WWE Raw Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from February 29

Nashville fans witnessed a sluggish, out-of-rhythm WWE Raw.

The latest leg of the Road to WrestleMania featured lengthy talking segments and matches where it looked like the wrestlers were competing in a secret Beat the Clock Challenge. The in-ring action was over in moments. Instead, WWE chose to focus on hyping Shane McMahon vs. Undertaker.

The trouble is, it failed to make any more sense of the storyline. And it had The Deadman essentially making a cameo after talking up his return to Raw.

Stephanie McMahon flourished. Dean Ambrose looked excellent as the rebel pushing back against The Authority. Those two were bright spots in a baffling Raw. The following is a look at the night's matches and promos, complete with letter grades and highlights.

Triple H and Dean Ambrose Face Off

Triple H kicked off the show with the WWE title on his shoulder, telling fans Roman Reigns shouldn't have challenged and disrespected him. He mocked the injured Reigns.

A limping Dean Ambrose emerged to cut Triple H's speech short. He told The Game Reigns is coming for him.

Ambrose said Triple H is afraid to face him.

The Lunatic Fringe challenged the champ to a title match. Triple H said he would consider it before booking Ambrose vs. Alberto Del Rio for later in the night.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"Authority, a select few have it; the rest of you bow down to it."—Triple H.

"I'm pretty sure I'm the last guy you wanted to face at WrestleMania."—Ambrose to Triple H.

Fans chant "You can't beat him!" to Triple H about Ambrose.

Grade 

B-

Analysis

Triple H looked to generate heat by focusing on the audience's issues with authority rather than Roman Reigns. That worked to an extent, but this really has to be more directly about his issues with Reigns as it progresses.

Ambrose was enjoyable in the segment as he improvised to incorporate the crowd, adding a fun energy overall. Still, this dragged some. Starting Raw off with such lengthy promos gets the show off to a slow start unless something monumental happens a la last week.

Triple H hanging the threat of The League of Nations over his head had no gravity. The faction hasn't felt like a threat in the least.

Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks (No. 1 Contender's Match)

Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks stayed on the mat early, trading holds and momentum. The match picked up speed, with neither woman able to sustain momentum for long.

Charlotte and Ric Flair watched on from near the announce table.

Banks hit a sunset flip from the top rope, but the move knocked both women to the mat. The referee counted to three with both Lynch's and Banks' shoulders on the canvas.

Result

Match ends in a draw via double-pin.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Banks dives onto Lynch with both knees to score a near-fall.

Grade 

C+

Analysis

A short amount of match time led to a sloppy showing from two top-notch performers. The bout felt hurried along. As a result, this was disappointing considering how good it could have been.

The fact WWE didn't make this No. 1 Contender's match a higher priority should have fans tempering their expectations at WrestleMania. WWE's commitment to the women's division isn't wholehearted just yet.

The Triple Threat many were expecting looks to be in play now. If treated like a big deal, it has a chance to be special.

The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler

Building on a spat these two had on the Raw pre-show last week, Dolph Ziggler and The Miz went to battle. Ziggler started aggressively, but the action didn't last long. 

The Miz rolled The Showoff with a schoolboy pin for the three-count.

Result

The Miz wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

None

Grade 

D-

Analysis

It's hard to tell what WWE had in mind here.

A week-old pre-show argument isn't exactly the best catalyst for a matchup. And having Ziggler lose in such quick fashion didn't allow any time for the audience to invest.

If this doesn't go anywhere, it's a waste of airtime. However, it could be the beginning of WWE crafting a new narrative for Ziggler. A losing streak that causes him to unravel is a smart way to go. That looks less likely, though, with Ryback running an angle a lot like that.

Stephanie McMahon's Acceptance Speech

Stephanie McMahon resumed the acceptance speech for the Vincent J. McMahon Legacy of Excellence Award that she never got to finish last week. She didn't get far thanks to a raucous crowd, though.

She cradled the award like a baby before losing it. McMahon pushed over the award stand and admonished the crowd.

Angry with her brother, Shane, The Billion Dollar Princess talked about how she felt betrayed by him. She promised everyone would bow down to her and Triple H.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"Keep chanting. Shane-O-Mac isn't here tonight, just like he won't be here after The Undertaker beats him at WrestleMania."—McMahon.

