The biggest winners and losers of last night's SmackDown (April 23)

Last night's SmackDown was the beginning of the blue brand's next phase and thus the first test of its new roster as the show prepares to move to FOX. Roman Reigns began his own journey, we saw a notable heel turn, and the renewal of an old feud.

Who got the most and least out of last night's episode?

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Winner: Roman Reigns

For the first time in years, Roman Reigns feels fresh. He's already off to a good start on the blue brand. Shane McMahon wanted him to explain himself, but Roman didn't see the need to talk. He just attacked and then got ambushed by Elias.

For years, fans have spoken about the presentation of Roman Reigns - that he should be more the silent badass that first got over in the Shield than a heroic underdog. Last night, he strayed more toward the former than the latter and it worked.

Roman Reigns vs. Elias at Money in the Bank won't set the world on fire, but it will be a good warmup for him in his new home. Elias did well last night too, taking his guitar act backstage. Both benefited, although the result is inevitable.

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Loser: Andrade

Andrade looks like he's back on SmackDown doing the exact same thing he was doing before - fighting big names in high-profile matches but never being able to win. It's almost a shame he switched back, because he might have been able to exceed that on Raw.

Balor's decisive win would seem to preclude an Intercontinental Championship shot for Andrade. It's just lazy 50/50 booking when the company could have done something else - a count-out, another dirty victory, a disqualification, etc.

Perhaps this will evolve into a feud, but Andrade is already behind.

Winner: Kairi Sane

Probably for the first time, Kairi Sane appeared in front of a main roster crowd mostly unfamiliar with NXT, so it wasn't surprising her initial reaction was muted. By the end of her short match, though, she won the crowd over. Her spectacular finisher certainly helped, but her brand of lovable charisma is infectious.

As for the "champions," it's another humiliation. Look for Asuka to do much the same to Billie Kay next week.

It's beyond clear that those titles need to come off the IIconics - now.

Fortunately, Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville are already teasing a feud with Asuka and Kairi Sane, with Paige being the connecting bridge between the two. The feud probably won't set the world on fire (although the underrated Sonya Deville could do good things with Asuka and Sane), but it would be far better than what those titles are doing with the IIconics right now.

Winner: Lars Sullivan

Hey, the former WWE Champion, Jinder Mahal, is back on SmackDown, and so is Chad Gable. This match was a bait and switch though, as Lars Sullivan came out and demolished Gable and the Singhs. R-Truth looked for revenge but was quickly taught his lesson.

Like it or not, Lars Sullivan's push continues. He will need to do more than these interference segments, though. We'll see how it goes.

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Loser: The SmackDown women's division

Now, the SmackDown women's division is loaded with talent, which is why this was so irritating.

Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch AGAIN?!

The match between Charlotte and Bayley was good, but it's just hard to get into it when you're burned out on the former.

The feud between Lynch and Flair was one of last year's best, but it's past its expiration date. SmackDown could have given us much more than it did to lazily put those two back together again.

Will someone cash in her Money in the Bank briefcase that night?

Winner: Kevin Owens

Only Kofi didn't see this coming. Nevertheless, it got a thunderous reaction from the crowd. Kevin Owens' turn may have been predictable, but it was sudden nevertheless. The bookers did a good job last night.

Kofi Kingston vs. Kevin Owens at Money in the Bank isn't official yet, but we all know it's on. It should make for a good match and feud. Will Kofimania continue or will Kevin Owens' viciousness rip his glory from his waist? It should make for good emotional investment when Money in the Bank comes around. The fans will want to continue Kofimania through their sheer force of will. That's what makes for a good wrestling program.

Nevertheless, there's a good chance that Kevin Owens wins the WWE Championship in May, to drop it to Roman Reigns before the move to FOX in October. That knowledge will surely make fans even more invested in the outcome.