Winds of Change for a near-fall.

Barrett called for the Bull Hammer, but an injured Ryback fell to the ground. He was playing possum, it was revealed, as he picked up the victory with Shell Shocked just moments later.

Result

Ryback defeated King Barrett.

Grade

C

Analysis

Barrett spent the majority of the contest destroying Ryback's ribs and was then put down after a single spinebuster and Shell Shocked. Why Barrett could not have been awarded a win here to really put him over as a threat, rather than following up his King of the Ring with another loss, is a mystery.

Neither man is really a favorite to leave the Elimination Chamber match with the IC title, so when one takes that into consideration, this really did little to maintain the momentum on what has been an otherwise excellent show to this point.

Neville vs. Stardust

Stardust was in the middle of his entrance as we returned from the commercial break, and he confronted Stephen Amell, star of TV's Arrow, at ringside. They had a tense staredown as Neville made his way to the squared circle.

The face-painted competitor almost immediately targeted the injured knee of The Man That Gravity Forgot.

Bo Dallas made his way to ringside just in time to see Neville begin a comeback that was almost immediately cut off. 

Neville overcame the injury to his knee and scored the win off the Red Arrow.

After the match, Dallas attempted to motivate Neville and then delivered a low dropkick to the injured knee that left the Brit writhing in pain ahead of their contest this Sunday.

Result

Neville pinned Stardust.

Grade

C

Analysis

The match between Neville and Stardust was nothing special. It was too short to be anything more than serviceable, but it was never intended to be.

As was the case with the match between Truth and Rusev, the contest served as the setup for everything that followed.

With the announcement that Neville will battle Dallas Sunday night at Elimination Chamber, the post-match dropkick from the inspirational star to his rival's injured limb will surely set Neville up to be the underdog when they clash this weekend.

Cape and all.

Dolph Ziggler vs. Sheamus

Dolph Ziggler and Sheaus renewed their rivalry Monday night, just six days before battling inside the Elimination Chamber.

The Celtic Warrior overpowered The Showoff early, blasting him with a big back elbow to cut off a comeback attempt.

Ziggler scored a big dropkick, followed by a clothesline that sent both men crashing to the arena floor. A big powerslam onto the arena floor furthered Ziggler's torment as Lana appeared at the top of the ramp.

Sheamus continued to wear down his opponent following the break. Ziggler fought back, delivering a series of hard forearms to his opponent's head. A cross body block off the top rope was followed up with a Fameasser for two.

Rusev appeared, walking right past Lana on his way to the ring. Ziggler delivered a superkick to the Bulgarian Brute, allowing Sheamus to recover and deliver the Brogue Kick for the win.

After the match, Rusev entered the ring and attacked Ziggler, staring down at Lana as he dealt pain and punishment to the former world heavyweight champion. The Showoff unleashed a series of right hands but found himself trapped in The Accolade.

"Kiss him now," he taunted Lana before breaking the hold and leaving to a chorus of boos.

Result

Sheamus defeated Dolph Ziggler.

Grade

B+

Analysis

Ziggler and Sheamus never have a bad match, and while this was nowhere near Extreme Rules and Payback in terms of quality, it was still another above-average match.

Sheamus scored the big win, which was exactly what he needed as he enters an Elimination Chamber match most expect him to win.

The dynamic end of the segment, with Rusev attacking Ziggler and applying The Accolade, while Lana watched, was outstanding and followed up what happened earlier in the broadcast. The Bulgarian Brute yelling, "kiss him now" was a great little taunt at his former manager.

United States Championship Match: John Cena vs. Zack Ryder

Credit: WWE.com

John Cena made his way to the ring following a brief video recap of his interaction with Kevin Owens from last week's show.

Cena discussed his relationship with the fans but was interrupted by a loud "we want Ryder" chant, of all things. He addressed the fans who chant "Cena sucks," reliving the fact that no matter how many people come through the curtain to do him harm and put him out, they fail every time.

See, Owens is the latest guy to step up and try.

"This Sunday, we'll see if Owens knows how to end a fight."

Cena turned his attention to the United States Championship Open Challenge. The cast of Entourage appeared and introduced Zack Ryder as Cena's opponent.

The champion out-wrestled Ryder early, delivering a suplex that put Long Island Iced-Z down for two. Ryder followed up, delivering a missile dropkick that stunned Cena. The current U.S. titleholder dodged a Broski Boot, and the trademark comeback ensued.

Kevin Dillon of Entourage interfered, allowing Ryder to get back in the match.

The Rough Ryder nearly saw the challenger score the biggest win of his career, but Cena kicked out at two. Desperate, Ryder climbed the ropes and executed a 450 Splash. Cena rolled out of the way and delivered the Attitude Adjustment for the pinfall victory.

