WWE Raw Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from November 23

The post-Survivor Series edition of WWE Raw took fans down a winding, dizzying, bizarre path.

At times, fans had to wonder if they were having a fever dream. El Torito and John "Bradshaw" Layfield arguing over where to eat, champions riding pink unicorns and WWE's odd timing all night made for a strange show.

Aside from a standout Divas Championship match and a surprise return by Rusev, Monday's Raw featured either misfires or so-so fare.

There was far too much focus on country music criticism, several matches felt hurried and The New Day had one of their worst performances. It's a bad sign when a trippy Carl's Jr. commercial is more of a conversation-starter than much of the actual action.

WWE dug deeper into its roster to compensate for the recent rash of injuries. Jack Swagger, Mark Henry and Heath Slater all made rare appearances.

With each of those moments, like the night overall, there was plenty to criticize and plenty to question.

Roman Reigns and Sheamus Face off

Triple H and Stephanie McMahon mocked Roman Reigns for letting the WWE World Heavyweight Championship slip through his grasp. They welcomed Sheamus to the ring, who went straight to kissing his bosses' butts.

The Celtic Warrior gloated about his win over Roman Reigns. It didn't take long before the black-clad babyface strolled out to stare Sheamus down and demand his rematch right away.

The Authority denied him the bout. The title match would be a TLC match at the next PPV. Rusev emerged suddenly before he and Sheamus double-teamed Reigns, leaving him on the mat.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"There is nothing you can say that can ruin my moment."—Sheamus to the fans.

"Historians know that the Roman Empire lasted 500 years. Well this Roman Empire? It lasted five minutes and 15 seconds."—Sheamus.

Triple H and Reigns share a long staredown.

"The 24-hour nightmare continues for Roman Reigns."—Michael Cole.

Grade

B+

Analysis

Sheamus showed off some mic work better than he normally does, but still received an underwhelming reaction. Reigns, meanwhile, had more fans behind him than normal. If that continues then WWE is going to look mighty smart for putting the belt on Sheamus. 

The surprise addition of Rusev elevates The Authority. He will be far better in that role than Big Show.

The Dudley Boyz vs. Luke Harper and Bray Wyatt

Luke Harper and Bray Wyatt sought to take out their frustrations over losing to The Brothers of Destruction at Survivor Series on The Dudley Boyz. 

Harper didn't far well, though. Bubba Ray and D-Von dominated him, forcing Wyatt to pull him out of the ring to avoid defeat.

The Wyatt Family controlled the majority of the action from that point. A distraction from Erick Rowan left Bubba Ray vulnerable, opening him up for a discus clothesline from Harper.

After the win, Wyatt's crew throttled both babyfaces.

Result

The Wyatt Family win via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"We will break them in half, and show the world their insides."—Wyatt on The Dudley Boyz.

Bubba Ray clubs Rowan off the ring apron.

Grade

C+

Analysis

The announcers tried to sell Wyatt's Survivor Series as an event that makes him more dangerous. That's hard to swallow. He and his family always seem to be in making-up-for-a-loss mode.

This was a win they really needed. There wasn't great action leading up to it. That's been too often the case with The Dudley Boyz's matches. 

They haven't made nearly the impact many were expecting.

Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch

With Team B.A.D. looking on, Sasha Banks showboated as she whipped Becky Lynch. A cheap shot from Tamina Snuka helped her stay in control.

Lynch clamped on the Dis-Arm-Her to battle back. Banks, though, had her allies helped her escape by pulling her toward the ropes. Banks rolled Lynch up for the win.

Paige appeared on the big screen to complain that Charlotte had cheated at Survivor Series. She showed footage of the Divas champion's arm being under the ropes when she executed her match-winning submission hold.

Result

Banks wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"She is nothing but a disappointment, just like her daddy."—Paige on Charlotte.

Grade

D+

Analysis

This was too short, and not enough of a showcase of either woman. The bout felt rushed. And if this is supposed to propel Banks into the title picture, it wasn't nearly as memorable a win as she needed.

