WWE Raw Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from April 18

The Payback pay-per-view card for May 1 continued to take shape on the April 18 episode of Raw, taped from London.

Two rivalries meshed as Chris Jericho battled Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens went one-on-one with Dean Ambrose in the evening's co-main events. Sprinkle in a heated exchange between AJ Styles and WWE world heavyweight champion Roman Reigns, a Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows attack, not to mention Shane McMahon making a few match announcements, and the top of the card was solidified.

Monday's broadcast also put feuds featuring Cesaro and The Miz, Apollo Crews and The Social Outcasts and Natalya and Charlotte at the forefront, ensuring fans have a reason to care about every match on the upcoming extravaganza's match card.

With a taped show, there is a lack of danger or unpredictability but that did not help this week's broadcast. The show featured solid wrestling and interesting story developments, leading to another quality broadcast in a line of them post-WrestleMania.

Which Superstars picked up key wins, how did each match grade out and what does it mean for the Superstars going forward?

Find out now.

The Ambrose Asylum with Shane McMahon

The Lunatic Fringe—Dean Ambrose—kicked off the show with his first official edition of The Ambrose Asylum. He ran down some of the goings-on in WWE before introducing this week's guest—Shane McMahon.

The current show-runner, despite that loss to Undertaker at WrestleMania that everyone is glossing over, entered to a tremendous ovation.

Before McMahon could say much, Kevin Owens interrupted. Sami Zayn and Chris Jericho followed, assembling a wealth of extraordinary talent in the opening segment.

Shane-O-Mac announced Zayn vs. Owens and Ambrose vs. Jericho for Payback and then booked Zayn-Jericho and Owens-Ambrose for Monday night's broadcast.

Grade

B+

Analysis

This is the perfect example of an effective opening promo.

Shane generated interest and excitement, booked two matches for the pay-per-view and set up the night's two main events, all without the segment overstaying its welcome.

It worked, resulting in four matches, featuring four superb talents, that fans can look forward to.

Sami Zayn vs. Chris Jericho

In a rematch from Thursday's SmackDown, Sami Zayn battled Chris Jericho in singles competition, each jockeying for momentum ahead of their big matches at the Payback pay-per-view on May 1.

Jericho pummeled Zayn throughout the heart of the match, including a vicious suplex on the arena floor. He trapped the Montreal native in the Walls of Jericho.

Zayn fought back and delivered his trademark DDT through the ropes and on the floor. His comeback was halted when Jericho caught him with a rake of the eyes and delivered the Codebreaker for the pinfall victory.

Result

Chris Jericho defeated Sami Zayn.

Grade

B

Analysis

The fascination with putting Jericho over guys like Zayn and AJ Styles continued here, with Y2J scoring the win off the Codebreaker. Why the company opted to take that route instead of booking a signature victory for the Montreal native is a bit of a mystery.

With Zayn incurring such a loss, it will be more imperative he beats Kevin Owens at Payback. Though, at this point, Owens can hardly afford a loss. Thus, WWE Creative has kind of booked itself in a corner in regard to one of its hottest feuds and the cast of characters involved.

As for the match, Zayn vs. Jericho was every bit as good as one would expect it to be given the immense talent of both men. The finish, with Y2J poking Zayn's eyes, was at least an attempt to protect the former NXT champion.

Tag Team Tournament Match: Enzo Amore and Big Cass vs. The Dudley Boyz

A new chapter was written in the feud between The Dudley Boyz and NXT mainstays Enzo Amore and Colin "Big Cass" Cassady Monday night as they battled in the first semifinal match of the No. 1 Contender's tag team tournament.

Amore and Cassady had the crowd on its feet for their pre-match spiel, but it was the veteran Dudleys who wasted little time unloading on their younger, less experienced opponents.

Bubba Ray and D-Von's oppressive assault lasted only so long, though, as the babyfaces fought back off a hot tag late.

Moments later, Cassady sent Amore off the top rope with the Rocket Launcher for the victory.

Result

Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady defeated The Dudley Boyz.

Grade

C

Analysis

It was interesting to see the babyfaces score such a decisive victory over The Dudleys this early in their feud. Unless, that is, this was designed to be the culmination of their two-week vendetta. If that is the case, one cannot help but be disappointed given the stride it found itself in just days ago.