After Ryder and the celebs exited the ring, Owens attacked from out of nowhere, laying Cena out with the powerbomb as a loud chant of "NXT" broke out.

Result

John Cena defeated Zack Ryder.

Grade

B+

Analysis

Cena's promo prior to the match was strong, and Ryder's performance during the bout proved that the perennial jobber still has the passion to perform. His attempt at the 450 Splash was outstanding.

Owens drew a huge ovation for his sneak attack, complete with a "NXT" chant, the second one of the night. His booking to this point has been absolutely phenomenal, and Monday was no exception.

Most assumed they would see the NXT champion at some point, and the fact that WWE Creative teased a happy ending only to deliver the beatdown ending that put further heat on him was a bit of brilliant booking.

Paige vs. Tamina

Credit: WWE.com

One week after making her return to Raw, Paige battled Tamina in singles competition.

Paige shrugged off Tamina's clubbing forearms and delivered a hard right hand to the face that stunned the second-generation star. She responded by sending Paige to the arena floor, while the Bella Twins sat in on commentary.

Paige fought out of a submission hold and blasted Tamina with a kick. A rollup scored a two count-out off a schoolgirl rollup and then delivered a flipping senton off the ring apron.

Naomi interjected herself into the match, allowing Tamina to score the Samoan Drop for the pinfall victory.

Result

Tamina defeated Paige.

Grade

D-

Analysis

Easily the worst segment of the entire show.

Tamina looked completely uncomfortable and out of her league here. She was a step behind Paige throughout the match, even though the former two-time Divas champion was trying to get something more out of the bout.

The Bella Twins were lifeless on commentary, and the crowd could not have cared any less than they did.

As far as hyping Sunday's Divas title match, this was as bad as it gets.

10-on-3 Handicap Tag Team Match

Credit: WWE.com

The New Day hit the ring, cutting a promo about the unfair nature of its WWE Tag Team Championship and running down the fans, arena and New York Islanders hockey team.

Kane appeared, telling them that the Elimination Chamber is very fair. Their match Monday night? Not so much, as they battle in a 10-on-3 Handicap match involving their opponents at Sunday's pay-per-view.

Just after the break, a brawl between all of the teams involved erupted.

The ring cleared and the Lucha Dragons launched themselves off the top rope with twisting planchas and wiped out the competition.

The New Day celebrated a DQ victory, but Tyson Kidd and Cesaro delivered the big swing-dropkick combo to Woods to end the segment.

Result

The New Day defeated The Ascension, Tyson Kidd and Cesaro, the Lucha Dragons, Los Matadores and the Prime Time Players.

Grade

C

Analysis

As last-minute hype for the tag title Elimination Chamber match this Sunday, this was pretty lackluster. The event is named after the bout that these six teams will compete in, and they were lucky to receive maybe six minutes of total airtime. That is unacceptable.

The New Day continuing to complain, despite claiming that it would never do such a thing, is a nice touch to the stable's characters. 

Why Kane would care about Kingston, Woods and Big E when he has bigger issues in the form of Ambrose and Reigns is puzzling, but it is nice to see that The Authority does pay attention to those outside of the main event stars.

Contract Signing or No Contract Signing?

Credit: WWE.com

The Authority hit the ring to close out the show, giving Ambrose one last opportunity to sign the contract for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at Elimination Chamber before going off the air.

Stephanie McMahon feigned sincerity as she discussed the importance of protecting employees, while Triple H acted as though they were fair to the Lunatic Fringe by giving him the chance to sign the contract.

Roman Reigns cut off an announcement by Triple H cancelling the title match on Sunday night, but found himself on the receiving end of a beatdown at the hands of Rollins, Kane and J&J Security.

Suddenly, a siren sounded, and a police paddy wagon drove into the arena. Ambrose emerged from inside and hit the ring, nightstick in hand. He took out Kane, Noble and Mercury before trapping Rollins between him and Reigns.

The former Shield members cleared the ring of the heels, and Ambrose signed the contract, staring down the WWE world champion to close out the broadcast.

Grade

B

Analysis

WWE must tread lightly while booking Ambrose. Yes, he is a rebel the likes of Steve Austin. Yes, he is the company's resident antihero, but booking him to replicate the magic created by ol' Stone Cold during the Attitude Era will only serve to shine a spotlight on the subdued and restrained nature of the PG Era programming.

With that said, Ambrose's return in the police van generated a loud reaction, even if the costume was a bit hokey.

The beatdown was fine, but this viewer kept waiting for Reigns to somehow get his name on the contract, making Sunday's match a Triple Threat match, but that did not happen. Is that a bad thing? Absolutely not. But with Reigns and the rest of The Authority lurking, do not expect to see a clean finish come Elimination Chamber and Ambrose's match with Rollins.

It was an explosive and chaotic finish to the show, but one that felt like it was trying to be one of the energetic Attitude Era moments when it clearly was not.