"Shane McMahon is a reflection of all of you: narcissistic, apathetic, lazy, weak-minded wastes of life."—McMahon.

Grade 

A

Analysis

A stellar performance from a stellar talker. McMahon breathed fire and was the most evil she's been in a long time. 

It's too bad she doesn't have a direct rival more often. She's stuck in a supportive role when she should be the central figure of her own story.

The Lucha Dragons vs. Sheamus and Rusev

Rusev and Sheamus teamed up on Sin Cara to take the early advantage. The heels pounded Sin Cara in their corner as King Barrett and Alberto Del Rio cheered them on.

Kalisto made the tag before going on a frenzied attack. 

A distraction from The League of Nations slowed his momentum, though. That led to Rusev kicking him out cold.

Alberto Del Rio attacked Kalisto after the bell. 

Result

Rusev and Sheamus win via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Rusev drives Sin Cara into the security barricade.

"They see themselves as the Golden State Warriors of the WWE"—Byron Saxton.

Kalisto hits a top-rope suicide dive onto Sheamus.

Grade 

C-

Analysis

WWE tried to sell the idea that The League of Nations is a dominant, powerful faction. That narrative doesn't have weight. The foursome simply feel like midcarders masquerading as a top-level group.

The match itself was underwhelming. 

It's hard to highlight Kalisto as U.S. champ if he keeps working tag matches. Why not give him a rival or two heading into WrestleMania?

Ryback vs. Adam Rose

A game Adam Rose attacked Ryback with ferocity. The Big Guy, though, manhandled him.

Ryback smashed with right hands before hitting Shell Shocked for the win.

Result

Ryback wins via pinfall. 

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Ryback compares himself to the movie Spotlight.

"You win matches. You beat people up. Let the spotlight worry about itself."—John "Bradshaw" Layfield.

Grade 

C-

Analysis

Ryback trying to use Spotlight as a jumping-off point is one of the most out-of-touch moments we've seen on Raw in a long time. The idea of him wanting more spotlight makes sense, but invoking a movie about molestation isn't the best way to make that point.

This match was simply a means to showcase Ryback's newfound aggression. It's clear he's turning heel, and WWE is wisely making that change in logical fashion.

Frustration is leading to villainy.

The New Day vs. Chris Jericho and AJ Styles

The New Day claimed to be the best three-man team in history. Big E chuckled at himself as he insulted The League of Nations.

AJ Styles and Chris Jericho worked as a cohesive unit early on, taking out the champs.

Xavier Woods distracted the babyfaces to shift things in his team's favor. Big E couldn't put Styles away, though. Kofi Kingston struggled to contain Jericho.

Y2J countered Trouble in Paradise to lock in Walls of Jericho. That was plenty to get the win.

Result

Jericho and Styles win via submission.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Styles and Jericho hit double crossbodies.

"I've got his number!"—Kingston after pulling a playing card from Woods' hands.

"Y2AJ is a thing."—Jericho.

Grade 

B-

Analysis

WWE isn't nurturing The League of Nations vs. The New Day feud for anyone to care. Just having the champ throw out a side remark here and there isn't going to cut it.

The tag team action was good—a rare sight on a slow Raw. Jericho and Styles have good chemistry together.

Even so, WWE can't have them enter WrestleMania as a team. Styles is too valuable not to put into a big singles match. Don't allow him to get lost in the shuffle in a multiteam battle.

Undertaker Confronts Vince McMahon

With fans chanting for his son, Vince McMahon dismissed Shane's chances at WrestleMania. He promised to teach Shane-O-Mac a lesson.

McMahon welcomed Undertaker to the ring. The Deadman wrapped his hand around Vince's throat and told him he wasn't responsible what happened to Shane before quickly exiting. 

McMahon said he would renounce Shane as his son. 

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"That unnatural force of nature is my instrument of destruction."—McMahon on Undertaker.

"The blood of your son is going to be on your hands."—Undertaker.

