WWE Raw Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from December 28

On the final WWE Raw of 2015, Vince McMahon and John Cena returned to center stage—the company leaning on two established entities.

The chairman both kicked off and ended the show, reprising his role as the evil Mr. McMahon. He and Roman Reigns clearly aren't done locking horns. McMahon slid into the spotlight, arguing with police, growling at the fans and setting up a World Heavyweight Championship match for next week.

Cena ended his two-month sabbatical in emphatic fashion. He jumped back into the fray with a standout promo and a quality match.

The League of Nations made sure to remind him how things have changed in his absence.

Elsewhere, Brooklyn fans saw Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks thrive, The New Day killed it again and Big Show made his way back to the ring. A wrestling-heavy Raw didn't always please the rowdy crowd, but it made it easy to get excited about what's ahead.

How well did WWE tell its stories? How did the performers handle their moments under the sun? The following is a look at the answers to those questions, complete with highlights and letter grades. 

New York Police Arrest Vince McMahon

Vince McMahon called the world champ out and then berated him. Reverting back to his old Mr. McMahon persona, the boss explained he owned the ring, the WWE title and Reigns himself.

McMahon laughed about how he treated The Wild Samoans. He said he lined his pockets off their hard work, angering Reigns to the point the champ pushed him down.

A worried Stephanie McMahon ordered police to arrest Reigns. The officers refused. Vince got in their faces until the cops arrested him.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"You better speak up, old man."—Reigns.

"I'm not a rich snob; I'm a freaking billionaire. There's a big difference."—McMahon.

Fans chant for Daniel Bryan and CM Punk.

"You're just one generation away from having a bone in your nose."—McMahon.

Grade

C

Analysis

As fantastic as Vince's mugshot is, it's hard to call this segment a success. The focus was on the McMahons far more than on Reigns. They were the stars; Reigns was a background player.

WWE did wisely limit Reigns' mic time, having him just speak in spurts. McMahon has always been tremendous as the corporate scum. In that way, the roles were right on, but not regarding how the spotlight was split up.

The moment will have everyone talking about Vince, not Reigns. 

Kevin Owens vs. Neville

Kevin Owens looked on as Neville entered the ring with his Slammy for Breakout Star of the Year in hand. 

Neville went for the Red Arrow early, but he couldn't land it. Owens went for the Pop-up Powerbomb, but Neville countered, rolled him up and got the surprise win just seconds in.

Owens went on a post-match rampage, throwing him around the ring area and smashing him with right hands. He didn't stop the assault, even when a posse of referees surrounded him.

Dean Ambrose emerged, brawling with the powerhouse on the entrance ramp. They battled until Owens slipped out into the crowd.

Result

Neville wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Owens hurls Neville into the guardrail.

"What does this prove? What does this prove to the world?"—Byron Saxton.

"Somebody get this madman out of here!"—Michael Cole.

Grade

B+

Analysis

A surprise, sudden upset looked to be a win-win situation.

Neville earned a huge victory. Owens got his huge moment. The enraged heel built a wealth of momentum with his Neville beatdown, but having Ambrose chase him off deflated that some. 

Owens went from being a bully and a predator to a rat slipping into the cracks in a matter of seconds.

Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks

Backstage, Becky Lynch talked about having to wrestle without anyone in her corner, saying it didn't bother her to fight alone. Sasha Banks worked up the crowd by wearing a New England Patriots hat as Naomi trashed New York City.

Banks and Lynch traded the advantage early on, sticking to mat wrestling.

Tamina Snuka helped Banks escape a submission hold by pulling her toward the ropes. Even with Team B.A.D. interfering, Lynch managed to go on a roll.

Banks, though, seized control and punished Lynch for a good portion of the match. Aided by her partners and a good hold on Lynch's tights, Banks took the win.

Result

Banks wins via pinfall. 

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"Being at a disadvantage hasn't stopped me before."—Lynch.

Naomi calls New York an "overrated, overpopulated stank dump."

Lynch bridges out of a pinfall attempt and hits a dropkick.

