Recap

The go-home edition of Monday Night Raw prior to the Elimination Chamber event took place live – for the very last time – from the Nassau Coliseum – on Long Island, New York. The show would open with a Memorial Day montage and a ten-bell salute in honor of the men and women who have served the United States of America.

The first segment of the night sees The Authority out in the ring as Seth Rollins takes to the mic to trash-talk Dean Ambrose. Triple H then informs Ambrose that while they have a verbal agreement; nothing has been made official as it pertains to his WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at Elimination Chamber. Triple H holds out a contract that Ambrose must sign in order to actually obtain the right to face Rollins.

Dean Ambrose is out next to speak some trash of his own; ripping apart members of The Authority and once again comparing Seth Rollins to Justin Bieber. When Roman Reigns makes his way to ringside in support of his buddy; Stephanie McMahon makes an immediate match that will pit Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns against Seth Rollins and Kane. Stephanie also informs Ambrose that he must sign the Elimination Chamber contract by the end of the night.

Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins and Kane

If you would dissect this match you would get a good idea of where the WWE currently stands. The three former members of The Shield are definitely the focal point of the current roster. If this were a medal standings podium; Seth Rollins would stand atop with the gold medal, Dean Ambrose with the silver, Roman Reigns with the bronze … and Kane in a distant fourth with some sort of consolation prize. The finish would see Dean Ambrose roll up Seth Rollins for the victory and huge momentum boost.

Match Winners: Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns

Match Rating: 6/10

Backstage: Dean Ambrose is confronted by J&J Security who then feel the wrath of Ambrose as he proceeds to assault both men; accidentally striking a cameraman in the process which leads to the eventual “arrest” of Ambrose as he is taken away from the arena and brought down to the station in what was an obvious ploy by The Authority.

Rusev vs. R-Truth

Rusev is full-on Bulgarian again and this match was a complete waste. Ruse hits Truth with a kick and an Accolade and this contest is over.

Match Winner: Rusev

Match Rating: 1/10

Following the match; Rusev pleads for Lana to make her way out to the ring. Rusev offers Lana his hand as a show of reconciliation and Lana accepts. However, Rusev then asks Lana to admit that she was wrong – to which Lana would unleash a verbal assault on The Bulgarian Brute before walking away and meeting Dolph Ziggler at the top of the ramp for yet another lip-lock.

King Barrett vs. Ryback

Ryback is quick out the gate with his powerhouse offense before King Barrett begins to work over his injured ribs. More focus on the ribs before Ryback comes back strong and hits the Shell Shock for the victory.

Match Winner: Ryback

Match Rating: 3/10

Note: Bad booking here. Why is the newest King of the Ring losing matches like this?

Backstage: The cast of Entourage come into the office of The Authority … talk about their movie and Ronda Rousey … make Stephanie uncomfortable … and leave … nothing but a cheap plug.

Stardust vs. Neville

Stardust attacks the injured knee of Neville; attempting to keep the high-flyer grounded as the “Cody” chants begin to echo throughout the arena. Bo Dallas – who will face Neville at Elimination Chamber – comes down to ringside as Neville mounts a quick comeback and attains a victory.

Match Winner: Neville

Match Rating: 4/10

Following the bout, Bo Dallas takes out the knee of Neville before heading to the back.

Backstage: The cast of Entourage are shown with the Divas and Zack Ryder. (You know what's coming)

Dolph Ziggler vs. Sheamus

These two guys have quietly pieced together a solid feud in the mid-card in recent weeks as their contrasting styles made for another hard-fought affair inside of the squared-circle. When Lana came out to support Ziggler; Rusev would soon follow; allowing Sheamus to pick up the victory off of the distraction.

Match Winner: Sheamus

Match Rating: 6.5/10

Rusev in a fit of rage would then beat on Dolph Ziggler in front of Lana; sending a message to his former manager.

The Jon Cena U.S. Open Challenge is up next. Cena comes out and gives his usual speech about those who love/hate him and what he stands for and what he has done and what he will continued to do and all that John Cena stuff. The challenger tonight for the U.S Title is, surprise, surprise … Zack Ryder, the hometown boy.

John Cena vs Zack Ryder for the United States Championship

The cast of Entourage are out again to introduce Ryder and even provide a distraction. However, John Cena is too much for Ryder and picks up the relatively easy victory.

Match Winner: John Cena

Match Rating: 4.5/10

Kevin Owens is out and once again lays out Cena; stomping on the U.S. Championship.

Paige vs. Tamina

Typical Divas stuff here. The Bella Twins are on commentary and are rather annoying. Paige looks solid but Tamina wins.

Match Winner: Tamina

Match Rating: 3/10

The New Day are out with their "positive gimmick" before Kane places them in a handicap match.

The New Day vs. Tyso Kidd and Cesaro, The Lucha Dragons, Prime Time Players, Los Matadores, and The Ascension

Not really much of a match as an all-out brawl would break out between the six tag teams.

Match Winner: The New Day by DQ

Match Rating: 2/10

Video footage is shown of Seth Rollins pushing the cameraman into Dean Ambrose.

The show would end how it began; with The Authority coming down tot he ring. Roman Reigns is quick to attack but is soon laid out until Dean Amrbose appears in the same police vehicle that brought him out of the arena earlier in the night. Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns fight off The Authority and Ambrose finally signs his contract.

 

What Can We Expect Going Forward?

Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship is sure to be an exciting and entertaining contest as these two know each other well and will put on one hell of a show this Sunday at Elimination Chamber.

Kevin Owens defeating John Cena seems like the right move to make but will likely not happen. However, Owens should have a great showing in his first main roster match regardless of the outcome.

The Divas Division remains boring.

King Barrett really needs to walk out of Elimination Chamber as the new Intercontinental Champion. The WWE need to invest in him already. You made him King now make this count.

The tag team Elimination Chamber match is bound to be interesting as it will be the first time that teammates compete inside of the structure … as long as The Ascension don't win.