WWE Raw Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from July 27

If there was any doubt about WWE showcasing John Cena vs. Seth Rollins at SummerSlam, it was erased during the July 27 episode of Raw.

In the night's main event, Cena defeated Rollins in the main event, a United States Championship match, putting him next in line for a shot at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

But that was hardly the only instance of a match or segment setting up something for the upcoming August 23 pay-per-view event.

The Wyatt Family reunited officially, putting them on a collision course with Roman Reigns. The Divas revolution continued. Stardust continued to target Neville. Lana humiliated Summer Rae, and Kevin Owens and Cesaro's blossoming feud intensified.

With the announcement that SummerSlam will be a four-hour event, the company began setting the stage for the extravaganza Monday night by laying the foundation for the card.

What all went down, and how did each of the major segments grade out?

Find out now with this exclusive look at Monday's broadcast.

The Authority Promo

Triple H, Stephanie McMahon and WWE World Heavyweight champion Seth Rollins kicked off the program.

The COO announced that this year's SummerSlam would be bigger than ever—a four-hour extravaganza.

The authority figures announced Dean Ambrose vs. Big Show, Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens, Paige vs. NXT women's champion Sasha Banks vs. Paige and Nikki Bella and Alicia Fox vs. Becky Lynch and Charlotte for Monday night's show.

Seth Rollins referred to himself as the greatest world champion, only to be interrupted by United States champion John Cena.

Cena called Rollins a "yellow bellied coward" and challenged Rollins to a match to determine the better champion.

Stephanie teased the fans with the possibility of the match and then refused them the opportunity to see the bout.

A U.S. title match between Cena and Rollins was set up for later in the show.

Grade

C

Analysis

As a show-opening segment, this was fine. It set up the night's big matches and further teased Cena vs. Rollins so in that vein, it worked.

In the sense of changing up the show-starting promo formula, it failed. The Authority and Rollins kicked off the show, just as they have countless times over the last two years.

The fact that Cena was present will ignite hatred in the those who are tired of seeing the franchise star in the main event scene, but that is to be expected some 10 years into his run at the top of the company.

Why Cena vs. Rollins would be wasted on a free episode of Raw, just weeks before it figures to be one of SummerSlam's marquee matches, is a question only the WWE Creative rocket scientists can answer.

But that is the nature of the beast.

Dean Ambrose vs. Big Show

The Miz was at the commentary as we returned from break.

Dean Ambrose entered the arena to another tremendous pop, while the Big Show was greeted with the apathy most have come to expect from the WWE Universe.

The Lunatic Fringe dodged a chop early and fired off some rights and lefts on the giant. A baseball slide and the dive through the middle rope knocked the World's Largest Athlete off his feet heading into the commercial.

Ambrose came off the top rope and directly into Big Show's clutches. Big Show tossed him across the ring and scored a near-fall. He teased the chokeslam, but Ambrose countered with a DDT.

Big Show caught Ambrose coming off the ropes with the chokeslam after three tries and scored another two-count. A second round of finishers sent the Lunatic Fringe outside the ring and to the arena floor. Not content to take a count-out loss, Ambrose slid back inside the squared circle and found himself on the receiving end of a sidekick.

A spear outside the squared circle flattened the former No. 1 contender as the official again started his count.

Ambrose got back into the ring again, only to stumble back through the ropes and to the floor. Big Show tossed him into the ring, and the Cincinnati native showed signs of life...only to dive through the ropes and into the KO punch.

This time he failed to make it back in, resulting in the giant getting the count-out win.

After the match, Big Show charged at Ambrose outside the squared circle, right through the timekeeper's barricade. Ambrose stood tall to end the segment, much to the delight of The Miz.

Result

Big Show defeated Dean Ambrose via count-out.

Grade

C

Analysis

The story the performers were telling here worked better than it had any right to.

Ambrose continued to look like the resilient, never-say-die babyface he is, even in a cheap defeat, while Big Show built some heat as he continues to chase the injured Ryback and the intercontinental championship.

The Lunatic Fringe earned some heat back during the post-match, while The Miz got to cackle over his rival's misfortune, ensuring that the mini program between him and the World's Largest Athlete continues.

Neville vs. Fandango

Neville attempted a headscissors right off the bat, but Fandango caught him with a clothesline.

Moments later, the dive over the top rope left the ballroom dancer stunned, and the Red Arrow finished him off.

Stardust interrupted the post-match celebration, discussing everyone's desire and admiration for heroes. He pointed out the lack of attention paid to the unknown and implored Neville to be his hero, ending the segment.

Result

Neville pinned Fandango.

