WWE Raw Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from February 15

With just six days until its Fastlane pay-per-view, WWE delivered an episode of Raw aimed at hyping every match on that card and, in the process, presented a rare title change on free television.

Kevin Owens defeated Dean Ambrose, Tyler Breeze, Stardust and Dolph Ziggler in a Fatal 5-Way match to capture the Intercontinental Championship, which effectively frees the Lunatic Fringe up to focus on his latest main event push.

But KO's victory was hardly the only talking point following Monday's broadcast.

There was the continued development of The Dudleys' new characters, a verbal showdown between Divas champion Charlotte and Brie Bella that descended into physicality and Paul Heyman's words of warning to Roman Reigns ahead of this Sunday's Triple Threat No. 1 Contender's match against Ambrose and Brock Lesnar.

Sprinkled in between was some last minute hype for AJ Styles vs. Chris Jericho, Kalisto vs. Alberto Del Rio and Team B.A.D. vs. Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch.

And sitting right on top, like a rotting cherry on top of an otherwise perfectly acceptable sundae, was a main event pitting Big Show against Braun Strowman.

But more on that in a moment.

The February 15 episode of Raw proved that when WWE Creative wants to invest itself in providing quality hype to go along with logically built storylines, it can succeed.

Was it a perfect show?

Absolutely not, especially once we hit the third hour, but it was as solid a broadcast from top to bottom, not representative of individual match grades, as the company has produced in a long time. As a result, fans are more than likely looking forward to Fastlane in a way they may not have been prior to Monday's show.

Find out everything that went down on the USA Network, not to mention all of the analysis, grades and highlights on the final Raw before Sunday's massive WWE Network presentation. 

Dean Ambrose Promo

WWE Intercontinental champion Dean Ambrose kicked off the show and wasted little time calling out Brock Lesnar, one of the two men he will compete against Sunday at Fastlane.

Instead of the Beast Incarnate, though, Stephanie McMahon made her way to the ring.

After a little back-and-forth, she announced Ambrose would defend the Intercontinental Championship in a Fatal 5-Way match, which would start immediately.

Grade

C+

Analysis

Raw should feature more of this. It was a short, productive opening segment that set up a high-profile title match, all the while getting over the fact that Dean Ambrose is anti-authority.

It also teased that Roman Reigns would get involved, especially with Stephanie promising Ambrose would be disqualified if his Shield brethren interfered.

Intrigue was built, and a main event-worthy match was set up. And best of all, it was done in short order without the promo segment overstaying its welcome.

Fatal 5-Way Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship

Ambrose's challengers included Kevin Owens, Tyler Breeze, Stardust and Dolph Ziggler.

Owens took control early with a big powerbomb to Breeze, over the top rope and onto Stardust and Ziggler at ringside.

The action broke down, with Owens delivering a nasty superkick on Stardust and Breeze responding with the Beauty Shot to the Quebec native.

As much punishment as Owens took, though, he was in the right place at the right time.

Ambrose delivered Dirty Deeds to Stardust, only to walk into the Zigzag from The Showoff. Prince Pretty tossed Ziggler to the arena floor and proceeded to turn right into the Popup Powerbomb from Owens, who scored the win and his second intercontinental title reign.

The former champion was left visibly upset by the loss. 

Result

Kevin Owens defeated Dean Ambrose, Tyler Breeze, Stardust and Dolph Ziggler to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship

Grade

B-

Analysis

This was an action-packed way to kick off the show, but from a match-quality standpoint, it was hardly anything special. While there was never a chance for fans to become bored by what was unfolding in the ring, it consisted of spot after spot rather than telling any real narrative.

Owens winning was the right choice, and the obvious one given the rest of the "star power" involved.

Now Ambrose is freed up to move on to bigger and better things while Owens can continue carrying the midcard as he has since his call-up to the main roster last summer.

Breeze taking the pin certainly made his involvement in the match make sense. He deserves much better, though, based on his work ethic between the ropes and his considerable talent.

Mark Henry vs. Big E (with Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston)

WWE tag team champions The New Day hit the ring and put over their appearance on the Cutting Edge Peep Show this Sunday night, hosted by Edge and Christian, but were cut off by Mark Henry's theme song. Big E prepared to do battle with The World's Strongest Man as the show headed to break.

Big E's arrogance burned him early as Henry took advantage, using the legendary Junkyard Dog's signature headbutt to send him to the arena floor. A distraction at ringside allowed the current tag champion to shove his opponent into the ring post and wrestle control of the bout away.

Big E used his jumping slash to wear the former world heavyweight champion down, scoring a two-count off of the second one. Henry reversed an abdominal stretch, though, and began running over his opponent, taking him down for a near-fall until Xavier Woods' trombone playing broke up the pin.