Lynch dives onto all three members of Team B.A.D.

Banks hits Lynch with Lynch-like leg drops.

Grade

A-

Analysis

WWE looked to develop Lynch's character development far more than we have seen in the past. She got some solo mic time to tell her story, and the announcers painted her as a gutsy, hardworking well-traveled veteran.

The match itself was strong, despite the "Boring!" chants from the fans. The action was slow-paced, but it built to a climax.

Both Lynch and Banks made the most of their ring time, producing one of the night's better matches. Lynch reminded us that while Banks, Charlotte and Paige are talked about most often, she needs to be in the conversation about the top wrestlers in the women's division, too.

Kalisto vs. Kofi Kingston

The New Day teased singing to fans, but instead ridiculed the crowd for not voting for it during the Slammys. Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston and Big E goofed around before The Lucha Dragons arrived.

Kalisto bounded around the ring once the fight began. His high-flying moves had him in control throughout. He rolled up Kingston for the win.

Result

Kalisto wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Woods talks to his trombone, calling it "Francesca."

"You're booing yourselves; you realize that, right?"—Woods.

"We will fight your children!"—Kingston.

Kalisto hits a corkscrew crossbody.

Grade

B

Analysis

A poor booking choice counteracted one of The New Day's better segments to date.

On the mic, The New Day displayed a good mix of aggression and ridiculousness. Kingston was especially on point.

But then WWE decided to go with another quick surprise win just a short while after telling the same story with Kevin Owens and Neville. The New Day is suffering too many losses; its aura weakening with each defeat. It stops being an upset when it happens every week.

Sin Cara vs. Big E

Xavier Woods challenged Sin Cara, but he volunteered Big E to take his place.

The New Day hovered around the ring as Big E battered Sin Cara. The powerhouse hurt Sin Cara's shoulder and then proceeded to pound on it, mocking his foe's pain.

Sin Cara fought on, but his arm hung limp at his side. The big man flattened him with the Big Ending.

Result

Big E wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"Talk about how strong he is. He's from Iowa."—Woods to the announcers.

Big E slams Sin Cara off the ring apron.

Sin Cara hits a rolling senton from the top rope.

Grade

B+

Analysis

This turned out to be a good showcase for Big E. He was highly aggressive and a convincingly dominant force. He expertly taunted Sin Cara.  

He got a good win, but it was not without cheating here and there to up his heel reputation. 

Big E continues to show flashes of being a top-level guy. He has a plethora of competition ahead of him, but it's entirely possible he works his way up to that point.

A Crowded Edition of Miz TV

The Miz didn't get far into his self-congratulations sessions before Ryback came out.

The Big Guy said no one cares about The Miz, promising 2016 will be his year. Goldust joined the fun, dismissing The Miz's chances at awards. Zack Ryder soon followed. He said next year will be his year, too. R-Truth further crowded the ring.

The rapper encouraged fans to vote for him for the Slammys, despite the voting having ended last week.

Heath Slater, followed by Big Show, all stepped into the ring. The giant then clobbered everyone in striking range.

Big Show announced he would be the first entrant into the Royal Rumble and claimed he would win the whole thing.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

The Miz wears an enormous scarf. 

"I need to get me one of those daily planners."—R-Truth.

 R-Truth knocked himself out to avoid the KO Punch.

Grade

D

Analysis

At first it looked like Ryder and Slater were finally going to get some quality airtime. Instead, WWE chose to use them as the bodies Big Show stepped on en route to his next conquest.

Despite how disinterested fans seem in him, the company is insistent on continually putting Big Show in a prominent position. The whole point of this segment was to build him up once again. It's hard to buy into it because nothing has come of these pushes in recent years.

Big Show is among the least interesting prospects heading into the Royal Rumble. Choosing to shine a light on him rather than someone more promising was a missed opportunity.

Ryback vs. Big Show

Big Show batted down an aggressive Ryback. The giant stalked his foe, clubbing him in the corner. 