Grade

C-

Analysis

Stardust is on fire right now, cutting the type of cryptic promos that make a feud interesting—at least for the time being. The reference to his father Dusty Rhodes' Hard Times promo was another gem and not to mention a reference to the bizarre and unpredictable star's recent work.

The match itself was fine, but, apparently, WWE Creative forgot which side of the heel-babyface equation Fandango rests on this week.

Paige vs. Sasha Banks

The first-ever NXT women's champion battled the current champion, as Paige squared off with Sasha Banks in one-on-one action. Though the presence of Charlotte, Becky Lynch, Naomi and Tamina almost ensured a chaotic scene at ringside.

The Divas' lockup spilled to the outside, and they engaged in a staredown.

Paige delivered a series of left back elbows to the face, only to receive a huge forearm to the face. The two NXT products continued to exchange maneuvers before another staredown ensued.

Sasha feigned a sign of respect, but Paige took her down and worked over her left arm, an action Paige started early on in the contest.

Paige wiped out Team BAD as the show headed to another break.

Banks controlled the match, working over Paige' head and neck. However, Paige fought back, delivering a series of knees to the face in the corner. A superkick flattened Banks, who escaped an attempt at the Ram-Paige.

Moments later, Banks locked in the Bank Statement and scored the submission victory.

Result

Sasha Banks pinned Paige.

Grade

B

Analysis

This was a very hard-fought match that continued to introduce the audience to the style and quality of women's wrestling it can expect as the women's revolution ensues.

Banks is very possibly the best women's wrestler on television. Fans also got to see a bit of the Paige who earned rave reviews during her time in NXT.

Though clunky early, the match was incredibly entertaining and really picked up late.

The submission finish was a surprise, especially since Banks already has one over Paige, but it lends credibility to the NXT women's champion, and that is always a good thing.

Rusev and Summer Rae Promo

Rusev promised Summer Rae a surprise after the break.

The Bulgarian Brute says he is smitten with his new blonde bombshell companion and then said it was a privilege for her to obey him. He presented her with a new puppy that looked terrified to be in front of the crowd. Rusev named it Dolph Ziggler after insulting the dog.

The next gift was a dead, cold fish, which Rusev named Lana after an insult.

Lana interrupted, telling Rusev to shut up and drawing a pop. She called Rusev pathetic and Summer Rae a wannabe. The Ravishing Russian forced Summer Rae's face into the fish and then slapped her former charge to a tremendous ovation. All the while the former Total Divas star screamed in horror.

Grade

D

Analysis

This was...interesting.

For all the wrong reasons.

Summer Rae was great as the disgraced heel, but the feud between Lana and Rusev has hurt the Bulgarian Brute so much more than it has helped his former manager.

Dolph Ziggler needs to hurry back so the program can be resolved, and all involved can move on to better, if not bigger, things.

Lucha Dragons vs. Los Matadores

The tag team division heated up Monday night as the Lucha Dragons battled Los Matadores, with each team jockeying for position and a potential title bout with WWE Tag Team champions the Prime Time Players.

Speaking of Titus O'Neil and Darren Young, they sat in on commentary as the two teams waged war.

Sin Cara and Kalisto used some quick double-team maneuvers to gain control. A springboard arm drag continued things in the favor of the masked luchadors. That is, until Fernando tagged in and began working over the smaller Kalisto.

A tag to Sin Cara did not make matters better. Los Matadores double-teamed him as the fans came alive, willing him back into the contest.

A tope con hilo continued Sin Cara's suffering as O'Neil questioned where the Puerto Rican bullfighters came from on commentary.

The Lucha Dragons recovered just in time for New Day's theme music to play, providing a distraction that allowed Kalisto to score the win off a roll-up.

Result

The Lucha Dragons defeated Los Matadores.

Grade

C-

Analysis

Los Matadores are so dead in the water that it was difficult to ever buy them as a threat to win this one.

The most over the match was, at any point, was the moment the New Day's music played and the heel trio made their presence felt. Their feud with the champions figures to continue into SummerSlam, perhaps in some sort of multi-team mess, but make no mistake about it, their chasing a second tag title reign remains the division's top story.

Bray Wyatt Promo

Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper made their way to the ring for what was dubbed the latter's pledge of allegiance to Wyatt.

Wyatt talked about his history with Harper, including "healing" him and making him a Wyatt Family member before setting him free. Unfortunately, he came back in need of further help.

Harper said Wyatt saved him and then pledged his life to him.

"Roman Reigns, we're here," Wyatt warned to end the segment. 

Grade

B

Analysis

This was a segment that was short, sweet and to the point.

It addressed the elephant in the room, which was the sudden Harper and Wyatt reunion, while also presenting them as a united front against Roman Reigns.