On the other hand, it was a strong win for Amore and Cassady, who have been as hot as any act on WWE TV post-WrestleMania. The fans in England reacted raucously for them, which bodes well for them going forward.

Roman Reigns Promo

Roman Reigns made his way to the ring to a chorus of boos, proving the disdain for the current WWE world heavyweight champion remains as strong overseas.

He reiterated he is the guy before AJ Styles interrupted.

The Phenomenal One gave Reigns a few props, saying he would have to have the match of his life to beat him. But having the match of his life is what he does, Styles said. He did it everywhere else, and when he does it at Payback, he will be champion.

"I would much rather be respected with this than liked without it," Reigns said, ending the promo by reiterating respect is what their match boils down to.

As Styles backed out of the ring, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson hit the ring and left Reigns lying, much to the fans' appreciation.

Styles, though, did not look thrilled.

Grade

B

Analysis

Neither Reigns nor Styles are the strongest of talkers so it was interesting to see them given promo time without a safety net, but to their credit, they did a damn fine job with what they were given.

The Anderson and Gallows attack was a great touch as it created suspense and intrigue as to what their motives are and how much Styles truly knows about it.

Suddenly, what was once a story of an Internet darling against WWE's most polarizing star currently has evolved into a layered and interesting story, showcasing WWE Creative taking an important step in the right direction.

Fandango vs. Baron Corbin

Fandango returned to the United Kingdom, where is he consistently popular as much for his theme music as anything he has done in the squared circle. His opponent? The Lone Wolf—Baron Corbin.

The NXT veteran tore through the ballroom dancer, tossing him into special guest commentator Dolph Ziggler at ringside in the process. He finished him with End of Days for the impressive victory.

After the match, Ziggler tried to avenge the cheap shot and wound up the same way he typically has when encountering Corbin: nearly unconscious.

Result

Baron Corbin defeated Fandango.

Grade

C-

Analysis

The match was an afterthought to the angle, which was not particularly strong.

There is nothing between Corbin and Ziggler that would make fans sit up and feel like they need to emotionally invest themselves in the program.

Miz TV with Cesaro

The Miz and Maryse welcomed fans to Miz TV and wasted little time comparing himself to royalty.

Guest Cesaro cut him off and made his way to the ring. He called The Miz a royal pain in the ass, which the fans in England appreciated. The Miz recited lines from the film Taken, taking liberties with it when necessary, and fans reacted with a chorus of boos.

"When my hand goes up, your mouth goes shut," Cesaro responded.

Cesaro recited "Rowdy" Roddy Piper's classic line from They Live before The Miz ducked the challenge for a match and set The Swiss Superman up for his match with Rusev.

Cesaro corrected The Miz, revealing Shane McMahon changed things up, booking a huge eight-man tag team match also involving The New Day and The League of Nations.

Grade

C-

Analysis

This was brutal at times, with both guys trying way too hard to get the material over.

It was also a fairly forced setup for a tag match that makes little sense and has no reason to exist.

It was a misstep of sorts on what has been a very strong show to this point.

The New Day and Cesaro vs. The Miz and The League of Nations

Xavier Woods found himself isolated from his partners and at the mercy of Rusev, Sheamus, Alberto Del Rio and The Miz.

Del Rio cut off one hot-tag attempt but could not stop a second as Woods tagged Cesaro into the bout. The Swiss Superman unleashed a flurry of uppercuts to The Miz and Sheamus. He took the fight outside and delivered the strikes to Rusev and Del Rio, ensuring no man was left without feeling his wrath.

The action broke down, with the Superstars trading signature and finishing maneuvers, concluding with The Neutralizer to The Celtic Warrior for the babyface win.

Result

The New Day and Cesaro defeated The League of Nations and The Miz.

Grade

C+

Analysis

This was a fun, energetic, six-man tag team match and a wonderful showcase for Cesaro. The Swiss Superstar looked as strong as he has to date, leveling anyone and scoring a very rare, and clean, pinfall over Sheamus.

There may have been no reason for these teams to compete against each other, but every Superstar involved overcame the lackluster booking to deliver a quality, if unspectacular, match.

8-Woman Tag Team Match

Paige returned to her native land, teaming with Natalya, Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch to battle Charlotte, Naomi, Tamina and Summer Rae in a big eight-woman tag team match. The story of the match, though, was not the Anti-Diva's journey back to relevancy. Instead, it was Natalya continuing her chase for the Women's Championship.

