WWE Raw Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from February 1

Brock Lesnar left his mark on the first WWE Raw of February, reminding the audience he's still the alpha male of this jungle.

The Beast Incarnate, unsurprisingly, became the focus of the show as WWE continued its march toward Fastlane. He was the key to Dean Ambrose displaying his courage/insanity. He created Raw's final image, his wiping out Ambrose with a smirk on his face.

Overall, it wasn't a spectacular show, but it moved several stories along.

Sasha Banks began her transformation into a fan favorite. WWE did its best to tease potential tension between Ambrose and Roman Reigns. AJ Styles, The Wyatt Family and Titus O'Neil all seized more momentum.

Monday's Raw served up more narrative intrigue than must-watch action in the ring. The following is a look at how WWE delivered in terms of both elements, breaking down the highs and lows of the night.

Dean Ambrose Confronts Brock Lesnar

Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman kicked off the show.

Heyman claimed The Wyatt Family plotted against his client to oust him from the Royal Rumble. He hyped the Fastlane Triple Threat match, promising Lesnar will pin both of his opponents.

As Heyman began to talk about Dean Ambrose's mental instability, the man himself sauntered up with the Intercontinental Championship in hand. The Lunatic Fringe told Lesnar he respected him, but wasn't afraid of him.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"There is the roadblock on the way to WrestleMania."—John "Bradshaw" Layfield on Lesnar. 

"Brock Lesnar will imprison both Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose into Suplex City."—Heyman.

"I've never been in the lair of a beast before. It's cozy."—Ambrose.

"I will drag my broken body to WrestleMania."—Ambrose.

Grade

A

Analysis

Heyman, as usual, was a deft salesman here. He instantly added hype to the Fastlane bout. 

The more memorable aspect of the moment, though, was Ambrose stepping up to Lesnar. The Lunatic Fringe came across as fearless and a touch masochistic. With just this segment, the intrigue level is up for the Fastlane Triple Threat.

This was a preview of how excellent an Ambrose-Lesnar feud could be, too.

Kalisto vs. Rusev (Non-Title Match)

Alberto Del Rio looked on from the commentary desk as the man who dethroned him went to battle.

Kalisto evaded Rusev early on, leaning on his speed advantage. Rusev did his best to turn the bout into a slugfest. The United States champ, though, managed to keep Rusev reeling.

Kalisto knocked The Bulgarian Brute down outside the ring and slipped back in to beat the referee's 10-count. Del Rio briefly chased the champ.

Result

Kalisto wins via count-out.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Rusev superkicks Kalisto out of the air.

"He planted him. All he needs to do is water him, and more little luchadors will pop up."—John "Bradshaw" Layfield.

Kalisto dropkicks Rusev into the ring steps.

Kalisto leaps off the announce table to deliver a Hurricanrana.

Grade

B

Analysis

This matchup was a strong showcase and a good win for Kalisto. Despite the size difference, he didn't play the underdog so much as he was the faster, smarter competitor. 

It's odd WWE didn't play up Rusev's reign as U.S. champ more and discuss his desire to get the title back. And Lana has truly faded into the background. It was easy to forget she was even there.

WWE offhandedly mentioned Del Rio and Kalisto will clash at Fastlane. Why WWE keeps that rivalry going is hard to understand. That story felt over at the Royal Rumble.

It's time for Kalisto to conquer new gladiators.

The Usos vs. Adam Rose and Curtis Axel

Heath Slater accompanied his fellow Social Outcasts as they goofed around before their match.

Curtis Axel and Adam Rose took turns hammering on Jey Uso. Slater offered distractions to help his team along. The heels dominated the former champs for a long stretch.

Jimmy Uso changed things around with his high-flying offense. A splash put away the Social Outcasts.

Result

The Usos win via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Slater explains Bo Dallas' absence by saying he's recording a rap album.

Lilian Garcia introduces The Usos as a Grammy Award-winning team.

