WWE Raw results and recap: Ambrose crashes Rollins’ victory celebration

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Seth Rollins’ victory celebration on WWE Raw for leaving Payback with his WWE world championship was crashed by Dean Ambrose.

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The “Lunatic Fringe” used cinderblocks and the threat to recreate a scene he knows all too well with “The Architect” to get Triple H and Stephanie McMahon to grant him a title opportunity at Elimination Chamber on May 31. The main event is now set for the special WWE Network exclusive pay-per-view event. Kane remains on the side of The Authority, but little nudges here and there seem to be foreshadowing this may change.

Earlier in the night Ambrose lost to a longtime rival in Bray Wyatt thanks to interference from the Authority’s J&J Security. The two didn’t hold back in a stellar outing for both men. Another incredible moment occurred when NXT champion Kevin Owens answered John Cena’s United States championship open challenge.

It was the first time the veteran performer appeared on the main roster’s television show. A cheap shot and an act of disrespect to champion and title led to Owens getting an official match against the leader of the CeNation at Elimination Chamber. Owens is scheduled to defend the NXT championship against Sami Zayn during the TakeOver: Unstoppable special 8 p.m. ET May 20 on WWE Network. The devious Owens left a lasting impression to fans and those who have never watched him before in one night. Kudos goes out to Cena for once again going above and beyond to get a talent over. He most certainly does not suck.

The former U.S. champ Rusev kicked Lana to the curb after losing to Cena in an “I Quit” match at Payback. The “Ravishing Russian” decided to make her former beau jealous by kissing Dolph Ziggler and leaving with him. I think I saw any episode of “Saved by the Bell” that ended the same way. Ziggler and Rusev will join Ryback, R-Truth, King Barrett and Sheamus in the Elimination Chamber match for the vacant Intercontinental championship. Sheamus defeated Ryback on Raw in the opener. An injured Neville fell to King Barrett. Bo Dallas, who was at ringside doing commentary, attacked Neville after the match, still angry he lost the NXT championship a while back to him.

The New Day versus Tyson Kidd and Cesaro bout turned into a showcase of all the participants in the tag team championship match at Elimination Chamber. Along with these two teams, the Lucha Dragons, Prime Time Players, Los Matadores and The Ascension were also added. Paige returned to help Diva’s champion Nikki Bella from a beat down from Naomi and Tamina. Nikki was defending the title against Naomi when Tamina caused a disqualification when it appeared her girl was going to lose. Brie Bella was barred from ringside by Stephanie McMahon. After clearing the ring Paige then turned her attention to Nikki and made her intentions known that she wanted her title back.

Ziggler made quick work of Stardust. Erick Rowan and Luke Harper defeated Fandango and Zack Ryder. It was nice to see Stephanie McMahon back, as she continues to be one of the best antagonists on Raw each week. Owens on Raw in the ring with Cena was surreal to see. This was a great moment for the Canadian who has worked for more than a decade to get his big break in WWE. Although he isn’t officially on the main roster, Owens was booked as the monster he is in NXT. The future isn’t just bright, but it’s now.

Given the four matches already announced for Elimination Chamber, the event has the makings of being one of the best events of the year. Not bad for something announced at the last minute.

WWE Raw airs Monday nights at 9/7CT on USA Network

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