When Ryback's brief flurry had Big Show on his heels, the big man slipped out of the ring. He waited for the referee to count to 10, intentionally taking the loss.

Result

Ryback wins via count-out.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Ryback hits a dropkick from the second rope.

Grade

F

Analysis

Just what was the point of this? WWE just constructed a scenario in the previous segment to make Big Show look like a monster. Then he plays the coward here.

The result is a forgettable match and no real gain for anyone involved. 

Why would a man so much larger than his opponent be content with defeat anyway? It's not as if this made it look like Ryback could hang with Big Show. It just looked like WWE Creative ran out of ideas.

The League of Nations vs. The Usos and Dean Ambrose

Credit: WWE.com

The League of Nations

Sheamus dedicated the match to Vince McMahon.

He, Rusev and King Barrett represented The League of Nations against the babyfaces. The Usos flustered Sheamus with their high-flying style. 

The Celtic Warrior came out limping after tangling with his opponents, but Jimmy Uso soon had it worse. The League of Nations injured Jimmy's leg and pounced on it. 

The matched turned chaotic as Jey Uso and Dean Ambrose tried to fight back. Sheamus ended the action, though, with a Brogue Kick to Jey's chin.

Kevin Owens took the opportunity to attack Ambrose. He powerbombed The Lunatic Fringe through an announce table.

Result

The League of Nations wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Rusev hip-tosses Jimmy into the corner.

Ambrose convulses on the floor after Owens' attack.

Grade

C+

Analysis

The match was standard, everyday fare. The beating that followed it was excellent entertainment.

Barrett is clearly still injured. He didn't get involved except to provide a distraction or two. That and a lack of energy hurt the bout.

Owens' assault, though, was a peek at a fantastic possible path for him. The way he seemed to savor the moment as he destroyed Ambrose made the heel seem far more unsettling. This vicious, snarling, sadistic side of Owens needs to be on the screen far more often.

John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio (United States Championship)

JP Yim/Getty Images

John Cena called out Alberto Del Rio for not defending the United States Championship more often. He called the champ a disgrace. 

The League of Nations soon sauntered out with Del Rio leading the way. He and Cena bickered about why their bout was not for the U.S. title. 

Cena needled Del Rio until he agreed to put the belt up for grabs. 

Del Rio began the match in control, kicking Cena dizzy. Even when the champion hurt his knee on a missed dropkick, he stayed on top.

As the match picked up, Del Rio accidentally knocked out the referee. That allowed The League of Nations to attack. Cena managed to survive in spite of the numbers disadvantage. 

The heels ran in to save Del Rio, beating down the babyface. The Usos tried to fight them off, but Sheamus and crew flattened them, too.

Roman Reigns charged out, clobbering The League of Nations with a steel chair in hand.

Vince McMahon followed. He announced Sheamus would battle Reigns for the WWE title with McMahon as special guest referee.

Result

Cena wins via disqualification.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"This place, these people, they don't deserve to have a United States title match."—Del Rio.

"Or are you just a punk bitch?"—Cena.

"You are a gutless, spineless, worthless that one-hit wonder that gained a championship but lost his manhood."—Cena.

"The audience in Brooklyn is tougher than you."—Cena.

Cena dropkicks Del Rio in midair.

Del Rio counters the Attitude Adjustment into the cross armbreaker.

Grade

A-

Analysis

Man, is it good to have Cena back. The emotion he generated in the pre-match promo was stellar. He played up to the Brooklyn crowd, talked up the U.S. title and was compellingly fiery.

On top of that, having the U.S. title at the forefront again is a refreshing change.

Del Rio and Cena's fight for the belt was superior to their clash at Hell in Cell, even with the screwy finish. The League of Nations had a chance to look destructive here, laying waste to everyone in sight until Reigns arrived.

McMahon's speech ended this all on an odd note. It's not clear why he was repeating that he wanted everyone to have a new year again and again.

There's potential with him and Reigns butting heads, but Reigns needs to be more active, and McMahon needs to be the foil, not the No. 1 focus.