Banks needs to follow this with hard-fought win over Lynch in a match that stretches past the 10-minute mark.

Paige has been convincingly ornery. Her complaint about the ropes is an odd addition to the story, though. Unless, she starts pulling a Chris Jericho and whines about a conspiracy against her.

The New Day Celebrate Their 1-Year Anniversary with an Open Challenge

The New Day rode in on pink toy unicorns before bashing country music. They performed mock country songs as Xavier Woods played trombone.

The Lucha Dragons answered the open challenge, as did The Usos. The champs, though, ducked out of the match. They cancelled the challenge which inspired both babyfaces teams to attack The New Day.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"How many songs are there about tractors? I can't stand to hear another song about tractors."—Big E.

"You have ruined a jamboree."—Big E.

Grade

D-

Analysis

The New Day are the most entertaining act in WWE right now, but this was cheesy and far too long. The anti-country music stuff was too cliche. The trio has been far more creative in the past.

It's clear the champs will be facing both of these teams in the future, so it was smart to hold out on them fighting. Still, it's disappointing to expect a title match and have it evaporate. 

Mark Henry vs. Neville

Mark Henry overpowered Neville early. Moments later, a kick from Neville stunned the big man. The Man Who Gravity Forgot hit the Red Arrow for the win.

Henry shook Neville's hands afterward. 

Result

Neville wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Henry throws Neville to the other side of the ring.

"You're going to be good, kid."—Henry to Neville.

Grade

C-

Analysis

The idea of getting Neville an upset win was a good one. An awkward moment with the three-count and this being such a short match hurt that story, though. This could have been an excellent David-against-Goliath clash that helped the high-flyer get over the hump.

Instead, it felt hurried. Henry's words of encouragement had less power because of that.

The Cosmic Wasteland vs. The Prime Time Players and Goldust

Titus O'Neil, Darren Young and Goldust had fun dominating Viktor early. The heels gained control with a cheap shot, though. It was Young's turn to take a long stretch of punishment.

The Prime Time Players and Goldust battled back. A Clash of the Titus ended the contest.

Goldust danced with O'Neil and Young afterward. 

Result

O'Neil, Young and Goldust win via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Before the match, O'Neil "took a wrong turn" and ended up on Stardust's set.

Young suplexes Viktor onto the ring apron.

Grade

C-

Analysis

O'Neil crashing Stardust's promo was more fun than the match itself.

The Ascension continue to be present as minimal threats to everyone. Aligning with Stardust hasn't done much for them but give them more chances to get dominated. The group hasn't made an impact at all.

If WWE is planning on another Goldust vs. Stardust match, it is going to have to be a lot more creative and put in far more effort than it did here to properly build it up.

State of MexAmerica Address

Zeb Colter addressed Alberto Del Rio's failed attempt to win the WWE title. He talked about his philosophy behind forming MexAmerica. Del Rio added his thoughts in Spanish.

Colter insulted the crowd until Jack Swagger walked out, shaking his head. Swagger and Del Rio traded insults until the United States champ retreated.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Colter calls America a "sinking Titanic of a nation."

"The borders of MexAmerica are closed forever."—Del Rio.

Grade

C-

Analysis

Del Rio and Colter are headed in the direction as heel with more insults, more animosity toward the audience. The act is just not clicking, though. It was a bad concept on which to center Del Rio's return, and he needs a major shift away from it in a hurry.

Revisiting the Swagger feud is a poor idea. It's not as if those two set the world on fire last time out.

Del Rio's return has been a disappointment thus far, and he has every right to point fingers at WWE Creative for that. 

Charlotte vs. Paige (Divas Championship)

A series of slaps opened the title match, each woman landing a number of stinging blows.

Paige retreated early with the champion on the hunt. Charlotte remained in control until Paige threw her off the top turnbuckle. The Anti-Diva wore Charlotte down, wrenching her body backward and ripping at her knee.

Charlotte survived submission hold after submission hold.

The action moved to the outside where the two brawled past the referee's 10-count. Paige continued her assault, stomping Charlotte as she writhed on the announcer's table.

