Credit: WWE.com

All the marquee bouts earned ample attention and big moments on the March 16 edition of WWE Raw. WWE nailed the build for WrestleMania's biggest matches but fumbled when it came to the midcard and The Show of Shows' supporting cast.

Sting emerged from darkness. Brock Lesnar promised to kick ass. John Cena and Rusev churned up the hostility between them.

These were all eye-catching, attention-grabbing wins.

It was when it was time to get fans hyped about the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, the Intercontinental Championship match or the tag title match that Monday's Raw failed. Lazy storytelling in those cases contrasted the night's highlights.

The top-heavy edition of Raw both heightened excitement about WrestleMania and dampened it
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Credit: WWE.com

The Authority stood in the ring seething before the members spoke their mind.

Seth Rollins talked angrily about Randy Orton betraying him. Big Show apologized to Rollins for allowing Randy Orton's attack to happen;Kane promised The Viper would pay.

Rollins accepted Orton's challenge, but only if he would face him Monday night on Raw. The Viper had no issues with that.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"For important people like me, who actually made it out of Iowa and made something with their lives."—Rollins.

"I know I'm considered the secret weapon of The Authority."—Jamie Noble.

"I've got enough venom for every member of The Authority."—Orton.

Grade

B-

Analysis

This mostly served as a setup for how the night ended. On it's own, it was fine, just another long promo to kick off Raw.

More tension between Big Show and Kane point to them colliding sometime soon. Could we be seeing yet another Big Show turn?

With Brie Bella and Paige watching at ringside, Nikki Bella briefly dominated AJ Lee. AJ used her speed and a wrist lock to take control.

Damaging AJ's arm had the Divas champ back on top. Nikki focused on the wounded wing, twisting and pounding on it throughout the match.

Nikki responded to a flurry from AJ with a forearm smash and a Rack Attack for the win.

Result

Nikki wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"Women just typically hate each other. I get this from my wife."—Booker T.

AJ slows Nikki with a guillotine choke.

Brie slams Paige's face into the ring post.

Grade

Analysis

Even though the bout featured some sloppy moments, it was refreshing that WWE allowed the women to work longer than usual. That allowed them to build to the climax, to get the crowd behind them.

Brie hurling Paige into the ring post was a welcome sight. It's viciousness like that which is too often missing from the women's division

he Miz announced that he would fire Damien Mizdow if his personal assistant didn't assure him a win at the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

He then took on Ryback as Mizdow held his coat. The Miz's strikes didn't stun The Big Guy as much as they angered him.

Ryback overpowered the self-proclaimed A-lister, finishing him off quickly.

Result

Ryback wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Fans cheer for Mizdow during The Miz's entrance.

"Little geography lesson. We're in Iowa. People are a little slow here."—John "Bradshaw" Layfield.

Ryback tries to get Mizdow to hit The Miz.

Grade

C+

Analysis

The match was nothing special. It was essentially the same action from Thursday's SmackDown. The Mizdow-Miz antics offered all the highlights.

Having Mizdow make the Battle Royal ultimatum is really smart. It adds another subplot to the feud and will make Mizdow's eventual babyface turn even more powerful, giving him one more reason to rebel.

CENA VS RUSEV

A focused, angry John Cena looked over what he called the most important match contract of his career. He talked about not wanting Rusev to represent the United States as champion anymore.

An unknown man in a suit accompanied Rusev. He introduced himself as Rusev's attorney, claiming he wouldn't fight at WrestleMania.

Rusev said that Cena was weak, that he didn't deserve another chance. The Bulgarian Brute went on to disparage the U.S., as Cena glared at him.

After flipping over the table, Rusev fled.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"You let that chant fill you with pride. You let that chant fill you with excitement. You let that chant fill you with love for the United States of America."—Cena to fans chanting "U.S.A.!"

"This is not a contract; it's a declaration of independence."—Cena.

Fans chant, "We want Lana!"

"I saw that guy parking cars earlier. He's not a lawyer."—John "Bradshaw" Layfield.

"You hear that accent? That guy's not from Russia; he's from Texas."—Booker T.

"Their children will grow to be failures."—Rusev on Americans.

Grade

A-

Analysis

Great move by the WWE to have Cena talk more about the United States Championship here. This can be more than America versus Russia; it can be a way to elevate that title.

Having Cena hungry to hold it is a good way to do just that.

The acting was over-the-top at times, but this feud has more animosity than most. There is plenty at stake. In addition, Lana not being around adds some mystery to the narrative, as fans await to hear why Rusev has kept her offscreen.