An awkward finish saw Big E lift Henry up for the Big Ending, only for the former Olympian to escape then crumble in pain. Big E covered for the win.

Result

Big E pinned Mark Henry

Grade

D-

Analysis

That may have been the worst televised match of 2016 so far, though through no fault of Big E's. He worked hard to get a quality match out of the aging veteran Henry, but the former world champion's timing was awful, most notably when he did not get off of E as Woods began playing the trombone, essentially forcing the tag champ to kick out of his finisher.

The finish was incredibly awkward, with Henry appearing to be legitimately hurt.

It was a bad match, and the winner looked like he knew it the second the bell rang.

Brie Bella Promo

Byron Saxton welcomed Brie Bella to the ring for a promo regarding her match with Divas champion Charlotte this Sunday at Fastlane.

Footage of Daniel Bryan's retirement aired, and the more likable of the Bella Twins led the audience in a "YES!" chant. Before she could address Bryan's retirement, Brie was cut off by Charlotte, who made her way  to the ring alongside her father (and heat magnet) Ric Flair.

Charlotte was disingenuous as she discussed Bryan, using past tenses to discuss him. She even went as far as to suggest Brie forfeit Sunday's title match. She referred to Brie as selfish, someone who looks out for herself more than her husband.

The champion repeatedly tried to get Bella to go home and support her sister Nikki and her significant other. Brie implied that Charlotte knows she is not an "easy beat," so she is trying so desperately to get Brie to back out of the match.

"I can only imagine what your goat-faced vegan babies will become," Charlotte insulted Brie, leading to a series of Bryan-like kicks that cleared the champion out of the ring.

Grade

C+

Analysis

This was better than it had any right to be.

Brie still has not found her voice, coming across as rehearsed, but she was very sympathetic as the wife of a recently retired great, left to carry on her family's legacy.

Charlotte was even better, trying to goad her rival into giving up her title shot to spare herself from having to defend.

It was a simple story, told effectively by two women not necessarily known for the mic skills, who will provide their Fastlane match with a nice boost in crowd heat if nothing else.

Like the opening segment involving Stephanie McMahon and Dean Ambrose, it was short and worked. 

AJ Styles vs. The Miz

Chris Jericho made his way to the announce position, sitting in on commentary for AJ Styles vs. The Miz.

The teeth of both Miz and Styles were the focus of the commentary early, playing on the fact that Styles had broken two of the former WWE champion's teeth. Jericho put over the ferocity of Styles and his wicked backhands.

After jumping Styles from behind before the bell, Miz controlled the bout before a flying forearm put him down heading into the break.

Late in the bout, The Phenomenal One caught Miz coming into the corner, rolled out and locked in the Calf Crusher to score the submission win.

After the bell, Jericho attempted to cut a promo, but Styles interrupted him and challenged Y2J to one last match at Fastlane.

Jericho, playing mind games with his budding rival, said he was not sure he wanted to face Styles again before teasing an answer for Thursday's SmackDown.

Result

AJ Styles defeated The Miz

Grade

B

Analysis

AJ Styles continues to be the most protected star this side of Roman Reigns, and that is a good thing. Not only is he presented as a great wrestler, but he is also allowed to win clean against guys who have all previously held championship gold.

His matches feel special, and the feud with Jericho has, to this point, produced in every facet. Their rubber match at Fastlane should provide fans with a legitimate show-stealing bout.

Props go to The Miz, too, who deserves far more credit for his body of work thus far in 2016 than he is ever likely to get. The so-called A-list Hollywood star has been phenomenal on the mic and is wrestling his best matches some five years after his only world title reign. 

The Dudley Boyz Promo

The Dudley Boyz hit the ring for a promo addressing their actions last week.

Bubba Ray called out The Usos but admitted they probably would not be there because of the tables attack that they endured a week ago. D-Von reminded fans they are the baddest tag team on the planet, while Bubba Ray reiterated the tables are gone forever.

"Me and my brother, we don't give a damn what you chant," Bubba Ray said before dropping the mic and posing.

"We have just witnessed the transformation of The Dudleys," Byron Saxton warned the WWE Universe.

Grade

B-

Analysis

Bubba Ray is such a talented and compelling talker that it is hard to imagine it has taken this long to let him do it. Even D-Von was outstanding in the brief moment he was allowed to address the audience and let them know how dangerous the Dudleys remain.

Everything about this promo was strong. It kept the focus on the Dudleys' blossoming rivalry with The Usos, got over the fact that the tables will not be a factor going forward and reaffirmed everything they did to get the new incarnation of the team over on SmackDown.