Rose and Axel hit a version of Demolition's old Decapitation move.

Grade

C

Analysis

The bout managed to make the Social Outcasts look less like pushovers than usually despite the loss. Rose and Axel came off as aggressive predators while they were on offense. That's a step up from just being doormats.

As much fun as it would be to see this crew go on a run, it doesn't look like WWE is the least bit interested in that.

The Miz Welcomes AJ Styles to Miz TV

The Miz mockingly told AJ Styles' backstory. He talked of Styles overcoming a lack of size on the football field and the wrestling ring. The actor hogged the interview, not letting Styles say much of anything.

The Miz offered to help guide Styles, but the former IWGP champ decided to instead clobber him. Styles tagged The Miz with right hands until he skittered out of the ring.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"This is a forum for storytelling. And let me tell you, AJ's story is phenomenal."—The Miz.

"Some people have called me the father of the 'Yes Movement.'"—The Miz.

Grade

B+

Analysis

WWE wisely went a simple route to further introduce Styles. He didn't have to say a word. The Miz, one of the only true heels on the roster, both played up Styles while also making himself someone the audience wanted to see get clocked in the face.

The focus on Styles' size was odd, but getting compared to Daniel Bryan is quite the win.

The Phenomenal One made the most of his part of this segment. His aggression popped on the screen. The next step is to get him a long-term rival.

Brie Bella vs. Charlotte

Backstage, Charlotte mocked Nikki Bella's recovery from neck surgery. That angered Brie Bella and set up this match.

Brie pounded the champ with strikes to open the match. Charlotte, though, slowed the fight down and taunted her foe as she punished her.

Ric Flair distracted everyone to help Charlotte get the edge. Brie still managed to roll her up for the win.

Result

Brie wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Charlotte jokes that while she's being champion, Nikki is busy doing "online shopping."

Grade

D

Analysis

Brie playing the babyface out of nowhere is the kind of nonsensical booking that so often hurts the women's division. Why is the audience supposed to feel for her all of a sudden? 

Inserting Brie into the Divas title picture is an odd move with Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks already firmly there. The same is true for having Charlotte lose en route to Fastlane.

Getting Brie momentum here doesn't help Fastlane in the least.

Big Show vs. Erick Rowan

Big Show chased away The Wyatt Family with the ring steps. He then slugged it out with Erick Rowan in the ring.

Braun Strowman distracted the giant, but it was to no avail. Big Show hit a chokeslam to get the victory. Strowman and Big Show then shared another staredown.

The Wyatt Family swarmed Big Show, clobbering him in and out of the ring.

Result

Big Show wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"There is only so much you can do, no matter how big you are, no matter how dominant you are, against The Wyatt Family."—Byron Saxton.

Strowman and Rowan slam Big Show onto the ring steps.

Grade

C+

Analysis

The match itself wasn't the least bit memorable. It was the assault after the bell that boasts significance.

The Wyatt Family are built for this time of unfair beatdown. 

It's too bad Big Show's babyface/heel flip-flopping hurt the power of the moment. It's hard to feel sympathy for a guy who was a villain so recently. 

Big Show is not nearly the eye-catching trophy to hang on one's wall as he once was. The Wyatt Family will have to take down bigger stars to make a true impact.

Tyler Breeze vs. Titus O'Neil

Titus O'Neil bowled over Tyler Breeze early. The King of Cuteville, though, attacked the big man at the knees to gain the advantage.

O'Neil overpowered the heel despite Breeze working over his leg.

Result

O'Neil wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"Careful with the Gucci pants!"—John "Bradshaw" Layfield.

O'Neil flips Breeze across the ring with one arm.

Grade

C-

Analysis

O'Neil's has to develop into more than the "he's a charitable guy" character. WWE is clearly looking to give him momentum with all these wins. Adding some character depth will aid that effort.