Result

The match ends in a double count-out.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"She can moan. She can cry. She can politic all she wants. I'm facing her tonight."—Charlotte on Paige.

"Tap out! That's my championship!"—Paige while applying a submission hold.

Paige twice suplexes Charlotte's leg into the ring ropes.

"Paige realizes that championship is going to complete her. That's what she wants."—Michael Cole.

Grade

A-

Analysis

Even with the count-out finish this was better than their Survivor Series battle. While that one was solid, this was far more compelling.

Paige and Charlotte were allowed plenty of ring time to tell their story. The champ looked resilient; Paige looked merciless. They displayed more animosity than last time around, their bad blood steadily increasing.

After this, WWE will find it easy to build toward a big showdown between these two at TLC.

Heath Slater Attempts to Give Fans a Concert

Credit: WWE.com

With a guitar in hand, Heath Slater dissed country music greats. He then promised to entertain the fans with his own music.

Ryback interrupted. Slater welcomed him with a guitar shot to the head. The blow didn't faze him, though.

Ryback bowled over Slater, finishing him off with Shell Shocked.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"You're about to see 100 percent, grade-A, raw entertainment from The One Man Band!"—Slater.

"I need total silence when I clear my singing pipes."—Slater.

Grade

B-

Analysis

Better paced than The New Day segment, Slater reminded fans just how underused he is. Given the kind of spotlight the tag champs have, he'd likely be pulling off some entertaining stuff each week.

As random as this was, it worked. The collision served as an easy source of momentum for Ryback. And Slater made fans laugh a few times.

It was no great drama, but instead a fun little moment.

Dean Ambrose and Dolph Ziggler vs. Tyler Breeze and Kevin Owens

Dolph Ziggler put his foot on the gas to go after Tyler Breeze. Prince Pretty floored him with a superkick, thought, to open the door for the heels to take control.

Dean Ambrose rallied back for his team. He went on a flurry as Owens and Ziggler battled on the outside.

Dirty Deeds from Ambrose was enough for a three-count.

Result

Ambrose and Ziggler win via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Ambrose blows Breeze a kiss before hitting a suicide dive into the barricade.

Grade

C

Analysis

This was an average match with nothing much to rave about.

It's clear Owens vs. Ambrose and Breeze vs. Ziggler are on the way. This only slightly built toward those bouts. Ziggler and Breeze didn't get especially aggressive. Ambrose and Owens didn't add any personal issues, either.

Oddly, WWE didn't show any of these men's entrances.

Rusev vs. Roman Reigns

Ron Elkman/Sports Imagery/Getty Images

Sheamus stood in Rusev's corner as he and Roman Reigns went to battle.

Reigns stunned Rusev with extra oomph in his strikes. Focused, he stayed atop The Bulgarian Brute for a good stretch.

Rusev fought back, though, slowing down the match to his advantage.

After The Celtic Warrior interfered, the referee banned him from ringside. Rusev fared well without his partner, scoring a number of near-falls. The fight moved to the outside where Rusev smashed Reigns into the announcer's table.

King Barrett attacked Reigns which forced the ref to end the bout. The Big Dog responded by smashing everyone in sight with a steel chair.

Result

Reigns wins via disqualification.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"Step by step. Bit by bit. They are taking the fight out of Roman Reigns."—John "Bradshaw" Layfield.

Rusev hits a diving headbutt from the top rope.

"He's got the jaw of a dinosaur."—JBL on Reigns.

Reigns hits Rusev off the apron with a Superman punch.

Grade

B+

Analysis

More strong work in the ring from Reigns here. It's great to have Rusev playing a vicious predator again rather than get caught up in silly love triangles.

It's not yet clear what's happening with Barrett and Rusev in terms of their roles with The Authority, but both have big potential as henchmen. That beats the drivel Barrett has been a part of us lately, and it's a welcome chance for Rusev upon his return.

Is there a reason Dean Ambrose hasn't come to help Reigns after these last two ambushes from The Authority? That may well just be a plot hole, but it could also signify Ambrose is headed for a heel turn.