It will be interesting to see how the team changes and evolves in the coming weeks and just how long it takes WWE Creative to let Bubba expand his mic time and possibly get a singles run out of this latest push.

Paige vs. Summer Rae

Two Divas who have not been on television in weeks returned to the squared circle Monday night as Paige battled Summer Rae in singles competition.

Summer impressed early, taking her opponent over with two deep armdrags and a flurry of right hands. She got cocky, though, allowing Paige to mount a comeback. A knee to the jaw and a series of knee lifts to the chest of the blonde competitor stunned her.

A standing heel kick from Summer turned things back in her favor, and a corner choke using her long leg continued the assault on Paige.

The raven-haired Diva caught her opponent with a running knee in the corner, and a second knee put Summer down for a two-count as JBL discussed the importance of wins at this point on the road to WrestleMania.

Speaking of wins, Summer Rae scored the improbable victory with a rollup that left Paige wondering what just happened.

Result

Summer Rae defeated Paige

Grade

C-

Analysis

You know a show is hitting its stride when the throwaway Divas match leading into the third hour of programming was not anywhere near as awful as it looked on paper.

Summer Rae was still nowhere near the level of performer Paige is, but she was impressive, showing more fire in the ring than she ever has before. She worked hard, though it was clear she was out of her league.

Paige, on the other hand, worked like a Diva who recognized the importance of television time and was determined to remind fans and management of why she was one of the most over women on the roster.

The outcome was a surprise, to say the least, and could lead to a nice little C-level Divas feud. More importantly, it could lead to both finding themselves in contention for a title opportunity leading into what will probably be the annual cluster of a Divas Open at WrestleMania. 

Paul Heyman Promo

Paul Heyman, advocate for Brock Lesnar, stood in the center of the squared circle with mic in hand for a little last-minute hype for Sunday's Fastlane main event between his client, Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose.

Heyman demanded Reigns make his way to the ring so he could say what he wanted to say straight to his face. The former WWE world heavyweight champion obliged, entering to a largely positive reaction.

Heyman reiterated Reigns' dream is to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, go home to his daughter and say, "Daddy did it." And while Brock Lesnar is standing in his way, so is Reigns' friend Ambrose. Sunday, he either loses his daughter or his best friend. Reigns cannot have both.

Reigns thanked Heyman for speaking his mind. He said he made a choice a long time ago, and that is why he has no problem fighting.

"I'm gonna win somehow at Fastlane, then I'm gonna go to WrestleMania and beat Triple H for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. And now I know that you believe that," Reigns said, handing the microphone to Heyman.

The advocate laid the mic down and exited the squared circle before The Dudley Boyz hit the ring and attacked Reigns from behind. The former WWE champion tried to fight back, but the numbers game proved to be too much.

Ambrose made the save, and the babyfaces cleared the ring.

Just as it looked like the heroes would stand tall, Ambrose grabbed hold of Reigns and teased Dirty Deeds before pointing to the WrestleMania. There was an uneasiness between the two as the segment closed.

Grade

B+

Analysis

Paul Heyman was outstanding here, putting over the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Sunday's Fastlane main event and Roman Reigns in ways the company's writing staff has failed to up to this point.

By teasing the dissension between Reigns and Ambrose, WWE Creative has given fans a reason to invest in the inevitable tag team main event pitting them against The Dudley Boyz, either later in the show or on SmackDown. Will they witness Ambrose plant Reigns with Dirty Deeds, or will Reigns catch him first, using the spear or Superman Punch on his friend?

It is intrigue that draws viewers.

The Dudley Boyz received a huge boost from this, both from working with two guys involved in a main event program as well as from the perceived association with Paul Heyman, which Michael Cole drew attention to on commentary.

A strong segment that maximized its minutes was a theme tonight.

Zack Ryder vs. Heath Slater

Bearded Zack Ryder attempted to answer the question "does facial hair translate to victories" as he battled Heath Slater.

The answer was no.

Despite delivering a dropkick from the middle rope and Broski Boot, Slater capitalized on interference from the Social Outcasts to pick up the pinfall victory.

Result

Heath Slater defeated Zack Ryder

Grade

D

Analysis

Does WWE Creative realize that booking one jobber to defeat another jobber does not count as putting anyone over?

The match was every Ryder vs. Slater match ever, which anyone who has attended a WWE live event over the last three years should be familiar with. 

Adam Rose, Bo Dallas nor Curtis Axel did anything to add to the match. With that said, one has to wonder what the purpose of the bout was in the first place, especially considering the Social Outcasts have not been on anything even remotely close to a roll of late.

Time filler at its not-so-finest.