The Queen of Harts exploded into the match off a hot tag late, with the action breaking down until it came down to her and Charlotte. Natalya countered a Figure Eight attempt and trapped the women's champion in the Sharpshooter to secure the win for the babyfaces. 

Result

Paige, Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch and Natalya defeated Charlotte, Tamina Snuka, Naomi and Summer Rae.

Grade

C+

Analysis

This was a good, strong tag match that was received well by the fans in London. Fans wanted to see the women compete; they were invested in the characters. The result was one of the more enjoyable bouts on the card.

Natalya winning was no surprise as it keeps her strong for her impending match with Charlotte at Payback. She looked great here, more motivated than ever as the latest opportunity to prove her skills before a worldwide audience awaits.

The questionable use of Paige continued, though, much to the chagrin of this writer and a legion of fans. The raven-haired Brit was the fourth-most important Diva on her team, and that is a shame considering how much interest and excitement there was surrounding her roster debut back in 2014. Now, she has become known as much for her reality-show antics as she has for her ring game.

Tag Team Tournament Match: The Usos vs. The Vaudevillains

Jey Uso's shoulder injury, aggravated during last week's attack at the hands of Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, was the story of this match.

Aiden English and Simon Gotch, known collectively as The Vaudevillains, exploited the injury and used it to their advantage.

Late in the bout, Jey dove over the top rope and onto Gotch. English, sensing an opening, kicked the shoulder and rammed it into the steel post, further intensifying the pain.

Moments later, The Vaudevillains delivered the Whirling Dervish for the win.

Result

The Vaudevillains defeated The Usos.

Grade

C

Analysis

This was fine for what it was: a story-based match that put over the cerebral nature of Gotch and English.

The NXT team now moves onto the finals, where it will battle familiar foes Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady. Considering the babyfaces' issues with The Dudley Boyz do not seem to be settled, and could potentially bleed into the tournament final, the No. 1 contendership may be The Vaudevillains' to win.

Apollo Crews vs. Heath Slater

Credit: WWE.com

The video package spotlighting Crews prior to this match was far more interesting than anything that actually happened between bells. Having vowed to join The Social Outcasts if he lost, Crews was determined to defeat Heath Slater in singles competition.

It would not be much of a fight for Crews, who wiped out Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel on the arena floor and then put Slater away with this powerbomb finisher to sustain his momentum.

Result

Apollo Crews defeated Heath Slater.

Grade

D

Analysis

If you have seen any of Crews' other squash victories over The Social Outcasts, you have seen this one. Crews was dominant, Slater never felt like much of a threat and the result was a one-dimensional match that failed to get the crowd invested.

Of interest was the late interaction between Crews and Kevin Owens, whose theme music cut off the celebration of the NXT alumnus. Owens nonchalantly walked past Crews, potentially foreshadowing a future program between the two.

Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens

Credit: WWE.com

In case you have not seen enough of Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens over the last six months, the Superstars headlined Monday's show.

A frog splash from Owens to Ambrose on the arena floor had The Lunatic Fringe reeling, but he was able to make it to his feet to break the count. Back inside the squared circle, Owens delivered a fisherman buster from the top rope in a spot that re-energized the audience, if only for a fleeting moment.

Another frog-splash attempt did not turn out quite as well for Owens as Ambrose got his knees up. Moments later, he delivered Dirty Deeds to net the clean pinfall victory.

After the match, Chris Jericho delivered the Codebreaker to Ambrose and stood tall to close out the broadcast.

Result

Dean Ambrose defeated Kevin Owens.

Grade

B

Analysis

Again, the feud between Owens and Sami Zayn is completely undermined by WWE Creative's insistence in putting the Jericho-Dean Ambrose program ahead of it in importance. This, despite the fact Zayn and Owens have a molten-hot rivalry dating back to their days in NXT.

Monday's main event was every other Ambrose-Owens match you have seen to this point. They have been paired up far too much over the last six months, and the result is an overexposed pairing that is beyond stale. While it featured a few new spots, including Owens' frog splash, it was hardly anything markedly better or worse than their previous battles.

Not necessarily the best way to close out the broadcast, especially given the subdued and downright quiet crowd.