"He will no longer be my son; from my heart, he will just be a son of a bitch."—McMahon

Grade 

C-

Analysis

Undertaker's appearance had a minimal impact. Why build up his arrival so much, only to have him stick around for such a short amount of time. It was hard not to feel unsatisfied after he marched out of the ring.

And WWE offered no explanation as to why Undertaker is willing to be a puppet for McMahon. A lone wolf as powerful as he is needs a good reason to do McMahon's bidding. He doesn't have one yet.

That has to be addressed for this story to make any sense.

Jey Uso vs. Bubba Ray Dudley

An angry Jey Uso went right after Bubba Ray Dudley. He slugged the bruiser with right hands.

Soon, Devon Dudley attacked Jimmy Uso. That distracted Jey enough for Bubba Ray to pounce. A Bubba Bomb put the match to an end.

Result

Bubba Ray wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Devon throws a table at Jimmy Uso. 

Grade 

D

Analysis

For a moment, fans saw the most intensity we have seen from this rivalry. Jey was incensed, as he should be, but he had little time to showcase his emotion.

Continuing the running theme of the night, WWE limited the match's running time. Following short matches with short matches made for a repetitive Raw.

Big Show vs. Kevin Owens

Big Show chased the champion around the ring. Kevin Owens, though, pushed the big man into the ring post to take control.

Owens kept trying to win via count-out. Instead, Big Show threw Owens onto the ring ropes. The pain had him unable to return to the ring in time. 

Result

Big Show wins via count-out.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Owens hits a DDT out on the floor. 

Grade 

D

Analysis

In a mirror image of their SmackDown match, Big Show rode the same path to victory Owens did last week.

In its early stages, this feud has no spark. And so far, Owens hasn't looked anything like the raging beast he is at his best. WWE keeps teasing that more showdowns are coming, but it's hard to care.

If Owens ends up taking on Big Show at WrestleMania, that will be one of the biggest letdowns of the card.

Brie Bella vs. Naomi

Backstage, Lana mocked Brie Bella. She told her Rusev was a better man than Daniel Bryan.

The confrontation seemed to put Brie off her game. Naomi took advantage, flinging the babyface around the ring. Brie fought back. 

Tamina provided a distraction. Naomi took advantage, clamping on a submission hold for the win.

Lana came out, shaking her head at Brie.

Result

Naomi wins via submission.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Lana calls Bryan a "tiny little goat man."

Grade 

C-

Analysis

It's not clear where this is going, but that's part of the appeal here. Is Lana's in-ring debut going to end up being Brie's swan song?

That's not the greatest opponent to give Lana to start things off, but the combination has an odd pull to it. 

WWE, however, can't forget to highlight Naomi who earned a needed win here. She most certainly needs a long-term rival of her own.

Alberto Del Rio vs. Dean Ambrose

Marc Pfitzenreuter/Getty Images

With The League of Nations cheering him on, Alberto Del Rio smashed Dean Ambrose outside the ring. He battered the weakened babyface, delighting in punishing him.

Despite his ribs hurting him, Ambrose fought on. Del Rio kept attacking, but The Lunatic Fringe gutted it out to make a comeback.

Triple H emerged and ordered The League of Nations to pounce on Ambrose.  

Even after the beating, Ambrose brawled with The Game. Triple H responded with a Pedigree, accepting Ambrose's challenge. Triple H continued the assault on Ambrose, smashing him on the announce table. 

Result

Ambrose wins via disqualification.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Del Rio hits Ambrose with the diving foot stomp on the barricade.

"This mess lying on the floor right here with all the bandages on it that can barely move. That's what challenged Triple H to WWE championship match."—John "Bradshaw" Layfield.

Ambrose dove onto The League of Nations from the top rope.

Grade 

A-

Analysis

Ambrose and Del Rio told a compelling story of grit overcoming mercilessness. Then Triple H lost his mind, much as he did last week.

The difference between this and The Game's beatdown of Triple H is stunning. Ambrose is by far the more sympathetic figure. The chemistry between these enemies is more electric. And the Ambrose character is far more intriguing than Roman Reigns' character.

It makes one want to see Ambrose pull double duty at WrestleMania.

This is what a babyface-heel dynamic should look like. WWE has to see how much The Lunatic Fringe connects with the crowd and run with it at some point.