Neville and the Lucha Dragons vs. the League of Nations (with King Barrett)

Sheamus returned to the ring Monday night, teaming with League of Nations mates Rusev and Alberto Del Rio to battle United States champion Kalisto, Sin Cara and Neville.

The babyfaces wiped out the heels with a dive as the match headed to break.

Sheamus and his partners took over control of the bout, isolating the U.S. champion and working him over, tossing in quality heel tactics behind the official's back.

Kalisto delivered a DDT and made the hot tag to Sin Cara, who nearly put Del Rio down for a three count. Action broke down late in the match, with Kalisto and Rusev heading over the top rope, leaving Sin Cara and Del Rio as the legal two competitors.

An enzuigiri and a long-distance double stomp from the No. 1 contender Del Rio secured the win for The League of Nations.

Result

The League of Nations defeated Kalisto, Sin Cara and Neville

Grade

C

Analysis

Average is really the only way to properly describe this one.

The League of Nations is a black hole of heat at this point, the fans in Anaheim not remotely interested in the generic evil-foreigners gimmick. Add to that the lack of character development on the babyface side, and the match was an exercise in apathy.

That is not to say all six men did not work hard. They most certainly did, but if the luchadores or Neville were not flying over or off the top rope, the heat was nonexistent.

The announcement of Kalisto vs. Del Rio for the pre-show was a major surprise given the amount of hype that has been put into Del Rio of late.

Becky Lynch vs. Naomi (with Tamina)

Earlier in the evening, Becky Lynch was attacked outside the arena by Team B.A.D., the victim of a superkick by Tamina. The Lass Kicker looked to gain a measure of revenge as she battled Naomi in singles competition.

Lynch wasted little time unleashing on her opponent with a series of hard forearms to the face and a kick to the thigh. She sent Naomi to the floor and appeared to be incredibly fired up early.

A big kick to the side of head by Naomi, as well as a flurry of kicks about the body, stunned Lynch, and a legdrop netted her a two-count.

The fiery Diva fought back, though, and scored the win from out of nowhere with the Disarmer.

A two-on-one beatdown ensued after the bell as Team B.A.D. assaulted Lynch. Sasha Banks made her way to the ring as the fans in Anaheim erupted for the arrival of The Boss. Rather than saving her Fastlane partner right away, though, she hesitated long enough for Naomi and Tamina to further their attack on Lynch.

That was never followed up on, though, and the two babyfaces (?) stood tall to end the segment.

Result

Becky Lynch defeated Naomi

Grade

D

Analysis

First things first: Naomi should never do that series of kicks in another match. Ever. 

With that out of the way, it is impossible to grade the match any higher than a "D," especially given how short it was. The post-match antics were not nearly enough to get this writer to budge, especially when considering how no one touched on Banks taking her time to make the save.

It was a rare disappointing segment Monday night that had so much more potential to create interest in Sunday's Divas tag bout.

Big Show vs. Braun Strowman

Commentator JBL referred to The Wyatt Family as "the most destructive force WWE has ever seen" as the enigmatic faction made its way to the ring for the night's main event, a singles bout between Braun Strowman vs. Big Show.

Bray Wyatt offered freedom from a dying world and threatened to make a choice for the WWE Universe if necessary, just as he did for Ryback, Kane and Big Show.

"Wake up or run," Strowman said just moments before the biggest match of his career.

Strowman backed Big Show into the corner early, using his strength to gain the upper hand. A big clothesline knocked the World's Largest Athlete off his feet and to the mat in a stunning display of power.

Show countered a suplex attempt into one of his own, though, and The Wyatt Family hit the ring for the disqualification.

The heels beat down the giant until Ryback made the save. The numbers game proved too much, though. 

Pyro exploded from the corners, and Kane broke through the mat, leveling the heels.

The Big Red Monster and Big Show laid Harper out with a double chokeslam to close out the show as JBL suggested that the "Titans of WWE" may be the trio to put an end to The Wyatt Family.

Result

The Big Show defeated Braun Strowman by disqualification

Grade

C-

Analysis

Big Show and Braun Strowman headlined Raw just so Kane could pop up from underneath the ring in an angle that would have been cool 15 years ago but today shows just how out of touch with the audience the company can be at times.

That happened.

The match was as lethargic as imagined, but both guys were working hard, so there is that.

Though it was nice to see the company put effort into hyping a midcard bout for Fastlane, it chose the third- or fourth-least interesting program to do so with.

Michael Cole, JBL and Byron Saxton repeatedly trying to get the phrase "Titans of WWE" over as a team name for Ryback, Kane and Big Show is hardly enough to convince fans to care about a program that is simply a stopgap for Bray and company leading into WrestleMania 32.

It was a lackluster way to end what was otherwise a strong pay-per-view "go home" episode of Raw.