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As usual, SmackDown exceeded Raw in quality, and looks like it promises to be a better show going forward than Raw yet again, though we need to see what the final superstar shakeup looks like. Nevertheless, new faces appeared on team blue last night, and things look good for some of the brand as next week looms, but not all.
Who got the most and least out of last night's show?
Winner: Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre looks like he's bound for SmackDown. If so, that's the best move for him. Raw looks quite crowded at the moment. Being on SmackDown makes him perhaps the most formidable heel on the brand at the drop of a hat.
A rivalry between him and Kofi Kingston would certainly make for an interesting clash of personalities, and The Bar and the New Day on the periphery should add even more to such a rivalry.
We'll need to see where the shakeup goes, but things look good for McIntyre right now following his WrestleMania defeat.
Winner: Mustafa Ali
Mustafa Ali has taken a bit of a backseat in the midst of Kofimania, but lest we forget, the spot which gave rise to that phenomenon - the gauntlet match back in February, was originally meant for Ali.
Ali's push looks like it's back on, as he teamed with Aleister Black and Ricochet against Andrade "Cien" Almas, Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens, scoring the victory for his team against the former.
Ali looks like he'll be a mainstay on the blue brand, though we certainly can't be quite sure just yet. It would be the best place for him though, and WWE looks insistent on continuing his push now that WrestleMania is over.
It's well deserved, and we'll soon see again why Ali gained such a glowing reputation on 205 Live.
Winner: Braun Strowman
Braun Strowman needed a change of scenery to get back on track. Now, it looks like he's getting it. This was ultimately just a tease, but it was a fun tease. If there's anything that can make him explosive again, it will be a feud with Samoa Joe.
Again, we'll need to see where the shakeup next week takes him, but Braun Strowman on team blue would be a big get for Tuesday (and later) Friday nights, provided he's used well and not as a choke artist.
Loser: The women's division
Man, things look like they're going to be rough for the women's division going forward. With the underwhelming, unexciting Lacey Evans being pegged as Becky Lynch's first rival and the IIconics of all people getting squash matches against local jobbers, you can expect quality levels to drop off dramatically, at least for the time being.
The return of Paige was interesting, and she talked about bringing a new tag team from NXT next week as part of the shakeup.
One team immediately comes to mind - the Sky Pirates. Kairi Sane has been rumored for a call up, after all. But will that be the case?
The Sky Pirates would instantly increase the quality of the main roster women's division, but losing them would make the NXT women's division a barren wasteland, especially with Shayna Baszler still champion.
Intriguingly, no moves with any of the other women were hinted at this week. Certainly, all eyes will be on the likes of Charlotte, Asuka, Sasha, Bayley, Ember Moon, and so on to see where they go.
Winners: The Usos and Hardy Boyz
Yes, The Usos lost their titles last night, but this frees them up to go to Raw, which was always the best move for them at this time anyway. They needed a change of scenery, and Raw's tag team division desperately needs rebuilding. There's no one better to lead that effort than the best team in the company. The Usos also needed separation from the New Day.
As for the Hardy Boyz, they get a newfound relevance, which will make for new feuds, although one with Lars Sullivan wouldn't be welcome. There was no reason for him to be out there. Other feuds and matches like with The Bar or Aleister Black and Ricochet, should be a lot more intriguing.
Either way, both tag team divisions look like they will be in for improvement in the coming year, which will be nice to see.