While it is hardly a strong storyline, it is a great way to reintroduce Harper to relevance. One of the truly underrated workers on the roster, he deserves to be featured in a meaningful way.

Charlotte and Becky Lynch vs. Team Bella

Credit: WWE.com

The Divas revolution continued as Charlotte and Becky Lynch battled Team Bella's Nikki Bella and Alicia Fox.

The heels worked over Charlotte, isolating her from her partner. They double-teamed her for the majority of the contest before the second-generation Diva made the hot tag to Lynch.

Charlotte's spear to Nikki Bella set the Irishwoman up to score the submission win over Fox with the Disarmer armbar. 

Result

Becky Lynch and Charlotte defeated Nikki Bella and Alicia Fox.

Grade

C-

Analysis

A bit rushed, undoubtedly due to time constraints, this was nowhere near as good as Paige vs. Sasha Banks earlier in the night.

Still, it did its job in setting up Becky's match with Nikki Bella on SmackDown, while simultaneously teasing Charlotte as the next challenger to the Total Divas star and protecting the champion.

Fine for what it was, but it was hardly on the better end of the Divas' recent work.

Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens

Credit: WWE.com

Money in the Bank winner Sheamus sat in on commentary, watching from a distance as rival Randy Orton battled Kevin Owens in their first-ever meeting.

Orton controlled the match early, but Owens gained control heading into the first break, sending him into the ring post and then the barricade.

Back from the commercial, Owens continued to work over The Viper, delivering a powerbomb to keep him down. He set his opponent up in the corner for the cannonball, but Orton dodged it and mounted his comeback.

An overhead suplex sent Owens scurrying to the ring apron. Outside the squared circle, Sheamus got up from the commentary table and delivered the Brogue Kick to Orton, drawing the disqualification.

Before Owens and Sheamus could work over the RKO master, Cesaro hit the ring and delivered a huge uppercut to the Irishman. Unfortunately for the Swiss Superman, he ran right into Owens' Pop-up Powerbomb from Owens. Owens screamed, "Who's the man," before walking out to end the segment.

Result

Randy Orton defeated Kevin Owens by disqualification.

Grade

C-

Analysis

The first meeting between Randy Orton and Kevin Owens was nowhere near as good as one would have hoped for. A quality match foundation was there, but Sheamus' involvement and the promise of yet another match between him and Orton ruined what could have been something special.

The segment's silver lining was Cesaro's involvement. He looked really strong during the electric run in. It was energetic and popped the crowd, proving that his latest push is working. The program, and resulting match with Owens, should be outstanding.

United States Championship Match: John Cena vs. Seth Rollins

Credit: WWE.com

"This is where excellence will be defined," John Cena told the camera as he made his way to the ring for the night's main event.

Seth Rollins took control of the match just minutes in, grabbing a side headlock, as the show went to its final break of the night.

Cena fought to get back into the match following the commercial, but The Architect cut him off.

The U.S. champion mounted a comeback, delivering his trademark shoulder blocks, but Rollins' roll-up halted the comeback. He countered the side suplex slam with a headlock and delivered a big kick for the two-count. Rollins continued to frustrate Cena, cutting off the Five Knuckle Shuffle with a head kick.

Cena responded with a tornado DDT for two. A dive to the outside and the knee to the face from the top rope turned the tide back in the WWE World Heavyweight champion's favor.

Cena's nose was bloodied, and the official backed Rollins off. Refusing to accept medical attention, Cena fired off some hard right hands to the face, but his opponent slowed him and then delivered the turnbuckle powerbomb.

The Cenation leader fought out of the Pedigree and delivered the Springboard Stunner. Rollins recovered and delivered the Avada Kedavra kick to the side of the head, netting a two-count.

Cena, in desperation, delivered the Attitude Adjustment and nearly put his opponent away, but Rollins kicked out. He cut the champ off with a superplex, moving directly into the suplex slam for two.

Rollins' missed Phoenix Splash led to the U.S. champion's STF and the victory.

Result

John Cena pinned Seth Rollins. 

Grade

A-

Analysis

John Cena is the best wrestler of 2015, bar none, and his consistently great United States Championship defenses are the reason why.

This was an extraordinary title match between two guys who have worked together so many times that their chemistry is undeniable.

Cena's victory sets him up as the rightful top contender to Rollins' title, which was the direction the company was heading in anyway.

Rollins bloodying and nearly beating Cena made him look stronger in defeat than winning in typical screwy fashion would have.

There will be those who complain about the WWE World Heavyweight champion losing, but that is the nature of the industry today, unfortunately.

While Cena vs. Rollins may not be the most interesting or most flashy match possible, it is sure to deliver from bell to bell. That's something that should make work-rate fans incredibly happy.