O'Neil thrives when he's delivering full-throttle offense. It's not clear whether he can thrive in a longer match. Pairing him up with one of the better in-ring workers (e.g. Alberto Del Rio) would be a great test of where he is on that front.

Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler

Kevin Owens pounced on Dolph Ziggler in their latest collision. He threw The Showoff around the ring, clubbing him with hard blows.

Owens mocked his foe as he beat him down.

Ziggler kept battling. He took Owens' best shots, evaded the Pop-up Powerbomb and hit the Zig Zag for the win. 

Result

Ziggler wins pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Owens hurls Ziggler into the timekeeper's area.

"He's lucky he didn't lose a whole row of teeth."—Michael Cole on Ziggler.

Owens nearly wins with a thunderous superkick.

Grade

B

Analysis

Hopefully, Ziggler is OK. A nasty bump had his head bounce off the mat.

He and Owens have really good chemistry in the ring, but WWE is overusing the matchup. Without advancing the feud outside of the ring, it's harder to engage in their ongoing series.

It's really surprising Ziggler won, as The Showoff seemed destined to be the chum fed to the shark. Owens will likely respond with an ambush on SmackDown or later.

Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch

Sasha Banks announced she's on her own now. She laid out her plans to claim the Divas Championship.

Naomi and Tamina Snuka came out to confront her. They claimed to understand Banks splitting from Team B.A.D. and said they were still in her corner.

Becky Lynch and Banks then battled on the mat. The action turned more vicious when Banks took control. When Tamina and Naomi tried to interfere, Banks pushed them away.

Banks' former teammates then clobbered her. Lynch helped out her opponent, joining forces with The Boss to chase away the heels.

Result

Banks wins via disqualification.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"No more sitting in the back watching other Divas getting my spotlight."—Banks.

Banks kicks Lynch off the ring apron.

"Strange alliance will form in the face of danger."—Michael Cole.

Grade

A-

Analysis

The babyface turn fans expected began in a powerful way. Banks came off as a woman wanting to fight on her own and is focused on the championship. Having Team B.A.D. turn on her gives her a pair of rivals to conquer and makes it easy to invest in her journey. 

A rivalry with Charlotte wouldn't be nearly as powerful with Banks still playing the heel. Banks took emphatic steps toward being the No. 1 babyface she is fully capable of being.

The New Day vs. Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose

Paul Heyman sat with the commentary team as the action unfolded.

The New Day claimed to have shamed The Rock last week. The tag champs promised to beat up Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose.

When it came to match time, Kofi Kingston and Ambrose traded chops to the chest.

The babyfaces controlled much of the bout, even with Xavier Woods interfering. Ambrose showed off his nasty side in taking down the tag champs.

The New Day cheated to shift things in its favor, with Kingston and Big E focusing on Ambrose. Reigns soon saved the day after a hot tag. He and Ambrose joined forces to flatten Big E for the win.

Brock Lesnar then entered, leaving the babyface vulnerable to an attack from The New Day. Lesnar hit The Lunatic Fringe with the F-5 to make things worse. 

Result

Reigns and Ambrose win via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Big E calls Birmingham "Bootyham."

"Rocky, would you think about the babies."—Big E.

Woods calls Reigns "that wet dog-looking, bulletproof vest-wearing, no championship title-having."

Big E misses a splash and crashes into the ring apron.

Big E smacks Ambrose's butt. The Lunatic Fringe responds by biting his foe.

Big E suplexes Reigns onto the announce table.

Grade

B+

Analysis

The two teams put on a solid match, but that's not what fans will be talking about during the week. Lesnar's assault on Ambrose was Raw's lasting image—a smart way to call back to the opening segment.

It was refreshing that WWE didn't focus so heavily on Reigns' part in this story. Ambrose became less of a background figure as the victim here. He now has added a reason to want to take The Beast down.

And WWE has set things up to possibly have Ambrose blame Reigns for not helping here. The more tension that exists between the two friends, the more suspense their Triple Threat match will have.